You have to keep ticking over, says Joan | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

Joan Nolly of Stratford is a busy woman. And she’s not slowing down.
Many years of involvement with the Stratford Red Cross, Rural Women NZ, Stratford RSA and Eventide Home in Eltham have kept her on her toes.
“You have to keep ticking over. I don’t get much pleasure from sitting round,” she said.
Joan has 52 years of involvement with rural women under her belt, 28 years working with Red Cross, 30 years on the Board of Governors of the Mercy Jenkins Eventide Home and 12 years involvement with the ladies section of the Stratford RSA.
“People are now more active when they’re older, you need to keep your mind working and don’t dwell on the past,” she says.
Born and raised in Eltham, Joan puts down her active community work to the example of her parents.
Her father Jack Skittrup ran a bakery in London St and was patron of the Eltham Brass band.
“He was a short man, but very big of heart and always helping somebody,” said Joan.
Her mother, Ruby, was always involved with WDFF in Eltham and was a great cook. She catered for the Mangamingi sheep dog trials and was a great sewer
Joan married Joe Nolly in 1952, moved to the Nolly family farm on Skinner Rd, and joined the Bird Rd Kauri Bridge WDFF in 1958.
In 1967 it was renamed Skinner Rd WDFF, and is now known as the Skinner Rd branch of Rural Women New Zealand. Joan is the president and is a life member.
She is also a life member of Central Taranaki Rural Women NZ and received a national service award from the organisation in 2003.
She joined the Stratford Red Cross in 1982 and is currently vice-president.
She recently became president of the Stratford RSA Ladies Section and been involved with that group for 12 years.
“You need to keep your own interests when you get married. Some people do everything together to the point that it’s very hard for them when their partner dies.
“It’s good to see more people getting back into growing vegetables these days. Once everyone had a veggie garden, especially in the country.
“People are really important and being kind is the most important thing in life,” she said.
Joan was the recipient of a Stratford district Council Citizen Award in 1999.