John Campbell, Roger Hignett and Robin Vickers have a lot in common; they all attended Stratford High before leaving school to work on a farm.
Later in life, each of the three men became councillors for Stratford District, each retired last year, and now they have one more thing in common - they are all recipients of a Stratford District Council 2017 Citizen Award.
Another thing all three men had in common when they were interviewed about the award, was in recognising the support of their respective wives, Glenys, Jenny and Margaret.
"While I was out doing things in the community it was Glenys who was busy running the farm," said John, with Roger and Robin both making similar comments.
The three men have all spent years serving their community in a variety of ways, and all still do.
John, who in the citation for his award is described as being "hands on in the community", says he enjoys the work he does with the various community groups, and has always relished the opportunity to get involved at every level.
"I've even driven the train at times at the Taranaki Pioneer Village," he says.
Roger, whose citation describes him as being an "advocate for the arts and the aged", says he got involved with some of the organisations and groups, such as Positive Ageing and the Percy Thomson Trust, because of his role as a councillor.
"Over the 24 years as a councillor, I was put on various committees and trusts, some of which I am still involved with now."
Robin's citation describes him as being a "champion for Midhirst and the rural community", and he says he is indeed Midhirst through and through, "and proud of it".
Stratford mayor Neil Volzke, who will formally present the three awards in a ceremony next Tuesday, says "Stratford is lucky to have such dedicated people, and it is great to be able to recognise their contribution to the Stratford community."