Long-serving Joan brings down curtain after 35 years

Joan Loughlin has volunteered at the Tauranga Performing Arts Competitions Society for more than 35 years. Photo / John Borren

An 87-year-old woman who has volunteered at the Tauranga Performing Arts Competitions Society for more than 35 years says that, although she is stepping down as convenor, she is not going anywhere.

Joan Loughlin was honoured on Saturday with a standing ovation following her final presentation.

Mrs Loughlin said she loved every minute of being on the committee.

"The kiddies are so talented. They really are fantastic," she said.

"I've just got so much out of it. I've got as much out of it as they have.

"I will probably miss it. But as they say - enough is enough."

Mrs Loughlin said that, while she would no longer be convener of speech and drama, she would remain as a committee member, attending meetings once a month.

"I just love it too much to leave. I'll stay another couple of years and hope that I'll be well enough. I'm a life member and I'd still like to stay as one. It's about time I stopped being a convenor. I've done enough."

Society president Cathy Gifford said Mrs Loughlin was "such an asset to the committee".

"If it wasn't for people like her, organisations like this wouldn't even exist."

She said Mrs Loughlin worked well with the young performers and would be missed.

"Age doesn't even come into it when you are discussing things with her," Mrs Gifford said. "The kids are so sad to see her go. She has been a part of their lives for a long time."

The 58th Tauranga Festival of Performing Arts finished on Sunday.