Joan Spence has served the Noble Park RSL for 50 years and received the surprise of her life on Saturday night. Picture: Luke Plummer.
By Glen Atwell
JOAN Spence joined the Noble Park RSL Women’s Auxiliary in 1956 and has rarely missed a meeting since.
The 75-year-old Noble Park resident received the shock of her life on Saturday night, when a regulation dinner at the RSL turned out to be a surprise celebration in recognition of her 50 years of service.
Joan is a long-time committee member and president of the Women’s Auxiliary, and said she was stunned to find 250 people waiting for her in the bistro of the RSL.
“I couldn’t believe it,” she said.
“Even my interstate relatives were there, and people I had not seen for such a long time.”
Noble Park RSL president Gordon Murray was behind the secret celebration, and said it wasn’t hard to track down people willing to commemorate Joan’s efforts.
“The Women’s Auxiliary helped me out and we got in touch with plenty of people.
“It was great to have all Joan’s relatives from interstate come down,” he said.
“Joan is a great and tireless worked for the club.”
There was a moment of confusion early in the night, when Joan’s identical twin sister Margaret almost caused chaos.
“Margaret arrived and everyone panicked thinking that Joan had arrived early, but we soon figured it out,” Mr Murray said.
Joan is heavily involved with the organisation of Anzac Day celebrations throughout Victoria, is a life member of the Australian Air League and visits local nursing homes on a regular basis.
Joan has just been elected women’s president of the Noble Park RSL for the 17th consecutive year and said there were still many more years to come.
“Someone said I should go another 50 years but I’m not so sure, only if there is an electric wheelchair around,” she laughed.
