Adventurous GrownUps – Diane: Born to Fly

Born and bred in London, Diane immigrated with her family to New Zealand in 1960 at the age of 20. One marriage and three children later, there was a long, busy and fairly illustrious career as a secretary and PA. Somehow, she always had the idea at the back of her mind that life would be quieter and slower when she retired, but that's never happened. Now aged 73, she admits it may never happen unless her body gives out leaving no other option.

Right now though, Diane's in relatively good and spritely health. At the start of each week, she looks at her diary and much as she loves her home and large garden, if she sees that she will be spending more than a couple of days or nights at home, Diane finds herself feeling "slightly bereft".

Cheerfully admitting she "dusts only when she must", the rest of her time is spent out having fun singing, working and volunteering with and for other people. It's that kind of spirit that signals that she is an Adventurous type.

"I've always known lots of people and I enjoy doing things with lots of other people," she says.

So she sings with The Greater Auckland Chorus of Sweet Adelines, an all-woman chorus of which she has been a member for 20 years. The chorus has represented NZ in international competitions in the US four times and will do so again in Hawaii in November.

As well as being one of the Sweet Adelines' chorus events co-ordinators organising 28 pre-Christmas sing-outs last year, she is a member of Epiphany, a smaller chorus comprising 12 long term friends and chorus members. Sweet Adelines' Christmas events included three for the Auckland City Mission as part of the Franklin Road lights display in Auckland, performances out at the Novatel Airport, and busking down at the Wynyard Quarter trams.

Closer to home, she convenes the St James' Players, an entertainment and outreach group at her local church and organises an annual Theatre Restaurant and a free SOUPer Luncheon for older members of the community. On top of all that, Diane is on the St James' Worship Team, runs the church choir, is a member of Dolphin Theatre in Onehunga, does market research and write ditties and skits.

Last year, Diane was on the welcoming team for the visit by the Archbishop of Canterbury and ACC15 delegates. For the last 15 years, she has also volunteered as a Blue Coat at Auckland Airport and each summer, she's a WiSE Guide in the City for cruise line passengers. She was also an ambassador for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

"Yes, I am 'retired'", Diane says, "but I am busier now than I was when I was working! I could just sit here and hibernate, but really what would be the point? Life is for living and I love being out and about."

Go Diane!