Nan’s interesting journey

NAN Oates has never been bored, with a range of interests and jobs filling her life over 86 years.

Ms Oates moved to Heathcote from Panton Hill three and a half years ago and quickly became part of the community.

“I volunteered at Visitor’s Centre until recently but had to retire as I could no longer spend so much time on my feet,” she said.

“Before moving to Heathcote I volunteered with the Panton Hill CFA for 30 years.

“I do miss the camaraderie and friendship but had a wonderful surprise during the 2022 floods.

“I was at my home which my son had protected with sandbags, when I received a call telling me to look outside.

“There I saw two trucks with members of the Panton Hill CFA who had come to help out, all waving to me.

“It was fantastic to see them.”

The floods afforded Ms Oates a silver lining in the form of fertile river silt adding another layer to her garden.

A qualified Environmental Scientist, Ms Oates enjoys gardening.

“It keeps me fit,” she said. “I like to go out every morning, then have a little nap in the afternoon.

“When I moved here there was nothing but cape weed but now the plants are all growing so quickly.

“I joined the Native Plant Society, and my garden is filled with different varieties.

“Birds and butterflies are frequent visitors, and I love to sit on the back verandah and see the garden being used.

“I also have a flourishing vegetable garden.”

Ms Oates enjoyed an interesting career in various positions before retiring.

“I once shook hands with Yasser Arafat when my environmental work took me overseas,” she said.

“I loved Nairobi and visiting the United Nations was a huge eye-opener for me.

“My last job before retirement was for the Forest Commission.

“I worked as a land protection advisor for roadside management.

“It was very interesting.”

When she is not working in her garden, Ms Oates enjoys reading and freelance writing.

“In all, my life has been very rewarding, and I have had a lot of opportunities.”

“Most of them I wasn’t looking for, they just fell into my lap.

“I think it is important to look at what you can do, to be involved and give back to the community.

“It has been an interesting journey.”