94 is retirement age for Ivy!

12:27pm Friday 13th June 2008

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A 94-YEAR-OLD woman is finally taking a well-earned rest after almost 30 years of volunteering at Risca's Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Ivy Mason, of Rogerstone, joined the bureau in 1979 when she retired from the tax office at the age of 65.

She said: "I thought I still had something to offer the community and I worked there right through until now.

"It's far more interesting if you have something like that where you can go and feel that you are doing something worthwhile. If you can still manage it, it's worth it, but I'm 94 now so they thought it was time I gave up."

Mrs Mason went to a Royal Garden Party last year and was named 2006 Supreme Volunteer of the Year and Learning Direct's Silver Surfer of the Year in 2004 for her efforts in improving her computer skills.

Risca CAB supervisor Jo Phillips said Mrs Mason had become - "the face" of the bureau and the place would not be the same without her.

Ms Phillips said: "It's just an amazing achievement and she is an absolutely amazing lady. She has always been happy, has a lovely smile and always has a welcome for everybody.

"She's just the most incredible woman I've ever met and I feel privileged to know her. We are really sorry that she needs the rest of her life to relax really. She will be incredibly missed because she's been a big part of Citizens' Advice. She is the face of the Risca bureau."

Despite retiring for a second time, Mrs Mason is still hoping to do some clerical work.

Her friends and colleagues held a special farewell lunch at the Commercial Inn, Risca yesterday afternoon.