Thirty-eight years on, Joyce still visits Wauchope District Memorial Hospital every Tuesday as a volunteer, with a kind word and a big smile for the patients.

Her long-time friend Ruth Fletcher joined Wauchope Pink Ladies in 1981 - the same year Ronald Reagan became US President - and like Joyce, Ruth starts her week with a volunteer shift at the hospital.

Between them, they have amassed 71 years as hospital volunteers and, last week, had the honour of cutting the cake at a special thank you function hosted by the hospital.

"A lot has changed over the years," Ruth said. "But I still get a lot of satisfaction from visiting the hospital.

"It makes me feel good to see patients improving and then going home fit and well.

"I always feel good on a Monday. I always feel like I've done something to help others."

Ruth, who turns 80 later this month, has been a Pink Lady for 33 years and the Hospital Volunteers' roster clerk for 17 years. She has no intention of retiring.

"I have loved every minute of it," Ruth said. "The tasks have changed, and I do miss not being able to do some of the jobs we used to have, like doing the menus or serving cuppas for Blood Bank, but I still get a lot of satisfaction from being a hospital volunteer."

Joyce also believes volunteering is its own reward.

"I really encourage younger people to get involved," she said. "You learn new skills, it improves your ability to communicate, and you meet some wonderful people, many of whom become good friends."

Wauchope Hospital Volunteers President Roger Adams described Ruth and Joyce as quiet footsoldiers.

"While they have never got involved in the executive roles, they are volunteers you can rely on. You just know they will turn up and they will get the job done," Mr Adams said.

"There's a saying that lovely little girls grow into gracious, older ladies. These two must have been angels," Mr Adams said.