Alan & Fay Giles
You’ll struggle to meet two people more humble than Alan and Fay Giles. The long term Bulls residents have been together for 57 years, and in that time they’ve packed in more than their fair share of voluntary work.
They met each other when Alan was a boy scout and Fay was a girl guide, although they didn’t get together until they were both 19 and married soon after. Alan was serving as an apprentice carpenter and Fay worked at the local greengrocers that was owned by her dad, who had previously served in the airforce at Base Ōhakea.
They moved to Taranaki, where Alan became involved with the scouts again as a Scout Leader, and he’s been involved in some form or another ever since. But all that time, Fay has been by his side. Their work with the scouts is all encompassing, not just helping with trips and adventures for kids, but also fundraising efforts to help those who need financial assistance with things like the yearly Jamboree.
The passion that they have for the scouts is evident when they talk about the various things that they’ve been able to do with the kids that they worked with over the years. A highlight for Fay was telling some kids that they were going “birdwatching”, which was code for jetboating up a river. Seeing the kids all come back drenched with big smiles on their faces was a great thrill for her.
Alan would often take scouts to Ladies Mile near Scotts Ferry, and teach them how to fish and whitebait, or call in a favour from New Zealand motorsport legend Chris Amon to have the kids camp on his land. Alan was also tasked with going into areas where troupes were struggling and helping to turn them around, which he was very successful at. There wasn’t a magic formula, it was basically just get stuck in and lead by example.
Alan and Fay’s involvement with the scouts continues to this day. They run the annual train show at the Bulls Scout Hall which helps to fundraise for the local troupe for various projects. They also utilise the model railway for other fundraising efforts around the country, for organisations like hospice.
Fay is a familiar face to those who visit the Bulls Museum, as she volunteers there as a host. She has Alan to thank for that, as he’s on the museum committee, and has provided Mr Fixit services from there as well.
The museum holds a special place for both of them. Memories of the place where they grew up and the people that shaped who they are all over the walls. Alan’s award presentation also coincided with him becoming a life member of the Bulls & District Historical Society.
There was a large group of people in attendance at Alan and Fay's presentation, such is the regard that they are held by in the Bulls community.
What’s all the more remarkable about Alan and Fay is that they’ve managed to do all this voluntary work whilst also raising their grandchildren at times.
When asked about why it is that they’re so giving of themselves and their time, both of them are very modest. Fay says her philosophy is simple. If you’re in a position to help, then you help - that was how she was raised. Alan says it’s just who they are and what they do, and that there’s plenty of others out there who have done far more than they have.
Alan and Fay are fabulous all-round members of the community who want to see the best for Bulls and its people. They’re fantastic role models and mentors, and thoroughly deserving of this recognition.
Congratulations, Alan and Fay.