Mrs Lamb said being a part of a lovely bunch of people and the satisfaction of doing something to benefit people in crisis made reaching the 50 year milestone easy.

The Camden Haven Meals on Wheels, Torch Bearers for Legacy (33 years and counting) and many other organisations have benefited from Edna Lamb’s dedication. During this time she also raised two children with her late husband .

“She’s a fixture at the local supermarkets selling raffle tickets for someone,” joked Camden Haven Red Cross president Daphne Johnston.

In Red Cross Mrs Lamb has held every position on the committee, including the demanding role of secretary from 1969 to 1988. She is currently the assistant secretary.

Mrs Lamb joined the Herons Creek Red Cross on June 25 1958. The club amalgamated with the Laurieton Red Cross in 1988 and became the Camden Haven Red Cross.

“Mrs Shoesmith managed to talk me into joining but I was interested probably because five members of my family were involved in the Army,” she said.

“My dad Arthur Richey, mum Ethel, brothers Bill and Lloyd and sister Eileen were all in the Army. My dad was one of the original Anzacs at Gallipoli and married my mother during the war. My brother Bill went to Japan and Korea. Lloyd served in Australia. My mother was part of the English Women’s Legion and my sister was part of the Australian Women’s Army Service. I was the youngest of six children.”

In 50 years Mrs Lamb said fundraising has changed with members finding more creative ways to advance their charity, including the hugely popular Red Faces concert, but the traditional stalls selling jams, pickles and cakes were still very popular.

“I simply enjoy doing what I do for Red Cross. The money we make helps people and goes to those who really need it. I’ve made great friends. It really doesn’t feel like 50 years and I’ve enjoyed every bit,” she said.

Mrs Johnston added: “We’ve raised quite a lot of money for the Red Cross from such a small community, the most in country NSW for several years running. People who are lonely and looking to make friends really couldn’t do anything better than joining the Camden Haven Red Cross.”

Robert Dwyer, secretary manager of the Laurieton United Servicemen’s Club where Mrs Lamb is also a life member, said: “It is an honour to be associated with someone like Edna who, in this day and age, displays and lives such great values. Edna's service to the benefit of our community doesn't start and finish with the Red Cross, however committing 50 years to an organisation that assists people in times of crisis both in Australia and around the world is just amazing."

Camden Haven Red Cross patron Mike Fahy also passed on his congratulations.

“Edna is such a great worker for the community, she’s part of so many charitable organisations,” Mr Fahy said.

“Even after an illness she bounced back into the work quickly and she’s always been a great supporter of others too. She’s one of those people getting out and doing things in life. We’re proud to have her as a member of the Red Cross and 50 years is such an outstanding achievement.”

Mrs Lamb will be presented with her 50 year service medal at the annual general meeting on July 25 at the LUSC.