Alan has also given just under 20 years to the Stratford Table Tennis Club. He started as club president, a position he still holds.
"I just can't seem to get the sack," he laughs.
Over the years membership of the club has waxed and waned, but Alan's commitment to the sport, and the club itself, has never wavered.
"It's a good sport, it keeps you active, and the members are good company."
Alan works hard to ensure the sport is included in the Taranaki Masters Games each year, bringing people from all over the country to play and stay in the district. One of his personal highlights from the Masters Games is a mixed doubles match he played with a woman who was in her 90s.
"She was inspirational, and we got a bronze medal thanks to her."
Alan is also an integral part of the Stratford Community Patrol.
For the past 11 years he has given his time to the group in a variety of ways, from doing the patrols, training and mentoring new volunteers through to making sure the patrol vehicle is always in excellent condition.
Alan says he has no plans of stopping any of his volunteer commitments any time soon.
"If you're doing something good every day, well, then you are doing something aren't you?"
