Rural women to look back on past 90 years

• Published date: 07 December 2022
• Publication title: Central Rural Life

Past and present members are invited

Established in 1932, the provincial group of volunteers has been offering services, support and connections to the region’s rural communities, rural women and their families.

They have existed through many trying times, including the Depression, World War 2 and post-war years, and most recently during COVID-19, achieving quiet, yet notable, results.

Members of Mid Canterbury Provincial have also, without hesitation, responded to unplanned events and natural disasters across their 90 years.

In 2010 the group arranged food packages for the Kaikoura earthquake victims and was recently awarded the Ashburton Medal, from the Ashburton District Council, for their outstanding contribution to the district in the aftermath of the floods in May 2021.

Immediate past president and anniversary convenor Marg Verrall said ‘‘to look back from the days of those first meetings with the members dressed in suits, gloves and hats and see how well we kept up with changing times: adaptation is the ethos of our organisation at work, and we are ever ready to respond to changing times’’.

“To be in existence for 90 years is a true milestone for any organisation worth celebrating,’’ she said.

‘‘It definitely shows the energy and determination of our members who can take pride knowing the continued value that our organisation brings to our community. They are all a living testimony to the ‘Let...