Bite-size pieces celebrating local happenings, events and news.
A First for South Canterbury
Congratulations to Jenny Buchanan, a member of the Geraldine Floral Art Group, who in April travelled to Hamilton for the Floral Art Society New Zealand, National Designer of the Year competition – and took out first place!
Selected to represent the South Canterbury area, Jenny first created her design Connected Energy in her garage. Required to be one metre square in height not exceeding 2,300 mm, she used mitres of flax flower stems, spathes from palm trees, along with cane, orange tissue, orange wool and orange heliconia flowers to achieve the stamobile design, before disassembling and packing it into the car. Contestants are required to rebuild the design on the day of competition, within a four-hour time limit. A wonderful achievement.
60 Years Strong
In 1963 a group of seven farmers, seeking a way to support agriculture and make farming life easier, got together to form a co-operative. These innovative and ambitious farmers – Jack Brand, Gilbert Blair, Phil Curd, Alan Franks, Brian Lill, Eric Pilbrow and George Scarth – were intent on finding a way to achieve lower input costs in agriculture, and on 13 March 1963 formed a rural co-operative society in the Ashburton County.
On 21 August of the same year, the Ashburton Trading Society supplier network was formed. 60 years later, this rural co- op, now known as Ruralco, continues to grow and uphold the
values of its founding fathers – working to make farming life easier.
An incredible feat, from the heart of Canterbury to help farmers everywhere. Well done team!
Cameras Rolling
WORDS Kim Newth
Amelia Dunbar and Emma Newborn, of the rural hit show The Bitches’ Box, are taking their hilarious dog characters to the next level with a feature film that is on track for release by mid-2024.
The pair have partnered with Rialto Films but are funding their movie independently to ensure it remains authentic and true to its rural roots.
The film’s plot about two terrier brothers and their fateful day in Ashburton builds on material Amelia and Emma created for their second touring show, Sons of a Bitch.
Set to get a top billing alongside the two terrier stars is a grumpy ram character. Expect some top Kiwi talent to feature in the cast alongside Amelia and Emma. Original songs by Christchurch singer-songwriter Jed Parsons will accompany the action. Jed’s cousin, award-winning performer Mel Parsons, is a fan of the show too, having previously toured with The Bitches’ Box.
Filming has been in full swing in Ashburton, High Peak Station and other Canterbury locations since mid- September. Funding for the movie includes $30,000 raised through a successful Boosted campaign. ‘We still have a way to go though as even a micro-budget movie like this does cost a lot to make by the time you tote it all up,’ says Amelia. ‘There’s a great opportunity here for a rural company to partner with us and have their name alongside rural comedy for the rural community. Get in touch with us if you want to get on board!’
Reader Survey Winners
Thank you to the HUGE numbers of you who filled out our reader survey, we have been blown away by the responses!
The winners of the New World supermarket vouchers were:
Jane Clarke, Cheviot
Penny Wilson, Waiau
Sonia Simpson, Timaru
Noeline Inch, Ashburton
Margaret Bothwell, Christchurch
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