The Ashburton Conference is responsible for helping the needy across a huge area of about 6000 square kilometres. Much of the work is in Ashburton itself and the conference has a membership of about 28 to do the work there. Some years ago, to lessen the travelling, ‘satellite conferences’ of three or four members were established in the outlying towns of Methven and Rakaia.

Through people leaving the area and getting older the time has come to strengthen these two groups. An information evening is soon to be held at Rakaia in an effort to re-establish the group there, and earlier in the year the conference held one of its fortnightly meetings in Methven.

We have found the demand from the rural districts and townships is growing and find these small groups an ideal way to keep the ‘in the home’ personal contact going without too much travelling.