1 minute read
Something new to do in your community
It is quite surprising what is out there in the community to get involved in.
As I’ve gone through raising my children, I’ve found playgroups, music lessons, athletics, girls brigade, language groups and such that have been run by volunteers in the community, not for profit organisations of people pooling their time, skills and resources together to benefit others.
Now my children are older and doing their own things, I’ve thought “what should I do for myself?” “Bee keeping?” I would love that, but do I work or holiday away from home too much? “Zumba? Woodwork night class? Dahlia Society?” All the choices!
Then my friend introduced me to a field trip group. One Saturday a month on a bus trip to a place for a day with a short or long walk option. That sounded very easy to fit in to things and wouldn’t overwhelm my work and family time.
Now, I’m not originally from Christchurch, but I have been out and about a lot and felt like I knew the wider area. So, to my surprise, the first trip I went on was to a place I’d never heard of - Awa Awa Rata. I was surrounded by a large ring of flowering rhododendrons of every colour.
Every other trip since, I have discovered interesting history, curious architecture and fascinating nature. It really has added something that fits in well with my life and gives me a break from being in the city. I encourage you all to get involved and support something for yourself that is offered in our communities. There is lots of information at local libraries or online to find how to contact and join groups.
This particular field trip group is run through the WEA. Sign up is a small cost and then you only pay for the trips you attend. Trips are every third Saturday of the month and the bus leaves from Canterbury Museum at 9am with several pick-up places along route. We usually stop at a café for morning tea and then eat a packed lunch.
