INFORMATIVE EVENING

The North Rural Support Trust teamed up with former television presenter, turned farmer, and mental health advocate Matt Chisholm to generate conversations about resilience and mental wellness in rural communities.

Matt headed to Darfield High School Hall on his ‘Time Out Tour’ on Wednesday, July 5th and spoke to a capacity crowd. As a speaker, Matt shared his honest, raw and inspiring story with the intention of helping others who are battling their demons.

He was able to move through the mental health challenges he faced and give ideas to those present on how they can use these themselves when times get tough.

Talk to someone, tell people you are feeling overwhelmed, do something for yourself, get off your farm and do something you really love. Things people think are important at the time may be not down the track. Most importantly if you are struggling, see a doctor or talk to a counsellor. For help and support, contact Rural Support Trust on 088 787 254. Their services are free and confidential. Organisers spoke to some attendees whilst enjoying a delicious supper provided by Darfield High School’s PTSA. They heard positive feedback from folk who enjoyed and took some inspiration from the evening.

On behalf of Matt and North Canterbury Rural Support, thank you to all that took some time away from the normality of life to join us.

Darfield Garden Club’s June meeting was held at the Recreation Centre. We welcomed Jill Reader , a senior tutor from Lincoln University who spoke to us and demonstrated propagation. Jill showed us how to propagate a fig tree and there was valuable time of questions and answers, followed by propagation of other plants, shrubs and trees. She enlightened us on the use of tissue culture, which is used widely overseas.

Recently, two members visited the Tai Tapu Garden Club for a luncheon. They enjoyed their hospitality, as well as guest speaker Steve Bush, Manager for the Canterbury Nursery, who started working at Trees for Canterbury over thirty years ago and was passionate about his work for Trees for Canterbury.

Georgie Eaves won the flower competition.

Our next meeting will be held at the Recreation Centre on July 18th at 1.30 pm, with Bradley Lake speaking on the History and Uses of Hemp.

New members are always welcome.

Lee Stokes.