What's On Mid Canterbury

Downsizing? Decluttering? Consider donating good quality pre-loved furniture, clothing, jewellery, homewares and books to the St John Op Shop. They also welcome the likes of manchester, mirrors and artwork. Help them help you by raising money for Ambulances & Medical Support Staff. You can drop donations to the shop 129 Tancred St (opposite Westpac Bank), or they can collect/deliver. Call to book 307 4221.

Downsizing or Moving? Whether downsizing, moving into care or clearing out a loved one's home, the task can be daunting. Mid Canterbury Hospice can pick up and collect all unwanted items such as furniture, bedding, clothing & shoes, homeware & small appliances. All donated goods are sold with proceeds used to provide support and services to locals with a life-limiting illness. Keeping it local, the Hospice Shop on Tancred Street. Contact Janis or Nicole 3078387.

Ashburton Vintage Car Club has their Museum and Parts Shed open every SAT 10am-12pm. You can find them at 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald. Approx 30 veteran vintage and classic cars and motorcycles from 1906 to 1970s. Plus much more motoring memorabilia on display. Parts available from the parts shed. Museum open at other times on request. Phone Les Bennett 308 4705 or 027 612 1160.

Litter Free Ashburton holds its group litter collection on the second THURS of each month, meeting 1:30pm on the corner of SH1 and Havelock Street near the former library. It is looking for more members. If you can help, please inquire via the Litter Free Ashburton FB page or simply turn up at the meeting. Resources supplied.

Join the global movement that is Parkrun! Every SAT starting 8am, take a jog from Walnut Ave through our stunning Domain. If running or walking isn't your thing, you could consider volunteering. They need people in a variety of roles including: photographers, first timer welcome, time keepers, pre event course check, course marshals, tail walkers, report writers, barcode scanners, finisher tokens, warm up leaders, course setup and close down. If you are interested or would like to find out more, search for "Ashburton Domain" on Park Run website or email [email protected]. Run, walk, volunteer!!

Need something signed by a Justice of the Peace? JPs are available every TUES and FRI at their new spot in the Ashburton Library. Pop in between 12pm-2pm, no appointment needed.

Do you like helping people and making a difference in their lives? Citizens Advice Bureau Mid Canterbury is looking for volunteer interviewers! You will work as part of an amazing team supporting clients with information and advice on a range of issues. You will help people know and understand their rights under the law and access services they are entitled to. Volunteers commit to a 3-hour shift each week. Training and resources provided. You do need to be comfortable using a computer. If this sounds like you, get in touch with Sarah Clifford at Community House.

Project Uplift encourages local women to donate bras which are given to women in need across the Pacific. In some cases they are also distributed to women and girls across NZ through schools, health boards and community groups. Having a bra provides comfort, dignitary and support. The bra she receives from Project Uplift is often the only bra that woman owns. Collecting both new and second hand nursing bras, crop tops and sports bras. Drop your donations to Sparrows on East Street. Find more at www.projectuplift.org.nz.

The Mayfield and Districts Red Poppy Society is seeking all current and former defence personnel who reside in the foothills area. If you or someone you know now resides in the Mt Somers, Mayfield, Westerfield or Carew areas contact Reon Blake on [email protected] or 0211703715. The society is compiling a list of service people to keep them informed of their activities, and to enable a post-World War 2 Roll of Honour Board.
Braided Rivers Community Trust Quick Response Grant is taking applications now. This grant is particularly useful when an unexpected expense or unbudgeted event arises. It is designed to provide support when time is of the essence, helping to address urgent situations that require immediate attention or resources, ensuring that your organisation can continue its activities without delay. Whether it's a sudden repair, an unforeseen opportunity, or an emergency expense, this grant can help bridge the gap and provide the necessary funding when it’s needed most. Applications close THURS 1 MAY. Applications are accepted via email or by hand at the BRCT office, download a copy via their website.

The biennial Mid Canterbury Funders Forum Funding Clinic is on WED 30 APRIL, starting 5.30pm at the Ashburton College Auditorium. Advance Ashburton is Chair for the Mid Canterbury Funders Forum, which includes all of the funders in our area. Each funder will give a short presentation explaining how they are, what they fund, and how to apply. Then, attendees will have the opportunity to chat with the individual funders who would be best to apply to for grants. It is worthwhile for groups and organisations as they can save time by targeting applications to funders that they have the best chance of gaining grants from, and all of the funders are in one place which makes it easy to ask questions about applications.
Ashburton County Lions is hosting the annual Mahjong Tournament on FRI 2 MAY at Ashburton Bridge Club on Alford Forest Road. 9:30am-3:30pm. Registration just $30 per person, includes morning and afternoon tea and lunch. Get yours in by MON 28 APRIL by email [email protected]. For more you can also call 021 766 246.

Plains Railway & Historical Museum is back open SAT 6 MAY, 11am - 4pm. Enjoy unlimited rides on the passenger service hauled by Steam Loco A64. View working Stationary Engines, browse through the Museum Village Buildings - home to hundreds of exhibits of the pioneering era, working historic Stationary Engines, Vintage Machinery Displays, classic outdoor games and activities for the whole family and much more. Cold drinks, and snacks available in the Station Shop. 20 Maronan Road, Tinwald.

An Ashburton Hospital nurses and staff reunion will be held SUN 4 MAY. Held biennially, the reunion will begin with a service at 11am in the hospital chapel. This will be followed by lunch at 12.30pm at the RSA Cox St. Inquires to Carolyn Nelson 021990020.

Hakatere Kahui Ako is hosting a Maths information evening at Tinwald School Hall on TUES 6 MAY, 6-7pm. Hear from an expert about the updated maths and statistics learning area and what that means for your child. Challenge your thinking - what does a mathematician really look like? Discover how teachers have been learning and adapting their teaching. Hear about changes to assessments and reporting. And most importantly, find out how to support your child's maths learning at home.

Methven Lions is back hosting their fundraising Farm Machinery Auction on FRI 9 MAY at Methven A&P Showgrounds. This follows the first successful auction last year. Entries are now welcomed. Printed entry forms can be requested by emailing [email protected] or phone Alastair on 027 438 6336 or find the event on Facebook.

Winchmore Rural Women is hosting a Quiz Night on FRI 9 MAY at Winchmore Hall, 7:30pm start. Teams of up to 6, $10 per person. Great prizes, raffles and supper up for grabs. BYO your refreshments and additional nibbles. Entries to Steph Butchard 021 124 2665 or [email protected].

Winchmore Rural Women is hosting a Quiz Night on FRI 9 MAY at Winchmore Hall, 7:30pm start. Gather some friends, teams of up to 6. $10 per person. Bring along some money for raffles, BYO refreshments and nibbles. Fun evening with great prizes, raffles and supper. Entries to Stephanie Butchard 021 124 2665.

Ready to dance for a cause? The Early Edition is on SAT 10 MAY from 4:30pm to 9:30pm. Get along for a boogie at the Print Room and help raise funds for The Ashburton Benevolent Trust. Playing the best of 80s, 90s and early 2000s. This one's for the over 25yrs. Rock up, rock on, and rock out by 10pm. A joint venture between The Print Room and Inner Wheel Club of Braided Rivers. Tickets $35, get yours and find out more here: https://facebook.com/events/s/early-edition-the-print-room/1372585447099040/

Book the babysitter and rally the troops… Longbeach School is back with its bi-annual Quiz Night on FRI 23 MAY at Tinwald Rugby Clubrooms. Doors open 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Guaranteed to be bigger and better than the last with huge raffle prizes up for grabs. Also a chocolate wheel spinning throughout the night, and antipasto platters available to pre order. Don’t miss a night of great night of laughs, fun and entertainment! Teams of up to 6, $80 per team. All to raise funds for Year 7/8 students heading off to Stewart Island in Term 4. Find more and register here.

Ashburton Spiritual Group is hosting a Charity Night on TUES 27 MAY, 7pm. 3 kiwi mediums and an animal communicator among a total of 5 speakers. Astrologist, numerologist, homeopathic consultants, journey work, Remember who you are. Bring your friends and family early for a snack/ meal/beverage. Doors open from 5.30 pm. At the MSA Club, 231 Burnett Street. $15, cash at the door (no EFTPOS available). A fantastic night of enlightenment. For more call Judy 027 749 9244.

Hampstead Rugby Club is celebrating 100yrs the weekend FRI 4 - SUN 6 JULY 2025. They will kick off on the Friday evening with a catch up to share memories with those they have worked and played alongside. On Saturday, games of rugby across the grades from juniors to seniors will be held, followed by a reunion dinner in the evening with a speaker. On Sunday people will be able to watch a golden oldies game of rugby. They want to make sure everyone involved with Hampstead over the past century is invited. For registration details and more information please contact Tracey on 0274058064 or email [email protected].