Mid Canterbury Federation of Women's Institutes (WI) half-yearly competitions were hosted earlier this month by Wakanui WI, at the Wakanui Hall.
Wakanui WI president Jenette Storrier welcomed more than 50 members from Mid Canterbury's eight WIs, which include Temuka.
There were also guests from sister federations North Canterbury and Canterbury East.
MC Federation of WI president Jude Vaughan said the half-yearly events - hosted at a different WI in the district each time - were a chance to catch up with others in the district and find out what others were doing.
The competitions involved seven sections: cut flower, decorative, craft, knitting, sewing, cooking and photography. But many were there to socialise and enjoy guest speaker, and fellow Wakanui WI member, Emma Brockhurst speak about her clothing business Badger Hill.
Mrs Vaughan said a national initiative brought to district level was the ''Lonely Bouquet'', where a bouquet of flowers - with note attached - was left at a random location for an unsuspecting person to take home.
It was a feel-good gesture from the WI.
Wakanui, and Federation, WI member Jeanette Cuthbertson showed the women how to create such a bouquet to give away.
It involved two daffodils, a tulip and greenery, and a note explaining it was a gift.
There was also an email address if the recipient wanted to make contact.
The WI will have a display space at the Ashburton A&P Show at the end of the month and anyone wanting to learn more about the organisation was warmly welcomed to make contact.
Lowcliffe WI member Susan Philpott has been in the WI for more than 20 years, after starting out as a teenager helping her mother address invitations for the local WI's jubilee.
She enjoyed the friendships she had made, and also the informative speakers.
''You pick up hints and things, and the speakers are interesting and cover a wide variety, from travels to owning a clothing business.''
She entered three floral blooms in the cut flower section: a single bloom, a spike and a tulip.
