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* LATEST NEWS * "Emerging
Jewellers Bootcamp 2011" The Rakahuri/Ashley River issues from a large chasm in the foothills of Canterbury, flows down the plains and enters the sea north of Christchurch City. The hills are covered in regenerating native beech forest and tussock grass lands which are farmed. Three classic 1950's school classrooms make up the bunkhouse complex in the Ashley Gorge holiday Park, providing a charming retro backdrop for our emerging artists symposium. Many conferences are often held in sterile conference centres often in the main cities but we wanted to take our group out of the city and out of their comfort zone.
The relaxed Ashley Gorge Bunkhouse complex meant our symposium was one where our members could 'muck in' together, recognising that significant discussion and networking often happens informally. The sleep over aspect allowed our group assembled from throughout New Zealand, to bond and continue the talk into the night if they needed to. Our group left Ashley Gorge with new friendships and professional networks, and experienced some of our Canterbury hospitality and peaceful scenic locale. Areta
Wilkinson CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO WELCOME PAGE
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Facilities
are basic, affordable and tidy which is all we needed. With some
country styling and initiative we transformed the classrooms into
a fluid space accommodating our varying symposium needs of dining
room, blackout room for data show presentations or facility for
small group work with white board. In good weather the French doors
of the main classroom can open the space out so workshop activities
or BBQ dining can be extended outside. The kitchen area was large
enough and adequate for rostered communal food prep and clean up
which sometimes happens at the same time. I admit to a certain 'shabby
chic' aesthetic so took a lot of my own china, serving dishes and
linen as well as utilising the provided gear. We proudly catered
for the event with local produce and supplies many sourced from
the Sunday held Oxford Farmers market, and township butcher.