An area meeting is required to appoint Friends to serve, normally for a period of 3 years, as representatives at yearly meeting sessions to provide continuity of representation and help keep the work flowing smoothly. (See 6.16). Area meeting business should give a high priority to preparation of its representatives and receiving reports from them. Another opportunity for regular involvement with the wider work of Britain Yearly Meeting is provided by the appointment of area meeting representatives to Quaker Life Representative Council (8.09). The functions of this body and Yearly Meeting and the duties of the area meeting representatives to provide an effective two-way channel of communication should be made clear to those being appointed. Conferences and other occasional gatherings which provide further opportunities for wider communication and fellowship will benefit from a wide representation from area meetings.