.. . R A B I newsWINTER 2015 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION Supporting farming families www.rabi.org.uk

Seb’s a designer at age of five! Page 11 Industry leaders at farming summit Page 3 From the chairman Whichever way you look at it, it’s been an extremely tough year for farmers.From the chairman The plight of dairy and sheep farmers has been national news and even the most resilient have been forced to take stock and re-evaluate what they do and how they do it, largely because of low prices, food scares and concerns over reduced support payments. The flooding in Cumbria and other parts of northern England in early December also left many people in need of immediate assistance. A month's rain fell in 24 hours causing terrible scenes. R.A.B.I will fast-track the application process Providing for farming flood victims so we can get money to where it is needed much quicker. some festive Our charity relies on the goodwill of thousands of fundraisers throughout England and Wales, many of whom are directly cheer connected to farming themselves. Often, people are driven to raise funds for us because they know someone who we have helped in the past or because they realise that one See page 6 day, through no fault of their own, they might need our help too. That is the nature of our industry, where circumstances and sheer bad luck can quickly spiral against you – be it disease, bad weather, illness or accidents. No one should ever feel ashamed for asking for help when they need it most. Paul Burrows, R.A.B.I’s CEO, represented the organisation at a summit meeting arranged by the Prince’s Countryside Adventures Fund. Many important figures from the farming world attended, including Defra minister George Eustice and His of Madge! Royal Highness Prince Charles himself. The support of the PCF is welcome and it is certainly important that farming’s See page 14 leading organisations tackle key issues together in order to maintain a view of the big picture. R.A.B.I, as an organisation, is very different to the one launched by John Mechi back in 1860. We only started helping working farmers in 1998 but last year we gave out around £300k in grants to this sector. From August to October 2015, R.A.B.I received 130 new Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution referrals and 76 of these were from working farmers. That We are a welfare charity that helps farming means more than 58% of our new referrals over this three- people in financial difficulty. Every year we support month period was from working farmers. approximately 2,000 individuals and families and Nothing R.A.B.I achieves would be possible without our truly give out around £2 million in grants. We also offer wonderful supporters, who give up so much of their time to bake cakes and hold coffee mornings for our cause. Events practical help and always work in confidence, with big and small all make a difference and we are indebted compassion and discretion. to everyone who contributed to our Welly Week campaign Registered office: Shaw House, 27 West Way, Oxford OX2 or through harvest festivals, as featured in this quarter’s 0QH magazine. Registered charity number: 208858 I am regularly humbled by many of the stories I hear from both those rely on our support and those who give it. Helpline: 0808 281 9490 Thank you for everything you do on our behalf. General enquiries: 01865 724931 Fax: 01865 202025 Email: [email protected] Patron: Her Majesty The Queen President: His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester

R.A.B.I News is published quarterly by R.A.B.I and edited by Rob Harris. Telephone 01865 811600 or email [email protected] Chris Riddle, Cover image: Seb Gell, who designed one of R.A.B.I’s 2015 Chairman Christmas cards, pictured with grandmother Sally Conner. See page 11. R.A.B.I

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2 Nati nal news HRH e Prince of Wales holds a ‘crisis summit’ into farming’s future R.A.B.I CEO Paul Burrows domestic demand. are braced for a difficult six research commissioned attended a farm crisis The PCF gives grants of up months. Our welfare officers by the fund into the summit at Chatsworth to £50k to projects that help and regional managers see consequences of failing to House in Derbyshire support the people who what’s happening close-up support a diverse farming organised by the Prince’s care for the countryside. and things are just starting sector. The legacy of Countryside Fund (PCF). To date, the fund has to bite in the regions. today’s summit will be to HRH The Prince of Wales donated £6 million in grants However, R.A.B.I will help foster greater collaboration attended in person, along supporting more than 135 farmers to get through the and communication with Defra minister George projects and helping more winter.” between key players in Eustice and other important than 160,000 people since Director of The Prince’s the agriculture sector. figures from the banking 2010. Countryside Fund, Claire “By fostering a greater industry and landowner R.A.B.I CEO Paul Burrows Saunders, said: “The role of understanding of the associations. said: “We are not here The Prince’s Countryside challenges facing farming The summit was chaired by to scaremonger; we’ve Fund, now more than we will go some way to Lord Curry of Kirkharle, who been there for the farming ever, is to help ensure helping to solve them. gave an overview of the community since 1860 and the sustainability of British “Through the work of the ‘perfect storm’ which looks we are here for them now. agriculture and our wider Farming Help Partnership, set to hit farming. Long-term, we are positive rural communities. This is the projects we support The dairy, beef, sheep, about the sector but with why our Patron HRH The and our emergency fund arable and pig sectors nights drawing in and the Prince of Wales will be there is valuable and much are already under severe grass no longer growing we announcing essential needed help for farm pressure, largely businesses. With due to falling prices. the steadfast Lord Curry said support of the the depression in wider sector, we prices across the can collectively main agricultural commit to helping sectors has been secure a brighter ‘unprecedented future for British in recent years’. farming.” Volatility in milk prices alone had UNITED FRONT: held the news HRH The Prince agenda for months of Wales, flanked and British lamb and by Lord Curry beef prices had of Kirkharle and been hit by weak the Duchess of export trade and Devonshire. Brian was instrumental in North Yorkshire launch R.A.B.I sends its in order to showcase local said: “We invited Brian to condolences to the family produce. become our first president of the Reverend Canon Brian came from old as we knew he was Brian Abell, who died Yorkshire farming stock. He taking things more slowly. recently. Brian (pictured), trained at Cuddeson and "However, we still wanted from Harrogate, was ministered in the Diocese him to be a part of us. He instrumental in setting up of Ripon and Leeds. He was was chuffed to bits that we the North Yorkshire R.A.B.I the first tourism officer for asked him, so at least he committee and was its first the Diocese, chaplain to the knew how much esteem chairman. He received Harrogate Police Force and he was held in. He will the Dennis Brown Shield at the retired clergy officer for be sorely missed and our the 2007 AGM awards in the Archdeaconry. Before thoughts are with his wife recognition of his charity his retirement, Brian was Noreen and the family.” work, particularly for vicar of Masham Church. R.A.B.I is delighted that creating and inspiring the R.A.B.I regional manager Brian's widow Noreen has ‘Cooking Canons’ with Sally Conner worked agreed to become North Rev Canon Leslie Morley closely with Brian and Yorkshire president.

For enquiries about welfare call the Helpline: 0808 281 9490 3 A big thank you to our business supporters ‘NEMi’s ethical standpoint on milk production mirrors our beliefs’ MILK supplier NEMi synergy between has been actively R.A.B.I and our promoting R.A.B.I company’s goals, GOOD on its website in that we are both FOR YOU, and through working towards a GOOD other media and brighter and more FOR OUR business outlets. positive future for COWS: NEMi (naturally our invaluable NEMi is enriched milk) farming families.” Europe’s is Europe’s first NEMi is a fast first selenium enriched growing business, selenium milk, which aims but still remains a enriched to boost your family-run outfit, milk. immune system. based in Audlem, Dairy nutritionist Cheshire. Andrew Henderson They currently launched NEMi supply milk to Celebrating the tastes of Gloucestershire after consulting local schools, care with nutritionists homes, shops, At this year’s Taste of and I can only assume this is and scientists on cafés and bakeries Gloucestershire Food & Farming down to the ongoing work of our the health benefits in Cheshire, Awards, local food producers, voluntary county committee, who of milk and dairy Shropshire and retailers and businesses came are constantly in the news for products. Lancashire and together in recognition of the their brilliant fundraising activities He discovered that also support county’s proud food history. throughout the year – what a great selenium, although the annual Gloucester and England rugby testament to their work! an essential International legend and 2011 Celebrity “As an agricultural welfare charity, mineral, is deficient Cheese Awards in MasterChef champion Phil we have a lot in common with the in most human Nantwich. Vickery hosted the awards night awards, in terms of promoting local diets across As well as the at The Centaur at Cheltenham food and farming. It was a great Europe. health benefits of Racecourse in October. Around platform to showcase our work.” NEMi milk is its products, NEMi 300 people attended, with Jenni also thanked Ross and Ross naturally enriched is keen to show Phil Vickery and BBC Radio Food who generously donated – but they don’t support to the Gloucestershire presenter Claire two tickets to a Christmas Pop-Up add anything farming industry. Carter handing out the awards at Oxleaze Barn in Lechlade on to their milk – it Those who for categories such as Young December 17 and a home curing is all achieved supply them Farmer of the Year (won by kit which proved very popular, though the cow’s receive 30ppl for Charlie Beldam) and Outstanding helping to raise £1,016 on the night. diets, hence their their produce Contribution to Food and Farming slogan ‘Good for compared to the award (won by Eric Freeman). Lloyds Bank’s golf day you, good for our 20ppl-30ppl paid R.A.B.I regional manager Jenni cows’. by most dairy Thompson, who represented the Lloyds Bank kindly invited R.A.B.I Brand manager processors and charity at the event, said: “We to run a raffle at one of their golf Ashleigh supermarkets. were delighted to have been days. With more than 20 teams Henderson, R.A.B.I corporate selected as this year’s chosen taking part on a glorious autumn daughter of development charity. It was a complete surprise day, £332 was raised. founder Andrew, manager Suzy said: “We are Deeley said: delighted to “R.A.B.I is very Capestone contributes to work in Wales work with and excited to be support R.A.B.I. working with a “At the centre of company like NEMi NEMi is the ethos as their ethical to always pay standpoint on milk farmers a fair and production mirrors sustainable milk our own emphasis price, because on the welfare quite frankly they of farmers and deserve it. farmworkers.” “We also work For more hard to maintain information on an ethical NEMi and their Pictured are representatives from Capestone Poultry presenting a cheque supply chain products go to for £4,500 to R.A.B.I committee members. Capestone is located in the heart throughout. “Thus, www.nemi-dairy. of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales and produces and there is a great co.uk processes all poultry on site. 4 A big thank you to our business supporters AMC stages static cycling event in Andover Chosen charity for two years Biddenden Vineyards has Eleven varieties of grapes been a long and loyal are grown to produce white, supporter of R.A.B.I for some red rose and sparkling years and they presented wines, while traditional the charity with a cheque for Kentish ciders have also £1,036. been made for more than Kent’s oldest commercial 30 years with farm pressed vineyard was established by apple and pear juices. the Barnes family in 1969 to Sally Field, R.A.B.I regional produce wines and ciders. manager for the South The vineyards are set in 23 East, said: “Over the years, acres on a gentle south Biddenden Vineyards have facing slope in a shallow been extremely supportive sheltered valley close to of R.A.B.I and they have GRATEFUL RECIPIENT: Charles Tassell, Kent committee the Wealden village of made us their chosen charity chairman, accepts a cheque from Julian Barnes, owner of Biddenden. for the past two years.” Biddenden Vineyards. 1,000 mile bike ride in o ce Nominate someone truly remarkable Nominations are category, attracting must be in by now open for many entries from January 11, 2016. Ceva’s 2016 Animal the industry. More than £2,300 Welfare Awards, Since the first has been raised which will once Ceva Awards in for R.A.B.I since again celebrate the 2010 hundreds becoming one achievements of of people have of its two chosen remarkable people been nominated, charities at the from the farming, with the winners, annual Ceva veterinary and whittled down by a awards in 2015. charity industries. panel of esteemed Ceva’s Gina Bryant R.A.B.I is one of two judges including said: “Each year charity sponsors of Christopher we are amazed by the Farm Animal Laurence MBE the wonderful work Welfare award BVSc and Anthony and commitment (the other being Andrews BVetMed shown with each NADIS), which PhD. This year’s nomination. Ceva goes to someone winners and runners UK was delighted Staff at the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation from the farming up will be honoured to hand over a (pictured) completed a static 1,000 mile bike industry who at a ceremony on cheque to R.A.B.I ride at their offices in Andover on November 12 ‘strives to provide April 6, 2016. following a rather and 13 to raise money for R.A.B.I and Children in or encourage high If there is a farming wet sponsored Need. standards of ethical industry professional team event. We Riders tackled 30 and 60 minute slots on four and compassionate that you feel has hope it goes a static gym bikes. farm animal made a significant small way towards Michael Lord, AMC’s regional agricultural welfare’. The Farm contribution to helping R.A.B.I manager for East Anglia, said: “We had an Animal Welfare animal welfare, visit to continue the uptake of 43 staff, some of which undertook Award – now in its www.cevawelfare brilliant work that multiple slots throughout the 24 hour period. We second year – is awards.com to they do supporting employ 65 people so it was a great uptake.” a hotly contested nominate. Entries farming.” Next May / June, the intrepid office workers will be getting on their real bikes to cycle from HOME AND Land’s End to John O’Groats inside 24 hours, DRY: Left splitting the route into sections with different to right people setting off from various points to cover are Ceva’s the distance. It’s a big logistical task, with staff Ginette and agents completing 50-60 legs of the official Bryant, route. R.A.B.I AMC specialises in providing mortgage finance corporate for land-based commercial businesses, primarily development relating to agriculture, horticulture and equine manager pursuits. Suzy Deeley To sponsor the AMC team in their charity and Ceva’s efforts please go to www.justgiving.com/ Lindsay MartinWaiteAMCcycleRABI Johnson and Fiona Wright. Visit the website: www.rabi.org.uk 5 Hundreds of hampers sent out for Christmas Latest from the Young Farmers Clubs Delivering smiles along with seasonal hampers Did you know that every year R.A.B.I I am very grateful for the generous weather and snow, is a great comfort sends out Christmas hampers? hamper, the financial assistance and to me. Knowing that the money is in This year, some 750-900 hampers will also the beautiful Christmas cards and the bank to pay for it gives me peace be sent out at a cost to the charity of notelets that were enclosed. of mind, also the telephone is such £40-£60k. “Receiving this help has made a a life-line when you live alone. May I R.A.B.I’s head of welfare, Trish great deal of difference to my life, I wish you all at R.A.B.I good luck and Pickford said: “Our Christmas hamper am able to have my heating on and good health.” campaign is a wonderful and tangible keep warm which, with this very cold This year, 64 hampers will be sent out way in which people can help those in North Yorkshire at a cost of in the farming community who are in £2,736. In Devon 49 hampers need. will be distributed, with 48 “I’ve occasionally been asked why given out in Norfolk. Trish, we send hampers; aren’t they old- who has worked for R.A.B.I fashioned, Dickensian even? The since 1993, added: “The answer is that they are a perfect way knowledge that someone to meet a basic need and at the has remembered them at same time bring joy and happiness to Christmas time, that they people whose lives are very difficult.” are not alone, and the R.A.B.I’s Christmas hamper campaign excitement of unpacking has been going for more than 10 the carefully chosen years. Across England and Wales, contents, lifts the spirits at volunteers deliver them – with Festival a time of year that can Foods, the company that produces otherwise be bleak. That is them, also sending them out. One what we aim for in all that anonymous beneficiary wrote last MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Trish Pickford and John we do – in order to make a year: “Thank you for your kindness Gidley of Festival Foods with a winter hamper real difference to people’s and generosity to me this Christmas. ready to be sent out. lives.” ‘You do not need to face the battle alone’ A year ago, Shropshire in her surrounding area dairy farmer Nicky Harris committed suicide in the launched the Mammoth summer and many others Effort Campaign – to are involved in ‘a silent support dairy farmers and battle’. help fight for fairer milk She said: “Don’t know prices. what I am taking about? Now, she wants struggling Restless nights, waking farmers to realise that they up only to find yourself need not fight their battles thinking of the bills to pay alone because ‘help is out and the lack of funds. The there’. piles of unopened letters Nicky farms around 140 knowing all they contain is acres on the Welsh / final demands. The sinking “I do know what you’re say you are not alone. Shropshire border and stomach everytime a car going through and I’m here There are some fantastic keeps milking cows and pulls into the yard. Going to to say you are not alone.” people out there who want sucklers. She has faced her bed to try to escape, just for Nicky wants farmers who to help and trust me when own troubles these past a few hours. Finding yourself are struggling to cope to I say they are brilliant. four years and understands snapping and snarling at contact R.A.B.I’s helpline “One phone call and I slept how easily problems can your family and friends 0808 281 9490, Rural that night. Farmers are not escalate, until they spiral when deep down all you Support on 0300 1232825 machines, you don’t have out of control. Through need is a hug and a kind or the Farming Community to be alone. Mammoth Effort, she word to tell you it’s going to Network on 03000 111 999. “Just be brave – brave wants the general public be OK. She says they can also get enough to pick up the to understand the plight “The feeling that you failed involved with her campaign phone and make that first that many in the farming yourself, your loved ones at facebook.com. step for help. industry – not just dairy and you can’t see any light mammotheffort or twitter. “You will be amazed what farmers – currently face. at the end of tunnel, just a com/mammotheffort. these people can actually She says three farmers big black deep hole. She added: “I’m here to do for you.”

6 Latest from the Young Farmers Clubs Bench presented in John’s memory Llanarthne Young Farmers Club The evening raised a total of £2,070. £250 to R.A.B.I following a talk by presented a bench to Llanarthne regional manager Milly Fyfe. The Village Hall in memory of John • A cheque for £7,000 was presented money was raised via a raffle at their Edwards of Glantowy Farm, who to Shropshire R.A.B.I chair Christine summer show. died in May 2014. John was a faithful Downes and regional manager Kate supporter of the club and R.A.B.I and Jones at the Shropshire Federation • The Great Cornish Quiz Challenge his wife Meryl is a stalwart member of of Young Farmers’ Club AGM held at took place in September with teams the Carmarthenshire R.A.B.I county The Lord Hill Hotel, Shrewsbury. at two different venues in the county committee. The young farmers also tackling the same questions. The presented Mansel Charles (president) winning YFC team was Lostwithiel and Rosemary Jones (vice-chair) of • Ashby YFC’s ploughing match for R.A.B.I received record entries. Thanks YFC. The top non YFC team was from the Carmarthenshire R.A.B.I county Francis Clark and Foot Anstey. committee with a cheque for £400 to Richard Hewitt for making the in John’s memory. The money was event run so smoothly. Approximately raised through various fundraising £850 was raised. • Dawn Cardell, Cornwall activities including a harvest Committee Chairman, was presented thanksgiving service, a bingo night • Nescliffe YFC donated £280 to with a cheque for £3,000 by and Christmas carol singing. R.A.B.I following their harvest supper. Warleggan YFC. The club has supported R.A.B.I with • Twenty-two teams took part in the fundraising activities throughout the • Okehampton YFC recently Northamptonshire R.A.B.I go-karting year. donated £1,500 to R.A.B.I. evening at Whilton Mill near Daventry. LEFT: Kelmarsh Young Farmers in The winning team was ‘2 Fat 2 furious’ • Ashover Young Farmers donated Northamptonshire presented £1,500 (a group of young farmers), closely to R.A.B.I following their summer barn followed by another group of farmers dance. Pictured are club chairman called ‘Distinctly Average’. Jamie Boulton with committee member Also competing were racers from James Leaming. farm contractors P&R Burbage, law Proceeds from the barn dance firm Wright Hassall, accountancy were split between R.A.B.I and firms Ellacotts and Harris & Clarke and the Northants/Warwickshire Air other important corporate supporters. Ambulance. Stories of Ledbury land girls preserved in a labour of love A Ledbury woman’s someone who was in the sales – close to £600 – was Land Army people and fascination with the Land’s Army. It just grew donated to R.A.B.I. The Ledbury, in Herefordshire, Women’s Land Army from there.” author said: “R.A.B.I is a very is very much a farming inspired her to write a book Helen interviewed six former pertinent charity as it assists community.” on the memories of six WLA members from the former land girls. Ledbury area, Joan Wilce, The Women’s Land Army Dorothy Meadows, Mary was a British civilian Teasdale, Helen Goring, organisation created during Phyllis Wise and Joan the First and Second World White. They talked about Wars to work in agriculture, their time in the Land Army replacing men called up with great fondness for the to the military. In effect, camaraderie, but it was the Land Army operated tough work all the same, to place women with farms replacing the enlisted farm that needed workers. labourers before the food Helen Gates compiled supply ran out. ‘Memories of the Women’s “Land girls were some of Land Army’ following a the unsung heroes of the chance encounter. war effort and it’s only She explained: “I’m a relatively recently that very keen gardener they’ve started to get the and was interested to recognition they deserve,” hear about the Dig for added Helen. Victory campaign (where “One of the ladies I people were encouraged interviewed has since died, to transform gardens, but their memories of life 70 parks and sports pitches years ago were most vivid.” into allotments to grow One hundred copies of vegetables for the wartime the booklet were printed effort). and Helen has only two A cartoon image belonging to Ledbury land girl Mary “I mentioned it to a left, which she keeps for Teasdale, which was drawn for her in the 1940s by an friend who said she knew talks. Every penny of the American GI. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/rabicharity 7 anksgiving services and harvest suppers Welly Week leads to 20% Twitter surge Kent brings home the beacon R.A.B.I would like to thank the many the option of a picnic in the grounds • Plympton and Tavistock NFU raised churches that regularly support our or lunch in the abbey’s café/ £950 for R.A.B.I and the Ugborough work through services and festivals at tea room. The service, including a Church Bell Fund at their harvest this time of year. donation of £200 from St Olave’s supper at Ugborough Village Hall. Church, Gatcombe, raised £409.24 for R.A.B.I. • The Carmarthenshire county • Shropshire R.A.B.I chair Christine committee held their harvest supper Downes spoke about R.A.B.I at at the café in Carmarthen Livestock • There was an abundance of Longnor Church for their harvest Centre. Guest speaker was Councillor festivals in the east with R.A.B.I festival service. The service made Andrew James of Llangadog. A sum included in services in Essex, Ely £422 for R.A.B.I. of £1,591 was raised on the night and Suffolk. Kirtling All Saints Church thanks to financial pledges as well collected £123.24 and Dereham as donated prizes for the raffle and Church incorporated R.A.B.I in their •Hundreds of people attended the auction. Thanks also to BJP Marts for harvest festival celebrations with the annual Kent harvest thanksgiving allowing the committee to hold the local primary school. service, which took place on supper at the mart café. October 4 as part of Evensong in Canterbury Cathedral. The Lord • Ashford Market kindly allowed Mayor of Canterbury and the High • A harvest festival service at St R.A.B.I to host the Kent Harvest Supper Sheriff of Kent both attended and Cuthbert’s in Halsall, Lancashire raised for the 13th year in the Amos Hall. the cathedral was adorned with £842 for R.A.B.I and the local church. More than 150 people enjoyed a local produce. The ‘Bring Home the hearty three course roast beef dinner Harvest’ beacon, a steel sculpture • Around 50 guests attended the East provided by Angus and his team from etched with sheaves of corn and Sussex harvest supper at the Green the Stock Pot. apples, was carried in by Lynsey Man in Ringmer. The evening raised Peter Kingwell, auctioneer and Martin, the Agricultural and Rural £322 with Jane Cowan helping to co- partner from Hobbs Parker, led Issues Chair of the National Federation ordinate the night. the auction, which included some of Young Farmers Clubs. It was fantastic donated lots. Thanks to received by the Dean of Canterbury, everyone who contributed to a The Very Reverend Robert • A harvest thanksgiving service was brilliant night which raised £4,562. held at Quarr Abbey, a monastery Willis. The address was given between Binstead and Fishbourne by Lt Gen Sir Barney White- on the Isle of Wight. Father Gregory • R.A.B.I was invited to support Spunner (pictured), former arranged and led the service in this year’s Winchester Cathedral executive chairman of the the chapel for the island’s farming harvest weekend and more than Countryside Alliance. During community. It was a beautiful £300 was received in donations / the service a collection was autumnal day and guests also had Christmas card sales. taken for R.A.B.I and FCN. Sun shines on Leicestershire’s open-air celebration An outdoor harvest festival hymns such as ‘We Plough Baines. Milly Fyfe, R.A.B.I’s you to our farmers for service in Leicestershire the Fields with Tractors’. regional manager for bringing in the harvest.” served to remind the Readings were given the East Midlands, said: The outdoor harvest general public exactly by Col Murray Colville, “We wanted people service was led by rural where the food on their Deputy Lord Lieutenant, to understand and chaplain Peter Hooper plates comes from. Baroness Hazel Byford appreciate all the effort and many local dignitaries The Mount family hosted and Leicestershire R.A.B.I that goes into producing attended. The service was the event at the Roots committee chairman their food. This service part of a wider harvest Farm Shop, out in the Veronica Sutton. A targeted a wider, non- festival weekend at Roots fields on bales of straw. traditional harvest loaf churchgoing audience. It on September 26 and Fortunately, the sun shone was provided by Harry was about saying thank 27 to celebrate ‘Love bright and British Food the weather Fortnight’. The was warm, event raised with around £500 for 100 people R.A.B.I. attending. The Leicestershire Pictured are R.A.B.I the hosts with committee members helped to of the arrange the Leicestershire service, which R.A.B.I featured committee distinctive and Peter farming- Hooper and orientated David White.

8 anksgiving services and harvest suppers Welly Week leads to 20% Twitter surge

MAKING A SPLASH: The ‘welly brigade’ at Shaw House, left to right, Kris Band, Stephen Noble, Christine Clarke, Suzy Deeley, Victoria Randall, Beth Steiner and Megan Jones.

Leaving a lasting footprint R.A.B.I’s Welly Week campaign ran cosy fleeces respectively as prizes for The winning ‘wang’ at an event run from Saturday October 31 to Sunday this year’s social media competition. by accountancy and tax experts November 8, to highlight the charity’s “In all, there were close to 700 entries Albert Goodman (who were joined work and raise funds for those in into our competition and, as result, at the Sedgemoor Auction Centre the farming community in financial our Twitter following increased by a by staff from Greenslade Taylor Hunt difficulty. massive 20% to exceed 5,000. This and Amicus Law) was an impressive This year’s Welly Week was bigger, in turn helps us to spread the word 31.2 metres. Many other organisations better – and quite possibly muddier further about our work.” got involved too, including: solicitors – than ever. Thank you to everyone The competition winners were: Vicki Willans, Wright Hassall LLP and who donned their trusty boots to get Robinson, Philip Acton, Amber Howe, Lawson West; farm insurers Farmers involved in some way. Emma Cella and Stuart Anderson. & Mercantile; livestock traders Fundraising & Development manager The campaign wasn’t just about Meadow Quality and Ceva Animal Stephen Noble said: “Firstly, an the welly wide web. Stockbridge Health. Bucks R.A.B.I joined forces especially big thank you to generous YFC (Hampshire) organised a ‘log with Denne Engineering and Vale supporters Gumleaf Clothing and lug’ which raised £700 and first-year Training at the Bucks County Show for NEMi (Naturally Enriched Milk agriculture students at Duchy College a welly themed display to promote Innovations UK), who donated five in Cornwall wore their wellies to sell the ‘golden boot award’. This was a pairs of top-quality wellies and four cakes in aid of R.A.B.I. challenge set by Jenni Thompson. Welsh politician visits dairy farm during campaign week Welsh politician and journalist Rhun will hopefully reap the benefits when such as R.A.B.I as we try to work ap Iorwerth visited dairy farm Graig the industry starts to pick up, but it’s towards improving the situation.” Lwyd Ganol in Pont Rhyd y Bont during vital for our farmers to have continued R.A.B.I regional manager / welfare Welly Week. Like all dairy farms, they support of their unions and charities officer Mel Jones joined Rhun on his are having to battle through visit along with some serious challenges Glyn Roberts, currently facing the industry. FUW president, Rhun was there to raise Eifion Hughes, awareness of the work Anglesey of R.A.B.I. He said: “It is committee becoming increasingly chairman and difficult for our farmers to Heidi Williams, make a living from putting committee food on our table. Despite secretary for having investment recently Anglesey. in a new milking parlour, In the photo, this family farm is under an Rhun is on the enormous strain. They will far right and survive due to sheer hard Eifion on the far work and determination and left, next to Glyn. For enquiries about welfare call the Helpline: 0808 281 9490 9 Community fundraisers can be charity’s ‘eyes and ears’

As a charity, R.A.B.I is fortunate to charity’s story; working closely with worried about someone please tell have an army of loyal volunteers regional managers to make things us’. across England and Wales who not happen throughout towns, villages “It’s not just down to the regional only fundraise, but also spread the and cities. Christine Downes, chair managers to talk to people, that’s word about what help is available of the Shropshire committee, has something we can all do.” to those in need within the farming been involved with R.A.B.I for many Christine’s involvement with R.A.B.I has community. years and understands the impact a grown over the years from ‘washer- County committee supporters are good county committee can make up’ to county chairman – albeit one often the unsung heroes of the at a grass-roots level. She was also who still does some washing up! inspired by discussions With husband John (also a R.A.B.I at R.A.B.I’s annual committee supporter), the family runs meeting, which an organic dairy and beef farm south focused on how of Shrewsbury. county committees She added: “Shropshire is a farming can support their county so it’s important we explain regional manager. about R.A.B.I and highlight the fact She said: “Here in that we’re here to help. There are Shropshire we’ve got many who are struggling, but keeping a committee full of up appearances. talented people and “A lot of people understandably if a cheque needs don’t want others to know about their collecting that’s difficulties, which is probably why something we’re our leaflets disappear faster at an more than happy to unmanned stand than they do at a do. manned one.” “I think the number As well as chairing the Shropshire one thing we can do committee, Chris is a busy is raise awareness by grandmother and WI member. She talking to people. says her charity work has enabled her “Most of us have very to meet many people; to listen and close links to farming support those in need. She added: and we always tell "We are volunteers who enjoy making people at our events fundraising fun. It is a privilege to be SPREADING THE WORD: Shropshire chairman Christine ‘you are our eyes involved and actively promote the Downes, right, with regional manager Kate Jones. and ears, if you are valuable work of R.A.B.I." Shropshire Petals hosts ‘meets the chairman’ Newport-based family R.A.B.I including an insight like this are invaluable what we do. Many people business, Shropshire Petals, into the welfare packages because they enable us don’t realise the diversity hosted the September offered to those in need. to make contact with the of support available from ‘Meet the Chairman’ event. R.A.B.I regional manager local farming community R.A.B.I; for example, we Shropshire Petals grows Kate Jones said: “Events and spread the word about can give out short-term biodegradable natural and long-term grants petal confetti, wheat and may be able to help sheaves and dried flowers. with the cost of funerals R.A.B.I chairman Chris or bankruptcy fees, or Riddle, trustee William provide an emergency Cumber and chief grant to cover the cost of executive Paul Burrows utility bill arrears. We’re attended and guests had very thankful to the Bubb the opportunity to tour the family for hosting R.A.B.I site which was established and giving us a platform to more than 20 years ago showcase our work.” by Michael and Rosemary Pictured left to right are Bubb, who still play active committee members Jen roles in the business. Parry (Shropshire) and Chris and William gave Daisy and Mike Shelley an update on the work of (Staffordshire).

10 Regional manager’s grandson helps fundraising cause What R.A.B.I means to me Sta changes at head oce Jake Churchill, HR & Facilities Co-ordinator

A little under three years ago I could not have even begun to imagine just how much of an impact Victoria Randall. Hayley Paintin. Milly Withers. working for this wonderful Victoria Randall joined R.A.B.I said goodbye to manager post at Bedales charity would have on R.A.B.I as a fundraising administrative assistant School in Hampshire. my life. From dressing and development Hayley Paintin, who Bedales was founded up as Daisy the Cow to co-ordinator in mid- has left the charity for in 1983 by John Haden scooping and serving ice September. pastures new. Hayley Badley as a ‘humane creams at county shows, Victoria speaks French worked in both the alternative to the I have been fortunate and has travelled the welfare and fundraising authoritarian regimes enough to undertake world, living in Paris and departments at Shaw typical of late Victorian some fantastic activities Hong Kong. She studied House over many years public schools’. Milly was during my time with R.A.B.I English language and and her experience will instrumental in launching so far. However, nothing literature at Oxford be sorely missed. the revamped website can quite compare to the University. Communications and has played a key privilege of working with all In her spare time, she officer Milly Withers role in the development of the remarkable people enjoys horseback riding also departed Shaw of R.A.B.I’s social media who are connected to our and is studying RHS Level House in October for a presence. Good luck to charity. 2 horticulture. new communications all three for the future. People’s kindness and capacity to give is something that never ceases to amaze me. Whilst it is sad that there are Farming fanatic, 5, designs card still so many amongst the Five-year-old farming his card is being sold brother Syrus, who is two, farming community who fanatic Seb Gell has by R.A.B.I. He draws is already very keen on are in need, the support designed one of this brilliantly.” farming but he’s more for R.A.B.I’s cause from the year’s R.A.B.I Christmas Sally farms in Beverley, into the mechanical side rest of the community and cards. East Yorkshire, with of things. Seb is very beyond is truly heartening. Seb is the grandson husband Mark, but different and much more Every contribution – of north east regional their main enterprise is of an animal lover.” whether it is a donation or manager Sally Conner. contract rearing 7,500 Coincidentally, Seb someone’s time – is greatly His colourful card pigs for Packington Pork. was born on the day of appreciated and helps to features a tractor and Seb drew his picture R.A.B.I’s 150th anniversary change lives for the better. trailer, Father Christmas, on a piece of paper service at Westminster The teams out in the plus snow, pigs, sheep, at home, which Sally Abbey in 2010. Sally regions, at head office, cows and a star! scanned and sent to and Mark called by at Beaufort House and Sally said: “Seb is the R.A.B.I head office the hospital to see him Manson House are absolutely farming mad, in Oxford after hearing on their way home from tremendous and an he lives and breathes it. that ideas were needed the abbey, drinking absolute pleasure to work He spends a lot of time for this year’s range champagne on the train with. Nothing is ever too with us on our farm and of festive cards. Sally to toast the birth of their much trouble and the is chuffed to bits that added: “Seb’s younger first grandchild. commitment is simply exceptional. It may be a cliché, but we are indeed like one big family and I know that my time with R.A.B.I has gifted me friends for life. R.A.B.I’s people are at the heart of the organisation and I am exceptionally proud to be able to say that I am one of them. RIGHT: Seb Gell. ABOVE: His colourful drawing.

Visit the website: www.rabi.org.uk 11 ‘We’re here to help’ is still our key message The job of a welfare officer in 2015 is a far cry from what it was 20 years ago. Jackie Clegg, a welfare officer in the north west of England, joined R.A.B.I in the 1990s and says it’s important for the charity to keep evolving in a fast changing world. Here she talks to Rob Harris about her day to day work. Former social worker Jackie Clegg has not always quick and I can spend a Pension Credit and, in this instance, a been a regional welfare officer in the full day on the phone just talking to funeral grant. Jackie also spoke to the north west of England for 16 years and agencies. Pensions service to notify them of the insists no two days are ever the same. “I think the message that R.A.B.I is sad change of circumstances. She “At the start of each day you ‘here to help’ is getting through and completed the necessary paperwork just never know what you might I’m always busy, but I’m also sure we for the person to claim a grant from encounter as every family, and their are still missing some people.” R.A.B.I towards paying off outstanding needs, are vastly different,” explained So what’s in a day’s work? Generally, utility bills. Jackie. Jackie will aim for three visits per day, In the afternoon she was in court – The job of a welfare officer – providing but that could easily involve a 300- assisting a former farm worker with a human link between the charity mile drive. an appeal for Employment Support and the person needing help – might Last week, she visited a widowed Allowance (ESA). seem the same as it was back in the person who had been left with large, Jackie said: “These tribunals are now 1990s when Jackie first joined R.A.B.I. mounting personal and farm debts. heard in county courts, so off we However, ‘need’ is something that Her visit focused on ensuring all went. We arrived in good time and keeps changing in a fast evolving state benefits were claimed, such as went through the security checks. world. The person I was helping Jackie said: “I think we, as a charity, was very nervous, almost provide a more thorough visit on the verge of crying, but I nowadays. needed to be very strong to “Cases are more complicated and get them through the ordeal. we give more debt guidance, dealing The judge and doctor on with changes in legislation, welfare the bench proceeded to advice and benefits. Technology give us both – particularly has marched on too so the way we me – a very good grilling, work is slightly different. And we offer but he allowed me to submit new things, such as business support some late evidence. It was through consultantancy firm Promar.” decided that the case would The support a welfare officer provides be adjourned for further isn’t just financial, it’s emotional too, medical reports. We were sitting at a table with someone to try ushered out of the court, and work out practical solutions to but to my absolute surprise problems. Often, that means pointing and delight the judge came people in the direction of other out of the court and sat with support networks. us. They had changed their “You do your best, but sometimes minds and decided to give you are walking into quite a bleak the highest award possible. situation and it can be heart- “The judge sat with us for at wrenching,” said Jackie. least five minutes, gave me a “Very often I will come out in tears. warm handshake and wished I’m definitely seeing more working us both the very best. farmers than I used to, particularly “That was a fabulous end to dairy farmers – and more cancer NO TWO DAYS ARE THE SAME: For welfare a day. sufferers. Getting help for someone is officer Jackie Clegg. “Need I say more?”

Find out exactly what we can do for you...

Call our Freephone Helpline 0808 281 9490 in complete confidence to find out what R.A.B.I can do for you. For more information about us go to www.rabi.org.uk or twitter.com/rabicharity. Also find us at Facebook.com/rabicharity1. R.A.B.I supports working farmers, farmworkers and their families - on low incomes and with limited savings - who rely on farming for their main source of income. Help can also be given to retired farmers, farmworkers and their dependants. R.A.B.I cannot help with business payments but we can support households with domestic payments.

12 Inside the homes: Beaufort House & Manson House Farewell dinner date Farming Today spotlight Producer / presenter Vernon Harwood and presenter Caz Graham subsequently recorded their Saturday programme from Beaufort House, interviewing home manager Susan Dining assistant Christine Dean, welfare officer Fender (pictured) has retired Suzie Paton, trustee after 12 years at Beaufort and chairman of House. the Beaufort House Christine was presented with management a pendant, earrings and committee James bracelet, champagne, flowers Orme and Beaufort and chocolates. House residents Home manager Susan R.A.B.I received notable manager Rob Harris Doreen Shaxson, Dean said: “Christine was a coverage in November was interviewed about Graham Mills and Phillip pleasure to manage, always on BBC Radio 4s Farming R.A.B.I’s work at the Cole. cheerful and would cycle to Today, which reaches an start of a week of Pictured left to right are work in all weathers. Nothing average audience of 1.2 programmes focusing Phillip Cole, Graham was ever too much trouble million listeners. on ‘help available to Mills, Caz Graham and for her and we will all miss Communications farmers’. Vernon Harwood. her. We wish her a long and happy retirement.” Colleagues, friends and residents said goodbye You’re never too old for a fright night party to Christine with a drink in There were on the menu! the bar on October 15. The some spooky Pictured around following evening there was things going the table are a staff night out at a local on at Beaufort Tui Clapp (blue restaurant. House on cardigan, Eileen Halloween Hutchings (white • Residents at Beaufort House night as staff cardigan), Nora received harvest produce and residents Dyer (with horns), from the All Angels Church dressed up as Phyllis Salvidge, in Greinton. Home manager ghouls, ghosts Maggie Chave Susan Dean said: “We are and witches (with mask) and always delighted to receive for an evening Loui Jimenez the lovely produce and the of fun. Pumpkin soup and Halloween (with black hat). The average age of residents particularly enjoy cakes and chocolates went down a residents in Beaufort House might be 94 the homemade preserves.” treat, but there was no Monster Mash but they still know how to party. Southern committee members take a tour of Manson Committee members from the South East and South Central (pictured) held their regional meeting at Manson House in Suffolk in October. It gave them an opportunity to see first-hand what Manson House has to offer, following investment of £6m copy of his book ‘Before farming history. Sally Field, the day and it reinforced to upgrade the home and the Combines Came’ to R.A.B.I regional manager to them what we are develop the facilities. Manson House. The book for the South East, said: doing, and the fact that Oliver Trowell donated a depicts 80 years of Kent “The members enjoyed they are part of it.”

Find us on Facebook.com/rabicharity1 13 Big-hearted rugby player raises £30k Regi nal News

R.A.B.I has county committees across England and Wales, who work at a local level to raise awareness of the charity as well as funds. Committees are the lifeblood of R.A.B.I and we very much value the time and effort that people put into supporting us. Only three wheels on my wagon She’s helped bring in Farmers have produced a the harvest, herded up calendar for 2016 called dairy cows and pulled a ‘The Adventures of Madge’ Caterpillar from a ditch, detailing her exploits on the but a Suffolk farmer’s ‘pride farm. All proceeds from the and joy’ – his three-wheel young farmers’ calendar Reliant Rialto ‘Del Boy’ van will be donated to R.A.B.I called Madge – is now and the family took all getting ready to put the of the photographs for it turkeys in their pens this themselves. Christmas! Robert’s wife Karen Robert Wrinch, an arable said: “We wanted to do farmer from Suffolk, was something that would given the three-wheel van make people smile while – similar to the one driven raising money for a very by the character Del Boy worthy charity. in the hit BBC 1980s sitcom “We cannot imagine not Only Fools and Horses – for having Madge around the his 50th birthday. Friends place.” delivered it to him dressed up as Batman and Robin, To order your copy of ‘The to recreate a famous YOU KNOW IT MAKES SENSE: Madge at work on the farm. Adventures of Madge’ scene from the sitcom. on the farm, carrying corn rounding up Mr Turnbull’s (price £10) contact Since then, ‘Madge’ has and rape and helping with turkeys for Christmas! regional manager lucy. become a regular sight the ploughing. Next up, is Stowmarket Young [email protected] Daisy encourages the milk guzzlers Classic Wadebridge wheels R.A.B.I R.A.B.I representatives were to encourage show-goers to join chairman invited to be guests on the NFU in their #milktastic promotion to Chris Riddle stand at the Moreton-in-Marsh support dairy farmers. People accepted a agricultural show. Around £180 were challenged to down a pint cheque from was raised, including £60 from of milk in the fastest possible time the Rotary Club Moreton-in-Marsh YFC who with the winner getting a meal of Wadebridge borrowed cow mascot ‘Daisy’ for two at a local restaurant. for £1,100. The money was raised at 47th annual Dorset show is a steamy a air the Wheels Around 50 people enjoyed Classic Vehicle a hog roast and salad at event, staged the 47th annual Great annually by Dorset Steam Fair show. the club at the They were then taken on Royal Cornwall a tour of the steam fair Showground. £1,000 for R.A.B.I site on trailers drawn by The club also and a further vintage steam engines, presented Chris with £1,000 for the Royal stopping off at the funfair a second cheque National Lifeboat and to see other exhibits. for £100 in memory Association (RNLI). The hog roast is hosted by of his father Albert Pictured with Chris the Hooper family at the Riddle, who died in (right) is Nick Old Dairy Yard in Tarrant, March. Pickles, president of Lanceston, with R.A.B.I Donations, in lieu the Rotary Club of committee members of flowers, raised Wadebridge. arranging the food. 14 Big-hearted rugby player raises £30k Forde Abbey opens doors to public Joules in crown Forde Abbey in Somerset Kennard, together with her (Summer Fair committee opened its doors to husband and parents, do member), Hugh Archer • Derbyshire R.A.B.I once hundreds of guests for an enormous amount of (Dorset R.A.B.I), Susan again hosted a Joules its annual summer fair. work and are incredibly Hooper (Dorset R.A.B.I clothing sale, this time Proceeds were split generous with their time.” committee chairman), at Sterndale Moor Social between R.A.B.I and Riding Pictured left to right at the Martin Roper and Lisa Club. More than 230 for the Disabled, with R.A.B.I presentation are: Tim Frost Roper (hosts / owners of people flocked to grab gratefully receiving a Forde Abbey), Philip bargains, with all clothing cheque for £14,000 in Crawford (Summer heavily discounted. October. Fair committee Derbyshire R.A.B.I Pam Wills, R.A.B.I member), Alice committee member regional manager Kennard (host / Kate Wainwright, who for the South West, owner of Forde organised the event, said: said: “The fair was Abbey), Julian “This is the most successful a huge success Kennard (host / sale we have held since again this year and owner of Forde we started organising this is the biggest Abbey) and a them three years ago.” amount we have representative from Milly Fyfe, R.A.B.I regional ever received. Alice Chard & District RDA. manager for the East Midlands, received a lovely message afterwards from Jose Byard which read: “Got some great Top notch testimonial! bargains! I’m so glad you raised so much. I can’t of money raised reflects think of a more worthy the high esteem in which cause. If it hadn’t been he is held, not just in for you I would have had Crymych and Wales, but to give up our family further afield too. We’re farm when my husband absolutely delighted and suffered a stroke last year. overwhelmed to receive You came to our rescue this substantial amount.” when no one else did and Malcolm Thomas added: my husband and children “John and the organising can never thank you committee can be enough.” extremely proud of Milly added: “Thank you themselves, as can the to everyone who came Crymych community. PRIDE OF WALES: Left to right are Wyn Gruffydd, pundit along and helped raise A great deal of effort, £1,290 for R.A.B.I.” and commentator for S4C, Linda Jones, John Davies and work and planning was Malcolm Thomas. required to ensure the Regional manager May, with proceeds going success of these events • Afternoon tea was laid Linda Jones and deputy to R.A.B.I, Arthritis Care, and they pulled it off in a on at Pistyll Isa, Y Nant, chairman Malcolm Crymych First Response tremendous way!” Holywell. More than 70 Thomas attended a and Grab Life by the John Davies, a tight head guests attended the cheque presentation Balls – The John Hartson rugby prop and farmer event, in the grounds evening at Crymych Foundation. The charity from north Pembrokeshire, of Menna and Brian Rugby Club in October, testimonial was a huge played professionally for Colclough’s farm. Menna following the John Davies success, raising £30k in Neath, Richmond and the and members of the charity testimonial events. total and £7,500 for R.A.B.I. Scarlets before returning Clwyd R.A.B.I county Former Welsh international Linda said: “I would like to to Crymych to captain his committee prepared a rugby player John held sincerely thank John for local club. wonderful variety of cakes a fashion show, gala choosing R.A.B.I to benefit He played more than 600 and sandwiches for a dinner, rugby match and from his charity testimonial games of first class rugby fiver. two auctions in April and events. The fantastic sum and won 34 Welsh caps. A cake stall and table- top sale also proved popular and the afternoon Allonby’s big match generated £635. Aboard a tractor is Barclays employee Gill Clark, with Cumbria • This year’s Worcester- county president George shire charity clay shoot Richardson, R.A.B.I regional brought in £175. Top gun manager Georgina Lamb, was Kevin O’Neill from the Allonby Ploughing Societies’ rep Barton Shoot team with Ian Halliwell, Cumbria county 90/100. chairman Pat Turnbull and R.A.B.I trustee Nicki Quayle. The Allonby • The Cheshire ploughing ploughing match at Silloth raised match at Frodsham raised £1,500 and this was match funded £458. by Barclays. For enquiries about welfare call the Helpline: 0808 281 9490 15 Haddon Hall in the family since 1567 ‘Story of Ted’ author tackles tough Endeavour Medieval avour for launch of new cherry bakewell ice cream Ice cream maker and a committee member Haddon Hall is one of the dialect poetry. The dairy farmer Malcolm of Derbyshire R.A.B.I, most important medieval woodwork of Robin Wood Sutton launched a new who held an evening of houses in the country and MBE was on display and an cherry bakewell flavoured entertainment and music at has been in the Manners auction raised £1,710 with ice cream in the town Haddon Hall on September family since 1567. a day’s shooting at Rufford of Bakewell at a R.A.B.I 18, by kind invitation of Lord At the fundraiser, Warren going for an impressive fundraiser. Malcolm is and Lady Manners. Slaney, head keeper at £620. The event – which Haddon Hall, spoke to was supported by Prescient guests about his role on Power, Bagshaws and the estate – managing Bakewell NFU Mutual – the game cover and raised £3,607. protecting the rivers from poachers. The Mosaic • Gate proceeds at an Octet Choir performed artisan food market at several choral and modern Haddon Hall in November pieces throughout the totalled £4,388. A further evening, while Phillip £580 was raised from the Holland recited his sales of Christmas cards wonderful Derbyshire and calendars. This means more than £8,500 has LEFT: R.A.B.I supporters been raised for R.A.B.I from and guests at Haddon Hall. Haddon Hall events. Oak Apple’s meal for 10 bought for £610 Muppets on march The most successful West An auction of promises / a meal for 10 supplied by by Pickstocks Telford Ltd) Yorkshire pub quiz to hog roast in a wedding Oak Apple Catering, which was bought by the bride’s date raised an impressive marquee was attended by went for £610. The raffle brother as a wedding gift. £550. The event started more than 200 people and alone small five years ago raised approximately £5k generated but a bigger venue in for R.A.B.I and Asthma UK. £450. Huddersfield was needed It was held in a marquee Pictured this year with numbers at Alkcroft Cottage in are Jonny capped at 80. A team Whitchurch, Shropshire Dymond, from Calderdale YFC, by kind invitation of Mark Laura despite showing lots of and Margaret Sayfritz Dickinson brain power, managed (newlyweds) and Richard and Kate to scoop the booby and Beryl Bradshaw (bride's Jones. This prize! The winning team parents). cow hide was The Muppets from The best lot of the night was (donated Huddersfield, by quite some margin. They played the game very tactically Generous farmers donate ewes to market by using their ‘joker Farmers in Brecon & Radnor on this campaign and together when there is a card’ (where teams can auctioned off ewes to raise we are very grateful for need.” double up their points) on £4,081 for R.A.B.I. their commitment and Elaine Stephens, vice-chair the music round, which The Brecon & Radnor dedication to our welfare of the Brecon & Radnor featured artists from committee launched the work in Brecon & Radnor. R.A.B.I committee, added: Yorkshire. As the quiz was ‘Bring a Broker to Market’ We’re also extremely “We were overwhelmed held at the Glocar Lily initiative during the last grateful to the farmers who with the kindness and pub there was a round on week of October – with donated animals in order generosity shown to us lilies – which ended with farmers donating a broker to help others.” at all the markets we the whole room singing or cull ewe, which is no Hugh Davies, treasurer attended. R.A.B.I helps Scaffold’s Lily The Pink! longer fit for breeding, to of the Brecon & Radnor many farming families in Quizzers also enjoyed their local market and the R.A.B.I committee and a Brecon & Radnor every several hearty helpings of proceeds going to R.A.B.I. NFU Mutual agent in Builth year and it is wonderful to meat and potato pie, with All the livestock markets Wells, came up with the be able to give something mushy peas and gravy. in Brecon & Radnor took idea for the scheme. He back. We also hope that Many thanks to West part in the scheme. Linda said: “All the auctioneers we’ve shown people what Yorkshire vice chairman Jones, R.A.B.I’s regional in Brecon & Radnor waived help is available to farming Frank Chislett and Paul manager for Wales, their fees and this initiative families and they can Dela Ross for running the said: “Our volunteers shows how the farming summon the courage to quiz. worked extremely hard community can pull call our helpline.” 16 Haddon Hall in the family since 1567 ‘Story of Ted’ author tackles tough Endeavour From RAG to riches Artists exhibit The enthusiastic 2015. Left to right RAG team from the are RAG chairman in lit-up barn Royal Agricultural Matt Davey, Kitty • Leicestershire artists University presented Campbell and Michael and Samantha the Gloucestershire Rachel Watling. Lester exhibited more committee with Accepting the than 80 of their works in a a cheque for cheque is committee farm barn at The Hollies £4,681.45 raised chairman and farmer in Copston Magna. The during RAG Week David Hewlett. barn, which belongs to R.A.B.I supporters David and Anne Toone, Singing farmer was transformed into a Ken Jackson, better temporary art gallery with known as one of carpets and lighting. An the Singing Farmers, incredible £4,000 will be performed with his divided equally between granddaughter and R.A.B.I and The Richard grandson’s girlfriend Mayne Foundation, which at Kilham Village Hall supports the children’s in East Yorkshire to charity Kidasha. raise around £900 for R.A.B.I. Pictured are the • The Brecon & Radnor performers with friends committee held a and family. successful quiz night at the Black Mountain Lodge Countryle presenter holds bucket collection on tour in Glasbury, which posed some testing questions A collection bucket at life, his TV career and on British agriculture. He for 10 teams. Beef rolls ‘An evening with Adam the Cotswold Farm Park, was very positive about were supplied courtesy Henson’ at the Theatre together with his thoughts the future of farming and of Hybu Cig Cymru, Meat Severn in this enthusiasm clearly Promotion Wales. A fun- Shrewsbury came across in his talk. filled, sociable evening raised £154.30 for People were able to raised £568. R.A.B.I. meet Adam after the Adam, a show for photographs presenter on and a book signing. • Low cloud and no BBC’s Countryfile, Pictured left to right sight of the horizon made toured four are Rob Ellison, Kate things difficult for those theatres with his Jones, Adam Henson, competing in the Isle of show. Audiences Christine Downes, John Wight ploughing match learnt about Downes and Barbara at New Wolverton Farm Adam’s farming Ellison. near Shorwell. Geoff Case and David Lomas kindly provided tractor and trailer rides on behalf of R.A.B.I, with George ‘Gruelling beyond compare’ Pimm and Peter Baynes assisting. Their efforts Sally Anne Oultram we had to jump a gang secured £90. (pictured) described plank with scuba divers the Swanbourne waiting in the water. Endeavour 10k extreme Sally Anne’s time • Scarsdale Vets in race as ‘gruelling was 3hrs 47secs and Derbyshire hosted an beyond compare’ but donations are still evening of lively debate, she completed the coming in. led by Professor Jon challenge to raise more Sally Anne is a Huxley. The debate than £350 for R.A.B.I and committed supporter of focused on milk £705 for the Rare Breeds R.A.B.I who won the NFU production and was Survival Trust. Countryside Champion entitled ‘cash cow or Sally explained: “I of Champions award in sacred cow’? Sixty-five entered the Endeavour 2013. people attended and last year but was taken ill She works as an equine £400 was raised for R.A.B.I. before the race. Out of ambassador for the Rare Thanks to Bluebell for the blue the organisers Breeds Survival Trust and donating ice cream. contacted me to say helps educate people ‘you paid your entry last about heavy horses • Women’s Food and year, we’ll let you run with her faithful sidekick, Farming Union (WFU) this year’. It’s a merciless Ted the Clyesdale. She presented a cheque for race and we went has penned a series of £400 to Ceredigion R.A.B.I through four ponds and children’s books called county committee chair a water feature where ‘The Story of Ted’. Cheryl Bulman.

Visit the website: www.rabi.org.uk 17 Surrey sausage event raises £15,000 Fashion show highlights winter season range

Bob the Cob’s Seasons to be cheerful country hack

• Nottinghamshire for Pirbright butcher county chairman Rob Bower once again hosted Butcher Tony Fulk’s but my dad, who was also waited on guests and the the annual Sue Duffin ‘Pirbright herbs’ sausage a butcher, always made night raised more than memorial ride at Manor has been named the finest good sausages. He told £15,000 for R.A.B.I. MC Tim Farm, Carburton. in Surrey! me ‘if you make good Kenny kept proceedings Riders enjoyed a two The Surrey committee sausages, you’ll make a flowing and R.A.B.I trustee hour gentle hack across organised a competition good business’. Malcolm Thomas also country lanes and bridle to find the best sausage in “The secret is high quality spoke to diners about paths before tucking into Surrey and veteran Tony, meat and natural skins, the charity’s work and refreshments back at the who has been a butcher in along with seasoning, such latest initiatives. John and farm. Pirbright for 60 years, won as sage, thyme, salt and Georgina Emerson, who More than £250 was out at the charity’s dinner pepper.” suffered during the Foot raised for R.A.B.I thanks to at the Wotton Hotel in Around 170 guests and Mouth crisis, gave a donations. Dorking. A delighted Tony attended the Dorking personal account of how said: “I was a bit surprised, dinner, where they R.A.B.I helped them, while sampled and TV presenter and vet • A successful quiz voted for their Steve Leonard entertained evening was held by favourite locally everyone with stories about the Hampshire R.A.B.I produced his career, including ‘the committee at the sausage from top 10 ways to die at the Jubilee Hall in Bishops the shortlisted hands of a wild animal’. Waltham. The evening finalists. was a sell-out with 242 Members of people, young and old, Beare Green attending, including Young Farmers teams from Stockbridge Club served and Alresford YFCs. drinks and Quizmaster James Plant kept everyone in order ABOVE: Tony Fulk receives his award from Alex Hill, throughout the evening representing competition sponsors Porky Whites. RIGHT: and guests tucked into Guest speaker Steve Leonard. Photos: Julian Portch a fabulous ploughman’s Photography platter of meats and cheeses. Kurt Nelson from Barclays came along and 65 for Sunday lunch assisted with the evening. Newly-formed committee up and running Generous match funding Leicestershire county from Barclays, a raffle, an chairman Veronica auction and a heads and Sutton and husband tails competition meant Brian (pictured) held £4,506 was raised. a Sunday lunch at home for 65 people to raise around £1,300 for • Following a successful R.A.B.I. ‘Meet the Chairman’ at Sharnford Tractors Frogmary Green Farm helped with some in 2014, members of the of the overheads as South West committees everyone sat down requested something to roast beef and a similar this year. selection of puddings. A visit was arranged to Mary Quicke’s Farm at Newton St Cyres and, in lovely autumn sunshine, 18 committee members enjoyed a fascinating guided tour of the cheese The Yorkshire newly-formed committee’s first factory, store and farm. Building Society Monmouthshire donation and The trip ended with a agency, based R.A.B.I county Neil said: “It’s a delicious high tea at the at F R Ball committee, wonderful start in farm café. Insurance Ltd in with a cheque Monmouthshire Mary Quicke proved Abergavenny, for £100 from and we are all to be an inspirational presented Linda their charitable looking forward speaker and her passion Jones, regional foundation to our first event, for farming and cheese- manager for (pictured). a quiz night at the making was clearly Wales and Neil It was the Monmouthshire evident. Smith, from the Monmouthshire Livestock Centre.

18 Surrey sausage event raises £15,000 Fashion show highlights winter season range

ere’s one man to 170 women in Cumbria Beagles cap has notable feather • At the Petworth ploughing match in West Sussex the R.A.B.I team raised £1,000 by providing 145 lunches for the ploughmen, judges, committee people and Lord and Lady Egremont. The match took place at Pallingham Manor Farm near Wisborough Green and the Petworth & District Agricultural Society The fashion show at Richardson, who raised £2,000 with committee to invited the West Sussex the Greenhill Hotel were treated to match funding organise the event. R.A.B.I committee to in Wigton, Cumbria a host of designs from Barclays and Thanks also to the provide the ploughmen’s was attended by and styles for the R.A.B.I trustee Nicky models (pictured) lunches. 170 women and autumn and winter Quayle worked and dressers. In one man, county season stocked by hard alongside the total, £4,200 was • A ‘Women in Farming’ president George Bron-ja. The raffle rest of the Cumbria raised. event in Harrogate in October was supported by Barclays and Coles in conjunction with R.A.B.I. Kate Dale from the Black tie dinner in castle Yorkshire Rural Support The Duke of Northumberland Network organised the allowed R.A.B.I to use event and R.A.B.I regional his castle (pictured) for manager Sally Conner a fundraising dinner addressed the audience. and dance. R.A.B.I’s A raffle made £100 for Northumberland committee R.A.B.I. staged a black tie dinner and dance in the guest hall The Merionethshire of Alnwick Castle on Friday • county committee held November 13. a Sunday supper at Rhiw Sally Conner, R.A.B.I regional Goch, Trawsfynydd. manager for the North East, A two-course carvery said: “As you can imagine, was enjoyed by all and we felt privileged that the approximately £450 was Duke of Northumberland was raised on the evening. kind enough to let us use his guest hall for what turned out to be a very enjoyable • Robert Pickard was evening. R.A.B.I plays an invited to represent R.A.B.I important role within the at a ceremonial meeting Northumberland farming for the start of the 90th community, helping those in season of the Bolebroke hardship.” Beagles. The event was Around 120 guests attended held at Bolebroke Wood the event (which was Farm near Bolebroke sponsored by Barclays) and Castle, which was where more than £3,000 was made. the first Bolebroke Beagles meeting was held in 1925. More than 200 people Liam gets a quad bike from grandad for third birthday attended and Robert was presented with the ‘cap’ Martin Foster submitted about the charity and containing donations of this photograph, the good causes it £1,125. saying: “Here is my carries out, but after grandson Liam Malcolm winning the quad bike • R.A.B.I supporters celebrating his third and researching on the visited the Wool Room’s birthday on the quad web I am very impressed pilot store in Stamford, bike that my wife and with a great, caring Lincolnshire, where MD I won after entering charity and the good Chris Tattersall gave an your very worthwhile work it does to help our overview of the history of charity draw at the agricultural fraternity.” the brand. Great Yorkshire Show. PS “Liam says ‘ta very The event raised £450. We didn’t know much much’!” Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/rabicharity 19 Couple complete fourth half-marathon of year Ladies brave the rain in designer outts

Bingo nights at Keeping Jake’s memory Livestock Centre • The Oak Veterinary alive by helping others Group held an open day at their Prendergast Following the sudden Place Farm Practice death of Jake Gardner in in Haverfordwest, 2012, his family has been Pembrokeshire. A cake honouring his name by stall and raffle helped fundraising for R.A.B.I. raise money for several Jake’s father Simon local charities. donned the ‘Daisy the Beth Morgan and John Cow’ suit at an open day Wheeler presented event and recently ran regional manager the Oxford Half-Marathon, Linda Jones and Helen with his sister Jackie Williams (Pembrokeshire and brother-in-law Nev R.A.B.I ladies committee Cambray. That was part of chairman) with a cheque an effort by the Cambrays for £75 at the Welsh Dairy to run four half-marathons Show in Carmarthen. in 2015, which has raised more than £1,000. The Carmarthenshire Jake died tragically in a • county committee holds car accident in 2012, aged OXFORD RUNNERS: Nev and Jackie Cambray and Simon seven monthly bingo just 19. Gardner. nights at the mart café Following his death, his for a tractor run that R.A.B.I’s regional manager in the Carmarthenshire parents Simon and Jenny raised more than £1,285. for South Central, said: Livestock Centre per year, spoke to his friends and The family’s local pub, “Seeing how Jake's friends thanks to the support of discovered that he had The Hollow Bottom, also and family have pulled BJP Marts. These nights been planning to do some entered a team of girls into together in this way is both raise more than £1,000 for fundraising for R.A.B.I, a the Edinburgh marathon. humbling and inspirational. R.A.B.I every year. charity which at the time Donations from Jake’s "By fundraising for us, they Arwyn Jones of they knew very little about. funeral went to R.A.B.I, are keeping his memory Llanddarog generously Since then, the whole taking the overall total to alive and helping others gives his time to put family has become more than £6,800. right across the farming on the bingo, while involved in promoting Jake was a country boy, community. We are committee members R.A.B.I’s work whilst typical of many Young extremely grateful for their supply refreshments. remembering Jake –a Farmer members, who was support." popular farmer who never happier than when After completing her fourth started his own agricultural he was driving a tractor half-marathon of 2015 in • Around £1,000 was business after attending with his mates. Oxford, Jake’s aunt Jackie made at the Bedale Hartpury College. He was just starting to Cambray said: “We had Town Hall Book Fair in Last year, a parade of 33 establish himself as a a fabulous run and I must North Yorkshire. These are new and vintage tractors contractor, doing general admit to feeling quite held twice yearly – Alyse took to the roads in Guiting farm work, when his life was emotional now that we Faulds has always played Power in Gloucestershire cut short. Jenni Thompson, have completed them all.” a major role in organising the book fairs but she is retiring. Every painful step of the way MP drops in on Turnditch show David Burke and Denny Gibson presented Alyse Well done Caroline Wilson, an area sales The Turnditch Secretary of State with some flowers in manager for New Holland (pictured), who and Windley for Transport, recognition of all her hard ran the Great North Run for R.A.B.I. show committee Patrick McLoughlin work. Caroline completed in 2hrs 36mins 54 provided good (pictured with seconds and said: “I ran all the way, every support towards R.A.B.I regional The annual Hull Corn painful step.” R.A.B.I at their manager Milly • & Feed Trade Association September event. Fyfe). Ltd dinner was held at the R.A.B.I’s Mercure Hull Grange Park Derbyshire Hotel in Hull on October 8. committee Around 350 guests sat had a down to dinner and the great day association – always promoting very supportive of R.A.B.I upcoming – presented regional events and manager Sally Conner visitors to with a cheque for £2,000. the stand Thanks to Rob Brocklesby, included president and the local association’s members. MP and

20 Couple complete fourth half-marathon of year Ladies brave the rain in designer outts Hereford Fallows funding matched by Barclays Pig racing held handover The Fallows family by Mark Simcock, meal vouchers. On Thursday (pictured) once ranging from Approximately £4,500 in village hall November again put on a Christmas cakes was raised with the 5 the fundraising supper and handmade total further boosted • Wynnstay’s first sheep Herefordshire with an auction of bird boxes to by match funding of and beef conference Agricultural promises at Whiston sheepskin rugs and £2,000 from Barclays. at Welshpool Livestock Club dinner Village Hall. Centre provided a useful was held at The event was networking platform for Lyde Court, co-ordinated regional manager Linda Hereford. by Staffordshire Jones. Two members of Funds totalling committee the Cardigan branch £300 were member Elsie of Wynnstay, Chris presented Fallows and Thomas and Dai Jones, to R.A.B.I’s around 120 along with Paul Butcher Kate Jones by items were (Zoetis Animal Health) Anthony Snell. auctioned and Lisa Thomas raised £800 for R.A.B.I and the Wales Air Ambulance Alresford show by completing the JCP Solicitors Swansea Half • R.A.B.I ran two Pembrokeshire Marathon. competitions at the Alresford Show in Hampshire in The Gloucestershire September. The net for • Root Fruit and Grain the ‘guess the number of turns on style Society Tillage event balloons’ competition was in Chipping Camden suspended from a beautifully R.A.B.I was nominated and Boutique. The NFU provided an opportunity restored Trafalgar blue Morris as one of two charities Cymru marquee was the for Gloucestershire Minor, loaned by Sheridan to benefit from the venue for a cheese and machinery dealerships Bailey. A ‘hook a duck’ Pembrokeshire County wine fundraising effort, to show off their kit competition was held for Show, by show president also arranged by the and work the land to children. Both proved hugely Ian Fudge and his wife Pembrokeshire Ladies give demonstrations to popular and helped R.A.B.I Lesley. R.A.B.I county committee. visitors. R.A.B.I was invited to raise more than £700 at Their other chosen charity Around 150 people to attend by society the show. was the Catrin Vaughan attended this event, Foundation. including NFU presidents chairman Richard Albutt, A service collection on Stephen James and who even organised a ‘fill • Doris Buckle, a the eve of the show and Meurig Raymond. your boots’ fundraiser on tireless fundraiser a ladies’ day reception Linda Jones, regional the day that made £80. for R.A.B.I (pictured) raffle raised more than manager for Wales, said: has passed away. £2,200 for the two “Thank you to the NFU in Forty walkers She was 83. Doris organised • charities. Pembrokeshire for their gathered at the Apley an annual Christmas quiz There was an excellent unstinting support.” Estate in Shifnal for a in the village of Glooston turnout for the show Other fundraising walk supported by the in Leicestershire where she service and the activities organised by Shropshire committee lived. The event has raised Pembrokeshire ladies the Pembrokeshire R.A.B.I that raised around £300 more than £7,000 for R.A.B.I braved wind and rain to ladies included a hamper for R.A.B.I and Stockton and £11,000 for MacMillan attend the ladies’ day raffle and a lucky birthday Church. Walkers could Care. At her funeral it was reception in their fineries. diary. choose from two circular said that Doris never wanted A fashion show was The Pembrokeshire ladies private routes, thanks to to become a little old lady organised by Lesley also held a fashion show Lord and Lady Hamilton. and would care for those Fudge, who chose to on October 6 at Image By much younger than her. She highlight the work of local Vanessa in Milford Marina, was full of life right up to her • More than £1,500 designer Kai Stewart Milford Haven. Vanessa was raised at the death and will be hugely and collections from and her models helped missed by many. Kirkbymoorside Golf Club the online Jaxxon House stage a fantastic evening fundraiser, despite the Fashion Design Studio which raised £800. cold weather. The event was organised by the Steve’s e orts go well beyond 10 Great North Runs North Yorkshire ‘A1 East’ committee and special The function room at Spring Run for R.A.B.I in September. thanks go to Paige Dalby, Grove House was full of Steve was presented Steven Swift and Garry R.A.B.I supporters for the with a trustee’s Award in Davies. annual county dinner. 2009 for his efforts and his Shropshire dairy farmer enthusiasm and motivation • Battery powered pink Roger Evans was guest has not waned. Pictured pigs raced for R.A.B.I at speaker and Steve Morris, left to right are Andrew Copythorn Village Hall, a successful agricultural Goodman, Worcestershire raising more than £300. merchant, presented a committee treasurer, Kate Special thanks to Romsey cheque for £3,675 after Jones, regional manager YFC for running the bar. running his 10th Great North and Steve Morris. For enquiries about welfare call the Helpline: 0808 281 9490 21 ‘Survivor’ takes two days to get mud out of hair

6-1 winner of Guest brings a charity hurdle Mud, glorious TV crew along • A sum of £1,703.85 was • Fresh By Nature, a raised at the Ceredigion 6-1 shot ridden by Harry mud.... county committee beef Bannister, was the winner dinner in Llanarth. Yvonne of the Royal Agricultural It took two days for her Evans, S4Cs weather Benevolent Institution to get the mud out of her presenter, was the guest Charity Claiming Hurdle at hair, but Emma Mashiter speaker and she also Southwell Racecourse. (right) says tackling the brought her tv crew The racecourse held its Born Survivor Challenge with her for an outside first ever farmers race day for R.A.B.I was worth all the broadcast for S4Cs nightly on November 9 in aid of pain. Emma raised £600 by magazine programme R.A.B.I and Notts Young undertaking the arduous ‘Heno’. During the Farmers. Mark Clayton, test of a 10k army assault mud was so thick you had evening, the Lampeter Racecourse General course in Manchester. to help pull each other Discussion Group Manager, said: “We take Emma, a farmer’s out.” presented a cheque for great pride in our renewed daughter from Lancaster, Emma would like to £520. position in the heart of said: “You were put in thank SJ Bargh (the milk the Nottinghamshire rural mud, then water, over haulage firm she works • Every autumn, the community, and working walls, followed by mud for), Dennison Trailers and Bucks committee with both R.A.B.I and Notts again. It was extremely IT firm Black Bear for their organises a wonderful Young Farmers.” tough, but great fun. The support and sponsorship. dinner for supporters. This year’s event was at St • Regional manager Katherine’s of Parmoor, a Jenni Thompson was beautiful country house invited to a customer retreat with a fascinating autumn seminar hosted history. Ninety-eight by Barclays, Ellacotts people attended the and Robinson and Hall in dinner and over £3,500 Buckingham. She spoke was raised for R.A.B.I. about her work and donations and sales raised • Bois Y Gilfach, a male £313. voice choir consisting of members from mid • Staff at the West and south Ceredigion Bromwich Building Society chose R.A.B.I as their in Newtown made soup charity of the year for hungry passers-by and performed at 16 on Friday November 13 concerts in Ceredigion, to raise £60 for R.A.B.I. Carmarthenshire and Tricia Jones, manager Brecknockshire. Chairman of the building society, Arwel Jones presented is also a member of regional manager Linda R.A.B.I’s Montgomeryshire Jones with a cheque for committee. £800. He said: “Many of our members are farmers and we wanted The Cobra Rugby • Royal approval for Norwich’s pop-up shop to support R.A.B.I as the Club at Meifod in Norfolk committee members have been selling Christmas charity does so much to Montgomeryshire cards at the Norwich Christmas pop-up shop for the past help farming families.” presented Joan Watkins 10 years, and the shop is now in its 50th year. This year, from the Montgomeryshire the shop was opened by the Queen, or rather an actor • A Suffolk quiz night county committee with a who is playing the part of the Queen in a production cheque for £250 following attracted 13 teams and called ‘Handbagged’. Sally Mitchell from the Norfolk raised around £800. There the National Eisteddfod of committee (pictured right) went along to the opening. Wales’ visit to the area. was also a raffle with an unusual prize, a rabbit trap! • Bill and Julia Mellor from Stockport celebrated their 21st wedding • Jane Beck Welsh anniversary and raised Blankets, based in £415 for R.A.B.I. Ceredigion, held a vintage tea party to raise £588.55 for R.A.B.I. Jane The Merionethshire • has the largest collection county committee raised of vintage and new Welsh £200 by holding a raffle at blankets anywhere in the their annual county show world, all housed in a tin in Harlech. shed.

22 ‘Survivor’ takes two days to get mud out of hair Regional Welfare Ocers For welfare enquiries please contact our Helpline number 0808 281 9490 (Oxford)

TOM ARMSTRONG SUZIE PATON MERIEL EDWARDS NORTH SOUTH CENTRAL ENGLAND SOUTH WEST WALES Northumberland, County Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Durham, Scotland (north), Gloucestershire Pembrokeshire (south), Avon

JOHN BASNETT CLAIRE CRICHARD NE ENGLAND CATHY DENSLOW SOUTH EAST WALES & BORDERS Yorkshire, Derbyshire SOUTH ENGLAND Brecon & Radnor, Glamorgan, Somerset (south), Dorset, Monmouthshire, Worcestershire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight Gloucestershire (north), JILL LINE Herefordshire NE ENGLAND Lincolnshire, Riding of East SALLY HUBBARD Yorkshire EAST ENGLAND LIZ HOARE Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk SOUTH WEST ENGLAND Cornwall, Devon JACKIE CLEGG NORTH WEST ENGLAND PAT DOBSON Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, SE ENGLAND All enquiries to our welfare department will be Staffordshire, Merseyside Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex (east & dealt with in the strictest confidence west), Kent, Middlesex, Essex, London SARA GARNER MIDLANDS Warwickshire, Northants, MEL JONES Nottinghamshire, Bedfordshire, NORTH WALES & SHROPSHIRE Leicestershire, Hertfordshire, Anglesey, Conwy, Caernarfon, Buckinghamshire, West Midlands Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham Merionethshire, Shropshire, Montgomeryshire, Policeman picks up pen to become writer

• Organisers of the Brailsford ploughing match in Shropshire IAgSA at Leebotwood Village Hall in October. Derbyshire kindly donated a pitch for R.A.B.I to use and committee members sold cards and Christmas cards. A • The sun shone for the annual September market day ‘guess the name of the cow’ competition was also held in The Square, Shrewsbury. Cakes sold quickly and the and more than £200 was raised. day made £524.65.

• Policeman turned crime writer Roger A Price spoke • A huge array of vehicles gathered at the National to 40 guests at the St Nicholas Centre in Halewood near Forest Adventure Farm for the Thomas Pegg memorial Liverpool about his varied career. Roger spent 32 years road run, arranged by Caroline Pegg. The event made in the police force, working his way up the ranks to head £1,000 for R.A.B.I and YES. covert operations in the UK, Europe and the far east. He then turned his hand to writing, penning books such as • The Clwyd county committee held a café afternoon ‘By Their Rules’ and ‘Another Menace’. Guests enjoyed at Cilcain Village Hall. Members baked an array of cakes lasagne and homemade puddings and the night raised items and donated items for a table-top sale. A raffle £650. was also held during the afternoon and £260 was raised.

• The Swan at Draycott-in-the-Clay hosted a family • Around 50 people gathered at Hilderstone Village Hall fun day on August 30. Generous match funding from for a bingo night that generated £700. Barclays meant more than £1,400 was raised. • Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Herd competitions • Lots of visitors stopped to say ‘hello’ at R.A.B.I’s stall have closed down and the committee has decided to at Countryside Live in Harrogate, North Yorkshire on donate the remaining funds in their bank account to October 17 and 18. More than £900 was raised on the R.A.B.I. This donation has been sent in segments and will stand over the two days with a quad bike also being total £3,240.99. raffled to bring in £1,350. The raffle winner was Mr Foster from Pool in Wharfedale. • Warwickshire chair Helen Moore hosted the annual Warwickshire tractor run on Sunday October 25. More • Another wedding marquee was put to good use than 20 tractors enjoyed the Warwickshire countryside to raise funds for R.A.B.I and Lingen Davies on Sunday and access to Grove Park and the event made £565. September 27 at Earls Ditton, by kind invitation of Brian and Sandra Roberts. More than £570 was donated to R.A.B.I. • The Mid Cheshire Farmers’ Club’s annual Christmas bash has raised more than £10,000 for R.A.B.I over the years, mainly through raffles and auctions. Around 120 • A cheque for £50 was presented to West Midlands farmers’ club members and guests attended the event regional manager Kate Jones by representatives of at Statham Lodge Hotel, Lymm.

Visit the website: www.rabi.org.uk 23 Diary Dates Regional Managers December 12 Quiz night, Hadnall Village Hall 17 Northants Christmas event, Flore Fields 15 Farmhouse breakfast, Hellingly Village Hall, EAST - LUCY BELLEFONTAINE 17 Carol evening, Salisbury Market East Sussex Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, 19 Auction at Holsworthy poultry sale, Devon 17 Farmhouse breakfast, The Stock Pot, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire 20 Merionethshire Christmas concert, Bala Ashford Mobile: 07739 297374 18 Farmhouse breakfast, Dog & Duck, Tel: 01728 638 877 January Canterbury, Kent Email: lucy.bellefontaine@rabi. 10 Plough service, Reaseheath College 19 Burns night supper, Dawlish Warren, Devon org.uk 13 Farmhouse breakfast, Hollingbourne, Kent 22 Farmhouse breakfast, Carlisle Twitter.com/RABIEast 17 Plough service, Rochester Cathedral 24 Farmhouse breakfast, Winkworth Farm, 20 Farmhouse breakfast, Greenfield Shooting Wilts School, Canterbury 25 Snowdrop walk at Colesbourne Park NORTH EAST – SALLY CONNER 21 Quiz night, Monmouthshire Livestock 25 Farmhouse breakfast, Manor Farm Barn, North Yorkshire, County Durham, Centre Southfleet, Kent Northumberland, East Yorkshire 21 Farmhouse breakfast, Griggs, St Austell 27 Bucks Farmers Ball, Milton Keynes Mobile: 07818 093506 24 Quiz night, Kingham Plough, Chipping Tel: 01964 541400 Norton March Email: [email protected] 24 Soup on Sunday, Smethcott, Shrewsbury 1 Lincolnshire Farming Conference Twitter.com/RABINorthEast 26 Farmhouse breakfast, Weald of Kent Golf 1 Farmhouse breakfast, Spring Barn Farm, 27 Farmhouse breakfast, Warwickshire Lewes 28 Farmhouse breakfast, Westlands Farm 5 Whitechapel dinner & dance, Lancs Shop, Hants 17 Barclays quiz, Corn Exchange, Bourne SOUTH EAST – SALLY FIELD 28 Farmhouse breakfast, York Auction Mart 17 Staffordshire dinner Hampshire, IOW, Berkshire, Surrey, 29 Warwickshire Farmers Ball 19 Rossendale scout band night, Samlesbury Sussex, Kent 30&31 Lambing weekend, Sparsholt College 30 Joules clothing sale, Towcester RFC Mobile: 07799 798441 Tel: 01903 882741 February April Email: [email protected] 3 Yorkshire Agricultural Show, York 1 Spring into Spring, County Durham Twitter.com/RABISouthEast 4 Farmhouse breakfast, Hempstead House 6 Cogent 20th anniversary dinner, Cheshire Hotel, Bapchild, Kent 7 Fashion show, Golden Fleece, Thirsk WEST MIDLANDS - KATE JONES 5 NSA Winter Fair, Melton Mowbray 8 Joules clothing sale, Holbeach Staffordshire, Shropshire, 7 Plough Service, Chichester Cathedral Community Centre, Lincs West Midlands, Warwickshire, 9 Farmhouse breakfast, Bartholomew’s Barn, 10 Notts agricultural charities lunch Worcestershire, Herefordshire KIrdford, West Sussex 12 Oxfordshire Christ Church college dinner Mobile: 07876 492839 10 Farmhouse breakfast, Elham, Kent 21 Pub quiz, Wigston, York Email: [email protected] Get a head start with a hearty breakfast Twitter.com/RABIWestMids The most important meal R.A.B.I. Guests can simply make NORTH WEST - GEORGINA LAMB of the day? a donation to enjoy a delicious Cumbria, Lancashire, South Breakfast matters for start to the day. And remember, & West Yorkshire Merseyside, all-round health and farmhouse breakfasts are as much Cheshire wellbeing and the about celebrating nutritious British Mobile: 07917 114250 Farmhouse Breakfast arable produce such as granola Email: [email protected] Twitter.com/RABINorthWest campaign runs and fresh bread, as eggs, bacon throughout the first two months of and sausages. For a fundraising 2016, with a peak of activity in the campaign information pack, please last week of January (24-31). We contact Beth Steiner at beth.steiner@ SOUTH CENTRAL – JENNI THOMPSON Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, want people to organise or even rabi.org.uk or Victoria Randall at Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire host a breakfast to raise funds for [email protected] Mobile: 07919 478518 Tel: 01935 826726 Email: [email protected]. uk How to order your calendar for 2016 Twitter.com/Country_jent Farming in Focus – the Royal Trust. We very much value this support Agricultural Benevolent Institution’s and all of the proceeds from the sale of EAST MIDLANDS – MILLY FYFE Lincolnshire, Rutland, calendar for 2016 – is supported by this increasingly popular calendar will Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust and go directly to supporting our work in the Derbyshire, Northamptonshire features rural scenes donated by farming world.” Mobile: 07525 323450 some of the best photographers in the The calendar, featuring high quality Tel: 01788 823739 industry. images portraying diverse scenes from Email: [email protected] Twitter.com/millywastie R.A.B.I chief the farming executive Paul year, comes SOUTH WEST - PAM WILLS Burrows said: “This in two formats Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, is the 10th year and is selling Somerset that Farming in out fast. Mobile: 07825 336224 Focus has been The wall Tel: 01398 361819 supported by calendar costs Email: [email protected] Twitter.com/SouthWest photographic £7.50 and members of the desktop the British Guild version £4. To WALES - LINDA JONES of Agricultural order direct, Mobile: 07557 363016 Journalists and telephone Tel: 01559 364850 the ninth year 01268 888063 Email: [email protected] that it has been (postage Twitter.com/rabicymru_wales sponsored by the & packing NFU Charitable charges apply). Want to receive R.A.B.I news? Contact Rob Harris at [email protected] or phone 01865 811600 24