. . . R A B I newsSUMMER 2017 THE MAGAZINE OF THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION Supporting farming families www.rabi.org.uk Riders in the sky! Page 23

Awards for fundraisers Pages 4-5 Farm Safety Week: Wyn’s story page 10 From page 2 From the chairman April 4 A meeting of the Brecon & Radnor committee in 157th AGM is A while ago, one of our supporters asked me what I did as Builth Wells – on the Royal Welsh Showground – chairman of R.A.B.I.From In this column, the I thought chairman it might be a good under the chairmanship of Elaine Stephens. idea to detail some of the things I’ve been involved with during the past three months. April 5 held in Oxford I returned to Builth to discuss preparations for the February 21-22 Urdd National Eisteddfod which will be held on the Two days at the NFU Conference in Birmingham. It was a great showground in 2018. There’s nothing like planning opportunity to catch up with lots of supporters and spread the ahead. word about the work of R.A.B.I. The NFU supported us as their Facing charity of choice for the collection at their conference dinner so April 6 I’d like to express a huge thank you to them. A visit to London to meet with Troy Investments, who look after part of R.A.B.I’s investments, a vital part of up to the February 26 the charity’s financial portfolio. R.A.B.I’s Cheshire committee kindly invited me to their Sunday future lunch in Northwich and it was a splendid event. However, as a April 14 result of the dismal performance of the Welsh rugby side against Attended a dinner in remembrance of Chris Hunt Page 7 the Scots the day before – and a great deal of shouting at the in Aberaeron. The men did all the cooking and FULL HOUSE: At R.A.B.I’s 157th AGM. TV – my voice was a croak at best. I have promised to attend a waited on tables, while the ladies relaxed and Chairman Malcolm Thomas Charles Smith, CEO of the future event in full voice. enjoyed themselves. A lovely evening in memory of told guests at the annual Farming Community Network. a wonderful lady. general meeting and The speaker was Sarah March 1-2 conference that the need for Dunning OBE, whose farming Set off for Oxford for the regular meeting of the charity’s April 18 -21 help is ‘constant’ and R.A.B.I’s family launched the fundraising & development team who were all in good heart. On A full week! Firstly, there was another six-hour drive work is ‘more important than highly-acclaimed Tebay Great the second day I met with our auditors, Martin & Company, to across to Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk to R.A.B.I’s ever’. Services and Gloucester discuss the year end audit. residential care home, Manson House. The welfare Speaking to more than motorway service stations. department held a meeting and it is always great 200 supporters and guests Sarah, who was awarded the British March 13-15 to catch up with our team of welfare officers, who in Oxfordshire on May 17, OBE in 2014 for services to the A six-hour car trip to Beverley in Yorkshire, but it was worth it. do such sterling work in dealing with both existing Malcolm announced that the food and drink industry, said: Beef We are fortunate to have the Bishop Burton College principal, and potential beneficiaries. Then, it was a drive up charity had paid out grants of “People don’t buy what you Jeanette Dawson, as one of our R.A.B.I trustees and she kindly to Norfolk to take part in a R.A.B.I quiz organised £2.1 million last year to 1,375 sell, they buy why you sell it.” Week invited the council to the college for one of our regular meetings. by the Norfolk committee, with Jenny Youngs individuals and families. At the AGM, Joshua Hosier We were also able to fit in a grants committee meeting and a in control. The next day we held our ‘meet the Of this, around £450k went and Chris D’Olley were ‘meet the chairman’ in the north east. The latter gives grass-roots chairman’ East Anglia event at the Salle Estate, to working people and/or re-elected to serve second Page 11 supporters and volunteers an opportunity to discuss and raise courtesy of Sir John White. It was a truly inspiring visit. dependants. terms as trustees, but Pat issues with trustees and senior staff. The college looked after us “Those figures clearly Davies stepped down after extremely well and we were given a guided tour of the extensive May 3 demonstrate the pressures four years. Former chairman campus. I was thoroughly impressed, not just with the wide range In London to meet with Rathbones Bros PLC, who many farmers are under,” he Chris Riddle also became a of courses, qualifications and facilities on offer, but also the very handle charity investments, at their new offices in said. vice-president. Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution obvious respect that students and staff alike displayed, both to Finsbury Circus. London was as hectic as ever. “There is a lot of hardship Pat Davies said: “I’ve met each other and to us as visitors. I commented that if I was 18 We are a welfare charity that helps farming and many difficulties in our some inspirational people, again I would be very keen to enrol. Jeanette stopped me in May 9-11 rural areas. This year, we’ve climbed Snowdon and people in financial difficulty. In 2016 we gave out my tracks to confirm there are many opportunities for the more Oxford again for a meeting with R.A.B.I’s senior grants of £2 million to 1,357 individuals / families. already given out more than made mashed potatoes in mature student – ouch! management team. We are fortunate to have such £637k. Calls to the charity are Warwickshire. It’s been a We also offer practical help and always work in committed and talented staff. The following day running at the same level as humbling and very rewarding confidence, with compassion and discretion. March 19 there was a grants committee meeting, looking at 2016, despite the fact that experience.” I had a much shorter journey to Steve and Joyce James’ Sunday the latest applications for help and support – always Registered office: Shaw House, 27 West Way, Oxford we’ve not had the flooding Lord Plumb paid tribute to lunch in Llawhaden, Pembrokeshire. It was another superb event a sobering experience. problems we had last year R.A.B.I by saying: “Keep up OX2 0QH Registered charity number: 208858 (despite one of the cookers proving awkward) and everything in the north. That, to me, the good work and keep ran like clockwork, as you’d expect with Joyce in charge! Steve May 15-18 shows the work of R.A.B.I is helping those in real need. Helpline: 0808 281 9490 spent the day holding his side and regaling us with the story of the And so to AGM week, always a very busy time in growing.” R.A.B.I may be needed even General enquiries: 01865 724931 cow that had cracked a couple of his ribs. ‘Man up’ seemed to the charity’s calendar. On the Monday there was The guests at the conference more in the future than in the Fax: 01865 202025 be the general response! a meeting of our health and safety committee to included Lord Plumb, former past.” Email: [email protected] (general queries) ensure that everything we do complies with the raft president of the NFU, John [email protected] (welfare enquiries) March 24 of legislation that exists. Kinnaird, RSABI chairman, More from the AGM, pages Patron: Her Majesty The Queen • A meeting with John Mercer, director of NFU Cymru, to run On the Tuesday there was a meeting of the R.A.B.I Nina Clancy, RSABI CEO and 4-6 President: His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester through our regular page in the NFU magazine as well as possible Council, which covers every aspect of the charity’s future events. performance. The conference and AGM was held R.A.B.I News is published quarterly by R.A.B.I and edited on Wednesday at Oxford’s Weston Manor and we by Rob Harris. Telephone 01865 811600 or email Continued opposite, page 3 were very pleased to have Sarah Dunning as a [email protected] guest speaker. Sarah runs the Westmorland Family business that encompasses the Tebay Services COVER IMAGE: A rider clings on during the Admington on the M6 and also Gloucester Services on the GUEST fun ride, also see page 23. Photos courtesy of Cordelia M5. It was an extremely interesting address and if SPEAKER: Noble www.noblephotos.co.uk Malcolm you have called into either of these sites you will Sarah Thomas, know first-hand the quality of the products and Dunning. R.A.B.I services on offer. The conference also provides an FOLLOW US: opportunity to catch up with so many supporters, Website: www.rabi.org.uk chairman volunteers and friends. Finally, on the Thursday, I attended a meeting of Twitter: www.twitter.com/rabicharity the regional managers, who do such a great job of Facebook: www.facebook.com/ fundraising and raising awareness of the charity’s rabicharity1 work.

2 For enquiries about welfare call the Freephone Helpline: 0808 281 9490 3 TOP LEFT: Durham committee members Tim Sedgewick and Committees make the difference Sarah Maughan with Lord Plumb, centre. Fundraisers in North also a committed blogger, Welsh county committee fundraising tour of many of TOP CENTRE: Yorkshire dominated recognising the need to get which makes ‘the the UK’s auction markets. Amanda MacBean. R.A.B.I’s annual awards young people involved in greatest contribution’. TOP RIGHT: Margaret ceremony in Oxfordshire. fundraising. This year’s winners were Regional awards were also and Norman Lawson. The North Yorkshire Members of the Norfolk Monmouthshire and presented to people who, FAR LEFT: Linda Lear. committee scooped the committee collected Malcolm Thomas said: “A in the opinion of the awards LEFT: Lord Plumb Beaufort Shield, awarded the Hunter Farm Cup – newly-formed and hugely panel, deserved special with Norfolk to the county that raises awarded to the organisers enthusiastic committee recognition. Winners were: committee members the most money for the of the regular fundraiser organised five events in Carolyn Gay, Sir charity. In 2016, North which raises the most their first year of existence. North West: Norman & John White and Sally Yorkshire’s farming money / awareness for the This award is richly Margaret Lawson Mitchell. fundraisers raised £64,474. charity. deserved.” AGM Photos: Kevin The same committee also Usually held on the Monday The R.A.B.I Cup, awarded Milner won the Sam Taylor Cup for the week before the Norfolk to the most progressive North East: Denny Gibson the best new stand-alone Show in June or July, the county committee, went fundraising event – the cocktail party has been to Durham, who attracted Wales: Hilary Raymond & Magic of Farming Ball in hosted every year since new members and Rosemary Rees Leyburn, which attracted 1985 bar 2006 (when a ball organised eight events in more than 300 people was held instead). At early 2016, raising more than West Midlands: Helen and raised £6,300 last parties, the term ‘cocktail’ £6,500. A special trustee Moore November. was used loosely to award went to Jack Walton And the Yorkshire describe lemonade, sherry for his ‘livestock journey’, a Agricultural Society picked and brandy that had been East Midlands: Veronica up the Dennis Brown Shield, mixed in a dustbin! Today’s Sutton given to the organisation parties certainly cater for which ‘makes the greatest more discerning tastes and East: Alan Wreathall contribution’ during the Sir John White, committee year. chairman, said: “Our South West: Amanda Lancashire-based Hannah annual cocktail party is a MacBean Binns, a member of Pendle real farmers’ gallery and ABOVE LEFT: Georgina Lamb collects the R.A.B.I YFC Cup on behalf of Hannah YFC, was awarded the people will always come for South Central: Linda Lear Binns. ABOVE CENTRE: New vice-president Chris Riddle. RIGHT: Helen Moore. R.A.B.I YFC Cup. Hannah Champagne!” raised more than £800 The Bryn Davies Bowl is through a skydive. She is awarded to the South East: Gill & Brian LEFT: Gillian Hesselgrave Van Der Meer and Simon TOP: Representing Earthrowl North Yorkshire, Basil accept the Bosomworth, David South East Anderson, Betty and David regional Burke and regional manager award on Sally Conner. behalf of FAR LEFT: Rosemary Rees Gillian and Hilary Raymond. and Brian LEFT: Monmouthshire’s Hesselgrave. Gwilym Richards, Kate FAR LEFT: Beavan and Neil Smith. Veronica ABOVE: RSABI chairman Sutton. John Kinnaird and Jack Walton.

4 Visit the website: www.rabi.org.uk 5 ‘Now I can hear the birds again’ ‘However bad we felt we still Norfolk farmer David Ottley spoke to a packed marquee at R.A.B.I’s annual conference about his mental health had to get up for the milking’ struggles and how he came to seek help from the charity. David and wife Lizzie run Blue Welly Dealing with the sudden death of a loved one is hard enough, but how do you Farm in Suffield and have three young daughters. cope when that person was also the driving force of the family business? Here, “I had the farm and the family I’d Debbie Billen and son James (pictured) tell their story to Rob Harris. always wanted but something was not right. I was not happy,” said without Norman. through his links with Young David. Just locating Farmers but admits that had Over the years, David’s problems the paperwork it not been for his mum’s worsened and he felt he had ‘hit the was a job in itself involvement he would bottom and crashed’ after a string and Debbie never have contacted the of unfortunate circumstances befell said they had charity for help. the farm. He described a difficult time to learn to ‘think He explained: “I would when his ewes were sick, leading to like detectives’. have been too proud to them lambing four weeks early. Most Hardest of all call. It’s quite hard asking of the new-born lambs did not survive. for Debbie was for help, especially when David said: “I was afraid of going into watching James you don’t really know what the lambing yard to see what I’d find struggle to come you’re asking for or what’s next. I couldn’t do it. Lizzie held it all to terms with the on offer. together, until the morning that she overwhelming “I knew we needed help needed my help with a ewe that was dead and just for a second I felt I together a plan on how we were responsibilities that because we were fighting having trouble. She said it was like might as well be because I had no going to pay off these bills. She also had been placed fires, but I didn’t know how watching someone who had never feelings. called some of our creditors and on his shoulders, or what. lambed before. I didn’t know what to “I saw the doctor and went on spoke to them on my behalf, which is at a time when “I didn’t want lots of money do. medication, but something I couldn’t he was also trying thrown at us, but we “I sat on the floor and felt empty and I was still under a do. Most of all, she very dark cloud. listened. She listened to deal with the received a small amount “Months of not I had the farm without rushing me. sudden loss of his of help at the right time being on the and the family I’d “The money R.A.B.I Dad. and it’s gone a long way. It ball had meant “ gave us kept the Debbie came made a massive difference that money always wanted house running so the across R.A.B.I on to know there’s someone had gotten very farm had a little bit of More than five months “We never even had the the internet and out there who will listen to tight. I started but something was time to rest and pay after his father’s sudden chance to say goodbye.” made that all-important you. And being able to hiding the bills not right. I was not for itself. We could death, James Billen still Norman, it was later first telephone call. Welfare bring someone in to work from Lizzie, but function and pay our finds it tough to sit in ‘Dad’s discovered, suffered from officer Cathy Denslow went for two months enabled also from myself. happy. bills. tractor’. a hereditary condition that out to meet the family and us to tidy up a lot of loose “One day I “Sally and R.A.B.I Barton Farm, in the made him susceptible to quickly arranged for the ends and finish some jobs was sat outside ” helped me focus on picturesque Dorset village blood clots. He developed family to receive some off.” at our table. the farm and walk of Toller Porcorum, has a clot that stopped the business advice Everything was dead, there were no through the fog to see the sun and been in the Billen family oxygen from getting to his from Promar and a birds and no life. I decided I had to hear the birds. for generations. It passed brain. £2,000 grant to fund There had been do something because this couldn’t “They helped me get back on track to Norman Billen from his “It was a surreal time,” said some temporary no handover so carry on.” to do farm work again. I’m looking father Tom in February 2016, Debbie, who is Dorset born farm help. “ David sought the help of R.A.B.I and ahead with a smile.” when Tom retired shortly and bred. James said: I was just coping You Are Not Alone (YANA). Sally David and Lizzie are pictured above before his 80th birthday. “But however bad we “Speaking to Promar day to day. Hubbard, a welfare officer for R.A.B.I, with R.A.B.I welfare officer Sally Norman was in good health felt, we still had to get up enabled me to look met with him to work out how the Hubbard, right. Left, David and Sally. and at just 52 had big plans every morning and do the beyond tomorrow. for the farm’s future. No one milking.” “There had been no ” charity could help him and his family. “She came out and went through It takes courage to ask for help, see could have predicted the Barton Farm is organic, handover so I was everything. She helped us put pages 12&13 cruel twists of fate that left around 240 acres in size, just coping day to day. The family is still adjusting his wife Debbie a widow, mainly dairy and beef. Prior “Having some proper to life without Norman. For struggling to keep the farm to Norman’s death, James advice helped me to look several months they ‘went going with the help of son worked part-time on the further ahead.” through the motions with Three-stage check: Is your Gift Aid declaration valid? James and daughter Janet. farm and in 2016 he helped Debbie added: “Things heads down’. Debbie explained: his Dad to put in a milking were quite tight at that time Debbie said: “We’re all HM Revenue and Customs registering for Gift Aid. donors are UK taxpayers. 2) The money they “Norman went to the first parlour. Debbie provided so for James to be able learning together. We’ve (HMRC) announced at a Whilst no agreement has To help clarify the situation, are donating is not the day of the Great Dorset support but mainly focused to bring in an extra pair of had to rethink everything recent Charity Tax Annual been reached on changing HMRC would like all donors proceeds from sales of Steam Fair on August 31 last on her day job for the hands was a real lift. and make things as Conference that up to £1m the Gift Aid statement it is to be aware of the following goods or services or the year, where he tripped and Dorset Wildlife Trust. The “It wasn’t just about having manageable as possible for a month was being wrongly important for fundraisers to ensure donations they sale of tickets. cracked his kneecap. He couple’s daughter Janet someone to help with the James. We’re still keeping claimed by some charities. and donors to be aware make are valid for Gift Aid: 3) They have not received had to have an operation lives away from the farm work either; it was such a each other going as much Some institutions had an of these issues and the 1) That they are donating something in return for their but everything seemed fine. but does the accounts. relief for me to look out of as possible and taking each error rate of up to 60% on facts regarding which their own money and the donation such as an entry “I remember visiting him Running Barton Farm – the window and see that day as it comes. their claims. payments qualify for Gift funds have not come from ticket to an event or a raffle and he was chirpy, having some 90 feet above sea James had someone to “But we got through the HMRC is urging charities Aid donations. anyone else including ticket. just had his lunch. Then level and prone to getting talk to and he wasn’t on his winter and I think we’ve to introduce a three- At present, charities are family members or from an For more information go to it was like someone just waterlogged – proved a own.” surprised a few people and stage check for donors only asked to check that office or bucket collection. rabi.org.uk/donate/gift-aid/ switched the lights off. challenge for the family, James had heard of R.A.B.I ourselves.” 6 Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/rabicharity 7 Get set for Fruit Focus in Kent on July 19 Recognising excellence in animal welfare 51st Reading conference Campaigning women’s group closes after 37 years Ceva names award winners Around 200 ForFarmers, the NFU The winners of the Ceva Animal to the welfare of animals and the R.A.B.I is delighted to crisis in the horticultural delegates attended and McDonald’s and Welfare Awards 2017 were lengths to which many people the University of was chaired by John have been chosen as sector due to the UK announced at a glittering go.” one of five national market being flooded Reading’s 51st Giles, development ceremony at the Burlington Hotel The Farm Animal Welfare Award Student Agricultural director at Promar charities to receive a with imported Golden in Birmingham in April. was presented in association £2,000 donation from Delicious apples. Conference, which International. R.A.B.I The awards recognise the with R.A.B.I and NADIS. Katrine focused on Britain’s was delighted to the Women’s Food and The cheque presentation achievements of remarkable Bazeley, a retired vet from Dorset Farming Union (WFU). The took place at the Arthur future relationship be chosen as the people from the farming, and Graham Duncanson, a with the EU. The charity partner and WFU has now closed after Rank Centre at Stoneleigh veterinary and charity industries, retired vet from Norfolk, were 37 very successful years Park in Warwickshire in event featured collected £181 on the who go beyond the call of duty joint winners. speakers from night, with a further campaigning on behalf March. to better the lives of animals. Cuneyt Seckin, Ceva Animal of the agricultural sector, Maureen Friday, the last HSBC, international £450 donated after Once again, an esteemed Health MD, added: “The Ceva feed company the conference. alongside educating serving WFU president, panel of industry professionals Animal Welfare Awards have school children in the is shown presenting the chaired by Chris Laurence MBE gone from strength to strength, classroom. The WFU was cheque to Stephen MRCVS were challenged with not only in terms of record levels founded in 1979 when Noble, R.A.B.I head selecting the winners. Speaking of interest, but also in the quality Advanced courses for vets three farmers’ wives in of fundraising and at the ceremony, Chris said: of the people and organisations Global animal health designed to help Kent responded to the development. “Judging the huge number of that are honoured.” company Elanco prevent transition nominations gets more difficult Pictured left to right are Suzy raised funds for diseases such as year on year as the numbers Deeley (representing R.A.B.I), R.A.B.I by offering an mastitis in cows and JJ Farm raffle increase. It is stunning to see Katrine Bazeley, Graham advanced course for potentially reduce Kiwikit names R.A.B.I as its charity of year how many people give their lives Duncanson and Chris Laurence. dairy vets. The course antibiotic usage. Ludlow-based Kiwikit organised by farmer and fundraising events in 2015 JJ Farm Services was free but Elanco Suzy Deeley, were the main sponsors former professional rugby raised more than £30k and Ltd, based near asked delegates to R.A.B.I corporate of the testimonial events player John Davies. John’s R.A.B.I received £7,500. Cheltenham, will be make a donation development Kiwikit has now made R.A.B.I supporting R.A.B.I of £200 to R.A.B.I manager, said: “We its charity of the year and over the summer instead. greatly appreciate will be raising funds and by running a raffle Last year, Elanco the support of Elanco awareness at various open and offering some donated £5,000 Animal Health. It’s days, markets and shows. fantastic prizes. to R.A.B.I as part fantastic to work Kiwikit supply agricultural, Tickets are on sale at of their ‘Pledge to with people from equine and leisure products. their Gloucestershire Protect’ campaign, other agricultural Pictured are Kiwikit staff with office and will also addressing issues of sectors who are John Davies, second from be available from immune suppression so committed to right and R.A.B.I regional their stands at the in dairy cows. Elanco improving animal manager Linda Jones, Three Counties and launched Imrestor, health and improving centre. Moreton shows. a new treatment food safety.” Regional Welfare Officers Summer show season for Clarabelle For welfare enquiries please contact our Freephone Helpline number 0808 281 490 For the second year industry professionals. TOM ARMSTRONG SUZIE PATON ELONWY WILLIAMS running, R.A.B.I has The show will take NORTH SOUTH CENTRAL ENGLAND SOUTH WEST WALES been chosen by place at the East Northumberland, County Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Haymarket and Malling Research Durham, Scotland (north), Gloucestershire Pembrokeshire (south), Avon Comexposium (joint Centre in Kent on venture partner) July 19. JOHN BASNETT CLAIRE CRICHARD as show charity for As show charity, NORTH EAST ENGLAND CATHY DENSLOW SOUTH EAST WALES & BORDERS both Cereals and R.A.B.I had a free Yorkshire, Derbyshire SOUTH ENGLAND Brecon & Radnor, Glamorgan, Fruit Focus. Cereals is stand at Cereals Somerset (south), Dorset, Monmouthshire, Worcestershire, the arable industry’s as well as being Hampshire, Isle of Wight Gloucestershire (north), LOUISE WILKINSON Herefordshire leading technical promoted in event LINCOLNSHIRE event, attracting advertising and Lincolnshire, East Riding of SALLY HUBBARD more than 24,000 literature and Yorkshire EAST ENGLAND CHLOE RIGLER farmers, agronomists receiving the Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk SOUTH WEST ENGLAND and industry proceeds of an exit Cornwall, Devon JACKIE CLEGG professionals over collection. NORTH WEST ENGLAND PAT DOBSON two days. Fibreglass cow Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, SOUTH EAST ENGLAND All enquiries to our welfare department will be This year’s show was Clarabelle, R.A.B.I’s Staffordshire, Merseyside Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex (east & dealt with in the strictest confidence held in Boothby entry into Surrey COW CREATION: Lauren Terry with Clarabelle, who now belongs to Tim west), Kent, Middlesex, Essex, Graffoe, Lincolnshire, Hills Cow Parade Metson. Tim will be using Clarabelle to promote R.A.B.I and his Surrey London Hills butchery business this summer. SARA GARNER on June 14 and 15. 2016, appeared at MIDLANDS Fruit Focus is the both Cereals and Artist Lauren Terry, represent R.A.B.I. greetings card ‘Nice Warwickshire, Northants, MEL JONES leading technical the Royal Cheshire who gave up her Lauren is a Weather for Ducks’. Nottinghamshire, Bedfordshire, NORTH WALES & SHROPSHIRE event for the fruit Show and will also be time to create tremendous She also donated Leicestershire, Hertfordshire, Anglesey, Conwy, Caernarfon, sector and brings going to the Great Clarabelle, also supporter who Christmas card Buckinghamshire, West Midlands Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham Merionethshire, Shropshire, together more than Yorkshire Show next attended the donated £566.50 designs in 2016 and Montgomeryshire, 1,300 growers and month. Cheshire Show to from sales of her 2017. 8 Find us on Facebook.com/rabicharity1 9 When it comes to handling Celebrating the cattle, Wyn Jones (pictured) is as best of British experienced as they come. Ladies on a mission The 43-year-old from Llanerchymedd ‘Cows are like people... • Seventy guests in Anglesey has worked part-time for attended a dinner at The his local cattle market for a decade, London Beech Hotel near dealing with an estimated 12,000 Tenterden, enjoying superb cattle per year. He also keeps beef, they can be Kent beef from Silcocks sheep and suckler cows at his own Farm – which is adjacent to 114-acre farm. the hotel – as well as local He’s never been afraid of cattle, produce and wine. and still isn’t. However, in January unpredictable’ During the evening 2016 he was attacked by a pregnant Julian Barnes from heifer at his own farm and suffered a Biddenden Vineyard broken back and injured shoulder. was acknowledged and Wyn knows it could have been much thanked for his ongoing worse. support of R.A.B.I. He explained: “It was 3am in the Sally Field, R.A.B.I regional morning. A cow, a bit wild, was manager for the South East, calving and I went to see to her. It said: “We’re extremely was an awful night, wet and windy. grateful for all the support I knew this particular cow could be we received at our beef a bit touchy but we had a mutual dinner – it was a wonderful respect and she’d always been OK evening with great food, with me.” wine and company. The That particular night, rather than go hotel’s charitable trust through the main door where he ABOVE: The Haldon tug of war team with R.A.B.I’s Suzy Deeley (fifth from right). kindly donated towards could be clearly seen, Wyn thought the evening, ensuring the it would be easier to cut through Great British Beef Week, now in grand total raised on the the feed barrier. There was plenty of its seventh year, ran from April 23 night was £3,077.” light, but he ‘spooked’ the cow and to May 1 to celebrate the quality Guest speaker from LEAF she knocked him to the floor. and versatility of British beef and • A two-course beef lunch Wyn found himself in a corner with the farmers who bring it to plates was organised at Kingston nowhere to go and the animal’s across the UK. The campaign was Maurward College in head pressing down on his chest. He organised by Ladies in Beef, a Dorchester. After the lunch tried to fight back the best he could Wyn Jones, from Anglesey, suffered a broken group of more than 150 female there was a tour of the and managed to slide under a gate back after being attacked by a pregnant heifer beef farmers, and R.A.B.I was the beautiful gardens with the into an adjoining calving pen. charity partner. head gardener. The beef Incredibly, after staggering to his on his farm. To help raise awareness for Farm The mission of Ladies in Beef is was donated by Langton feet, he grabbed a pitchfork and Safety Week, Wyn told his story to Rob Harris. to work with the supply chain Arms Butchery and the went back in through the main door to champion Red Tractor farm vegetables by Frogmary to deliver the calf. But he knew he’d he was unable to work at the we understood each other. But that assured beef and to increase Green Farm and Graingers. been hurt and was aching from market, losing valuable income. night, I startled her. I should have consumer support for the British head to foot. He also needed the help of family known better. I could’ve been lying beef industry through all outlets. • Deersbrook Farm in A keen footballer and always and friends on his own farm. R.A.B.I there all night and the next day too if British Beef Week this year pulled Braintree hosted a beef physically fit, Wyn tried to carry on supported Wyn with an emergency I’d been more badly hurt and unable in the support of the Haldon tasting event, which raised as normal the best he could for the grant of £2k. to get myself out. What if it had been Ladies’ Tug of War team. The £400. Guests were treated next couple of days. He was heavily “In hindsight, I should never have my daughter? team – which is made up of Some 120 guests Hoskin thanked the to a glass of English fizz bruised on his chest and arms but it gone through the feed barrier,” he “Cows are like people, they do female farmers from Devon – are attended R.A.B.I’s Braggs and guests on arrival and local chef was his back that troubled him most. said. unpredictable things sometimes, all members of Ladies in Beef. Great British Beef for attending and Alan Paton cooked a taster Eventually, he agreed to see his GP “Usually, I would always go through but you cannot underestimate how Highlights of this year’s campaign Week dinner at supporting R.A.B.I. menu of six starters using and, after a couple of consultations, the steel door, it’s noisy and the strong and powerful they are.” included: Frogmary Green Farm He also toasted HM beef produced on the farm. the local hospital diagnosed a animals can see who’s there. Wyn’s advice to others is ‘know your in Somerset on April The Queen on her The meat was paired with fracture. “I’m experienced – and I’d known handling place, have an escape • Aldi supporting the campaign 21, hosted by farm birthday. An auction local wines and beers. For the next two-and-a-half months this cow for seven or eight years – route and don’t cut corners’. and taking out paid adverts in owners Nick and on the night raised Guests also enjoyed a roast various national newspapers. Claire Bragg. This £1,545 and a raffle beef dinner, rounded off was their third annual £450. with chocolate pudding. • A slot on BBC TVs Countryfile, beef week dinner and Pictured is guest Farm Safety Week: July 24-28 focusing on rearing beef. chef Suzy Parry-Jones speaker Caroline • A St George’s Day cooked an amazing Drummond, CEO of celebration for 80+ The fifth annual Farm Safety Week will take place from July 24-28. The initiative will • Online support from roast beef supper. Linking Environment people was held during Sainsbury’s. R.A.B.I trustee John and Farming (LEAF). Great British Beef Week once again be supported by organisations right across the farming sector, including at Herstmonceux Village the Farm Safety Foundation, Farm Safety Partnerships and the Health & Safety •A piece in ‘i’ on Georgina Silver Swan beef auctioned Hall in East Sussex. A Executive. Davie, the face of the campaign. traditional bangers and Sixty guests tucked event raised £650. mash dinner was followed Farming continues to have one of the poorest safety records of any occupation • Coverage on Radio 4’s into a beef supper Much of this came by homemade apple in the UK. Last year’s HSE Health & Safety Agriculture report stated there were 27 Farming Today. at the Lygon Arms in from an auction led pie and £400 was raised. Special thanks to Gillian fatalities in Britain in 2015/16. Chipping Campden. by Alistair Albutt. The • Widespread coverage in the Speaker Charlotte auction included van der Meer, Carol Lovett regional and farming press. Johnston talked some excellent lots Deborah Barber and Gill Follow the 2017 campaign on Twitter @yellowwelliesuk #FarmSafetyWeek about the work of including a donation Hesselgrave for their hard • A slot on Simon Mayo’s Radio 2 Red Tractor and the from Silver Swan Beef. work. show with chef Nigel Barden. 10 Visit the website: www.rabi.org.uk 11 Mental health issues in rural areas Representatives from R.A.B.I It takes courage to pick up attended a meeting at Mere Brook House in the Wirral to discuss mental health issues in the rural community. the phone and ask for help The purpose of the meeting was to gain feedback from counsellor, psychotherapist and Nuffield scholar Aarun Naik on his two year scholarship, Agro-psychology: how can we support and improve the emotional and psychological well-being of farmers? Aarun has been involved with agriculture all his life and was an environmental policy advisor with the NFU. Attending the meeting were: Lorna Tyson (chair of Merseyside R.A.B.I committee), Alice Bradley (treasurer of Merseyside R.A.B.I), Dorothy Sumner (secretary of Merseyside R.A.B.I), Georgina Lamb (R.A.B.I regional manager), Trish Pickford (R.A.B.I head of R.A.B.I can provide it. We work closely with of farming and provide a fluctuations, poor harvests, welfare), Suzy Deeley (R.A.B.I important financial another farming charity, sympathetic, caring and bad weather and animal corporate development assistance to people The Farming Community human link to the charity. disease. manager), Stella Clarke and with mental health Network (FCN), and refer It’s incredible how having “Not seeking support when Marion Rigby (representing problems. Sometimes, the many people who are someone to talk to can so symptoms first emerge the Farming Community illness leads to financial feeling depressed or often be that vital first step can make things much Network), Oliver Harrison problems, but it can also anxious to them. They offer on the road to recovery. worse. Many people think (farmer, fundraiser and be the other way around. expertise in emotional Paul Burrows, R.A.B.I CEO, being strong involves member of several For some people, tackling support. We also direct said: “Our welfare officers keeping your head down, agricultural committees). their financial problems people to the Samaritans have undertaken courses working hard, getting Aarun’s study found that can immediately relieve and other mental health in suicide awareness and on with things and not UK farming is known to be a some of the stress, anxiety organisations. mental health first-aid and admitting there is problem. group at more risk of suicide and worry. If someone with mental want to listen. We know that’s not true; with 50 per year recorded – It is essential that health problems contacts “Farming is a 24/7 business it takes more courage to although the actual figures anyone suffering mental us for help – or someone and many in the industry accept there is a problem, may be higher. Aaron visited New partnership with Frontier illness obtains expert else gets in touch on work very long hours in pick up the phone and various countries and met Frontier Agriculture is or thriving?’ message recognised that Frontier treatment. If we know that their behalf – we often isolation in remote, rural seek help sooner rather academics, agencies, working alongside the behind Mental Health could use its scale and someone who appears send a welfare officer areas. On top of that, there than later.” charities, advisory services, Farming Help charities to Awareness Week was not position to make a to be in mental distress out to meet face-to-face will always be factors Contact R.A.B.I today in farmers and growers. raise awareness of mental lost on us either.” positive impact on the is not receiving medical and assess what we can that can quickly cause complete confidence He found that in Australia, health issues. Frontier Agriculture is farming community. We support we will always do. Our welfare officers stress and anxiety to on 0808 281 9490 or ring isolation, droughts and a During Mental Health the UK’s leading crop can help by fundraising encourage them to seek understand the pressures escalate such as market Farming Help (below). ‘macho male culture’ had Awareness Week in May, production and grain and by raising awareness led to recognised mental the Frontier team raised marketing business, among our farm advisory health issues. Targeted £5,602.30 for Farming recognised for its close colleagues and farmer Call Farming Help on 03000 111 999 today - you’ll be training – taking elements Help. Most of the money customer relationships customers of the support similar to the Mental Health came from a week-long with farmers and grain available.” referred to the organisation that best suits your needs First Aid programme in the series of fundraising consumers and its Farming Help operates UK – had given people more events held by staff, successful management a confidential ‘umbrella’ confidence to talk about but the company also of the arable supply helpline on behalf of four issues, with training tailored to committed a penny for chain. Sharon Kennett separate agricultural the farming community. every tonne of grain added: “The charities that charities: R.A.B.I, The In New Zealand, a mental traded during the week. make up Farming Help Addington Fund, The and emotional health Some 98,933 tonnes were do great work helping Farming Community programme has been traded, resulting in a farmers and their families Network, and RSABI developed for growers with rounded-up donation of when they are in difficulty. (formerly known as the roads shows explaining £1,000. However, people often Royal Scottish Agricultural anxiety issues and making Frontier spokesperson aren’t aware of just how Benevolent Institution). people aware of available Sharon Kennett said: much support is available By calling Farming Help help. The government also “We had a lot of fun and or how to access it. on 03000 111 999 anyone funded a wellness and we’re very proud of what “Our Responsible Choice who works in agriculture wellbeing programme for the our people achieved group identified this as can gain access to dairy industry ‘Farm Strong, and their generosity. an area where we could support and advice from Live Well, Farm Well’. “However, the ‘surviving make a difference. We any of these charities. 12 Find us on Facebook.com/rabicharity1 13 Regi nal News ‘Meet the Chairman’ events in East Yorkshire and Norfolk 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. Edwina Currie joins Staffs for dinner It’s always a big event on promises was held with the social calendar, but lots including a holiday this year’s Staffordshire cottage stay in Llandudno, LEFT: Paul Burrows, R.A.B.I CEO, Sally Conner, R.A.B.I regional manager, Phil Batty, Jeannette Dawson OBE, principal of Bishop Burton College and Malcolm Thomas MBE, R.A.B.I chairman. RIGHT: Bishop Burton College students present dinner at the County a balloon flight and cow LEFT: Mike Malcolm Thomas and Paul Burrows with a cheque for £500. The money was raised at Christmas and Valentine’s parties. Showground raised an scanning! The auction Shelley carves Handing over the cheque is student president Tyler Price. incredible £10,033.50. raised more than £2,000 the ham for Guest speaker was and the Staffordshire Edwina Currie. Staff, supporters and The event was hosted Paul Burrows, R.A.B.I A number of donations former MP Edwina Currie Federation of Young BELOW: who spoke honestly and Farmers also organised a committee members at the college by kind CEO, said: “This event were also made to R.A.B.I Committee gathered at Bishop Burton permission of Bishop Burton provided an opportunity in the morning including engagingly about her raffle to bring in a further members political life, reality TV and £900. College, just outside College principal and CEO for our chairman and £100 from the Food and accept a Beverley in East Yorkshire, Jeanette Dawson OBE, who representatives from our Education Rural e-Network her enthusiasm for British Barclays generously cheque for agriculture and the work provided two lots of for R.A.B.I’s ‘Meet the is also one of R.A.B.I’s 12 welfare, fundraising and (FERN), presented by Hugh £2,000 from Chairman’ event. trustees. communications teams to Wykes, chair of R.A.B.I’s of R.A.B.I. Edwina was pound-for-pound match Barclays. among around 330 diners funding for the dinner, More than 50 delegates Phil Batty, director of meet R.A.B.I committee Lincolnshire committee. at the event. Following which brought in an extra attended to receive marketing, communities members and supporters in Christine Thompson, the meal, an auction of £2,000. updates on R.A.B.I’s work and legacy for Hull City the north and thank them show secretary of the from charity chairman of Culture, was invited to for their hard work and Ryedale, Pickering & Lythe Malcolm Thomas MBE give an address. Hull is the enthusiasm in supporting Agricultural Society, Welsh presenter shows off greenfingers and head of welfare Trish City of Culture for 2017 and our charity.” presented a cheque for Pickford. Questions from Bishop Burton College is There was a live BBC Radio £500 and there was also the floor were also put to ideally located close to the Humberside broadcast from a £500 donation from the a panel of senior staff and developing city, as well as the college for part of the Bishop Burton Student trustees. Leeds and York. event. Association. East Tuddenham quiz precedes tour of the Salle Estate On April 20, R.A.B.I hosted tractor hours in the last Game, set and match with a ‘Meet the Chairman’ year. Lunch was served event at Salle Farm near in the village hall, with a a buffet lunch at the break Reepham in Norfolk. presentation and question Suffolk’s annual catch their breath. Around 80 guests from East & answer session led by tennis tournament The day raised £600. Anglia received a tour of R.A.B.I chairman Malcolm took place on May 8 Pictured left to right the farm and the walled Thomas and CEO Paul at Kingston Fields in are Ann Hutchinson, gardens at the Salle Estate, Burrows. The second part Woodbridge. Sarah Beamish, Lilian courtesy of gracious host Sir of the tour took in farm Thirty-two ladies Austin and Frances John White, whose family machinery, new and old. joined in to play Paul. has owned the estate since While addressing S4C TV presenter The evening was boost totals further. doubles in a mini Sarah and Ann won 1890. supporters, Malcolm Sioned Rowlands jointly organised by Despite qualifying tournament. A the competition, Today, the arable Thomas explained that (pictured) the Clwyd committee as a primary large buffet lunch with Lilian and operations cover 2,000 R.A.B.I had received 143 demonstrated and the ladies from schoolteacher, enabled players to Frances runners-up. hectares, with a seven-year new enquiries in January Twenty-six teams competed and host of the ‘chairman’s her considerable the Denbigh & Flint Sioned, from rotation of winter barley, and February of this year in the annual Norfolk R.A.B.I visit’, welcomed teams floral skills to raise Show committee. Bodfari, has seen winter oilseed rape, winter and 64% of these enquiries quiz at East Tuddenham from across the county. funds for R.A.B.I Mrs Pat Davies, her career blossom wheat, sugar beet, winter had come from working Village Hall on April 19, Emma Youngs organised and the Denbigh & R.A.B.I trustee, since retraining wheat/spring barley, spring farmers. The most common helping to raise more than the quiz and a backroom Flint Ladies Events spoke to guests as a florist. She is beans and winter wheat. reasons behind the calls to £2,200. catering team of Committee at about the charity’s now a presenter on Farm manager Poul the helpline were injury or It was a successful night, volunteers, led by Jenny the Edith Bankes work during the the S4C gardening Hovesen said changes illness, but 17% of callers especially for local farmer Youngs, served more than Memorial Hall in interval and Sioned’s programme Byw yn to the cultivation system, had some form of mental Mike Garrod’s six-strong 150 light suppers. Northop. The April 5 splendid exhibits yr Ardd and also runs while sticking to the basic health problem, including team (pictured) who won a Support on the night also fundraiser generated were raffled off at the her own flourishing principles of his rotation, anxiety, depression and closely fought competition. came from Anglia Farmers, more than £1,000. end of the night to floristry business. had resulted in a 25% drop post-traumatic stress Sir John White, chairman Kettle Crisps, Arthur Howell in fuel consumption and disorder. of the Norfolk committee and A&M Frary. 14 For enquiries about welfare call the Freephone Helpline: 0808 281 9490 15 Golf event will be held in John’s memory Four-week old Eliza attends AGM WI make desserts for pea and pie supper Quiz at Maisemore Ceredigion club’s festival of hymns Youngest Yorkie? The Stocksmoor annual • Some 50 quizzers came lunch near Huddersfield together to form 11 teams at the supported R.A.B.I and Gloucestershire committee’s a donation of £730 was spring social event at Maisemore made. Sixty-five people Village Hall. Quizzers also attended the pea and pie enjoyed a fish and chip supper lunch prepared by Janet as well as taking part in the Sheard, with desserts raffle, which raised over £150. made by the ladies of The winning team was ‘The Four the WI. Pictured left to R’s’. The evening raised £454. right are Georgina Lamb (R.A.B.I regional manager), • Teagle Machinery Ltd Philippa Coultish, Kath generously donated £1,000 to Is this R.A.B.I’s youngest supporter? Harrison-Jennings, Janet R.A.B.I. Teagle Machinery was Ceredigion YFC Queen Bethan Fflur Roberts and Young Farmer of the Year Little Eliza, at just four weeks old, Sheard and R.A.B.I West established in 1943 by Tom Dewi Jenkins nominated R.A.B.I to receive a £1,000 windfall. attended the North Yorkshire Yorkshire county chairman Teagle on the family farm close The pair recently presented a cheque to representatives from R.A.B.I’s committee AGM in March, albeit with Frank Chislett, with teddies to Truro in Cornwall. Today, Ceredigion county committee. The money was raised at a Cymanfa Ganu mum Sarah Graham, a committed won in the raffle. Teagle manufacture the leading (Welsh festival of sacred hymns) at Mydroilyn Chapel earlier this year. member of the A1 East committee. Tomahawk range of livestock Hexham’s ‘Strictly’ fundraiser is just fab-u-lous! feeders. • Supporters in Warwickshire YFC having a ball raised £350 with an afternoon Debenham YFC named R.A.B.I as tea at Wren Hall in Wroxhall. their charity of the year for 2016. More than 100 people attended. Debenham YFC is based in the heart of Suffolk with a mix of members • There were nine tables and including many not connected to around 40 people for the West farming. The club decided to donate Sussex committee’s whist drive at some of the money raised at their Northchapel Village Hall, which annual ball to R.A.B.I and in February raised £225. they handed over £1,130 to regional manager Lucy Bellefontaine. • Pat Davies accepted a cheque for £500 on behalf of Surpassing targets Veterinary surgeons Scott Mitchell Associates raised the phenomenal sum of R.A.B.I from Philip Benbow, £5,647.47 at their Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser in Hexham in February.Roger chairman of the Shropshire Seventeen teams of four took part Scott, managing partner of Scott Mitchell, is pictured presenting the cheque to Chamber of Agriculture. in a clay shoot at the West Kent Warwick Milne from R.A.B.I’s Northumberland committee. Shooting School on March 31. Sally Field, R.A.B.I regional manager for Cryptic marine clues the South East, said: “This was the fourth time we’ve arranged this annual event, which was originally Tributes paid to a true gentleman inspired by Simon Ayshford, one of our Kent committee members, John Purling, a course at Bawburgh. who sadly passed away last year.” great supporter and He organised annual The shoot raised more than £4,000 fundraiser for R.A.B.I golf days for R.A.B.I with sponsorship, a raffle and and the Norfolk and this year’s event a sweepstake boosting overall committee, has died would have marked profits. unexpectedly aged its 10th anniversary. The winning team was Kevin 69. The golf day, now Howland and the Adisham Shoot In his 18-year postponed until and Michelle Nudds scooped career as former September, will be the ladies’ ‘high gun’ prize. The CEO of the Royal a tribute to John. gents’ high gun competition was Norfolk Agricultural The best golfer will jointly won by Peter Goldsmith and Association (RNAA) receive a Purling’s pin James Bradley. he implemented far- and trophy. There was also a prize for the team reaching changes David Faulkner, a with the silliest name and the yoke and increased the Norfolk committee was most definitely on The Easter profile of the Royal member, said: Ninety-five people – based this year on granddaughters, Egg! Norfolk Show. He “People would listen attended the Shropshire marine animals, with worked as scorers, bar R.A.B.I would like to thank the West retired from his role in to John when he committee’s annual only cryptic clues to staff and washer-ups. Kent Shooting School, Chavereys, 2012. spoke and he was quiz night at Hadnall help! A hugely successful Savills, Adrian Pink and FGS Agri John (pictured) for R.A.B.I using the Norfolk committee, and generous with his seen as a safe pair of Village Hall. Committee member evening raised over for sponsoring the trophies and joined R.A.B.I’s RNAA’s showground said: “John was a time and always one hands. John worked Home-cooked stew and Mervin Mullard set the £1,200. Biddenden Vineyard for kindly Norfolk committee as a venue and by lovely man. He often of the first to offer his tirelessly behind the puddings were served questions and acted Pictured with Shropshire supplying sparkling wine for prizes. in 2001 and helping with the appeared laid back, help.” scenes and in my up with the questions, as quizmaster, head committee member A donation to the Weald Hospice threw himself into annual cocktail party. but he was always As a keen golfer, opinion was a true which included a chief and barman. Christine Downes, left, was also made in memory of fundraising. He raised Sally Mitchell, a driving force. He John enjoyed gentleman. He will be Sudoku puzzle and the His daughters Becky are members of the Simon Ayshford. thousands of pounds secretary of the was extremely kind spending time on the missed by all of us.” notorious picture round and Jennie, plus winning team. 16 Visit the website: www.rabi.org.uk 17 Journalist’s last marathon, until the next one! Long-service certifcates for Welsh duo Sunday service Clwyd marks 20 years The weather is much ‘We owe farmers so much’ • NFU Cymru President nicer than Mr Punch Farmers Weekly journalist Stephen James and Philip Case ran the Brighton his wife Joyce hosted • Merseyside committee member Pam a Sunday lunch which with reunion dinner Ellis and her partner Philip Sharpe hosted Marathon in April to raise £375 for R.A.B.I. raised £1,500. The Clwyd committee acted as chairman Today, Clwyd a Punch and Judy show as part of a teddy Philip said: “At Farmers More than 100 people held a dinner in until John Mainwaring has more than bears picnic, attended by more than 100 Weekly I have seen the attended the event March to mark its 20th was elected as the 20 members and adults and around 40 children. reality of farming life is and diners enjoyed the anniversary. Pictured first committee chair. hosts a number of Teddies of all shapes and sizes could be often very different from very best of local Welsh are committee John James Jones regular fundraising seen and there were games aplenty. what people imagine. We produce; Welsh lamb members past and was elected vice events including The weather was certainly kinder than owe our farmers so much supplied by Narberth present. chairman, Muriel an afternoon tea Mr Punch as Pam and her team of and we should always butcher Andrew Rees & A group of volunteers Morris, secretary and a carol service helpers created an amazing day which appreciate their hard Sons (and very generously were asked to form and Meirion Roberts, at Ruthin Livestock raised more than £1,800. Thanks to KER work.” donated by Stephen and the first committee. treasurer. Market. Members Consulting Ltd and the NFU Mutual, Philip completed in a time Joyce), potatoes donated They initially met in The first fundraising also man a stand Skelmersdale, for supporting the event. of 4hrs 20mins. He said: “My by Puffin, swedes courtesy Wrexham, where event was a lunch each year at the Flint longest training run was a of Sue Belton and a they heard about the at the home of the and Denbigh Show. choice of homemade half-marathon and I paid miles and it was the most people out. The crowd unexpected death of chairman and tickets At the anniversary puddings, all expertly the price for not doing a gruelling run I have ever support was sensational. a local farmer in his were sold for £10 get-together, Muriel cooked by Joyce and 20-miler. done. It was hot, the wrong “It was officially my last 40s and how R.A.B.I each. The committee Morris and Rob Jones Llawhaden YFC members. “I don’t know how I weather for distance marathon, until the next had helped his family. grew quickly and won were both presented

managed the last six running, but it brought the one!” At the first meeting R.A.B.I’s Sam Taylor with certificates to • Despite suffering a fall Trebor Roberts (then Cup in recognition of commemorate 20 at 12 miles, Mervin Mullard an R.A.B.I trustee) its early efforts. years’ service. dusted himself down to £1,000 for two charities from conference raffle complete his first ever London Marathon at the touring caravan parks age of 71. and shepherds huts. The “I just tripped over • David and Sue Graveston (above) group known as Cheshire something, I never saw Farmstay recently hosted celebrated their 25th wedding what it was. I damaged anniversary at Bowland Village Hall in the Farmstay UK annual my shoulder and my conference and AGM at Lancashire and donations to R.A.B.I, in arm, but I got up and got lieu of gifts, raised more than £1,250. Carden Park Hotel, Broxton, going again,” said Mervin. Chester. The conference Congratulations to David and Sue on “It didn’t go as well as I their anniversary. is held in different counties had hoped. I wanted to each year, bringing people complete in under five together from all over the hours, but I finished just • The Bucks committee hosted a Joules UK. over in 5hrs 6mins 28secs. seconds clothing sale in Buckingham, A raffle was held at the “A lot of people attracting more than 100 guests who gala dinner and £1,000 was complained they had picked up bargains galore. The sum of Cheshire Farm and Foods (now known as raised for two charities, slower times than usual. £195 was raised. Accommodation was Defra). The Stroke Association and Perhaps it was the heat, Breakfast in memory of Valerie Anderson formed in the early 1980s Today, the co-operative R.A.B.I. Georgina Lamb but I was determined to The Farmstay Herriot group hosted members of Farmstay went to the • The Lancashire treasure hunt took by a group of farmers has more than 20 is pictured accepting finish.” a breakfast event in memory breakfast to pay tribute to Valerie, place in the beautiful but rather damp and their wives, with members providing bed a cheque for £500 from Mervin has been a of Valerie Anderson, a founder mother of North Yorkshire chairman Ribble Valley on May 15. Sixty treasure funding from The Ministry & breakfast and self- members of Cheshire fantastic supporter of member of Farmstay (formerly the David Anderson. The breakfast hunters helped raise £300 with James and of Agriculture for Fisheries catering, ‘glamping’, Farmstay. R.A.B.I in Shropshire Farm Holiday Bureau). Many past raised £372.60. Rachel Carr winning the hunt. over the years and his marathon efforts in Sisters in on act London raised more than Iris Williams, with the help £2,000. Rosemary ‘greatly missed’ by friends in Carmarthenshire of her sisters, Rhiannon, David Jones of Trebersed Farm Llinos and Anwen and A March event to • in Carmarthen presented the Rhiannon Mercer, celebrate women Carmarthenshire committee with organised a coffee in agriculture on a cheque for £2,000 in memory of morning to celebrate St International Women’s his late wife, Rosemary, who was David’s Day at Pumsaint Day attracted 20 guests vice-chair of the Carmarthenshire Hall in Carmarthenshire. and raised £100. Guest committee. David and family The event raised £675. speakers at Frogmary requested donations to R.A.B.I in lieu Coffee, tea and Green Farm in Somerset of flowers at Rosemary’s funeral. homemade cakes were Sue Bryan, Rosemary was an active and were served in the hall technical manager at generous supporter and had looked throughout the morning NWF Agriculture, R.A.B.I forward to taking the role of chair, and presidents for the regional manager Jenni but health issues caused her to step day, Mr & Mrs Elfyn Thompson and Jane King, and generous lady who always had a chairs Maifis Morgan and Noel down. She sadly passed away last Davies, gave a generous whose husband suffered smile on her face. She is very greatly Morgan, David Jones, Carrie November. donation to the charity. a life-changing farming missed.” Archer-Jones (Carmarthenshire Welsh regional manager Linda Jones Elfyn also spoke to guests accident. Pictured left to right are joint secretary) and Lorraine Williams said: “Rosemary was a very warm about R.A.B.I’s work. Carmarthenshire county committee (Carmarthenshire treasurer). 18 Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/rabicharity 19 Plumpton beats weather to bring in £7k+ Sit-down with crime novelist in Northwich

Men take over the kitchen... and the aprons Wheelbarrow of South West raffle launch The South West Summer Cornish artist Dick of R.A.B.I’s Ceredigion fortune sold off Raffle was launched Twinney has donated committee who sadly Homemade venison on the first day of the a wonderful painting passed away in • stroganoff (donated by Devon County Show. worth around £1,500 November 2016. One Norfolk Estate Farms), Prizes this year include called ‘Classic Perch of her final wishes was Libby’s cheesecake and a £250 voucher for Mole – Barn Owl & Mike’s for the gentlemen of the cheese and biscuits and Valley Farmers (kindly Tractor’. Ceredigion committee a nightcap of port was donated by Mole Valley Pictured with the (pictured) to take charge on the menu at a game Farmers at Newton painting are Greg of the cooking and prepare supper at Burpham Village Abbot) and a short Warren from Mole Valley a meal for the ladies. Hall in Surrey. break in a holiday home Farmers and Devon R.A.B.I chairman Malcolm Ninety-five guests in Frome, donated by committee chairman Thomas sportingly assisted attended and Neve Liz Hoare and family. Philip Wrayford. by waiting on tables Cordingly arranged for throughout the evening. fellow young farmers to Numerous raffle prizes Match funding from Barclays wait on tables and clear and auction items were There was a touch of the prizes from the boot of her Stephen Hunt cooked a more than £1,000, thanks up. Howard Pullen, vice- donated by members of ‘Oscars’ at the fundraising car. The Lincolnshire quiz was three-course dinner in to the support of family, chairman of the Surrey the Ceredigion committee quiz night at the Corn organised by Neil Davis and memory of his late wife friends and fellow R.A.B.I committee, stepped in at and Dai Davies of Evans Exchange in Bourne, with the Julian Tatam from Barclays Chris in order to raise funds committee members. the last minute as guest Bros took charge of the wrong winning team being Bank with support from Mary for R.A.B.I. The event was held at speaker and entertained auction. Female quartet announced at the end of the and fellow regional manager Stephen, who is president Aberaeron Rugby Club on with a wide range of Harmoni also performed on night. Lucy Bellefontaine. With of R.A.B.I’s Ceredigion April 14. stories. A wheelbarrow full the night. All participants took it in good match funding from Barclays, county committee, raised Chris Hunt was a stalwart of produce was auctioned heart though and R.A.B.I the sum of £2,300 was raised. off for £165 and a further regional manager Mary Martin Pictured are organisers and £1,855.50 was raised on was able to pluck some more competitors. the night. Windfall from race day The money will be split between R.A.B.I and The British Association Fields turned into sea of blue for Shooting and Manor Farm, Rowde Conservation. Hundreds of tractors Shropshire lunch and thousands of into a sea of blue. people attended The trailer rides were • The Leicestershire a charity day near particularly popular county committee Devizes to mark and more than 2,500 organised a clay shoot at a century of Ford posters were given Bawdon Lodge Farm near brings in £6,500 machines. Farmer to children. Profits Loughborough which Jim Butler joined will be donated raised £1,228. Joseph forces with New to Dorothy House Lightowler triumphed with Holland, who now Hospice Care, Julia’s an impressive 49 out of 50. own the Ford tractor House (children’s brand, to turn fields at hospice) and R.A.B.I. • A Joules seconds sale was held at the social centre at Gs in Barway, Life in the criminal underworld just outside Ely, raising A three course crime novelist. R.A.B.I more than £600. Members Sunday lunch was chairman Malcolm of the Cambridgeshire served at the Vale Thomas thanked committee and friends Royal Abbey Golf the committee and helped turn the social Club in Northwich, supporters from centre into an amazing Cheshire before Cheshire for all their R.A.B.I is more than £7k in the R.A.B.I marquee Students from Plumpton Joules shopping On May 12, the Shropshire £480. Special thanks to Rob and committee (pictured) held a Barbara Ellison for organising. crime fighter and hard work. Lunch better off thanks to a day certainly brightened up College braved the experience. author Roger A was followed by an at the races! proceedings. weather to man the coffee morning at Whitchurch Park Hall in Oswestry was the Civic Hall, attracting around venue for this year’s Shropshire Price spoke about auction of promises Plumpton Racecourse The R.A.B.I / Joan Collison gates with collecting Newbiggin Village • 100 guests. The committee sold NFU lunch, attended by 250+ his work in the and a raffle. With was the venue for a Memorial Handicap buckets. Thanks to Betty Hall was the venue for a books, plants, cakes, bric-a- guests. The amount raised criminal underworld match funding from charity race day and Hurdle was the highlight Chantler for sponsoring Cumbrian fashion show, brac and raffle tickets to bring in exceeded £6,500. and his transition to Barclays, £4,000 was lunch on February 27, of the card for many a race, David Chantler, which raised more than becoming a popular raised. which was attended by supporters and the race Charles Tassell, Sheila £700. 330 guests. Organisers was won by 3-1 shot Adams, Michael Nudds, Colours Fundraising faced an anxious morning Sea Wall, ridden by Tom auctioneer James Fashion Shows modelled Tour of reserve with a hog roast as heavy rain forced an Cannon. Donations Hickman, Alison Blake 22 outfits from their early inspection to see exceeded £540, with a and R.A.B.I trustee Chris Some 85 guests Philip Merricks and followed by a hog discounted High Street enjoyed a private son-in-law Gareth roast in a beautiful if the meeting could raffle raising £1,777 and D’Olley. collection to an audience go ahead. Despite wet an auction bringing in Chris is pictured third from tour by tractor and gave an informative traditional barn, with of over 100 ladies trailer around the commentary during fresh strawberries and windy conditions, £2,400. Profits on ticket left with race sponsor and one gentleman – it was all systems go for sales generated a further Betty Chantler and owners Elmley Bird Reserve the 90 minute tour, donated by William Cumbria’s ever present on the Isle of covering 3,000 Pierce. An auction the East Sussex track – £2,624, resulting in an of the winning horse Sea county president George and the atmosphere overall total of £7,300+. Wall. Sheppey in Kent. acres. helped boost the Richardson. Reserve owner The tour was sum raised to £1,600. 20 For enquiries about welfare call the Freephone Helpline: 0808 281 9490 21 Valuations provided by top auctioneer Early treat at NFU offices in Skelmersdale Balloons shaped Marjorie’s relaxed in the kitchen The big breakfasts just like tractors TV bargain hunter runs • The farmhouse breakfast The NFU offices held at Stratford Livestock • Abigail Turnbull in Skelmersdale, Market in February raised a organised the Croft Lancashire, total of £2,492.95 for R.A.B.I Farmers Ball near expert eye over fine art was the venue and the Addington Fund. Richmond and presented for the North the North Yorkshire West farmhouse • Rowberrys Nursery and committee with a cheque breakfast. for £500, the proceeds Farm Shop in Kidderminster Some 45 hosted a farmhouse breakfast from selling balloons diners enjoyed shaped like tractors. for 168 people. More than breakfast £1,500 was raised for four prepared by charities, including R.A.B.I. • The Aeron Vintage in Tartan Tea Ceredigion presented a Rooms and Twenty-seven guests cheque for £150 to Welsh served up by • regional manager Linda attended the breakfast at Marjorie Metcalf Spring Barn Farm in Kingston Jones, following a talk on (pictured). The the charity’s work. Linda near Lewes, hosted by Louise morning raised and Mike Possinger. The also received a cheque £250 for R.A.B.I. for £25 from the Probus morning raised £480. Thanks Thanks to the to Andrew Samuel from Group in Brecon after NFU for hosting providing a presentation. Samuel & Son, Knill James and Diane Swift Chartered Accountants and for organising. Lloyds Bank. • Mid Cheshire Farmers Club presented regional manager Georgina Lamb with a cheque for £605 at Reading runner their recent AGM. The great leap forwards shocks himself • Llanddeiniol YFC in Charles Hanson, star of TVs gave a talk and held The evening – organised by Peter Lever raised £422.51 by Ceredigion donated £255, Bargain Hunt, hosted a fine valuations as guests Sue Hall and the Derbyshire completing the Reading Half raised at their Christmas art preview evening at his brought along small items committee – raised £790 Marathon in a time of 2:226.27 on 2016 fundraiser. Proceeds auction centre in Etwall on from their homes, including for R.A.B.I. Charles, left, is Sunday March 19. Peter’s time was from the event also paid March 28. toys, ceramics, silver and pictured with Jim Spencer, some 14 minutes faster than he for a defibrillator for the Charles, one of the jewellery, for him to run his Edward Rycroft and Janet had hoped for. village hall. country’s top auctioneers, expert eye over. Lawrence. 300-mile journey Daisy drops in at Henley YFC on two wheels He’s run marathons, walked from the west coast to the east coast of England and crossed the Alps on foot, all for worthy causes. Now, Andrew Burgess is cycling 300 miles from London to Paris in aid of R.A.B.I. Andrew and fellow cyclist Dunham Wassail George Harris will be Pictured is an annual wassailing Regional manager Jenni Henley YFC and people donated £101.21 to Jenni setting off from London in Sue Cook and her team of willing volunteers organised the Admington fun ride event at Dunham Massey Gardens Green and supporter were given the opportunity (and mascot Daisy the late June. They will make in Warwickshire, which attracted 270 horses / riders. This event has been running in Cheshire. Thanks to Carolyn Ginny Stollery attended a to put themselves in the Cow), the proceeds of their way to Paris, passing for 20 years, featuring some 40 jumps over nine miles. Various charities benefit and Alan Hewitt for donating £150 meeting of Aylesbury YFC shoes of an R.A.B.I welfare their fireworks event in by the WWII battlefields on including R.A.B.I, Breast Cancer Care and Lower Quinton Church. Thanks to all to R.A.B.I following a hog roast in March to talk about the officer – a challenge November. the way where they will say hosts and volunteers, including Tony Cook and family. supper. work of R.A.B.I. undertaken with great ABOVE: Aylesbury YFC. a prayer for the fallen. Photo: Cordelia Noble of Noble Photos www.noblephotos.co.uk Jenni also gave a talk to enthusiasm. The club BELOW: Henley YFC. As a farmer, Andrew knows how tough the industry can be. “Financial hardship is a Coffee with Dylan stark reality for some,” he said. A coffee morning at St Mary’s “I’m doing this for farmers Church in Newport, Pembrokeshire, who are less fortunate than raised £200. Sue Wells, Alice Evans me. It is a charity you hope and Judith Morgan organised the never to have to rely on, morning on behalf of members of St but one you will be glad is Mary’s Church. Guests also enjoyed there in your time of need.” a reading of Dylan Thomas’ poem ‘Fern Hill’ by Val Ripley. 22 Visit the website: www.rabi.org.uk 23 Diary Dates Regional Managers NORTH EAST – SALLY CONNER June 27 Launceston Show North Yorkshire, County Durham, 24-25 Kent Game & Country Fair, Hole Park Estate 30 Totnes Show Northumberland, East Yorkshire 25 Tractor run, Montgomeryshire Mobile: 07818 093506 25 Royal Isle of Wight County Show August Tel: 01964 541400 25 Harden Moss Sheepdog trials 2 North Devon Show, Umberleigh Email: [email protected] 25 Fundraiser (Tomkinson family), Staffordshire 3 Honiton Show, Devon Twitter.com/rabinortheast 25 Pandy Show 3-4 Thame Sheep Fair 28 Glo’shire summer party, Woodmancote 3-6 Countryfile Live, Oxfordshire NORTH WEST – GEORGINA LAMB 28 Farm tour, Bardolph, Nottinghamshire 5 Brecon County Show Cumbria, Lancashire, South 28-29 Norfolk Show 5 Clwyd afternoon tea, Flint & West Yorkshire Merseyside, 29 Lancashire footgolf, Euxton 6 Wessex Country Fair, Wilts Cheshire 6 Evening drinks party, East Yorkshire Mobile: 07917 114250 July 9 Vale of Glamorgan Show Email: [email protected] 1 Skelton Show, Cumbria 9 Hampshire Farm Women’s Club lunch Twitter.com/rabinorthwest 1 Monmouthshire Show 10 Okehampton Show 1 Hanbury Show, Worcestershire 11-13 Royal Lancashire Show 1 Garden party, Leicestershire 12 Ellingham Show, Hampshire EAST MIDLANDS – MARY MARTIN 1 Carmarthenshire pig roast, Cwm 12 Halifax Show Lincolnshire, Rutland, 2 Midsummer lunch, Petworth, West Sussex 12 Chepstow Show Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, 2 Summer party, Creaton, Northants 12-13 Nottingham Food and Drink Festival Derbyshire, Northamptonshire 5 Farm walk, Hartlebury, Worcestershire 13 Monmouthshire afternoon tea Mobile: 07525 323450 6 Gloucestershire ladies’ night, Rodley 15-17 Pembrokeshire County Show Email: [email protected] 6 Strawberries & cream evening, Halifax 16 Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show Twitter.com/rabieastmids 7 NFU dinner and dance, Kendal 17 Denbigh & Flint County Show 7 Suffolk ladies’ evening 17 Chagford Show 7 Monmouthshire bingo night 19 Minsterley Show, Shrewsbury WEST MIDLANDS – KATE JONES 7-9 Kent County Show, Detling 20 Ceredigion duck race, Lampeter Staffordshire, Shropshire, 8 Skittles evening, Daylands Farm, West Sussex 23 Merionethshire Show Worcestershire, Herefordshire 8 Liskeard Show 24 Melplash Show Mobile: 07876 492839 8 Tendring Show 24 Holsworthy Show Email: [email protected] 8 Herefordshire NFU dinner & dance, Burghill 26-27 Leicestershire County Show Twitter.com/rabiwestmids 9 Summer lunch, Northumberland 27-28 Edenbridge & Oxted Show 9 Essex horse ride 28 Glendale Show, Wooler, Northumberland NORTH WALES & WARWICKSHIRE 10 Cream tea, Hartley Park Farm, Alton 30 Race night, Dorset Showground – BECKY DAVIES 11-13 Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate 31 150th Bucks County Show, Aylesbury Anglesey, Caernarfon, Conwy, 13 Waddesdon Manor tour, Bucks Clwyd, Montgomeryshire, 15 Camborne Show September Warwickshire 15 Coffee morning, Cardigan 2 Moreton Show Mobile: 07730 765377 15 Farm fun day, Llansanffraid 2 Alresford Show Email: [email protected] 16 Pembrokeshire afternoon tea 2-3 Harvesting the Old Fashioned Way, Lavant Twitter.com/RABINWalesWarks 17 Stithians Show, Cornwall 3 Manson House hog roast, Suffolk 19 Driffield Show, East Yorkshire 3 Pumsaint tractor run 19 Fruit Focus, East Malling, Kent 9 Penistone Show WALES – LINDA JONES 19 Manson House Summer Fayre, Suffolk 9 Usk Show Brecon & Radnor, 19 Festival of Hunting, Peterborough 10 Thomas Pegg Memorial Tractor Run, Burton Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, 21-23 Truckfest, Abingdon, Oxfordshire 10 Lancashire Sunday lunch Pembrokeshire, Glamorgan, 22 Mid Devon Show, Tiverton 11 Norfolk golf day Merionethshire, Monmouthshire 22 Penrith Agricultural Show 12 Alresford Show, Hampshire Mobile: 07557 363016 23 Kitchenham Farm tour, East Sussex 14 Westmorland Show Tel: 01559 364850 23 A Taste of Shropshire, Wroxeter 15 Bingo night, Hilderstone, Staffordshire Email: [email protected] 23 Creslow Manor cream tea, Bucks 16 Isle of Wight ploughing match Twitter.com/rabicymru_wales 24-27 Royal Welsh Show, Builth Wells, Powys 16 West Grinstead ploughing match 25-27 New Forest Show, Brockenhurst, Hants 16 Weald of Kent ploughing match SOUTH CENTRAL – JENNI GREEN 25 Ryedale Show 16 Abseil down Larpool Viaduct, Whitby Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, 26 Yealmpton Show 20 Carmarthenshire bingo night Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire 26 Nantwich Show 22 Scottish night, Carlisle Mobile: 07919 478518 27 Forde Abbey Summer Fair, Chard 23 Petworth Ploughing Match Tel: 01935 826726 Email: [email protected] Keep an eye out for the 2018 calendar Twitter.com/JenniRABI EAST – LUCY BELLEFONTAINE The 2018 Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, edition of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire R.A.B.I’s ever Mobile: 07739 297374 popular Tel: 01728 602888 Farming Email: lucy.bellefontaine@rabi. org.uk in Focus Twitter.com/rabieast calendar was launched SOUTH EAST – SALLY FIELD at the Hampshire, IOW, Berkshire, Surrey, recent Royal Sussex, Kent Cornwall Mobile: 07799 798441 Tel: 01903 882741 Show. Keep Email: [email protected] an eye out for Twitter.com/RABISouthEast the calendar, on sale at SOUTH WEST – PAM WILLS various shows Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset Mobile: 07825 336224 throughout Tel: 01398 361819 the coming Email: [email protected] months. Twitter.com/PamRABI

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