TV star shines at Staffordshire Dinner
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Celebrating our links with the farming community Spring 2022 TV star shines at Staffordshire Dinner Also in this issue: • Volunteer conference preview • Helping farming people • Dates for the diary • Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee • Regional news highlights 24/7 helpline: 0800 188 4444 www.rabi.org.uk
Chair’s welcome Alicia Chivers’ big picture - Extending
“At this time of year I am thankful for the support for farming people
longer days; this year, more than ever. It’s “In the previous winter edition of RABI News, I wrote about looking forward to
been a tough time for farming and it takes no opportunities to meet face-to-face once lockdown restrictions had eased. Sadly, our
stretch of the imagination to perceive that the newly regained freedoms have been entirely overshadowed by the devastating conflict
in Ukraine.
prevailing view from society is that farming is
“As a fellow farming nation, the inquiry into rural mental health. facing, raising awareness of our
Jeanette Dawson, RABI Chair to blame for the world’s woes. profound effects of the conflict I was invited in April to provide services and generally having
are being felt on many levels. further evidence on the specific a good catch-up and a chat.
The devastating humanitarian factors influencing poor levels
“Of course, we know better community network. “If you’re attending events over
impact and long-term political of mental wellbeing in farming
and there’s solace in living and I struggle to think of any other part Contents consequences continue to communities and consider possible
the coming months, I encourage
working on the land, observing the of society that can rival their spirit, you to visit RABI’s stand to talk
unfold, while the economic solutions at the second Committee
emerging crops and the growing resilience and ‘can do’ attitude. P2 Chair’s welcome to a member of the team or
implications are already hitting session. It is important that we use
boldness of the spring lambs. some of our fantastic volunteers
“Just look at the farmer-led P3 Alicia Chivers’ the UK farming sector with rising these invaluable opportunities to
Witnessing first hand, the ‘circle and find out more about our
reaction to Storm Arwen. I was big picture fuel, feed and fertiliser prices. both inform the conversation and
of life’ and all the positive aspects support and services. Thank
in Northumbria at the time These additional financial burdens to champion our community.
that a livelihood from the land can P4 National news you for continuing to support
and witnessed the magnificent only add to the pressures
bring. But the anxieties are real. highlights “By the time you read this, we RABI and please continue to
effort from farmers who were already felt by our community.
will have hosted our volunteer be part of the conversation.”
“Community, is, however, one of out from the early hours P5 Volunteer conference
“During this period of profound conference on 25 May and
our greatest individual defences clearing the A1, opening-up the
P6/7 Helping farming change, RABI remains focused on undertaken a number of events to
and its importance has really road network to all. Farmers
people providing accessible, professional coincide with national volunteers’ “On behalf of the
hit home to me during the time are the first responders and
I’ve had the honour to serve as don’t wait to be asked. P8 Dates for the diary
support and services. Not just help week, celebrating the continued Council of Trustees
Chair of our cherished charity.
at a critical time, but everyday commitment and enthusiasm of and everyone at RABI,
“Yet, we’re a community P9 Regional shows support as well, be that practical RABI’s network of volunteers. I would like to thank
“I always knew about the that’s not invincible.
P10/11 Platinum Jubilee
expert advice or a trained
“I am very much looking forward
Jeanette Dawson for
volunteers and the critical role
“There is change ahead and
counselling professional to talk to.
to attending events around
her dedication and
played by those who give up P12/17 Regional news hard work as Chair
while daunting, our farming “Working closely with a range of the country and meeting many
their time from their already busy
communities have always P18/19 Meet the team partners, RABI continues to respond more of RABI’s volunteers and
of Trustees. We
lives. But I have learnt that the
faced change and adapted. to the poor experiences that too supporters. RABI will be at the
all wish Jeanette
full extent of the volunteers role P20 Signposting services every success
many farming people tell us about. shows all over England and Wales
extends far beyond fundraising. “RABI is here to help in the face
By talking openly about the issues and we’re looking forward to
in her future
And of course, the funds raised of that change and is responding
and their impacts, we believe the hearing directly from farming
endeavours.”
are immensely important, to the evolving challenges. In
charity is instrumental in supporting people about the issues that are
but actually, it’s what is less my last welcome as chair, I wish
positive changes that will result
obvious that also makes such you all well and look forward to
in increased farmer wellbeing.
an important difference. seeing RABI continue to go from
strength to strength in offering ”It’s encouraging that consideration
“I’m talking about the communities
the best possible level of support, of poor levels of mental health
nurtured by volunteer local
ensuring no one in farming in rural communities is gaining
committees – and thank goodness
ever faces adversity alone.” recognition as a topic of concern
we finally have the opportunity
for government. Our research
to reconnect in ‘real life’. They are
partners, the University of Exeter,
at the heart of the charity and an
recently presented evidence from
essential part of the wider farming
our Big Farming Survey at the first
Alicia Chivers, RABI Chief Executive
session of the EFRA Committee
2 www.rabi.org.uk www.rabi.org.uk 3
National news highlights Volunteers, conference spotlight
Shaping the future of farming support Together again, at last!
It has been such a joy to be able to organise this year’s
volunteers’, conference. Guests from across RABI’s Introducing The
Mental health manager, Helen Sisk. “The Farmer wellbeing regional network of county committees came together Black Farmer
unpredictability of extreme weather
awareness events is always a worry. RABI’s
At January’s Oxford Farming for a day of celebration at the stunning Stapleford Park Wilfred is, in his own words,
Conference (OFC), RABI and near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, this May.
Much like the weather, our response has helped to relieve ‘a poor boy, done good’. Born
RSABI presented a video featuring
mental state is changeable; there some of the financial worries and RABI’s volunteering team planned During the afternoon the national in Jamaica, he came to the
farmers Will Evans and Ffion
are good days and sometimes get farmers back on track.” a full programme to thank county volunteer awards were held. This UK in the 1950s as part of
Hooson. This year’s conference
bad days. With the Big Farming committee members for all their was a chance to celebrate RABI’s the Windrush generation.
theme was ‘Routes to Resilience’
Survey revealing that farming remarkable efforts. Guests were most dedicated, creative and
and the collaborative video He worked as a chef before
people have worryingly low welcomed by RABI chair, Jeanette inspiring volunteers. This year, there
highlighted just how important it is pursuing a career in television.
levels of wellbeing, RABI has Dawson, before chief executive, were several new categories with
that farming people feel confident As a producer/director for
launched in-person counselling Alicia Chivers, gave an overview of a total of 14 awards presented.
reaching out for support. The the BBC, Wilfred brought
and mental health training. the charity’s plans during this time
video can be seen on rabi.org.uk. The conference was a fantastic many of the top UK chefs to
of unparalleled change in farming.
Face-to-face counselling is showcase of all that is good the small screen including
a fast, free and confidential Head of partnerships, Suzy Deeley about volunteering and provided Gordon Ramsay, Antony
service which provides support and director of services, Caron an opportunity for the regions Worrall-Thompson, Brian
to anyone wanting to talk to a Energy costs support Whaley, introduced the charity’s to come together, catch up, Turner and James Martin.
farming-trained professional. latest services, giving volunteers have fun and learn about all the
Energy costs have risen In 1994 he founded a food
insight into the progress being important things happening at
To give people greater dramatically, putting extra pressure and drink marketing agency
made. Several recently appointed RABI. After the difficulties of
confidence when talking about on already stretched households. in London before fulfilling a
regional managers also talked the pandemic, many people
wellbeing issues, RABI’s farmer- Research from National Energy lifelong ambition of owning
about their role in the organisation, haven’t seen each other for some
focused mental health training Action (NEA) estimates that Great British Beef supporting volunteers. considerable time and getting
a small farm in Devon in
comes with a unique aftercare 6.5 million family homes across
Week is heavenly together is always beneficial.
2000. This inspired him to
service so no one shoulders the UK are in fuel poverty. During the conference, Exmoor develop and launch his own
the burden of support alone. RABI’s longstanding relationship hill farmer and RABI beneficiary, Look out for highlights from the food brand, The Black Farmer.
“People facing financial hardship
Organisations interested in with Ladies in Beef continues, as Oliver Edwards, kindly shared event including the volunteers Wilfred was awarded an MBE
through cost increases can apply
accredited training can email the chosen charity partner for his farming life experiences; a recognised during the special for services to farming in the
for grants of up to £1,500 towards
mentalhealthtraining@rabi.org.uk. Great British Beef Week in April. big thank you to Pam Wills for awards ceremony in the 2020 New Year’s Honours List.
bill payments or making homes
During the celebrations, people suggesting Oliver and making next issue of RABI News.
Repairing storm more energy efficient,” says RABI
were encouraged to support the this happen. The day’s keynote
director of services, Caron Whaley.
damage industry and share their beef speaker was also a farmer with a
Energy efficiency improvements heaven and hell dishes. Read national presence, the charismatic
February 2022 will be remembered
include boiler servicing, installing more about RABI’s regional GBBW businessman and author, Wilfred
for its barrage of storms;
water tank jackets, lagging for fundraising events on page 17. Emmanuel-Jones MBE, also
Dudley, Eunice and Franklin
pipes, or installing loft insulation. known as ‘The Black Farmer’.
caused widespread disruption.
Stapleford Hall
Farming people affected by To better understand fuel
the extreme weather were poverty’s impacts, RABI’s regional
able to apply for emergency support officers have received “Volunteering is all about people. So much of RABI’s
grants of £1,000 from RABI. specialist training from the NEA. work is dependent on the backbone of support that our
“We have received applications
county committee network provides. We thank everyone
from numerous people who’ve for their incredible support.”
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones
been badly impacted by storm Izzy Shaw, head of volunteering
‘The Black Farmer’
damage,” says RABI services
4 www.rabi.org.uk www.rabi.org.uk 5
Helping farming people Welsh farmers use WhatsApp to stay in touch
Many of the famers that applied team found out they had set up officer, Gemma Raia said, “What
for emergency storm grants are a WhatsApp group where they an amazing use of technology to
For the everyday and the unexpected from Camarthenshire. When share regular farming updates bring the community together
Life in farming doesn’t always go to plan, even when we really want it to! In response speaking to famers from the including information about the and stay connected!”
RABI’s traditional charitable support is expanding to meet an ever-broader range of area, RABI’s service delivery storm grants. Regional welfare
needs.
The farming community is made of diverse people, with diverse backgrounds. Here we
showcase just some examples of how RABI supports our farming community. Taking the first step to get support
“It is always good to talk,” says the first step and registering
Thistle*, a sheep farmer and RABI with RABI’s online wellbeing
Support throughout the ongoing pig crisis beneficiary from Gloucestershire. platform, Qwell, to start some
virtual counselling sessions with
As the pig industry crisis continues, uncertainty is a huge cause of concern for many farmers in “It is all too easy to say, ‘I’m
a qualified therapist. It meant I
the sector. RABI responded by making its in-person counselling service available three months fine’, when sometimes the
ahead of schedule to support those affected. could take my time composing
opposite is true. Talking about
my thoughts and chat without
your negative feelings can be
Nigel Lloyd, a pig producer in “You may not have any pig the rest of the household
a real challenge, particularly if
Shropshire, says that speaking farmers nearby who can relate to knowing. I definitely felt so much
you’ve been working alone all
to somebody who is impartial the issues you’re faced with, and better once I had gone ahead and
day, with the same worries going
but familiar with the situation even if you talk to family, they done it.” www.rabi.org.uk/kooth
round and round in your head.
has been a big help. might not understand. Although
*Thistle is a pseudonym.
there’s no quick solution to solve “For me, it was such a relief taking
“I’ve found RABI’s new
all your problems, talking helps
counselling service invaluable for
to get things straight in your
support. It’s very straightforward
mind, and it’s helped us find that
- once you call up the helpline,
we have options for the future.”
Meet the team: Chloe Rigler – services manager
you’re recommended somebody
to talk to for advice on your
Chloe works within the service delivery team, which
Nigel Lloyd, pig farmer
specific circumstances. is frequently RABI’s first point of contact with farming
people that need support. Chloe has recently been
promoted to services manager after five years covering
Devon and Cornwall as a regional welfare officer (RWO).
Congratulations to RABI heroes Scott and Milo
It was fantastic to see RABI beneficiary, Scott Bailey and his guide dog Milo reach the ‘Hero What made you want Is there a beneficiary that’s
Dog’ finals at Crufts in March. to join RABI? had a real impact on you?
Father of two, Scott, has been Scott says he initially thought RABI offered the chance to That’s a really difficult question as
on a remarkable journey since that he was too young for RABI Chloe Rigler, services manager
make a positive difference by they’re all so unique. There was
losing his eyesight, which left to help but now he realises that going into people’s lives, helping one chap who continued to work
him unable to continue working the charity supports people
get to the root of the issue and through very ill health. It got to What excites you about
as a herdsman in Cheshire. of all ages and encourages
supporting to put it right. the point where his doctors were your new role?
others to call the helpline.
RABI gave Scott a grant to saying he should be bedridden,
“RABI has made a massive What gives you job satisfaction? For me, it’s all about building
buy a laptop with software but he continued to get up every
difference to me. Having the trust and working together to
developed for people with When you manage to make a day and keep going.
right support has helped me make positive changes. The
impaired vision, and specialist positive change or somebody He was totally inspiring in
get on with life and regain some day-to-day life of many farmers
lighting, to help him perform Scott Bailey with Milo says, ‘you don’t know how terms of prioritising the care of
independence,” says Scott. is relentless and we all want
everyday tasks at home.
much you’ve done for me’. That his animals because that was to do the very best we can
feedback makes it all worthwhile. what was important to him. for the farming community.
6 www.rabi.org.uk www.rabi.org.uk 7
Dates for the diary Find RABI at your local regional show
Agricultural and county shows are often the pinnacle in the rural calendar. Packed full of
Making up for lost time farm machinery, livestock, food and family fun, there’s always plenty to do and see. This
After two very quiet years, the social calendar is finally starting to fill up. RABI will be summer RABI will be at over 50 events, is there one near you?
attending numerous shows over the summer. These events are a friendly place for June July August
visitors to find out more about the support services that are available to farming people
• Suffolk Show • Hanbury Show • North Devon Show
and how you can get involved. • Staffordshire Show • Liskeard Show • Honiton Show
• Royal Bath & West Show • Stithians Show • Shearwell Sheep Fair
Who’s heading to Cereals? Get involved • Northumberland County Show • Fruit Focus • Brecon County Show
• Royal Cornwall Show • Great Yorkshire Show • Anglesey Show
• Open Farm Sunday • Camborne Show • Burwarton Show
8-9 June 2022, Duxford, • South of England Show • Royal Welsh Show • Vale of Glamorgan Show
• Aberystwyth & Ceredigion County • Driffield Show • Eglwysbach Show
Cambridgeshire Show • Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show • Ellingham Show
• Three Counties Show • Mid Devon Show • Pembrokeshire County Show
Look out for the RABI marquee • Blaston Show • Ryedale Show • Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show
again at the biggest arable • Royal Norfolk Show • Yealmpton Show • Denbigh & Flint Show
event in farming and be sure to • Devon County Show • New Forest & Hampshire Show • Chagford Show
stop by to say hello to the team. • Lincolnshire Show • Totnes & District Show • Dunster Show
• Ashbourne Show
To say ‘thank you’ for all
This year, RABI is one of the • Minsterley Show
the volunteer’s hard work,
event’s three charity partners Suzy Deeley, head of partnerships • Yesterday’s Farming Show
and Izzy Shaw, head of they’re being invited to join • Merionethshire County Show
with 50% from each ticket volunteering at Cereals 2021
an exclusive three course • Melplash Show
sale being donated to the
meal cook-along with multi- • Talybont Show
purchaser’s chosen charity. • Child Okeford Fair
award-winning chef, Chris
Big thanks to Compexposium • Aylsham Show
Wheeler. Other planned
for their ongoing support • Glendale Show
activities for the week include:
and for promoting RABI in
their regular newsletter. • Encouraging agricultural Get ready for the volunteer roadshow
colleges and Young Farmer This autumn/winter, members of the RABI team from central office will be undertaking
Tickets can be booked
Clubs to pledge volunteering regional roadshows with visits planned to locations in the north, south, east and west of
through the website:
Cereals: The Arable Event hours to RABI England and Wales. The roadshows will be piloted this year and if successful, more will
cerealsevent.co.uk
• Volunteering time to phone be held next year, so your input and feedback is important.
a friend
Each roadshow will allow volunteers “I recognise that not all our might not have engaged with before,
• Making the HM Queen’s
to find out more about the volunteers have the chance to to network with other regions who
Platinum Jubilee Beacon Tart
charity’s work and how it operates. attend central RABI events such are close to them and to understand
“Following two difficult (see page 11) To take part in
Importantly it will mean that county as the conference and AGM,” says a bit more about how RABI operates.
years, it’s really great that the cook-along, email Sally.
committees can meet members of Izzy Shaw, head of volunteering.
events are resuming at Conner@rabi.org.uk or Lauren. “The roadshows will be a two-way
the central team to talk about any “I think it’s important that we
pace. We’ve a lot to look Codling@rabi.org.uk engagement to build a greater
issues or queries that might arise. build good, solid relationships
forward to and events are understanding of how we can
Ahead of Volunteers’ with the volunteers that do so
a fabulous way to catch- It also gives the central team the all work together,” says Izzy.
Week, remember to opportunity to meet volunteers
much positive work for RABI.”
up with friends whilst share your personal
supporting our cause.” face to face and to better “By coming to different regional
stories about understand what happens locations it gives us the opportunity
volunteering with your regionally. The volunteering team for those one-to-one conversations
Linda Jones, regional manager so will be organising this with support with all the RABI teams who are
RABI regional
these can be shared far from regional managers; dates there to support you. We hope the
manager, Wales.
and wide. Chris Wheeler, Chef will follow later in the summer. roadshows will allow everyone who
Izzy Shaw, head of volunteering
attends the day to meet people they
8 www.rabi.org.uk www.rabi.org.uk 9
The Queen’s Platinum
Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee Jubilee Beacon Tart
In 2022, Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Method
Made with ingredients representing the four
Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service. It is an extraordinary achievement and one 1. Make the pastry and leave to chill for 30 minutes.
nations of the UK, every mouthful is both
that will be marked over the Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend, which takes place from 2. Preheat oven to 200°C fan (gas 7).
patriotic and delicious. Serves ten people.
2 to 5 June. 3. Line the greased flan tin with pastry and prick the
Pastry (or use ready-made shortcrust pastry)
RABI’s royal connections date Many public events are taking The Jubilee coincides with start bottom with a fork before lining with baking paper
back to Queen Victoria who place, including Trooping the of National Volunteer’s Week (1-7 • 140g (5 oz) plain flour and baking beans. Bake for 10 minutes, remove foil /
became the charity’s first patron Colour, the Platinum Jubilee June). RABI volunteers who send • 35g (1 ¼ oz) margarine beans, bake for a further 10 minutes.
and succeeding monarchs have Pageant at Buckingham Palace, in pictures of their homemade • 35g (1 ¼ oz) vegetable fat 4. Reduce oven to 160°C Fan (Gas 4).
followed suit. This includes and not forgetting numerous tart will receive a certificate of • About 1 ½ tablespoons cold water 5. Mix cream, eggs, parsley and pepper together.
George V, who granted a Royal local street parties. You can recognition produced especially • 20cm (8”) loose-bottom flan tin 6. Layer filling in the pastry case; smoked salmon first,
Charter in 1935 to mark the also get involved at home for the Platinum Jubilee. The • Baking beads followed by leeks and then 50g (2 oz) of cheese.
charity’s 75th anniversary. Queen by baking a special Platinum best pictures will also be shared Top with potatoes. Sprinkle remaining cheese over
Elizabeth II is RABI’s sixth royal Jubilee Beacon Tart (see the on RABI’s website and social the top then gently pour cream and egg mixture
Filling
patron and the longest serving recipe on the next page). media channels. Send pictures into the tart.
by an incredible 50 years! to Kim Claxton specifically, • Scotland: 100g (4 oz) smoked salmon (trimmings 7. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes until filling is set and
kim.claxton@rabi.org.uk or chopped small) golden. Serve cold. Enjoy!
• Wales: 50g (2 oz) finely sliced and gently fried
leeks soft but not coloured
Royal recollections - RABI volunteers commemorate 70 years • Northern Ireland: 100g (4 oz) peeled and cooked
During Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, there have been many momentous occasions potatoes, thinly sliced when cold
that have been enjoyed by RABI volunteers. Some of RABI’s longest-serving county • England: 70g (2 ¾ oz) Cheddar cheese (grated)
committee members share their favourite royal moments: • 200ml (7 fl oz) single cream
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
Stuart Bish, volunteer Mike Shelley, volunteer
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
“In regards to the Platinum Jubilee, our committee “My fondest memory of the Queen was in • Black pepper
is encouraging the registration and lighting 2011. After being county chairman for the
of beacons along with promoting the special Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural
Platinum Jubilee Tart to be made and eaten Society, we were invited to one of the Queen’s Gerard Poulter, volunteer Chris Downes, volunteer
around the beacons. I had the privilege of Garden Parties. It was a wonderful day and
being one of the first taste testers due to my to see her in person was just great.” “In November 2002, Princess Anne attended “We had a Diamond Jubilee Beacon in 2012
wife Christine’s involvement in the recipe!” the RABI AGM in London, where she gave a very on our field for people from local villages.
informative address regarding the problems facing The field is highest in locality, with views, and
the industry. She also voiced her encouragement wonderful to see all the surrounding hills lit
for us to help the next generation of farmers, up with Beacons. There was a hog roast, and
something all the Royal Family are well known for.” it was an excellent evening to celebrate.”
10 www.rabi.org.uk www.rabi.org.uk 11
NEWS FROM NEWS FROM
AROUND THE REGIONS AROUND THE REGIONS
Northwest own mental health during such North Wales Wales
a worrying time. The mental
(Lauren Codling) (Dewi Parry) (Linda Jones)
health training I received as
It’s been a busy couple of Singing their praises part of my role helped me Cilcain YFC Fundraising Ball North to South Charity Huge thanks goes to everyone
months in the North West In March, I met with the to talk about the support It’s been an exciting time in Challenge involved and to Wynnstay for
since joining RABI, with lots wonderful team at Gisburn available and the signs to look North Wales lately. In February, The Wynnstay Group held a their continued support. The very
of networking, relationship Auction Mart, Lancashire, to out for if you feel somebody we were honoured to receive fantastic fundraiser for RABI generous donation will help us
building and getting to know the receive a cheque for £3,549.50. may need some help. a cheque for £1,196 from with their North to South Charity to reach more farming people.
wonderful volunteers who do so This money was raised at their proceeds of a fundraising ball Challenge. The challenge for
Machinery shows Moody Cow fundraiser
much to support RABI. I’d like to annual Christmas carol concert held by Cilcain YFC. It was every staff member, along with
We have had a couple of Chris and Geraint Thomas of
specifically thank the Northwest in December and through their a true story of resilience as their family and friends, was
machinery shows in the The Moody Cow Farm Shop
volunteers for making me feel charity sheep sales. Gisburn this ball had to be rearranged to walk, run, swim, or cycle the
Northeast, one run by Ripon and Bargoed Caravan Site,
so welcome and making my first Auction Mart has been a huge twice, but the club took it as distance from Wynnstay’s most
Farm Services at Harrogate and Llwyncelyn, Ceredigion raised
few months so enjoyable. It’s supporter of RABI over the years, an opportunity to sell more northern office in Montrose to
one run by York Auction Mart £5,291.26 as a thank you to RABI.
great to see so many supporters and we are very grateful for tickets each time! It was great their most southern store in
on their site. Both shows were They hosted a day of fundraising
in the region and I am looking everything they do to support to give a talk about RABI to 35 Helston – a total of 644 miles.
really busy, with farmers loving activities, including a tractor
forward to meeting more of our farming communities. members of the club when I
the opportunity to meet and 201 Wynnstay staff members run, cawl and entertainment,
you in the coming months. went to receive the cheque.
chat with each other again. I from 27 teams took part and auction, and buffet held at their
UK Dairy Expo was humbled by the support Change of treasurer they collectively travelled over new “Ysgubor” function room.
Our committee in Cumbria we were shown, and the March saw Montgomeryshire’s 29,239 miles, covering the
The couple has made no secret
attended the first show of encouragement to continue AGM where Susan Jones challenge distance over 45 times!
of the fact that RABI helped
2022 in early March at H&H with our necessary work. handed over the reins of being
A cheque for £6,000 was them through a difficult time
Borderway Mart, Carlisle for the treasurer to Tricia after twenty
Further fun recently presented to Linda when they lost their farm near
UK Dairy Expo. The expo was years in the role. RABI is full of
Spring rounded off with several Jones, RABI’s regional manager Brecon. Chris, Geraint, and their
a great opportunity to raise heroes like Susan who selflessly
great fundraising events. in Wales by Gareth Davies, family have successfully rebuilt
awareness within the farming John Prickett and Tom Greenow give so much of themselves
East Yorkshire hosted a Beef Wynnstay Group CEO. their lives and were awarded a
community, make connections presenting a cheque to regional and for so long – we can’t
manager, Lauren Codling at Dinner Evening to celebrate 2021 Rural Business Award for
with agricultural companies Gisburn Auction Mart
thank any of them enough. “We are thrilled to have been
Great British Beef Week, North Best Rural Diversification Project.
and they even held a raffle. able to undertake this challenge
Yorkshire participated in a Call April events They have never forgotten
A huge thank you to Gillian to raise funds for RABI. The work
My Bluff Wine Evening, and April was exciting as it saw our the support that RABI gave to
and Alison for their support. that RABI do is so fundamentally
County Durham is running a first Clwyd event of the year them and are planning to host
important to the farming
Northeast Golf Day! There was also much with a very successful bingo
community. As a business
a Summer Ball on Saturday 13
(Sally Conner) celebrating in the East Yorkshire night in Pentre Halkyn. The August as a follow-up fundraiser.
working within this sector, we
Committee, as the secretary hall was packed with people
feel it is vitally important to
Pig World podcast got married and the chair and old and new, all enthused to
support the fantastic work
The North East counties his wife welcomed their third support RABI.. It was great
they do,” says Gareth.
have had a great start to the child within the same month. to do something that felt
year, with lots of committee so normal once more.
meetings to plan our year
ahead as well as attending
many events and meeting lots
of new people. One thing that I
have never done before, though,
Gareth Jones (Ceredigion RABI chair),
is a podcast. I was invited by Catrin Griffiths (Ceredigion RABI
‘Pig World’ to talk about how Linda Jones, Wales regional manager treasurer), Geraint Thomas and Henry
Gillian Potts and Alison Wilson our pig farmers cope with their receiving a cheque from Gareth Thomas (The Moody Cow), Euros
Sally Conner Pigs Today podcast
at the UK Dairy Expo Montgomeryshire RABI volunteers Davies, Wynnstay Group CEO Davies (Ceredigion RABI member)
12 www.rabi.org.uk www.rabi.org.uk 13
NEWS FROM NEWS FROM
AROUND THE REGIONS AROUND THE REGIONS
Central Durrants charity clay shoot West Midlands
cheque presentation
(Bekah Anstey) (Kate Jones)
Earlier this year, RABI were
2022 already looks set to be presented with a cheque by It’s already been a busy Staffordshire Dinner with the Yorkshire Shepherdess
an extremely busy year. It’s Durrants Estate Agents from year for the West Midlands,
clear that our volunteers work their annual fundraiser. with several great events
extremely hard to organise taking place and many more
Dominic Parravani, Durrants
events, often under challenging planned for the summer.
Managing Director said, “Our
circumstances. We’re looking
annual charity clay shoot Shropshire quiz
forward to seeing their efforts
has become a firm fixture
pay off in a successful 2022.
in our fundraising calendar.
Annual Working Weekend Our recent event, raised an
The NVTEC Midlands Group outstanding £1,053.94!”
held a collection at their Annual
Mrs Thorogood said, “On behalf
Working Weekend where
of Suffolk RABI, we would Staffordshire RABI committee and supporters with the
activities included ploughing,
like to say thank you so very Yorkshire Shepherdess, Amanda Owen
milling, saw benches, stationary/
much indeed for choosing our
barn engines, and static
charity to donate this amazing On Thursday 17 March, Amanda’s straight-talking
displays. The weekend was Derbyshire RABI chair, Bill Dilks
attending a tour of Thornbridge Hall sum. We really do appreciate Staffordshire committee and nature, humour and connection
held at Lyndon Farm, Fleckney,
receiving this money, which will supporters were welcomed with all the guests resulted in a
Leicestershire by kind
go straight to our beneficiaries.” to the Staffordshire County particularly successful evening.
permission of the Smith family. The Shropshire quiz prize winners
Pat and Jim Davies and Ann Stokes Showground for the annual dinner. Staffordshire YFC ran a raffle,
Cheque presentation
Visit to Thornbridge Hall With over 400 guests, there was raising over £1,300, and guest
One of the highlights over
East to Essex RABI
On 11 March, over 50 people took wonderful support for RABI. auctioneer, Mike Williams, added
(Kim Claxton) Essex secretary Peter Hickling
the past few months has to part in the annual quiz arranged a further £2,100 to the funds
received a cheque from Rob Amanda Owen, known better
be attending Thornbridge I am thrilled to be the interim by Shropshire committee as he auctioned off 14 lots.
Morrell chairman of Greenstead by many as the Yorkshire
Hall with our Derbyshire RM for the East of England member Mervin Mullard to raise
Green Agricultural Club for Shepherdess, delivered an The overall donation was
Committee Chair, Bill Dilks. We and to be working alongside funds and awareness for RABI.
£300. Charlie Flindt had inspirational speech, with £14,220, so a special
had the opportunity to have a our fabulous committees in
spoken at the Club’s annual After a delicious two course guests hanging on her every thanks to the Staffordshire
tour and meet with the owners, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge,
dinner and he requested meal prepared and served by word. Amanda spoke of her committee for this amazing
who have agreed to host a Hertfordshire, and Essex. Our
a donation to be made the Shropshire committee, six incredible journey, tales of the post pandemic comeback.
wonderful celebration event volunteers are very excited to
to RABI in lieu of a fee. rounds of testing questions and family farm and her passion
for us on the 23rd of August. be able to host events again. The
two table rounds were put to the for British agriculture.
Thank you Thornbridge! response from our friends who
thirteen teams. The winning team
support these events has been
Lent talk consisted of Jim and Pat Davies
enormous, with everyone looking
Another highlight was a Lent and Ann Stokes, and a fantastic
forward to socialising again
talk at St. Peter and St. Paul total of £877 was raised for RABI.
with neighbours and friends.
Church in Hathern. We were
Shropshire NFU county
invited to talk about RABI’s There are 20 upcoming events
chairman’s lunch
work. After the talk and and shows planned throughout
lots of wonderful questions the region ranging from On 8 May 150 RABI supporters
and discussions, they very Cereals and several county attended a two course lunch
generously donated £165 that shows, to lunches, BBQs, and and raffle at Minsterley
Richard Prentice of Durrants,
we are so very grateful for. afternoon teas, to clay shoots, presenting a cheque to David Parish Hall, raising £3,000.
golf days, and open farm days. Locke, of RABI and Thelma
The Yorkshire Shepherdess Thank you from Yorkshire
Thorogood Suffolk Chair for RABI
It’s a full calendar for sure. with Kate Jones Shepherdess, Amanda Owen
14 www.rabi.org.uk www.rabi.org.uk 15
NEWS FROM NEWS FROM
AROUND THE REGIONS AROUND THE REGIONS
Southwest Southeast South Central
(Pam Wills) (Andy James) (Laura Ractliffe)
Cornwall review Since joining RABI in February, The first half of the year has
In January, outgoing Cornwall Overall, over £3,000 was raised there has been much to do kicked off with several great Celebrating Great British Beef Week (GBBW).
chairman John Perry reviewed during a very enjoyable evening in support of the five South events throughout the South
It’s one of the highlights in the culinary calendar and three of
the past two years before expertly organised by John and East county committees Central region, with many more
our county committees made the most of RABI’s long standing
handing over to new chair, Jan Yeoman and their team. and their exciting plans planned for the summer. Well
partnership with Ladies in Beef with special fundraising events.
Edward Buckland. Despite the for 2022 and beyond! done to the committees for their
Dorset quiz
pandemic, the committee hard work and enthusiasm.
Following a successful Christmas In the lead up to Easter, the Bucks RABI Pie & Gloucestershire GBBW supper
had raised an incredible £20k
quiz, the Dorset Committee held Kent county committee Warwickshire Farmhouse Pudding night Gloucestershire RABI
through online quizzes and
a Jubilee quiz in April to celebrate had already run a number Breakfast Bucks RABI held their Pie & committee and Tanya Robbins,
auctions. Being online meant the
our Patron Her Majesty’s Platinum of great fundraising events, Pudding Night at The Bell, Ladies in Beef member, held
evenings could go global, with In February, the Warwickshire
Jubilee. As always, the Pengelly including a RABI Raceday Winslow after a 2-year break a beef supper and raffle
people joining from as far afield RABI county committee hosted
family at Gorwell Farm were at Plumpton racecourse due to Covid. 50 people joined fundraiser at The Star, Ashton
as Australia. A very entertaining a farmhouse breakfast at
excellent hosts. Knowledge of all and five well-attended the committee to celebrate. Under Hill. It was a sell-out
online presentation was Wethele Manor by generous
things royal and related to the Farmhouse Breakfasts. Kent Beef pie was on the menu event with 46 attending taking,
produced by committee member permission of the Moreton family.
past 70 years were tested by the also organised and facilitated with a delicious selection of over the whole restaurant!
Sam Oatey of Oatey Media – The committee sourced local
very competitive teams, with the a hugely successful Clay desserts, followed by a raffle. The event raised £574.
he even managed to persuade ingredients all kindly donated,
victors being local team Norfolk Shoot Day, which raised The evening raised £547.
Father Christmas to call in! the team at Wethele Manor Wiltshire RABI GBBW dinner
& Chance, narrowly beating off an amazing £4000 for
kindly cooked the breakfasts Berkshire RABI St George’s 55 guests joined the Wiltshire
Devon spring bash the Corgis from Weymouth. RABI on the day alone.
for the guests, the committee Day Beef dinner RABI committee at The Bear
A great evening bash was held
In addition to our programme served and cleared the Berkshire RABI held a St Hotel, Devizes. There was
in February at Langstone Cliffs
of established and highly breakfasts. Attended by around George’s Day beef dinner slow cooked blade of beef
Hotel, Dawlish Warren. 120 guests
enjoyable local farm and rural 100 guests, the breakfast raised at The Queens Lodge, East followed by a selection of
including local farmers, agri
community events, we will a fantastic £2,772 in total. Garston to celebrate. 60 desserts. The raffle included
businesses, and Young Farmers
be working to develop new people attended, filling the a lovely hamper donated
enjoyed a sumptuous meal
projects to encourage young venue! A lovely 3 course by NFU Mutual Marlborough
before being well entertained
people and members of the Gloucestershire breakfast dinner was served, with the and other goodies.
by Devon comedian Tank
non-farming community to roast beef donated by the
Sherman. The auction that The Gloucestershire RABI county
raise funds and promote local Rooksnest Estate – just
followed attracted some lively committee held their Farmhouse
awareness of RABI and the down the road from the venue.
bidding and amateur auctioneer, Cornwall county committee at Breakfast event at Stowell Park,
their review event with RABI trustee
important work we do. The evening was successly
committee member John Smith, Yanworth for the second time in
John Hoskin topped off with a raffle.
raised £820 through sales. March. It included a full English
breakfast cooked by Marianne
Combe and helpers. A prize draw
took place with plenty of lovely
prizes, including a beef box,
clay pigeon shooting vouchers,
and some bottles. David Barton
auctioned a wheelbarrow full
of booze for £260! 80 guests
attended the breakfast and
Essex RABI Secretary Peter Hickling raised a terrific £1,700 for RABI.
receiving a cheque from Rob
Morrell, chairman of Greenstead Warwickshire RABI farmhouse breakfast Gloucestershire RABI farmhouse breakfast
Devon Spring Bash Green Agricultural Club
16 www.rabi.org.uk www.rabi.org.uk 17
Regional managers Service delivery team
RABI’s team of regional managers are your local point of contact and work closely with Jackie Attfield Mel Jones
our county committee network and volunteers to organise fundraising events and raise Regional welfare officer Regional welfare officer
awareness of the charity’s support for farming communities. Regions covered: Bedfordshire, Regions covered: Regions covered:
For fundraising enquiries email fundraising@rabi.org.uk Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Anglesey, Caernarfon, Conwy, Clwyd, Merionethshire,
Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire Montgomeryshire, Shropshire
Lauren Codling – Northwest Kate Jones – West Midlands I started my role in February 2022 covering Central East I have enjoyed 16 years working to support the farming
and bring many years of casework experience with me. community at RABI.
Regions covered: Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Regions covered: Herefordshire, Shropshire,
Merseyside, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire. Staffordshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire
Email: Lauren.Codling@rabi.org.uk Email: Kate.Jones@rabi.org.uk
Gillian Carr Laura Parrott
Regional welfare officer Regional welfare officer
Phone: 07525 323450 Phone: 07876 492839
Regions covered: County Durham, East Yorkshire, Regions covered: Berkshire, East Sussex,
I recently joined RABI and I am loving getting to know the I joined RABI in 2009 and am passionate about supporting Northumberland, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, London, Surrey, West Sussex
farming community better to ensure I can raise awareness British agriculture and farmers, but also get a lot of
I joined RABI in January and am keen to support the I joined RABI in January 2022, and am enjoying learning a new role
and ensure everyone who needs us can access support. satisfaction from fundraising and arranging events.
community facing a diverse range of challenges. in a new sector whilst working alongside some wonderful people.
Sally Conner – Northeast Kim Claxton – East Zoe Cauter-Clarke
Regions covered: Co Durham, East Yorkshire, Maternity cover for Lucy Bellefontaine Regional welfare officer
Gemma Raia
Northumberland, North Yorkshire, Regional welfare officer
Regions covered: : Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Remote support
Remote support
Email: Sally.Conner@rabi.org.uk Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk I have been with RABI for four months, and I love working to
I’ve been a remote welfare officer for four months, it’s is
Phone: 07818 093506 Email: Kim.Claxton@rabi.org.uk make a difference in the farming community.
a new role within the RABI as we look at further ways to
I am a farmer’s daughter, sister, and wife, and have worked Phone: 07841 053244 support our farming community.
for RABI for over ten years. I have been involved in fundraising for most of my working Jackie Clegg
life and am delighted to be the interim RM during Lucy’s Regional welfare officer
Regions covered: Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Elonwy Williams
Dewi Parry – North Wales maternity leave.
Regional welfare officer
Merseyside, West Yorkshire
Regions covered: Anglesey, Caernarfon
Regions covered: Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion,
(Gwynedd), Conwy, Clwyd (Flint/Denbighshire), Pam Wills – Southwest In covering the Northwest for some 23 years now, I’ve had
the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people over the Glamorgan, Pembrokeshire
Montgomeryshire Regions covered: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset,
years and assisted many in various ways. Shwd mae! Elonwy Williams ydw i a fi yw’r Swyddog Lles ar
Email: Dewi.Parry@rabi.org.uk Somerset
gyfer Ceredigion, Penfro, Sir Gâr a Morgannwg. Rwy wedi
Phone: 07912 054677 Email: Pam.Wills@rabi.org.uk bod yn y swydd ers chwe mlynedd.
Claire Crichard
I’m a farmer’s son from Clwyd, now living on Anglesey. Phone: 07825 336224 Regional welfare officer Hello! I’m Elonwy Williams and I am the welfare officer
Before joining RABI I was YFC National Chairman in 2020. I’ve been with RABI for over ten years, working in the Regions covered: Brecon & Radnor, for Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and
farming community and making a difference to rural lives. Gloucestershire (North and South), Herefordshire, Glamorgan. I have been in post for six years.
Linda Jones – Wales Monmouthshire.
Laura Ractliffe – South Central I have been working for RABI for 21 years, and no two days Louise Wilkinson
Regions covered: Brecon & Radnor,
Regions covered: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, are ever the same! Regional welfare officer
Camarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire,
Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Regions covered: Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire
Glamorgan, Merionethshire, Monmouthshire
Wiltshire Caroline Harrison I’m a Lincolnshire lass and have been with RABI for five years.
Email: Linda.Jones@rabi.org.uk
Email: Laura.Ractliffe@rabi.org.uk Regional welfare officer
Phone: 07557 363016
Phone: 07919 478518 Regions covered: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lindsay Derbyshire
I live on a sheep and beef farm and have proudly worked for Staffordshire, Rutland, Telford (Shropshire), Warwickshire,
Raised on a dairy and beef farm in Gloucestershire, I have a Regional welfare officer
RABI for over eight years. West Midlands, Worcestershire
passion for the agricultural sector, and know first-hand the Regions covered: Devon and Cornwall
issues that we face. As part of the service delivery team, I work with people I started with RABI in March and am getting stuck in with
Bekah Anstey – Central from the communities of my region who require assistance the great work the service delivery team carries out.
Regions covered: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Andy James – Southeast and guidance in many different areas.
Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Regions covered: East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Nikki Cochran
Rutland Wight, Kent, Surrey, West Sussex Del Hicks Regional welfare officer
Email: Andy.James@rabi.org.uk
Regional welfare officer
Email: Bekah.Anstey@rabi.org.uk Remote support
Regions covered: Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire
Phone: 07730 765377 Phone: 07395 792942 I recently joined RABI from the Armed Forces charity sector
I have worked for RABI for 12 months supporting working
Though a new team member, I bring a wealth of knowledge from I’ve had a diverse career prior to joining RABI, and live with and am really looking forward to supporting our wonderful
and retired members of the farming community. My role
the voluntary sector and look forward to a busy events calendar. my family on a small dairy farm. farming community.
has highlighted the various difficulties they face.
18 www.rabi.org.uk www.rabi.org.uk 19Farming can be tough.
Talking to someone who
understands can help.
• Referral to a professional counsellor
within 24 hours of a call
• Fast, free, and confidential
• Face-to-face, by telephone or
video call
Contacting RABI
Please direct any enquiries regarding our service provision, 24/7 confidential
including referrals, to help@rabi.org.uk helpline:
For fundraising enquiries email fundraising@rabi.org.uk
0800 188 4444
For any other enquiries, please email info@rabi.org.uk
Call our free, confidential 24/7 helpline
0800
20 188 4444 | www.rabi.org.uk www.rabi.org.uk
Registered charity number: 208858You can also read
