HERE - Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution

Royal AgriculturalBenevolent InstitutionWith compassion and discretion we providewelfare advice, care and financial provisionto those in the farming community sufferingneed, hardship or distress.Through our volunteers and supporters weraise the funds to maintain and develop a costeffective service capable of meeting theirwelfare and well-being needs.IndexNews from Shaw House 3Challenges update 4Welfare 5Concern over Universal CreditShowground massageChristmas hampers 6Residential homes newsShow scene 9Around the country 10Regional roundupFundraising 12Donations 14News and events 16Regional newsDates for your diaryCOVER PICTURE: On the way to ‘Art inthe Box’, a fundraising art exhibition ina stable – see report in fundraising onpage 12RABI, Shaw House, 27 West WayOxford, OX2 0QHtel: 01865 724931fax: 01865 202025e-mail: info@rabi.org.ukwebsite: www.rabi.org.ukconfidential helpline 01865 727888R.A.B.I News is edited by Nicholas Bondwho can be contacted at the above ortel: 01789 721311 (home/office)e-mail: nicholas.bond@farming.me.ukRABI operates throughout England and WalesA sister charity, RSABI, operates in ScotlandRegistered charity no. 208858The year marchessuccessfully onThe support, profile and fundraising for RABI continue to grow as we move through 2011which is very encouraging in these difficult times for many individuals, companies andother organisations.We were honoured and delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses the Duke andDuchess of Gloucester to The CLA Game Fair, held in the magnificent surroundings of theBlenheim Palace grounds amidst glorious sunshine. We had been chosen as the show’scharity for the year which provided the ideal opportunity to raise our profile amongst the148,500 visitors attending the event. The Duke and Duchess very kindly spent timemeeting the official guests, beneficiaries,supporters and the staff team, which was muchappreciated by all concerned. My thanks go to allthose who gave up their time so willingly to runthe stand throughout the three days of the eventand to the Game Fair management board for theirsupport.Our presence at the Royal Welsh Show was alsovery successful thanks to our band of volunteers. Iwas delighted to accept a substantial cheque fromthe Lloyds TSB and AMC agricultural staff team,who had raised money in a variety of waysfollowing on from their corporate sponsorship lastyear. At the same time we hosted a book signingby Adam Henson, the farming star of the BBCCountryfile programme and an ambassador forLloyds TSB, who attracted a long queue of ladieskeen to secure his autograph. He very kindly gaveus a percentage of his sales that day, spoke in support of our work and provided twocopies of his book to be auctioned off in the evening.I have been pleased to attend fantastic fundraising events in various parts of thecountry virtually every weekend since April ranging from balls to a wonderful concert andsplendid lunches. All have been well supported and organised by the hard working countycommittees and regional officers concerned. I joined the RABI team in London for theannual 10k run along with the other 25,000 participants. Once again we were blessedwith fine weather which was a little on the warm side for the run, but perfect for ourparty in the park afterwards. Many thanks to all who took part and to those whosupported us along the route. I hope that we can attract an even bigger team of runnersnext year just before the London Olympics get underway. Remember we can guaranteeyou a place without having to qualify!I am also delighted to report that we have secured planning consent for theredevelopment of Manson House and work on this exciting project will start in theautumn. Over the course of the next three years we aim to improve and extend the homeand to replace the outdated flats, which provide valuable accommodation for those whocan still enjoy a degree of independent living.We are already making plans for 2012 which will include playing a major role in thelighting of beacons to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. So please watch this spacefor further details as to how you can help light up Britain to mark this very specialoccasion.Julian SayersChairmanwww.rabi.org.uk 2