We can help provide a happy ending for farmers
"It's the show tomorrow, daddy, can we go?" said the little girl. "I don't know, we have so much to do on the farm, there is the fence to repair," was the reply. "But daddy, all my friends will be going, there is so much to see. I love seeing all the animals. Please?"
There was a pause. "If I start the morning milking earlier, then you can help me check the young stock, so we should be able to manage a few hours away from the farm." A delighted little girl met her mother returning from checking the sheep flock, before she went off to work as a part-time pharmacist. "We can go to the show tomorrow, I'll tell granny when you drop me there in a minute." Daddy looked at mummy and said: "Can we take a picnic, perhaps it will do us good to go, even though I ought to be at home working and money is scarce." The reply came: "You haven't been anywhere for ages, we'll manage somehow."
The day was perfect, the little girl was full of joy, admiring the pens of immaculate sheep, the lines of quiet groomed cattle, the parade of horses; the sound of the commentator in the background excited and knowledgeable in the shearing marquee, the scents in the flower tent. Daddy stopped and chatted, although he did seem sad as he talked about his farming. The little girl gathered a large collection of leaflets and stickers to take home, a great treasure trove.
After finishing milking, as the farmer glanced through the leaflets of shiny machinery, different breeds of cattle, cars and auctioneers, one caught his eye – Help in Difficult Times, supporting farming families.
He had not heard of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. There was a Helpline number 0808 2819490. The worry of the next TB test and losing more cattle, the thought of the imminent phone call from the bank manager, and then keeping up a brave face for his family, were giving him sleepless nights. It was the chance to talk to someone confidentially who understood. Fortunately, that farmer did contact RABI and the little girl has a happier father.
The Shropshire committee is grateful for all the support and fundraising, including a magnificent £6,621 at the recent NFU chairman's lunch. If you would like to know more or become involved please contact RABI regional manager Becky Davies 07876 492839 or email: rm.west-midlands@rabi.org.uk
Christine Downes is chairman of Shropshire Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution committee
