Shropshire Star

How RABI helps farming community

By Christine Downes, a member of Shropshire R.A.B.I committee

Published
Christine Downes

As a volunteer committee member of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution I am often asked about the organisation, who it helps, how it helps and where the funds come from.

The poverty in the farming community in the late 1800s led Essex farmer John Mechi to found R.A.B.I in 1860, after an appeal he received donations of 1,700 guineas, enabling the charity to give grants of £40 a year and 1.5 tons of coal for a married couple.

Most importantly, children were to be fed, clothed and educated. For many years applications outweighed available funds, but with support by the mid 1930s the charity was helping 1,000 people at an annual cost of £32,000. Queen Victoria was the first patron, followed by the succeeding monarchs.

The Charter was amended in 2012 to reflect the work in the 21st century. Nationally in 2017, R.A.B.I will help around 2,000 people annually and give out approximately £2million in grants.

“Please can you help? I am worried, my wife won’t cope when I go into hospital” said the caller to the R.A.B. I Helpline 0808 281 9490 “We have wonderful family and neighbours but I don’t want to bother them, they are all so busy,” he continued.

“We have always managed but my wife is in a wheelchair, and we are now struggling financially.”

After a call to the compassionate and confidential R.A.B.I Welfare Officer, a visit was arranged, and a long term plan enabled the elderly retired farmworker and his wife to be free of worry.

The charity gives Christmas hampers to long term beneficiaries, with essentials and a few treats, the Shropshire committee is grateful to Rose at Harry Tuffins at Craven Arms for her continued support.

The rural community is strong and resilient as it meets together to raise funds for many deserving charities, and R.A.B.I is grateful for the generous donations from individuals, businesses, Young Farmers, Churches and functions organised by the local committee. Every penny of the fundraising income is used to support those who are in need, in Shropshire in 2016 we spent £80,152 and raised £27,733 the shortfall comes from national fundraising.

An excellent Christmas Grand Draw Supper will be held at Atcham Memorial Hall SY5 6QE on Friday December 8 at 7pm, tickets £10 to include supper and mince pies, with a chance to wear your Christmas jumper.

Tickets and further information from Regional Manager Kate Jones 07876 492839 or kate.jones@rabi.org.uk

The Regional Manager is the link between the R.A.B.I and the voluntary county committees. Kate Jones is responsible for managing events, raising awareness with businesses and community groups, covering Shropshire, Herefordshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire