Christmas hampers are to be delivered shortly to 12 Royal Agriculture Benevolent Institute beneficiaries in their own homes within Pembrokeshire, together with other gifts to people in care homes and hospitals.

The scheme, which is funded by the RABI from funds raised nationally, provides financial assistance to farmers and farm workers who have hit upon difficult times.

During 2000 the Pembrokeshire farming community raised £4,000, with benefits totalling £21,613 being paid to beneficiaries within the county. Honorary treasurer of the NFU charities committee, Mrs Peggy Codd, whose committee organises the 200 Club draw and annual raffle, encouraged people to join the 200 club as a means of raising funds. The committee, the principal fundraising activist within the county, has recently forwarded cheques in excess of £1,300 to the institutes Oxfordshire headquarters.

Mrs Codd continued: The RABI provides a lifeline to many people formerly and currently engaged in agriculture.

I would encourage anyone who knows of someone who might benefit to put forward names to the RABI, where all contacts are dealt with in the strictest confidence.

Further details of the NFU Charities Committee 200 Club can be obtained by contacting Mrs Codd on 0437 710652.

CAPTION

In presenting a cheque for £1,100 for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution to NFU deputy president, Mr Tim Bennett, Mr Bill Philpin, chairman of Pembrokeshire NFU Charities (left), said that the excellent work of the RABI, particularly over recent months in supporting those in distress due to foot and mouth disease, was of immense importance. In recent years Pembrokeshire has donated over £13,000 to help farmers and their families in need, said Mr Philpin. PICTURE: Meyrick Brown.