Suzie Paton & Philippa Spackman- Regional Officers, South West England

Starting work with RABI in March, we've hit the ground running, with a full range of exciting fundraising events to celebrate the 150th Anniversary in the South West. Recent events include the Painswick YFC horse racing night, the Wiltshire Farmers Ball and the Lloyds TSB Agriculture farmers meeting and supper.

Quite literally running, athletic RABI supporters in Gloucestershire have been raising sponsorship to take part in the London 10K Race on 11th July.

And there's an entirely different type of race to be seen at Forde Abbey on 29th July. Ferret racing is one of many attractions at the Abbey's annual summer fair where RABI will be one of two charities benefiting from the proceeds.

The 150th celebrations in Somerset this summer focused on the Royal Bath & West Show with a spectacular farming pageant taking place daily in the main arena.

Unfortunately, in Dorset the Anniversary Country Challenge due to be held in September at Sherborne Castle, has had to be cancelled, which was disappointing for all. However, the Dorset committee has been busy organising the 150th anniversary dinner to be held at the Dorchester Showground on 28th August - definately not an occasion for those running shoes.

Many grateful thanks to all my committees for their valued commitment and for making me feel so welcome.

Suzie

Just three months into my role as the new part-time regional officer for Devon and Cornwall and my feet have barely touched the ground!

It's been a pleasure to meet county committee members who do so much for the charity, and to visit beneficiaries with regional welfare officer Liz Hoare to see what a difference RABI can make, not least in this special year.

A service to celebrate the charity's 150th anniversary was held at Exeter Cathedral in May and a similar service is planned in Truro Cathedral in September.

Following the Devon County and Royal Cornwall Shows, planning is well underway for a host of other agricultural shows later in the summer where we hope to meet as many people as possible to raise awareness of our work.

Fundraising has already begun in earnest in Devon, with folk dances and pasty suppers. An autumn ball and 'food for friends' week are planned for the autumn in Cornwall, as well as events in both counties to support national Cream Tea Week and Welly Week.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us already this year and let's hope the sun shines on our summer endeavours!

Philippa

Suzie  Philippa

Tel: Suzie Paton- 01285 712440 & Philippa Spackman - 01872 500902 Mobile: Suzie Paton - 07860 507980 & Philippa Spackman - 07919 478518 Email: suzie.paton@rabi.org.uk & p.spackman@rabi.org.uk