Archive Article: 2001/06/08
Farmers weekly wants to say a big thank you to everyone whos donated money and given help and support to those in need following the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
Money contributed to the emergency funds is throwing a lifeline to many families. Every penny really does make a difference. People have also rallied round to support farmers, with acts of kindness and offers of support and resources.
Hawling Methodist Chapel and St Edwards Church, Hawling, held a joint service to recognise the hardship faced by those in the country and raise cash for farming charities. The service, which was led by Rev Roger Morris of the Church of England and Rev John Turner of the Methodist Church, raised more than £430 for the ARC-Addington Fund.
Hexham Rowing Club raised more than £500 holding a 24-hour marathon rowing machine race. The money went, through the Newcastle Journals appeal, to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Fund. "Hexham, like many market towns around the country, is at the heart of a community reliant on agriculture and tourism for its survival. During the early stages of the F&M crisis, the town was in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons," says Rowing Club member Neil Lewis. "But the Club, like many organisations, has a part to play in supporting the community and is in a unique position to help troubled businesses at this time of the dreaded epidemic, and put the area on the tourist map again – but for the right reasons!"
Banbury & District Vintage Ploughing Society has made a donation of £100 to RABI. The contribution was made because, as honorary treasurer Graham Clifton says, the Society "relies on the goodwill of farmers."
* Have you or someone you know put your hand in your pocket or acted in response to the current crisis? If so, let us know. Call 0208 652 4928 or e-mail tim.relf@rbi.co.uk