Annual RABI Conference Award Winners

RABI held its annual Conference on Thursday 18 October, bringing together staff, Trustees, county committees, and volunteers to celebrate the achievements of the past year. As part of the event, an award ceremony took place to recognise the exceptional efforts of individuals who have made a significant impact in supporting the farming community.

The first award to be introduced was the Emyr Wigley Outstanding Contribution Award, presented to Lord Don Curry for his dedication to advancing the work of RABI and other farming charities. Throughout his career, Lord Curry has shown an unwavering commitment to empowering farming communities by assisting in the development of solutions that strengthen both agricultural businesses and the individuals behind them. RABI were honoured that Lord Curry accepted the role of Vice-President in 2006, a position that he continues to hold today.

The second accolade presented was the Breaking New Ground Award, which celebrates volunteers or committees who have pushed themselves to do something new. This was awarded to Rhiannon Mercer from RABI’s Carmarthenshire Committee for her initiative in organising the successful event ‘Tea, Cakes and a Taste of Fashion’. The occasion raised valuable awareness for the charity and provided an enjoyable social event for its attendees.

Breaking New Ground Award finalists: Tara Barry (Gloucestershire) and Katherine Pretswell-Walker (Cumbria)

Next, the event ‘BaConversation’ was recognised with the Community Impact Award. Jointly organised by RABI’s East Yorkshire Committee and East Riding Young Farmers Club, it was held in response to a period of bad weather earlier this year, which affected many in the local farming community. Playing on the words ‘bacon’ and ‘conversation’, the event offered a welcoming space for farming people to come together, share stories and offer mutual support – over a bacon sandwich.

Ellie Jackson, County Organiser for East Riding YFC, accepted the award.

Community Impact Award finalists: Rob Stacey & the Essex Committee, Clywd Committee

The Bucks Farmers Ball Committee received the Regional Fundraising Award. Since 1999, they have donated over £220,000 to RABI and this year, the committee celebrated a significant milestone by hosting its 100^th ball in support of the charity. The continued success of this event is a testament to the hard work invested in it each year.

Regional Fundraising Award finalists: Nick Bragg (Somerset), Newton Land Development and Property (Warwickshire)

Finally, Cath Houghton was named Volunteer of the Year 2024 for her outstanding commitment to the RABI Clwyd Committee. Since joining 18 months ago, Cath has excelled as a volunteer by helping at county shows, taking part in RABI’s Mental Health Training, and cooking at a farm walk event. Her proactive attitude has brought a new sense of ambition to the committee who consider her a real asset.

Volunteer of the Year finalists: June Wearmouth (County Durham), Phill Gregg (North Yorkshire), Moira Roberts (Shropshire), Peter Hickling (Essex) and Julie Steward (Suffolk)

The ceremony closed with words of recognition for all nominees, finalists and winners.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering or fundraising for RABI, please click here.