Malcolm Thomas, Mair Rees, Annie Parry, Mair Jones

Supporters from Wales took home four prizes at R.A.B.I’s annual awards ceremony, held in Oxfordshire.

The Merionethshire committee received the Bryn Davies Bowl, which is awarded to the organisation in Wales which made the greatest contribution to the charity. Mair Rees, Annie Parry and Mair Jones collected the bowl from NFU vice president Stuart Roberts.

The committee recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and a number of its members have been involved since the start. In 2018, they raised more funds than the charity gave out in grants in the county.

Joshua Hosier, R.A.B.I deputy chairman, said: “The highlight of their year was their Anniversary Concert. They secured a phenomenal amount of financial help from businesses and community councils. This involved a huge amount of work, many letters and much follow up!

“As well as raising a fantastic £5,402, the concert was also a very effective and successful way of raising awareness about R.A.B.I.”

Stuart Roberts and Gwilym Jenkins

The regional award for Wales went to Gwilym Jenkins from the Ceredigion committee, who has been supporting R.A.B.I for 30 years. In his time on the committee, he has fulfilled every role and is now vice chairman. Joshua said of Gwilym: “He always goes the extra mile, ensuring that local shows, discussion groups and organisations all know about us. His level of commitment is exemplary and he’s a pleasure to work with.”

Heidi Williams, from the Anglesey committee, won the regional award for North Wales. While Heidi was unable to attend the ceremony, regional manager Becky Davies collected the prize on her behalf.

Becky also read a few words written by Heidi: “I’m truly overwhelmed and honoured to receive this award. R.A.B.I was a lifeline for my brother when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He sadly lost his battle, but I am indebted to the charity for the support they provided him, his wife, and his two small children at the time.”

NFU Cymru picked up the Dennis Brown Shield for their ‘Hike and Bike’ challenge. Find out more about the award here.

National Award Winners

The Dennis Brown Shield – NFU Cymru (Hike and Bike)

The Beaufort Shield – Oxfordshire Committee

The Sam Taylor Cup – Edward Buckland, John Perry and Martin Dyer (Cornwall 3way)

The Hunter Farm Cup – Cumbria Committee

The Bryn Davies Bowl – Merionethshire Committee

The R.A.B.I Cup – Hampshire Committee

The YFC Cup – East Riding of Yorkshire YFC

Regional Award Winners

North West – NFU North West

North East – David & Lorna Maughan, County Durham

Wales – Gwilym Jenkins, Ceredigion

North Wales & Warwickshire – Heidi Williams, Anglesey

West Midlands – Steve Morris, Worcestershire

East Midlands – Leicestershire committee

East – Christine Bish, Cambridgeshire

South Central – Richard Gore, Berkshire

South West – Alice Kennard, Dorset

South East – Terry Davy, West Sussex

Photos by Kevin Milner.