RABI staff and the Cornwall RABI county committee were delighted to return to the Royal Cornwall Show this summer from the 9th to 11th of June. Alongside meeting members of the local farming community and holding the annual RABI auction, they presented Dick Twinney with a bronze sheep in recognition of his contributions to RABI over the last 12 years.
Dick and his wife Ann have been long-time supporters of RABI and the Royal Cornwall Show. Having exhibited at the Show as an artist for about 30 years, Dick started volunteering on the RABI stand in 2010 and has been a member of the team ever since. As well as taking on various duties on the stand, Dick donated an original painting to the raffle every year. He has also donated paintings to be reproduced on RABI’s popular Christmas cards.
Dick has given so much to RABI and says the work of the charity is close to his heart. Living in beautiful rural north Cornwall, he spends much of his time on farmland painting, and draws much of his inspiration from the farming seasons and community. Having many friends in farming, Dick appreciates the struggles that farmers can face and is keen to promote RABI’s work supporting farming people.
Reflecting on his time with RABI at the Royal Cornwall Show, he recalls a time when the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visited the stand. The duchess spent quite some time watching Dick paint with much interest, and before departing commented that her husband also painted – but that he wasn’t nearly as good as Dick!
RABI are very appreciative of the support that Dick and Ann have given over so many years and are pleased to be able to acknowledge their thanks. The bronze sheep, a customary gift for outstanding RABI volunteers, was presented to Dick by trustee John Hoskin, RABI chief executive Alicia Chivers, Cornwall RABI committee chairman Edd Buckland, Cornwall RABI county committee member Chris Cardell and RABI regional manager Pam Wills.
The Royal Cornwall Show was rounded off with the RABI annual auction, raising over £11,000. The evening was organised and run by Edd and the committee with the generous support of Cornish Mutual.