David has been a dedicated member of RABI’s North Yorkshire Committee for over a decade. His volunteering journey began one Christmas after a conversation with then-Chairman David Burke, who encouraged him to get involved. He first took on the role of Treasurer and later became Chairman himself, a position he continues to hold.
“I was very fortunate in agriculture, so I felt like I’d be giving something back,” David said.
Throughout his time with the committee, David has represented RABI at a number of events, from the Great Yorkshire Show to smaller county shows. “It’s good for us to be at the agricultural shows as that’s where we’re most likely to meet people who need support,” he said, “There’s a perception that farmers are wealthy and don’t need any help, but there’s so many people struggling.”
“So many people have come over and spoke to me because I’ve got the RABI shirt on. It’s about getting word out that RABI is here.”
One of David’s favourite memories comes from a Yorkshire Show a few years ago, as he and his fellow volunteers, Frank and Robin, packed up for the day. “We got chatting, and then both of them started telling stories and singing songs. It was just a pleasant, relaxed hour at the end of the show,” he said, “That’s what I like about being part of the committee – the members are really fun to be around.”
David also feels supported by RABI, which he believes makes a real difference to his volunteering experience. “I think all the staff are good,” he said, recalling how an issue at a show was quickly resolved after a helpful conversation with the team, “It obviously works well because we’re all enjoying it.”
So, what would David say to someone wondering if volunteering for RABI is right for them?
“Come along and see what we do. Sit in on one of our committee meetings or join us at an event.”
“It’d be nice if we could get some younger people on the committee. Hopefully, that would attract other young people to approach the stands.”
David has been a dedicated member of RABI’s North Yorkshire Committee for over a decade. His volunteering journey began one Christmas after a conversation with then-Chairman David Burke, who encouraged him to get involved. He first took on the role of Treasurer and later became Chairman himself, a position he continues to hold.
“I was very fortunate in agriculture, so I felt like I’d be giving something back,” David said.
Throughout his time with the committee, David has represented RABI at a number of events, from the Great Yorkshire Show to smaller county shows. “It’s good for us to be at the agricultural shows as that’s where we’re most likely to meet people who need support,” he said, “There’s a perception that farmers are wealthy and don’t need any help, but there’s so many people struggling.”
“So many people have come over and spoke to me because I’ve got the RABI shirt on. It’s about getting word out that RABI is here.”
One of David’s favourite memories comes from a Yorkshire Show a few years ago, as he and his fellow volunteers, Frank and Robin, packed up for the day. “We got chatting, and then both of them started telling stories and singing songs. It was just a pleasant, relaxed hour at the end of the show,” he said, “That’s what I like about being part of the committee – the members are really fun to be around.”
David also feels supported by RABI, which he believes makes a real difference to his volunteering experience. “I think all the staff are good,” he said, recalling how an issue at a show was quickly resolved after a helpful conversation with the team, “It obviously works well because we’re all enjoying it.”
So, what would David say to someone wondering if volunteering for RABI is right for them?
“Come along and see what we do. Sit in on one of our committee meetings or join us at an event.”
“It’d be nice if we could get some younger people on the committee. Hopefully, that would attract other young people to approach the stands.”
