Lutterworth Rotary invited Milly Wastie - East Midlands Manager of RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) to collect a cheque for £1,500 raised for them at their recent Ferret Racing Event.
Although attendance were down on last year – largely due to other events happening in the area that night 180 enjoyed an exciting evening.
Tickets included a hog roast and pancakes and ice creams were available for purchase which were enjoyed by both old and young. It was the second year where RABI were supported.
RABI was founded in 1860 by John Joseph Mechi a wealthy business man in the City of London who turned his interest to farming and improving agricultural production and became concerned that there was no organisation to help ‘destitute’ farmers. By the end of 1859 he had the backing of ‘700 noblemen – gentlemen – farmers – implement makers and others’. By June 1860 six founder members founded the Agricultural Benevolent Institution. In 1863 with the patronage of Queen Victoria it became the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. The objective was to secure a home for, or pension to, the bona fide farmer or widow of a farmer and educate the orphan children of farmers which continues even today. An example being in 1967 following the foot and mouth outbreak where so many farmers were affected financially.
Long may we support our farming fraternity.
Photo -
Milly warmly thanked Rotary for the cheque presented to her by the Club’s New President – David Toone a local farmer.
