The farming industry is giving up booze for the month of February in aid of Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and RSABI 

Follow our progress at: www.farmersguardian.com/anniversary or on Twitter #CHEERSFG

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On February 10, 2014, Farmers Guardian will be 170 years old. In honour of our founder Joseph Livesey, a staunch temperance campaigner, we are marking the occasion with a month-long dryathlon. 

In addition to key members of the FG team pledging to give up alcohol for the whole of the month of February, we are being joined by key members of the farming industry.

Who’s taking part:

The FG team:

Director, Rory Brown; head of events, Elisabeth Mork-Eidem; editor, Emma Penny; deputy editor, Vickie Robinson; news editor Ben Briggs; deputy news and business editor Olivia Midgley, business reporter Joel Durkin; livestock editor, Katie Jones; arable reporter Georgina Haigh; Welsh reporter Barry Alston, marketing manager, Angela Hughes; circulation manager, Kevin Dunne; subscriptions marketing executive Nicola Shaw; membership customer services executive Becky Armstrong; project manager, Marjan Askins; commercial solutions manager, Mike Hartley; classified manager Steph Ryder; HR manager; Louise Read, Content Editor/Designer; Katie Tiddeman and classified sales executive Charlotte Watson.

Industry support:

RABI team: Nicki Quayle (Trustee), Kris Band (Trust Officer and PA to the Chief Executive), Philippa Spackman (Communications Manager), Sally Conner (Regional Manager North East) and Linda Peters (Welfare Officer South).

Chris Riddle: “We are very grateful to the Farmers Guardian and to all those taking part for supporting RABI and RSABI in this way. I am delighted (so far!) to be ‘on the wagon’ for such a great cause but roll on March 1!” 

Nicki Quayle: “Having over indulged over Christmas and then been away on holiday, I was very conscious I needed to do something but have kept putting it off! This is the perfect incentive.  Not only will I hopefully feel better and fitter - possibly lose some weight - but it has the added benefit in that R.A.B.I. will also gain.  Surely a win-win situation!”

Trustee of  RABI Elizabeth Mallinson 

Kris Band :“Sadly, this is going to be a BIG challenge - the whole of February without even one tiny glass of wine!  It's nothing compared to the hardships faced by R.A.B.I. beneficiaries every day though, so cheers Farmers Guardian! Happy anniversary! And thank you to everyone who donates.”

 

Philippa Spackman:

“It’s wonderful and very much appreciated that so many industry colleagues are prepared to ‘go dry’ for a whole month to support R.A.B.I. and RSABI – how could I not take part too?!”

 

Sally Conner:

“My daughter is getting married in July and I need to lose some weight for it, so here is a good incentive to start. It’s not only for myself but for my charity too!” 

 

Linda Peters:

“I’m taking part to show solidarity with the FG team as well as commitment to our beneficiaries, most of whom cannot even think about having a lovely glass of something to cheer them up. Thank you and good luck to everyone taking part.  Your fundraising will be much appreciated by us all at R.A.B.I. as we will have more to hand on to our beneficiaries.”

 

National Sheep Association: John Geldard (NSA Chairman), Matt Bagley (NSA Central Regional Committee Member and Newton Rigg Head of Agriculture), Bob Blanden (NSA South East Manager) and Andrew Barr (NSA South East Chairman).

John Geldard: “We’re delighted to be supporting Farmers Guardian, both to celebrate their anniversary and raise funds for RABI. The NSA team will support each other during the ‘dry’ month and be hoping for lots of sponsorship from NSA members and others in the sheep sector. I think we’re all pleased that February is the shortest month of the year!”

National Beef Association Chief Executive Chris Mallon

NFYFC Chairman Claire Worden

“I was really keen to take part in this challenge as RABI do a fantastic job and have given invaluable support to many past and present YFC members. It is particularly poignant for me this year, as NFYFC is launching a campaign focused around rural isolation and the mental health issues faced by rural young people.”

NFU Cymru President Stephen James: “I’m taking part in the Dryathlon because RABI is a great charity that has helped many farmers, particularly in these recent difficult times.”

Farmers Union of Wales President Emyr Jones

Welsh AM Antoinette Sandbach: “I am delighted to support the Farmers Guardian and its sponsorship of RABI, as the charity provided vital help to Welsh farmers during the bad weather of last spring. RABI is a valuable source of advice and support for farmers who are facing desperate times.”

Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Chief Executive Steve Hughson and Assistant Chief Executive Aled Jones

Steve Hughson: “Aled and I are keen to become involved for such a good cause. It will be a challenge, neither of us are teetotal. We would ask people to please support us and hope we can make a contribution to this great initiative. We are just grateful February is a short month.”

Red Tractor Technical Manager Emma Surman: “Not drinking during the 6 Nations is going to be a real challenge for me – but one that will hopefully raise some money for the RABI and help me with my half marathon training.”

Welsh Woman farmer of the Year Cheryl Thomas: “I hardly ever drink so it’s not a problem for me – but it is for such a worthy cause that helps the farming community in times of need.”

Chairman of Hybu Cig Cymru, Dai Davies said: “I’m delighted to take part in FG’s dryathlon to raise money for such a worthwhile cause, and with almost half the month gone I’m pleased to say it’s all going smoothly.”

 

      Thank you very much for your support!