Siblings Charles Tryweryn Davies, 92, and Margaret Eunice Davies, 89, left £1.3 million to Wales Air Ambulance, after the charity helped Charles when he had a tractor accident on the farm.

It is the largest donation the charity has ever received.

Charles and Margaret, who was known as Peggy, grew up on the family farm in Tyn y Wern, Faerdref in Corwen, with six other siblings.

Peggy passed away in November 2019, followed by Charles four months later. The pair dedicated their lives to the farm and were well known in the village and farming community. They were described as “local characters” who lived for one another.

Tractor accident prompts generous legacy

It is thought the siblings chose to leave their legacy to the Wales Air Ambulance as a thank you to the charity for attending Charles when he had an accident with a tractor on the farm.

Peggy was always grateful to anybody who would show her or her sibling kindness.

Their friend Merfyn Roberts, who is also NFU area secretary, said: “I remember Charles telling me about his accident and how grateful he was for the fantastic service he had received, but we didn’t know their intentions until after their deaths.

 “It was good to see that Charles and Peggy had both agreed to bequeath most of their estate to the charity – had we known, we would have encouraged them to meet the charity and see how their legacy would help continue to save lives.

“It was pleasing to hear the legacy is the largest the charity has received, and we hope it may encourage more of our members to also leave a gift.”

“Humbled” by generous donation

Phae Jones, Wales Air Ambulance’s senior individual giving and legacy manager, said the charity was “humbled by this incredibly generous donation”.

She added: “It is a shame that we never got to meet Charles and Peggy, but it is clear to see from their generosity and from hearing the stories about them, the type of characters they were.

 “Choosing to include the charity in their Wills is a very special way to be remembered and ensures that Charles and Peggy’s legacy to Wales will live on through the delivery of advanced critical care and saving the lives of others.

“Their gift will fund over 280 lifesaving missions. That’s over 280 patients and their families whose lives will be impacted by their extraordinary kindness.”

The charity requires £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters and rapid response vehicles operational.

It offers advanced critical care across Wales which is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership between the Wales Air Ambulance Charity and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS Cymru).

 “Colourful characters”

Charles, who was known as a “mischievous character” loved to collect clocks and Land Rovers, whilst Peggy enjoyed competing at the annual Cynwyd and Llandrillo gardening shows.

Speaking fondly of him, Merfyn said: “I remember Charles visiting me in my office, with his yellow corduroy trousers and dickie bow. He always had a glint in his eye. They both had a distinct style.

“I’ll never forget visiting Charles and Peggy after they purchased a brand-new state-of-the-art Mercedes, which they allowed the chickens to roost on the top of and make a mess of.

“Charles liked to think he was a weather expert and always had a theory about the weather and the signs to look out for when the seasons changed. We didn’t know what he was talking about, but it always used to make us smile.”

Another friend, Iolo Evans, who was general manager of Corwen Farmers for more than 50 years, said: “Charles and Peggy were different and very old fashioned but likeable people.

“They would come to my office to buy farming supplies and Charles would strike a deal and then nod to Peggy who would pull out a bag of money. They were quite comical and unique characters.

“Merfyn and I plan to donate a cup in Peggy’s memory at the gardening show.”

The pair spent time in their later years at the Cysgod Y Gaer nursing home in Corwenand are now buried next to their brother Ivor.

Their headstone reads: ‘Rhoi eu hoes if ffermio’n gymen, Rhoi eu helw i elusen’, which translates to ‘they gave their lives to farming, they gave their profits to charity’.

There are plans for a memorial bench for Charles and Peggy in Llandrillo, and it is hoped their memory will live on in the community as well as through their generous donation.

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A quarter of farmers in Scotland are estimated to have dyslexia, but many have never been formally assessed – especially those over 40, according to Dyslexia Scotland.

In response to this, during November and December 2023, RSABI will offer farmers and crofters who may have dyslexia, but have never been assessed, a free professional assessment.

Assessments typically cost around £500.

RSABI’s campaign also aims to raise awareness of how to make information in farming more dyslexia friendly by taking simple steps to improve communications.

To arrange a free assessment, those involved in farming or crofting in Scotland should contact RSABI’s 24-hour freephone helpline: 0808 1234 555.

“It was a relief to discover I had dyslexia”

Pete Black, who farms at Newton of Collessie, spoke openly about having dyslexia when the Black family appeared in the ‘This Farming Life’ series.

Pete didn’t realise he had dyslexia until he was an adult, by which time he had developed a range of coping strategies.

“When I was at school in the 1990s dyslexia wasn’t spoken about very much but I knew I was always last to finish my reading. The words would jumble in my head when I was looking at them and then they would jumble even more when I tried writing them down,” he said.

He said there are times, such as when he wants to clarify something on official websites which involve monochrome and block text, particularly with complex jargon, can be very difficult to process.

“I am lucky to do a job I love but it was a great relief to me to discover that I had dyslexia and to know that the reason I was struggling wasn’t down to a lack of effort or not trying hard enough.”

“Dyslexia should not hold you back”

Encouraging others who suspect they may have dyslexia but have not been assessed to contact RSABI, he said that by doing so they may well learn something which will help make life easier, as different approaches work best for different people.

“My advice to any young person, and especially those in farming, is dyslexia should not hold you back in any way. You just have to find the best management technique for yourself – whether it is different fonts or different colours of paper you read from.

“Try not to worry as there are hundreds of successful people living life to the full who have dyslexia and it has not stopped anyone doing anything. It is just a different way to look at a problem.”

Simple steps can make a big difference

Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI, said the charity was delighted to be working with Dyslexia Scotland on the initiative.

“We are regularly contacted by farmers who are struggling with dyslexia and we know it can be worrying and distressing to be struggling to read and understand information, particularly for farmers with dyslexia living on their own.

“The reality is that simple steps like using certain fonts, avoiding white paper or backgrounds and block text can make a big difference, along with providing video and infographic content.”

Contact RSABI’s 24-hour freephone helpline – 0808 1234 555 – to book an assessment.

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Well-known farmer and comedian Jim Smith will compère the performance in Perth, which will feature a range of familiar songs.

The choir, which is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year has supported many rural initiatives over the years. The Perth event will tie in with RSABI’s #KeepTalking campaign to encourage people to reconnect and look out for each other.

The idea for the concert first came when Perthshire farmer David Mitchell and his wife Janie, a member of the choir, hatched a plan to raise funds for two charities close to their hearts.

Their plans were delayed due to Covid, but reignited during a chance conversation earlier this year with RSABI CEO, Carol McLaren.

“A great tonic”

Choirmaster Kate Picken MBE, a music teacher from a farm in Dumfries and Galloway, said the choir is delighted to be supporting RSABI and SCAA and looking forward to performing in Perth in February.

“Promoting good mental health in agriculture is something which as a choir we are very keen to get behind and the combination of singing, music, laughter and getting everyone together when the nights are dark, could be a great tonic,” she said.

RSABI chair Jimmy McLean extended his heartfelt thanks to event sponsors United Auctions and all the performers taking part in the evening.

“We’re very grateful to the Farmers’ Choir for their longstanding support and for all the excellent work they do to help raise awareness of the work of RSABI.

“The Choir’s uplifting performances bring with them a positive message of hope and encouragement which is really important.

“Our thanks also go to our wonderful ambassador Jim Smith for kindly volunteering his time to be our compere at the concert.”

Life-saving work

SCAA community fundraising officer for Perthshire, Dundee and Angus, Claire Taylor, said the charity was delighted to have been chosen as a beneficiary of the Famers’ Choir concert.

“Like the Farmers’ Choir, SCAA marked its 10^th anniversary this year and it is the ongoing support from groups, businesses and individuals, like the Farmers’ Choir and United Auctions, that have helped us to respond to over 5,300 life-saving call outs throughout Scotland during this time.

“SCAA’s life-saving service is only possible thanks to the ongoing generosity from the people of Scotland, and special events like this help to ensure we are there for the people of Scotland when we are needed most.

“We wish the performers taking part in the Farmers’ Choir all the best on the night and warmly encourage the public to attend what is shaping up to be a wonderful evening at Perth Concert Hall.”

The Farmers Choir Perth concert takes place on Sunday 25^th February from 7.30pm at the Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ.

Tickets are priced at £20 with all profits being donated to RSABI and SCAA and are available to buy at Perth Concert Hall Box Office – The Farmer’s Choir Concert (perththeatreandconcerthall.com)

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RSABI has made £100,000 available to help those worst affected by the severe flooding in Scotland this month.

The charity is offering payments of up to £1,000 per farming family business for those who experienced the greatest loss as a result of the extreme rainfall and flooding – which began on 6^th October.

Those who have sustained serious losses or damage are being encouraged to complete an online application form which is available via RSABI’s website and social media platforms.

The funding will be provided, at RSABI’s discretion, to those who meet the eligibility criteria and are able to provide details and evidence of damage and losses.

RSABI is also working with the team at Forage Aid to assess what demand there is for replacement bedding, feed and forage and the charity is asking farmers who have lost these supplies due to the flooding to email forageaid@rsabi.org.uk

RSABI chief executive Carol McLaren said the charity has received reports of people who have sustained damage to property, vehicles and fencing.

“The past week has been a very trying one for many farming families in the worst-hit parts of Scotland as they have been trying to recover from one of the greatest sustained periods of heavy rain for decades. We are launching this fund to show our support to those who have been significantly affected by the flooding.”

Ms McLaren said RSABI had been very touched by the offers of donations and supplies of silage and straw from farmers in other parts of the country keen to support those who had sustained losses.

“We have been moved by the support being offered by people in the agricultural community who are keen to help fellow farmers at this very difficult time for those affected. This tide of emotional support is very valuable in itself and we hope it will help to lift the spirits of those who have suffered loss in the past week.

“We would encourage anyone who has lost vital supplies needed to feed and bed livestock through the coming winter to please get in touch by emailing forageaid@rsabi.org.uk to allow us to assess the level of demand for a Forage Aid response.”

You can find further information and a link to the online form to apply for funding via https://www.rsabi.org.uk/rsabi-launches-100000-flooding-fund-for-farmers/

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Photo credit: Sarah Carr, July – winning photo

Sarah Carr took the winning photo, named ‘The Welsh Black with Cadair Idris in the background’. The photo takes its place as the top prize image. You will find the Welsh Black  on the cover of each new 2024 calendar.

There were more winners chosen, congratulations to:

Rebecca Williams; Adrienne Thorpe; Elliw Jones-Evans; Adrian Morgan; Tracey Evans; Grace Marshall; Helen Powell; Chloe Hyde; Elliw Baines Roberts; Andrew Roberts and Gwenllian Evans.

Sarah Carr is the well-deserved receiver of £250, the top prize for the front cover photograph. She will receive her prize on the Monday at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. The other winners of the competition, whose photographs will also be displayed in the calendar, will receive a free copy of the bilingual calendar.

 

 

 

Choosing a winner was “no easy task”

FUW President Ian Rickman has this to say about the competition:

“The competition has proven popular again this year and it was a pleasure to look through the entries. It was no easy task mind, as so many wonderful images were sent in from across Wales.

“What this competition has highlighted again is that farming matters to all of us in one way or another and that our family farms are vital in not just the way of life here in Wales, but also in looking after the countryside and our livestock. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for showcasing farming and our countryside in such a wonderful way.”

You can buy a calendar from your local county office. The FUW will update when the calendars will be available on their social channels.

They will also be sold on the FUW stand at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair for £5 each. Remember, £1 per sale will go towards the Wales Air Ambulance, a fantastic cause.

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Inclusive Farm co-founder Mike Duxbury tells us about his ambitions for a new farm in Scotland.

Mike, who lost his sight at age six, wants to provide the same opportunities to young people in Scotland.

“90% of blind people and 78% of autistic people are unemployed – but it doesn’t have to be like this. We’re seeing first-hand the impact that providing skills, such as animal husbandry, has had on the young people visiting Inclusive Farm.

“Our vision has always been simple: there are disabled people across the United Kingdom, and we plan to develop Inclusive Farms in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“We now have the opportunity to achieve this in Scotland and we want young people to sit in the driving seat. Too often disabled people are told what they need, and we are determined that their voices and needs are met.”

Mike wants to help more young people with diverse needs into farming.

“A golden opportunity” for students with disabilities

Inclusive Farm is seeking like-minded organisations to partner with the project. Dr Jenna Ross OBE, a Scottish environmental scientist, agricultural researcher, STEM ambassador and EDI champion, strongly encourages businesses and industry to support the project.

“Labour is one of the biggest issues plaguing our industry, but there is a demographic that is constantly overlooked.

“A golden opportunity is now available for partners to come forward and help be part of a project which is pioneering an inclusive approach to agriculture.”

Young people are encouraged to register their interest, and businesses interested in partnering the initiative should do so by emailing Mike via: info@inclusivefarm.co.uk.

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The $100,000 funding (£79,000) will allow The Country Trust to provide 70 additional farm discovery visits for 1,820 children. It will also provide up to 70 teachers with access to resources and digital activities to sustain the impact of the farm discovery programme.

The farm exploration excursions teach students about climate change, soil health, crop production, agricultural technology, food nutrition, and other essential agricultural-related topics.

The trust is a UK educational charity that connects disadvantaged children with the land that sustains us all through food, farming and countryside experiences. In 2022, 20,000 children from disadvantaged communities visited a working farm with The Country Trust.

“Supporting the next generation’s connection to farming and agriculture requires us to sow the seeds of inspiration and embrace new knowledge through farm visits, cultivating a sustainable future for our world,” said Lindsay Haddon, advisory member, AGCO Agriculture Foundation.

“Driven by our farmer-focused solutions to sustainably feed the world, AGCO and the AGCO Agriculture Foundation remain committed to supporting the next generation to understand agriculture and food production from farm to table.”

Learnings from the Farm Discovery program also assist in designing targeted future programs and effective communication with schools in the most underprivileged regions to ensure they know about Farm Discovery and how it improves learning and development.

“We are facing significant environmental, health and educational challenges, the impacts of which fall disproportionately on the poorest in our society, and the need for our work has never been greater,” said JillAttenborough, CEO of The Country Trust.

“We urgently need to enable the next generation to forge a strong connection with the land, our life support system, and to help them acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable them to thrive and contribute to a thriving world. We are very excited to be working with AGCO to help nearly 2,000 children from the most deprived communities in the UK to take those first steps.”

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Louth Livestock Market raised £3,230 as part of the Len’s Light Tractor Relay, through hosting a charity evening.

Andy and Lynda Eadon, who farm in Napton, Warwickshire, toured 38 livestock markets across England, Scotland and Wales in a donated John Deere tractor last month.

The month-long, nationwide journey aimed to break down stigma around suicide and mental health and encourage people to seek help when they need it.

Andy and Lynda tragically lost their son Len to suicide aged 22. Since his death last year, they have raised over £100,000 for charities in their son’s name and campaigned to raise awareness of mental health issues in rural communities.

Explaining why they chose to focus on livestock markets for the relay, Andy said: “We appreciate the key role they play as rural hubs, often being the only place for some farmers to interact with others during the week.”

Lynda added: “We have really seen communities come out of their shell, and along the way have had some very poignant conversations and heart-felt moments with others who have been affected by mental health or suicide.”

Pictured l-r: Hugh Brown, CEO of Melton Mowbray Market; Lynda and Andy Eadon; and Scott Ruck, auctioneer and head of sales at Melton Mowbray Market.

Livestock markets went “above and beyond”

The couple said they were overwhelmed by the support they received from livestock markets. Markets across the route organised events, charity auctions and activities to not only help raise awareness, but also vital funds.

As well as supporting the three designated registered charities, the Farming Community Network, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and Papyrus, many marts also raised funds for local rural support charities.

While donations are still coming in from the activities across the marts, the figure is already well in excess of £30,000, from just 17 markets so far.

Examples of some of the fundraising achieved include:

• £1,295 raised from the sale of a sheep with lamb at foot, along with over £200 in cash donations around the mart at Bentham
• £1,450 from the donation of the proceeds of a Limousin heifer at Frome Livestock Market. This was supplemented with proceeds from a raffle, cake sale and other donations
• £3,230 was raised by Louth Livestock Market who hosted a charity evening, welcoming Lynda and Andy during a non-market day, and also gaining coverage on regional television.
• £4, 804 was raised by Melton Mowbray Market through various activities, including donated lambs auctioned off in the weekly sale
• £8,000 was raised by Leek Auctions Ltd, who sponsored a gathering at Folker Grange Farm, where some 500 people welcomed Lynda and Andy. Activities included the opportunity to throw wet sponges at company directors!

Just the beginning

Chris Dodds, executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) commented: “We wholeheartedly support and applaud the efforts of Lynda and Andy to raise awareness to mental health issues, while they still come to terms with the loss of their son.

“We have always recognised the mart’s crucial role, and responsibility, in providing that support hub and network, creating an environment where the rural community can turn to in times of need.

“The support that our member companies, and indeed their customers, have provided along the Len’s Light Tractor Relay route, really encapsulates that commitment. We wish Lynda and Andy well in their continued efforts, and will continue to support their campaign.”

Reflecting on the relay, Andy concluded: “The role markets have played during the relay, and the events they have put on, really demonstrates the strength of the livestock market industry,” says Andy.

“Not only that, the response we have received, the money raised and more importantly the conversations we have been having, means this is just the start as we continue to campaign to raise more awareness across local rural communities.”

Len’s Light is a tribute and legacy for Len Eadon who, in his short life, touched the hearts of many. You can help to raise awareness and funds through https://leneadon.muchloved.com/

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The new cards, drawn by artists Doodling Lucy and Fudgy Draws, feature vintage 1954 Massey tractors, which were donated by long-term Addington supporter and tractor enthusiast John Selley.

Nicknamed Jack and Jill the tractors were refurbished by John and donated for fundraising tractor runs and agricultural events. They are painted in the charity’s signature orange hue and are often seen at Addington events and agricultural shows.

Lucy Gray, or Doodling Lucy, is passionate about British farming and removing the stigma around mental health.

“Coming home from university I spent two years working in the local pub, speaking to local farmers, game keepers and others in the agricultural/rural sector,” she said. “I realised just how much hard work, time and effort goes into providing the nation with food to put on the table. Something we take for granted Every – Single – Day.

“When building Doodling Lucy and deciding what my core values were, I knew that backing British farming would have to fit in somewhere. Through the use of my illustrations and calligraphy I hope to open conversations surrounding what it is to work in agriculture and the importance of backing British farming and our farmers.”

This year’s Doodling Lucy calendar will also raise funds for the Addington Fund – £1 from each sale will go directly to the charity.

Richard, also known as Fudgy Draws, creates graphic illustrations alongside his homemade fudge business. The Addington Fund met Richard at the Welshpool Illuminated Tractor Run in December 2022 and his catalogue already includes a range of vintage tractor and Land Rover illustrations.

Richard was keen to support Addington Fund’s work and is donating 10% of sales of his Massey tractor prints to the charity.

“When Addington approached me to be involved in a new card design I was delighted to get involved. We visit a lot of agricultural and rural shows and we see how hard the rural community works. It was a pleasure to create the drawing and to help raise money for such a great charity,” he commented.

The cards will be available to buy from the charity’s website and from its stand at summer events: www.addingtonfund.org.uk

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This L200 was donated by the Barber family and shelled by Russians while defending Ukrainian land. All people inside survived. © Car for Ukraine.

Car for Ukraine sources pickup trucks and 4×4 SUVs, adds armour and delivers them to the frontline, where they protect Ukrainian soldiers from shrapnel and evacuates those needing medical support.

Co-founders Ivan Oleksii and Nazar Kravchuk, and Richard Lofthouse, who previously donated a vehicle, attended the Kent County Show on 7-9^th July. They presented an armoured door that held firm as a piece of debris and bullets failed to penetrate its protective shield.

The team also explained why cars are still essential at the frontline even after the Ukrainian army started receiving Challengers and Leopards.

“Pickup trucks and 4×4 SUVs don’t have to be new and perfect. 10, 15 or 20 years old cars, after proper maintenance, can bring food and supplies, evacuate wounded and additionally protect warriors if a car gets shelled,” said Ivan.

Nearly 280 donated cars have served on the frontline to date.

(l-r): Car for Ukraine co-founder Nazar Kravchuck, Judy and John Barber, and Car for Ukraine co-founder Ivan Oleksii. © Car for Ukraine.

The Car for Ukraine team spoke to a number of visitors, including those who have already supported the organisation – including the Barber family.

Judy and John Barber donated an old L200 that they personally took to Lviv. It served three weeks at the frontline and was shelled by a mortar – the armour prevented the mortar penetrating the vehicle, protecting the Ukrainian soldiers inside.

When the Barber family was asked what motivated them to donate their vehicle they said: “The world must stop Russian invasion. So donating and delivering a truck was our personal contribution to the war effort.”

To find out more, support a project financially or donate a car, visit www.car4ukraine.com or contact info@car4ukraine.com

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