NFU Cymru president Stephen James and his wife Joyce hosted a Sunday lunch to raise funds for farming charity RABI at Llawhaden YFC and Community Hall. The lunch generated £1,500 to help with RABI’s work in Pembrokeshire.

More than 100 people attended the event and diners enjoyed the very best of local Welsh produce; Welsh lamb supplied by Narberth butcher Andrew Rees & Sons (and very generously donated by Stephen and Joyce), potatoes donated by Puffin, swedes courtesy of Sue Belton and a choice of homemade puddings, all expertly cooked by Joyce and Llawhaden YFC members.

RABI chairman Malcolm Thomas gave a talk on the charity’s welfare work and a raffle was also held during the afternoon with some lovely prizes on offer, kindly donated by the Pembrokeshire RABI Ladies Committee.

Last year, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) gave out grants of more than £26k to farming people in financial hardship in Pembrokeshire. Across Wales, around £283k was paid out to 197 farming families. To fund its work, RABI relies heavily on voluntary donations, investment income and money raised at events arranged by county volunteer committees, businesses, community groups and fundraising staff.

RABI Pembrokeshire county committee chairman Helen Williams said: “On behalf of the Pembrokeshire Ladies Committee I would like to thank everyone who attended this super fundraising event. It was an afternoon of friendship and food and we certainly appreciate all the support we receive in Pembrokeshire.”

Linda Jones, RABI regional manager for Wales, added: “I’d like to thank Stephen and Joyce for hosting this lunch and all the members of Llawhaden YFC for their support before and during the event. It’s a perfect example of the farming community working together.”