FARMING charity the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) is organising a beetle drive at the Memorial Hall in St Arvans on Thursday 24th November at 7.30pm.

The fundraiser is being organised by RABI’s Monmouthshire committee, which has raised thousands of pounds since being launched earlier this year. The committee’s first event, a quiz night at the Monmouthshire Livestock Centre, raised more than £3,000.

RABI is a welfare charity which helps farmers and farmworkers of all ages, giving out grants of around £2 million each year in Wales and England. Last year, RABI helped around 200 families across Wales and gave out grants of £263k to farming families in hardship. Much of the funding comes from public donations, events arranged by county committees and support from businesses and community groups.

The beetle drive is a family event with a fish and chip supper included in the £10 ticket price. It’s an old favourite, a simple game requiring only paper, pencils and a dice.

RABI regional manager for Wales, Linda Jones, said: “It’s hard not to be impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the Monmouthshire committee, most of whom come from the farming world. They recognise that a lot of farming families are experiencing financial difficulties through no fault of their own.”

Gwilym Richards, Monmouthshire RABI county committee chairman, added: “We are extremely grateful to the generous people of Monmouthshire for supporting us in our first year. I hope that this last fundraising event of 2016 will be as rewarding as the others.”

Kate Beavan, Monmouthshire RABI county committee secretary, said: “This promises to be a fun night for people of all ages. Tickets have been selling well, so we are hoping for a full house at St Arvans Hall.”

For tickets call Gwilym Richards on 01600 860 300, Kate Beavan on 01873 821 585 or Neil Smith on 07885 257 788.