THE FORDE Abbey Fair has shown the power of flowers by raising more than £30,000 for its chosen charities.

The annual fair, which is organised by the Roper and Kennard Family at Forde Abbey, raised the money for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI) and the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

The cheques were presented to both charities at a lunch held at Forde Abbey in Chard, Somerset, to thank voluntary committee members and sponsors.

Pam Wills, RABI regional manager for the South West, said: “The funds raised at the summer fair will allow us to continue to make a difference to the lives of farming families who are in financial need in the agricultural sector.” RABI is a welfare charity which helps farming people in financial difficulty. Support is confidential and includes one-off or regular payments, funding for disability equipment and essential household items. Grants of about £2 million are given out each year in Wales and England.

Charlotte Bradley, chairman of the Chard and District Riding for the Disabled Group, added: “We will be distributing the funds received to RDA Groups in the area, including the Forde Abbey Carriage Driving Group, to enable them to continue to offer therapy, achievement and enjoyment to children and adults with disabilities.”

Forde Abbey’s Alice Kennard said: “We are thrilled to have raised such a significant amount of money for two fantastic charities. It is very much a family and team effort with valued support and help from our very loyal volunteers and our generous sponsors, who all work together to make it a day to remember.”