A RECENT farmers’ march to London raised £1,200 for agri charities.

The ‘Farming to London March 2016’ was held by Farmers for Action on March 23, to celebrate British farming and promote to the public why farming is so important to the countryside and the wider economy.

Mole Valley Farmers enabled supporters from across the country to join the rally by laying on eight free coaches — including from Holsworthy.

Although there was no charge, farmers donated generously en route and subsequently £1,200 was collected.

Every penny of this will be divided between two agricultural charities — Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and the Farming Community Network (FCN), which Mole Valley Farmers regularly support.

Several keynote speakers addressed the gathering, before it made its way to Trafalgar?Square.

The march then made its way down through Whitehall to Downing Street, where a small delegation delivered a letter to 10 Downing Street.

Julie Edwards, head of agricultural affairs and a cattle farmer herself went on the rally and ended up pictured in the press holding her Mole Valley Farmers placard.

She said: “It was an amazing day, a worthwhile event and an experience I will always remember. The farmers who joined us on the coaches were incredibly grateful for the transport and as usual donated generously in return.

“Since the rally I’ve received telephone calls, emails and lots of thank yous on behalf of Mole Valley Farmers. Marisa Gale, the lady responsible for co-ordinating the travel arrangements even got named by rally organiser David Handley during his address, thanking her for all her efforts, which he recognised as something of a logistical nightmare!

“To try and raise yet more money for our chosen charities and keep the purpose of the rally in people’s minds, we will be offering ‘Support British Agriculture’ badges in all of our stores across the South West in the coming weeks, again asking for donations rather than selling them. Visit your local store and wear your badge with pride!”