AN annual farmers’ ball has hailed huge success, raising more than £2,500 for charity.
The Rokeby Farmers’ Ball started as a dinner dance for farmers who worked on for Rokeby Estates but has grown substantially over the years – with guests from all over the region vying for tickets.
Jonathan Wallis, secretary of the ball, said: “We only missed 2021 because we just squeezed in the ball in 2020 before lockdown. There were fewer numbers, but it was well received.” Although primarily a social event held at the Morritt Arms Hotel, for the past few years it has also raised vital funds for charities.
This year the annual get-together brought in £2,522.90 and the committee decided to donate it to the Teesdale Branch of Cancer Research UK.
Chairman Dougie Anderson, who has who has been attending the balls since he was 18, presented the cheque to Pam Ashmore from Teesdale Branch of Cancer Research UK. Mr Anderson, 86, who retired from farming four years ago, is also stepping down from his position on the committee after 66 years.
He said: “I was 18 when I first went to the ball and they gave me the job on the committee and it seems to be a job for life, but it’s a job for the younger ones now.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s ball, which has been pencilled in at the Morritt Arms Hotel for February 4.
