News from the RASC

Conference Report - Calgary, 2006

Please contact us to request a copy of the full 2006 Conference Report.  Click on the link below to view an interesting article from the Report, which was discussed at great length during the Conference.
The Role of the Voluntary Steward

Akshaya Patra - Unlimited Food for Education
Click here to find out more

NEWS...

The RASC’s Honorary Press Officer, Philip Bolam, reports…

“The RASC has enjoyed a year of undoubted progress despite its structural change. With modern electronics, RASC Secretariat functions are now expertly handled by Adele Thomson, Society Secretary of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, years of communicating across the Commonwealth and lots of understanding, the change was not difficult."

RASC PRESS

We aim to issue four Newsletters per year, which provide short pieces of society news, information and opinion for a wide variety of Member Societies. Members are generally interested in what others are doing, picking up ideas. The introduction of new colour and layout format by Adele Thomson has given it a “face lift” bringing constructive comment. Thank you to those who have contributed.

Calling all Member Societies – Have we dropped off your mailing list?
The number of Annual Reports have declined, however, they are of great interest and a significant source of comment for the newsletter. Please keep them coming!!

Website
The RASC website (www.commagshow.org) has been undergoing a major overhaul.  This is an ongoing process and will become the RASC’s mass media vehicle; so individual members can keep up to date with all that is happening with RASC.

SHOWS

RASC has had an attendance many Society events in the period and representatives are very grateful for the kind hospitality received.

For Societies with fairly similar shows, why not arrange an exchange? You’re missing out - so much to learn from each other - trading ideas, especially with Societies constantly looking for more effective use of resources. (Newsletter issue 47)

PUBLIC RELATIONS

The Royal Commonwealth Society
An excellent programme of discussions and lectures where the agricultural voice is sometimes heard! Its recently extended facilities allow space for more activities, very much a Commonwealth meeting place.

The Britain /Australia Society
Includes 10 active groups and a keen interest in RASC activities.

EVENTS & PROJECTS

Members may be interested to know that RASC has been able to channel pump-priming money from a small Trust to the following projects.

Zimbabwe Agricultural College
Helping to finance the top student to make a brief visit outside their country to study agricultural developments. In addition the Royal Bath & West Society is providing a perpetual Challenge Trophy for the top student.

Northern Cape
Small holders in a remote area keeping geese for down production to make duvets. They are also involved in extracting essential oils from native heath plants. Sharp learning curve! Both projects providing much needed income. Overseen by Elgin Community College.

Malawi
A small team organising the local communities to grow  vegetables for the aged and infirm,  harvesting and storing maize against food shortage, bringing water supplies nearer the communities  Hopefully linking into a Commonwealth Secretariat project, involving two Malawian post graduates returning from UK.

THE NEXT GENERATION

Amid all the developments in which RASC has played some part in the last 12 months, the Next Generation’s project in Zambia last May is of major importance. Christened by the Zambian Society “ The Zambian Understanding/Assisting Mission” this has undoubtedly broken new ground with emphasis on grass roots development. Initiated by the Next Generation delegates, it made an immediate practical impact on the back of much detailed planning. Refined in the light of experience, no doubt the organisers will be saying “Where to in 2009?”

Interesting story?
If you have any articles of stories of interest you would like to be considered for inclusion within our Newsletter or website, please email Philip Bolam at rasc@commagshow.org

Click on the links below to view or download recent RASC Newsletters.

RASC Newsletter No. 49
RASC Newsletter No. 50 
RASC Newsletter No. 51