RINGLINK SCOTLAND Ltd has launched a harvest guessing competition to raise funds for Aberdeen Cancer Unit.
Nine members of the machinery ring came together on Monday, September 14, to bale a 90-acre field of wheat straw at Bent Farm in Laurencekirk, owned by Gail and Guthrie Whyte.
Managing director of Ringlink Scotland Ltd, Graham Bruce, explained: “Given the present circumstances, we wanted to do something positive. Coming to the end of the harvest we thought that it would be a great idea to bring several balers together to complete one large field and to donate their contract charge to a worthwhile cause.
“We rang around some of the baler operators we’ve been using throughout harvest, explained our idea, and not one of them refused. Many stopped their own work to join in, and the support was fantastic," he continued. "There was a real sense of community about what we were doing and it was also a great opportunity for friends to meet outside safely, whilst socially distanced.
During the event, drone footage was taken of the balers at work and it was decided it would be great to top up the donation by running a competition where the community can get involved.
For £5, people can try their luck at guessing how long it took to complete the field, and the number of individual 8 by 4 by 4 bales produced. There is no limit to entries.
First prize is a bottle of Fettercairn Malt Whisky, donated by Gail and Guthrie, while the runner-up prize a new boilersuit.
Mr Bruce added: "It’s all for a bit of fun and to do something positive during this time. Upon discussing which charity to support, one of the operators mentioned that he was treated for prostate cancer last year at Aberdeen Cancer Unit, and that’s where monies raised will be donated to.
“We’re all pleased that we could raise money for an essential service which has supported members within Ringlink as well as the ‘one-in-two’ people that currently contract the disease.”
Those wishing to enter the competition can do so by texting 07834 522415 or by emailing their name and contact number to balingcomp@ringlinkscotland.co.uk with your estimated number of bales and time taken by the nine balers in 'hours:minutes:seconds:tenth seconds – 00:00:00:00.'
All entrants will be contacted to make payment by debit or credit card and the winners will be announced on 30/09/20.
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