A VARIETY show, organised by the Cornwall branch of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution is to be held on Wednesday, February 18 at the Hall for Cornwall in Truro.

The show, which begins at 7.30pm, promises a highly entertaining mix of local talent and will be compared by BBC Radio Cornwall's Daphne Skinnard. It will include performances by Helston School Jazz Orchestra, Cornwall Young Farmers' Clubs, Duchy Opera, Out to Grass, Rum & Shrub Shantymen and Radio Cornwall's own band. under the direction of David White.

Duchy Opera, the South West's leading opera company was formed in 1977 by a group of talented musicians and singers, many of whom were professional musicians now living in Cornwall. Out to Grass are six experienced musicians who have delved back into their collective roots and forged a fresh and innovative fusion of bluegrass, country, soul and popular song all performed with an energy not expected from a boy band a third their age!

Rum & Shrub Shantymen are a group of singers from Cornwall, with a wide reputation across the county, the Westcountry and Brittany for lively singing of shanties, sea songs and traditional folk songs.

The RABI is an old and respected charity which helps the farming community in a number of ways. Calls on the charity's resources reached all time highs in recent years. An emergency fund is available to help with the domestic expenses of farmers and their families who have suffered misfortune and hardship; those who have to retire due to ill heath or disability can also seek help.