11/05/2026
🥩Steak Night 🥩
“Over 110 men from the Greater Exmoor farming community came together for a steak night at Woolhanger - a powerful reminder that no one should face farming alone’’.
More than 110 men from across the farming and agricultural sector within the Greater Exmoor area came together at The Music Room, Woolhanger, on Thursday 7th May 2026 for a special Steak Night organised by the Exmoor Hill Farming Network in partnership with the Elston family.
The event was held as a way to bring the farming community together following the loss of well-known local farmer Robin Elston who died by su***de last December. With support from funding awarded by the Devon Community Foundation towards mental health and wellbeing initiatives, the evening provided an opportunity for men working in farming and agricultural-related businesses to step away from the day-to-day pressures of farm life and gather with other like minded people.
Guests enjoyed a local supplied steak provided by Thornes Butchers, Wiveliscombe, cooked to perfection by local farmers David Dascombe and Simon David, all the trimmings followed and pudding supplied by local caterer Shirley Julian, while taking time to catch up, share experiences and strengthen friendships within the rural community.
The organisers encouraged attendees to bring along a friend or neighbour, particularly those who may not usually attend such events, helping to widen support networks and ensure no one feels isolated. The Exmoor Hill Farming Network and the Elston family hope that this successful event will be the first of many opportunities to bring the farming community together in a relaxed and supportive setting.
Research has shown that just eight minutes of conversation can significantly improve someone’s mood by providing emotional support and connection. Organisers encouraged people to think about giving themselves or someone else eight minutes of their time.
Katherine Williams, Exmoor Hill Farming Network Manager, said: ‘’There’s a real appetite for events like this. Farming can be incredibly demanding and, at times, quite isolating. Events like this create an informal space where people can chat, talk openly and support one another. It’s about strengthening our community and reminding people they’re not on their own We are very grateful to the Devon Community Foundation for their funding with this event, and supports our wider work around mental health and wellbeing in the farming community including Pilates for farmers in North Devon launching this autumn, and mental health training this summer. We ask farmers and those involved in agricultural businesses to register their interest’’.
The Elston family shared a simple but important message during the evening: “If there’s one thing to take away from evenings like this, it’s this: don’t bottle things up. Farming can be tough, and we all have our moments, but there are people who understand and people who will listen. “Whether it’s a neighbour, a friend, or someone in this room, just having a chat can make all the difference. Look after yourselves as well as your farms. The work will always be there, but you matter more. Make time for a short break, a morning off, or time with your family and friends — it matters more than you think.”
The evening was made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses including Woolhanger Estate, Stag Environmental, The Cheese Larder, Cutcombe Market Café and The Rest and Be Thankful Inn.
The farming community is fortunate to have access to dedicated charities offering practical, financial, medical, and emotional support. Whatever challenges you may be facing, there are compassionate, highly trained people ready to listen and help. Useful helplines, open every day of the year, include: The Farming Community Network on 03000 111 999(7am-11pm), RABI (0800 188 4444, open 24hours), Samaritans (116 123, open 24 hours) and Addington Fund (01926 620135, weekdays 9am-5pm). Thorne's Butchers
Stag Environmental The Cheese Larder South Molton The Rest and Be Thankful Inn Somerset FCN - Farming Community Network Farmers Guardian Devon Community Foundation The Farming Community Network
