Cneifio Cylch shearing day raises a record £72,000 for charity on Anglesey

What began as a farewell party for New Zealand shearers has become one of the most generous days in the Anglesey farming calendar. Cneifio Cylch, the island's annual sheep-shearing fundraiser, has raised a record £72,000 this year.

The money is being shared between Wales Air Ambulance, Alder Hey Children's Hospital and the DPJ Foundation, which supports people in rural communities. It takes the event's fundraising total since 2012 to almost £450,000.

The total was announced at a presentation evening at the Bull Inn in Llannerch-y-medd, where representatives of the charities joined organisers and supporters to collect their cheques.

Cneifio Cylch was first held in 1992 as a leaving party for shearers from New Zealand. It is still run by a small group of local farmers, and committee chair Alun Jones has been involved from the very beginning. "Something that started as a bit of fun over 30 years ago has developed into a really important event in the Ynys Môn farming calendar," he said. "Our fundraising has grown through activities including shearing competitions, an auction of promises, and live entertainment. It's incredible to think that all this happens on one Saturday in August."

He added that the event is about much more than money. "We all play our role, whether it's on the committee, organising the event itself, or donating what we can. It's amazing what a small community like ours can do when we come together. To many of us, Cneifio Cylch is much more than a one-day event, it's about friendships and supporting each other."

Elaine Orr, Wales Air Ambulance's regional fundraising manager for north west Wales, said this year's donation alone would help the charity attend another seven emergencies. Emyr Davies, who accepted the cheque on behalf of Alder Hey, thanked Cneifio Cylch and the Bull, saying the money would make a difference to North Wales families whose children are cared for there.

Katy Davies, volunteer and events co-ordinator for the DPJ Foundation, said the day gives people who work in agriculture on Anglesey a chance to come together, plan, share ideas and socialise.

Alun Jones also thanked the team at the Bull Inn, whose continuing support makes the event possible.

Look out for details of next August's Cneifio Cylch through the Bull Inn in Llannerch-y-medd and the event's social media channels.