CHARITIES and community groups in Builth Wells are sharing a mammoth £10,000, which has been donated by the Welsh International Speed Shear that took place on the eve of Royal Welsh Show week.

The Welsh International Speed Shear has donated the huge sum to local charities and groups for the second year running.

Those supported by the proceeds of this year’s event include Builth Wells Community Support, charity Hear to Help, Builth Wells Cricket Club, Radnor Ladies Hockey Club, Builth Wells RFC Juniors, Builth Wells Junior Football Club; Builth Wells Scout Group, Troedrhiwdalar YFC, with funds also going to the Wales Air Ambulance and Welsh agricultural charity the DPJ Foundation.

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Aled Jones, chairman of The Welsh International Speed Shear, said: “The speed shear proved to be a huge success and all proceeds from the event were donated to local causes.

“As a local organisation, it’s important for us to give something back to the community. Many of our committee, club members, friends and family have been supported by these causes so it’s a way of us showing our gratitude to the work they do in the local area.

“The event itself continues to attract shearers and spectators from all over the world and it’s fantastic to see the buzz and the incredible atmosphere continues to grow each year.” 

Current and past members of Troedrhiwdalar YFC recently celebrated the success of the event, inviting representatives from the chosen causes to join them for a presentation evening at the Prince Llewelyn Inn in Cilmery, just outside Builth.

County Times: Welsh International Speed Shear chairman Aled Jones (far left) pictured with Anthony Turner, Dylan McPhee and Gary Mason of BWJFC, BCC and BRFC respectively, as well as Radnor Ladies Hockey Club's Gwen Samuel and Elin Protheroe of Troedrhiwdalar YFC.Welsh International Speed Shear chairman Aled Jones (far left) pictured with Anthony Turner, Dylan McPhee and Gary Mason of BWJFC, BCC and BRFC respectively, as well as Radnor Ladies Hockey Club's Gwen Samuel and Elin Protheroe of Troedrhiwdalar YFC. (Image: Ruth Rees Photography)

The speed shear is hosted annually on the Sunday before the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Livestock Market, and took place this year on July 23.

It welcomed competitors from across the UK, as well as Europe and the southern hemisphere, with local Rhayader boy Gethin Lewis becoming the new open class champion. 

This year also introduced an international test between the Welsh International Speed Shear and Wagga Wagga Speed Shear – a chance for the very best shearers across the globe to showcase their skills on the Builth stage, with Wales narrowly winning the trophy.