More than £2000 has been raised for the Anglesey Agricultural Society during a gala dinner attended by the Australian High Commissioner and hosted by Ynys Môn MP Virginia Crosbie.
Virginia invited His Excellency, the Honourable George Brandis QC to Anglesey following the signing of a free trade deal between Australia and the UK.
Mr Brandis – Australia’s most senior diplomat in the UK - made a speech and said his day on Anglesey had been the best time he had ever had in Wales.
Earlier in the day, he spoke to farmers, the NFU Cymru and FUW at Mona showground about the trade deal and their concerns and he also took a host of questions.
Local farmer John Fawkes and John Jones, President of the Anglesey Agricultural Society, presided over the auction and raffle at the dinner in Braids Bistro Holyhead on Friday, which raised the cash for the show.
“This was a brilliant dinner and a brilliant showcase for Anglesey and I was proud to host it and have such a prestigious and wonderful diplomat as the guest of honour,” said Virginia.
“I think the dinner and Mr Brandis coming to our island has really put us on the map but even more importantly this dinner has raised a big sum for the show.
“It’s the biggest event on the island and it hasn’t taken place because of the pandemic for two years. This money will help it get organised and back on track and I am really looking forward to going to it on the 9th and 10th August like many islanders.”
The dinner was a celebration of the UK’s trade and historic ties with Australia and highlighted the very best produce Wales has to offer including Conwy mussels, Anglesey lamb, Bara Brith bread and butter pudding and Welsh cheeses.
Welsh farmers will benefit from the opportunities to sell their produce in Australia, and Welsh manufacturers could benefit from new procurement opportunities and enhanced business mobility provisions.
Many island businesses like Mona Dairy and Faun Trackway will also enjoy greater access to Australia in the future meaning even greater opportunities.
Mr Brandis was appointed the UK’s High Commissioner for Australia in 2018 and has played a key role in the UK-Australia trade deal negotiations.
Image: From right to left Australian High Commissioner with Virginia Crosbie MP and John Jones, President Anglesey Agricultural Society.
