Community

Campaign launched to save abandoned lionesses

Published

10 years ago

June 10, 2016

Deserted by an Armenian oligarch: Anna Ryder-Richardson is raising funds for Mery, Gita and Zita

A NEW campaign, launched by Manor Wildlife Park’s Anna Ryder-Richardson, aims to save three lionesses who were left depressed and starving in tiny cages at an abandoned zoo in Armenia.

The fundraising campaign, ‘Reach Out and Rescue’ or ROAR, is aiming to help the three girls begin a healthy new life in Wales.

Anna first saw the story of the animals when a national newspaper exposed the scandal of how the three lionesses, Mery and her two daughters Gita and Zita, were deserted by an Armenian oligarch who had kept them for his own amusement.

The Worldwide Veterinary Service has successfully moved the lionesses to temporary purposebuilt facilities in Armenia where they are receiving constant health care and food.

However, the three ladies are still in cages and need to be brought to their quarantine facilities at Manor Wildlife Park, where they will be free to roam a large enclosure.

Anna said: “The conditions these animals had been left in were so appalling that I decided I had to help.

“It’s been agreed that we can get them out of Armenia but we need to pay for their safe transport and quarantine at Manor Wildlife Park.”

The safest way to transport them is by air, so Anna’s conservation charity, The Nature Foundation, is committed to raising the £25,000 needed through a Just Giving appeal.

Anna Ryder-Richardson is calling on all animal lovers to play a part: “These beautiful creatures have known terrible suffering and we can end that now if we all give what we can.

“Please help us to give Mery, Gita and Zita a future.”

Bringing the lionesses out of Armenia will end the years of abuse and neglect they have suffered. The long-term aim is to create a permanent home for them at Manor Wildlife Park’s sister zoo, Peak Wildlife Park.

To donate to Anna Ryder- Richardson’s fundraising campaign, or for further details, visit The Nature Foundation’s website.

Community

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

3 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

1 day ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)