Community

The ppppp-patter of tiny f e e t a t F o l l y F a r m

Published

12 years ago

May 30, 2014

Just one year after the pack of 24 Humboldt Penguins arrived at Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire, two of its newest residents have become the proud parents of a newly hatched penguin chick.

The exciting arrival is the offspring of Donna and Diavlo, who were one of the first sets of penguins to pair off and build a nest together back in February. The fluffy grey youngster, who hatched on Tuesday 20 May – one year to the day that the penguins were released into their new enclosure at the park, will now spend the coming weeks being cared for by its parents – with the help of the penguin keepers. It will then be enrolled into penguin school, where it will learn how to eat and fend for itself. Catrin Thomas, Penguin Keeper said, “We are so excited to have our first penguin chick at the park. We all feel like proud parents and are so happy for Donna and Diavlo. We haven’t named the chick yet as we do not know what sex it is but once we do we will give it a suitable name – it may have to begin with ‘D’ though to follow in its parents footsteps.” Fellow Penguin Keeper, Caroline Davies, added, “We hope this is just the start of a deluge of chicks in our Humboldt penguin enclosure. We currently have ten eggs being incubated by our penguin brood so are anticipating the arrival of more any day now.” In the first few weeks of their lives the keepers will need to be extremely hands-on with the chicks to make sure the new parents and their offspring get off to the best possible start. As first time parents some of the penguins will need help in rearing their young so the keepers will be on hand to give them some parenting tips and assist by hand feeding the chicks during the first few months of their lives. Tim Morphew, Zoo Manager, added, “The arrival of chicks in our penguin enclosure demonstrates that we have successfully created a healthy breeding environment for our penguins that is as close as possible to their natural habitat. We are delighted that our first breeding season has been a success and we look forward to welcoming more little ones to our penguin crèche.” Penguin Coast opened at Folly Farm last Easter. The two acre stateof- the-art development currently houses 24 Humboldt Penguins and contains a penguin nursery, beach area, 100m3 saltwater pool and play area with specialised plants and rocks. Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo boasts a collection of over 400 species of exotic animals, many of which are endangered. The park also houses Europe’s largest indoor vintage funfair, a Go-Kart race track and an adventure playground as well as a petting barn. For more information, visit the website www.folly-farm.co.uk, like us on facebook www.facebook.com/ FollyFarm and follow us on twitter @follyfarmwales

Community

Rare photo shows original owner of 100-year-old ‘Charlie’ the ventriloquist doll

Published

17 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Cerys Lafferty

A PHOTOGRAPH has come to light of the first owner of ‘Charlie’, the 100-year-old ventriloquist’s doll who was a star turn when Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre opened for the new season last month.

On the opening day (Mar 30), Gerald Williams, a member of the Carew Cheriton Control Tower team, brought along a group photo which features both Charlie’s then owner, Ernie James, and Gerald’s father, Hubert.

It was the first time Paul Elliott, Charlie’s current ‘minder’, had seen a photo of Ernie, who was at one-time very well known as a local entertainer.

“This has made my day,” said Paul. “It is great to see a photo of Ernie, who originally acquired Charlie over 100 years ago.”

***Charlie is pictured with Gerald Williams (left), and Paul Elliott. (Credit: PDHT)***

Gerald added: “Both Ernie and my father were involved at one time with a travelling cinema, visiting communities all over this area.

“Ernie had his own small bus company called Pioneer Buses. This is where dad first met Ernie during driver exchanges during the war. They also worked together for Silcox Bus Company at Pembroke Dock.”

Charlie currently sits in a neat glass case keeping a watchful eye over visitors and volunteers at the Heritage Centre.

While the photograph has solved one mystery, another remains. Ernie is believed to have had another ventriloquist’s doll, named Daisy May. Anyone with information on Daisy May is asked to contact the Heritage Centre on 01646 684220 or [email protected]

Community

Lauren Clewes begins trainee solicitor role at Eaton-Evans and Morris

Published

2 days ago

April 12, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Pembrokeshire law firm confirms internal promotion after Lauren joined the business as a paralegal in 2024

LAUREN CLEWES has been promoted to trainee solicitor at Eaton-Evans and Morris Solicitors.

Lauren joined the firm in 2024 as a paralegal, working first with Helen Hodges and later with Pauline Mainwaring. Over the coming months, she will work alongside the firm’s fee earners across all departments as part of her training.

Sean Dyer, one of the firm’s directors (pictured), offered his congratulations on her promotion.

Community

Comedy in the Pavilion: Elis James at Eisteddfod y Garreg Las

Published

3 days ago

April 11, 2026

Richard Lewis

COMEDIAN Elis James will take to the Pavilion stage at the National Eisteddfod for the first time this year, performing on Wednesday, August 5 as part of the festival programme. Entry to the gig is included in the Maes day ticket, and with strong roots in the area, his return promises an evening of laughter and a warm homecoming atmosphere.

Famous for making quick connections with people from across Wales on his podcast ‘Elis & John’ on BBC Sounds, Elis will no doubt receive a warm welcome at the National Eisteddfod, arguably one of the best places in the world to connect with fellow Welsh people. With his observational comedy, often inspired by his upbringing in west Wales, this is expected to be an evening full of humour, marking the halfway point of the Eisteddfod week.

Elis said: “I’m very excited. I’ve never done stand-up in the Pavilion before. Mam will be there, I’m sure other members of the family will be there too, but don’t worry, I’m one of those people who is funny under pressure!”

Betsan Moses, the Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Elis back home to the Garreg Las area.

“As a Welsh comedy giant, we’re looking forward to a night of humour in his company, reflecting the true spirit of the Eisteddfod.”

Elis was born in Haverfordwest and raised in Carmarthen. He’s a comedian, podcast presenter, actor and broadcaster. Since 2014, he’s presented a radio show with his friend and fellow comedian, John Robins, originally on Radio X before moving to BBC 5 Live in 2019.

Among the UK’s most popular comedians, Elis toured Wales with his show Derwydd in 2024, recording a performance at Carmarthen’s Lyric Theatre. He has since returned to English‑language stand‑up after a ten‑year break.

Day Maes tickets, which include admission to the gig, are available on the Eisteddfod website.

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Garreg Las will be held in Llantwd, north Pembrokeshire between August 1 and August 8.