Community

Penguins join the anti-litter brigade

Published

9 years ago

May 27, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Lords of the deep: Neptune’s Army.

A DIVING group dedicated to clearing the county’s seabed of rubbish paid a visit to Folly Farm to educate visitors about the dangers of marine litter, as well as the impact it can have on the landscape and wildlife.
Volunteers representing Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners (NARC) based themselves at Folly Farm’s Penguin Coast for a day, joining forces with a giant penguin mascot and Folly Farm colleagues to draw in the crowds and spend some time raising awareness and welcoming contributions towards NARC’s efforts.
Over £1000 was raised on the day as a result of interest sparked by activities such as face painting and penguin bingo, as well as a £500 donation from Folly Farm.
Dave Kennard, local diver who founded Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners 10 years ago in conjunction with Keep Wales Tidy, praised Folly Farm for their support, both financially and in helping the group raise awareness of underwater litter: “Along with our hard working volunteers, we step out year after year to tackle underwater litter and it’s brilliant to be getting this kind of support from Folly Farm and its visitors,” he said.
“So much of our time is spent cutting wildlife free after it becomes entangled in debris such as fishing lines. Everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond needs to wake up and realise that the rubbish they are dropping into the sea off clifftops, beaches or boats is doing major damage to our beautiful coastline and wildlife. Please help us protect our coastline.”
Tim Morphew, Zoo Curator at Folly Farm, added: “We are committed to conservation at Folly Farm and help raise awareness of and funds for many in-situ and ex-situ conservation projects. It’s great that our Penguin Coast exhibit benefits the beautiful coastal county in which we operate and we are able to educate and hopefully change visitors’ behaviour through the iconic species of the penguin.”
Further information about the work carried out by NARC can be found on their website at: http://www. narc-cc.org.uk/

Charity

Kurtz goes Jurassic as Pantosaurus visits Senedd NSPCC Campaign

Published

7 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Richard Lewis

THIS WEEK, the NSPCC’s annual campaign to safeguard children from sexual abuse reached the steps of the Senedd.

Pantosaurus, the friendly mascot of the NSPCC’s PANTS campaign, appeared to raise awareness among Members of the Senedd and the wider public about the vital importance of child safety. The campaign encourages parents and carers to talk openly with young children about risks and protective measures.

The PANTS campaign is built around five key child protection messages:

Privates are private.
Always remember your body belongs to you.
No means no.
Talk about secrets that upset you.
Speak up; someone can help.

After meeting Pantosaurus, Samuel Kurtz MS, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, expressed his support for the campaign

He said: “I wholeheartedly support this important NSPCC initiative. Since its launch in 2013, it has empowered over six million families to discuss this sensitive subject.

“This issue affects communities across Wales, so promoting the five principles of PANTS is essential for everyone in Pembrokeshire and beyond.”

Community

Crowdfunding drive launched for documentary on forgotten 1967 football match

Published

16 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

A CROWDFUNDING campaign has launched to support a new documentary capturing a nearly forgotten piece of football history—a 1967 charity match in Liverpool featuring Hungarian football icon Ferenc Puskás, alongside British legends Billy Liddell and John Charles.

Daniel Metcalf, director of the film and grandson of Chester FC striker Mike Metcalf, who played in the match, describes the film as “a love letter to the beautiful game,” aiming to highlight community spirit and the unity of sport. “Through personal stories, historic footage, and expert insights, we’ll revisit this unique game and explore 1960s football’s influence over the decades,” he said.

The project has attracted substantial backing, including collaboration with Chester FC, endorsements from notable players like Neville Southall, and the involvement of a skilled production team with narration by broadcaster Kim Thomas.

Supporters can choose from various funding tiers, with contributions starting at £10 for acknowledgments and extending to £5,000 Producer credits. Rewards range from film credits to signed memorabilia and invitations to the UK premiere. The funding target of £3,300 aims to cover initial production costs, with stretch goals set to enhance production quality.

Filming will commence in Chester in May 2025, with the documentary slated for release in early 2026 for the festival circuit.

For more information or to support the project, visit Kickstarter.

Community

Carew Castle triumphs again as Visitor Attraction of the Year at Croeso Awards

Published

18 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CAREW Castle, one of Pembrokeshire’s most treasured landmarks, has once again been named Visitor Attraction of the Year at the prestigious Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards, cementing its place as a top destination for visitors to the region.

The award, presented during a grand ceremony at Pembrokeshire College, recognises the Castle’s ongoing dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. This second consecutive win underscores Carew Castle’s commitment to excellence, from its welcoming guides to its expertly preserved grounds and engaging events, drawing visitors year-round.

Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition: “Winning this award two years in a row is a testament to everyone involved in bringing Carew Castle to life – from the knowledgeable guides to the conservationists, dedicated team of volunteers, and our hardworking tearoom team. It’s truly a group effort, and we’re honoured to be recognised once more as one of Pembrokeshire’s premier attractions.”

The Castle has become a hub of excitement year-round, with special charm during the quieter winter months. Seasonal events like Glow, an enchanting Christmas light display, featuring rooms of the Castle dressed for the festivities and live musical performances, draw visitors of all ages. This festive season also includes Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas Needle Felting Workshop, and children’s Christmas Craft Workshops – ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the nights draw in.

Carew Castle is open daily from 11am to 3pm throughout the winter, with extended hours on Fridays through Sundays when Glow and Santa’s Grotto are in full swing.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and activities at Carew Castle, visit www.carewcastle.com.

Pictured: Carew Castle is celebrating its second consecutive win as Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Croeso Awards, recognised for its exceptional visitor experience and engaging year-round events.