News
P-p-p-pick up a fiancée
A YOUNG lady got more than she bargained for whilst taking part in a Penguin Zoo Keeper Experience at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo on Saturday.
Jamie-Lee Jones, from Pontypridd, had just finished feeding the park’s 24 Humboldt penguins as part of the experience booked for her by her boyfriend when he went down on one knee and asked her to marry him.
Penguin-mad Jamie-Lee happily accepted in front of a delighted crowd of visitors. Boyfriend Alun Davies, also from Pontypridd, had contacted the park two weeks prior seeking their co-operation in his perfect proposal.
Alun explained his choice of venue: “Jamie-Lee’s love for penguins is beyond imaginable. She absolutely loves everything there is to love about all penguins. She has penguin toys, teddies, a miniature penguin figure which she keeps close in her purse and even to the extent of putting penguin toys in my car. She has also adopted a penguin from the Sea Life centre. She has never met a real penguin so this experience will be extremely enjoyable for her and hopefully a special day for the both of us to remember.”
Zoë Wright, Head of Marketing at Folly Farm, added: “We were thrilled when Alun approached us with his wish to propose on one of our zoo keeper experiences and were delighted to oblige. We only opened Penguin Coast this year so it’s great we’ve had our first proposal of marriage already!
“It was very brave of Alun to propose at such a public venue. I’m not sure what the penguins made it of it all but it certainly went down well with all the spectators who like Jamie-Lee got more than the penguin feed they were expecting.
“We’d like to wish Alun and Jamie-Lee all the best for their future lives together.”?
Folly Farm is currently open daily from 10am. Weekend opening resumes on November 9. To find out more information or read the latest news, visit Folly Farm’s award-winning website at www.folly-farm.co.uk.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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