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£10m expansion for Folly Farm approved

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A NEW £10m expansion for Folly Farm has been approved by Pembrokeshire County Council.

As well as developing a range of accommodation types split into three themed areas – Safari, Fairground and Farm – and all the necessary infrastructure including shower and toilet blocks, the attractions management team plans to regenerate existing farm buildings into a cafe, games rooms and reception area.

The development will aim to create a unique themed holiday destination that will increase the profile of Folly Farm and Pembrokeshire as a whole, attracting visitors from further afield.

The development of the 11.03 hectare site, which is currently used as grazing pasture, will comply with the relevant local authority’s Local Development Plan (2013) policies, which seek to support innovation, create new jobs and increase spend within the local economy.

The management team hopes the first phase of construction will begin in September, with the caravan sites ready for summer 2017.

Chris Ebsworth, Director at Folly Farm, said: “With the development of Folly Farm’s Holiday Village, our vision is to take the most successful and well-loved elements of the existing attraction and expand on them to offer a truly unique place to stay.

“At the moment, our plans will allow us to build 29 vintage showman wagons and shepherds huts, 27 timber lodges as well as space for 43 touring caravan pitches, and a range of safari, bell and circus tents.

“This is a natural step forward for us at Folly Farm. We’ve grown rapidly in the past three years investing approximately £2million per year on infrastructure, maintenance and new enclosures. We plan to continue this investment into the future alongside the Holiday Village.”

“By bringing another dimension to our offer, we aim to extend our trading seasons beyond the traditional May to September window. Our accommodation will attract new tourists to the area and provide an option to stay with us outside of the summer season, for long weekends and during half-term holidays. This development will also allow us to extend our Christmas and shoulder season opening.”

“The proposed accommodation would also create new jobs within the Holiday Village and Adventure Park, generating additional direct and indirect spend within the local economy, both during the construction and operation periods.”

“After many years of research, we have an exciting and unique proposal and we’re confident visitors will jump at the chance to have a magical stay at Folly Farm.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

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ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

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Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

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THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

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Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

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NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

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