News

Damage to lion enclosure is ‘shameful’

Published

9 years ago

April 20, 2017

Tom Sinclair

Hugo with his pride at Folly Farm: Has to live with boarded window

STAFF at Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo say they are ‘saddened’ after a window at the lion enclosure, Pride of Pembrokeshire, is thought to have been deliberately damaged last Thursday (Apr 13).

The popular Pembrokeshire attraction, located in Kilgetty, took to Facebook on the day of the incident to tell the public that a stone was used to damage the window, however due to it being triple safety glass, there was nothing to fear.

They said: “Unfortunately there has been an incident today (Thursday, April 13) at our Pride of Pembrokeshire enclosure where one of the viewing windows has been damaged. Having reviewed CCTV we can see that a stone was used.

“We’d like to reassure our guests that this is triple safety glass so whilst the outer layer has shattered the window is still intact and our zoo team have been able to lock our lions into the smaller part of their enclosure.

“We will be making a temporary repair to the window whilst we order a replacement. The windows are high grade specialist safety glass and we cannot say how long this will take.

“Obviously we’re deeply saddened by this incident but would like to reassure our visitors that their safety and our animal welfare was never at risk.

“We’d like to ask that anyone who witnessed the incident speak to a member of staff before they leave the park.”

The incident had been reported to staff by a visitor. Within the hour, the Park’s maintenance team had boarded up the outside of the window and erected a zoo grade mesh over the inside, in order to give the lions the ‘full use of their enclosure’.

They also said that it would be ‘boarded up for a while’, however the safety of the animals and visitors has not been and will not be compromised.

The Facebook attracted a huge response, with over 200 shares, over 500 reactions and over 150 comments.

One commenter, Francis Richards, said: “I do hope the culprit is caught and prosecuted. It so wrong if they get away with it. Folly Farm work so hard to give the public an amazing day out. It has grown so big over the years. I love the place and I go regularly – keep up the good work Folly Farm.”

Kaylie Davies, who also commented on the post, said it was ‘a disappointing and an utter lack of respect for the Park.’

She said: “You can see the massive amount of money spent here recently, the park is clean, well presented and the buildings and enclosures look amazing. We are here at the park today (Apr 13) and can see the work being put in place after the damage has been caused. I just cannot believe that someone has done this and walked away. Shameful.”

Charity

Tenby Freemasons donate £400 to cancer care charity

Published

4 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TENBY Freemasons have donated £400 to Tenovus Cancer Care following a raffle held during the lodge’s annual installation banquet.

The raffle took place on the night Damian Brown was installed as Master of Tenby Freemasons Lodge.

As is tradition at the annual installation meeting, the incoming Master chooses a charity to receive the proceeds.

Mr Brown selected Tenovus Cancer Care, a Wales-based charity which supports people affected by cancer through expert advice, counselling and mobile support units.

The charity also funds research into new cancer drugs, improved treatments, and better ways to diagnose and prevent the disease.

Mr Brown later visited the Tenovus shop in Pembroke with lodge charity steward Steve Thurgood, where he presented the donation to volunteer Elena.

Pictured: Damian Brown and Steve Thurgood present the donation to Tenovus volunteer Elena.

Charity

Local cycling legend Ted celebrates 90th birthday

Published

5 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Much-loved GTBAL regular inspires community with stories of adventure, resilience and kindness

A WELL-KNOWN face at one of Pembrokeshire’s best-loved community cafés is celebrating a remarkable milestone as Ted turns ninety.

For the last seven years, Ted has been a familiar presence at GTBAL — short for Get The Boys A Lift — the Haverfordwest-based community coffee shop and mental health support hub on Dew Street.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after the gym, Ted and friends make their way in for an extra hot cappuccino, conversation and companionship.

Staff and customers say Ted has become part of the “fabric of the community”, with many captivated by the extraordinary stories he shares from a life packed with adventure.

Ted’s experiences have included working as a fine jewellery designer, sailing around the world and raising his family while living aboard a boat.

But perhaps one of his most inspiring achievements came later in life.

At the age of eighty-five, Ted completed a solo and unsupported cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his famous trike, raising money for GTBAL along the way. He crossed the finish line on his eighty-sixth birthday.

Many local residents will recognise Ted from his distinctive trike, which has become something of a symbol of his determination and adventurous spirit.

GTBAL said: “What makes Ted so special isn’t just what he’s done. It’s his kindness, his positivity, his curiosity, and the way he can brighten someone’s day with a simple conversation.

“If you see Ted in the shop or out and about, stop and say hello. Spend a few minutes listening to his stories. You’ll leave richer for it.”

As Ted celebrates his ninetieth birthday, friends and customers alike have paid tribute to a man described as an inspiration — proof that age is no barrier to living life with purpose, adventure and generosity.

Cover image:

Ted on his famous trike during one of his fundraising adventures for GTBAL (Pic: GTBAL).

Community

Hospital staff to climb Pen y Fan for Ward 4 fundraiser

Published

7 hours ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STAFF from Ward 4 at Withybush Hospital are preparing to climb Pen y Fan to raise money for their surgical ward.

The team will take on the challenge on Saturday, September 5, 2026, climbing the highest peak in South Wales in Bannau Brycheiniog.

The fundraiser aims to raise £500, with money going directly towards improving the ward environment for patients.

Staff said: “We have organised this event to raise funds that will go directly towards enhancing the ward environment for patients, including purchasing items such as TVs to improve comfort and wellbeing during their stay.

“We’re hoping to raise £500.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “A huge thank you to the team on Ward 4 for embracing the challenge and choosing to raise funds for their ward. We hope you have a fantastic day and truly enjoy the experience.

“The generous charitable donations we receive do not replace NHS funding. Instead, they support additional items and activities outside core NHS expenditure. These small extras make a big difference, and we are so grateful for every donation we receive.”

Donations can be made to the Ward 4 Pen y Fan fundraiser at: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/ward-4-staff-at-withybush-hospital-s-pen-y-fan-cha

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit: hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales

Pictured:

Staff from Ward 4