News

Anna Ryder Richardson leaving Manor Park behind after it ‘destroyed’ her marriage

Published

8 years ago

February 4, 2018

Tom Sinclair

ANNA RYDER RICHARDSON has said that she is leaving Manor Park, near Tenby, for a new life in France.

In 2008, Anna, 53, took over Manor Park Wildlife Park with her husband, Colin MacDougall, whom she is now divorcing.

Talking to the Daily Mail, Anna said that the stress of running the zoo ‘destroyed’ her marriage.

Now she’s looking for a fresh start in France, leaving the Welsh Zoo behind.

Anna said: “The stresses and strains and expense of running our wildlife park have destroyed our marriage.

“I’m moving lock, stock and barrel to France, and I’m getting divorced.

“I still well up thinking about all the beautiful Welsh countryside and the nature. I had the best of times there, but they became the hardest of times. We had so much work to do we never saw each other.

“I’m having to start all over again with nothing and it’s scary. I’m older and wiser, but I’ve lost a bit of confidence. I’m wrinkled and I’ve lost a lot of weight. I woke up one morning and thought, “Here I am, broke, middle-aged, sad and now single.” We were a privileged couple who had it all, but somehow it all got lost.”

“It cost us more than £300,000 to build a state-of-the-art rhino house, yet we were freezing to death in a log cabin 50ft long by 20ft wide.

“The animals had a warmer, better home than us. Even I, the passionate interior designer, can see the irony in that.

“But our arguments weren’t about our basic living conditions. We argued about whether our rhinos and gibbons were warm enough and even turned our heating off to save money. Our discussions were not what we were having for dinner but what food they were having.”

Despite moving to France, the park will remain open with Colin at the helm.

Crime

Police probe ball bearing damage in Haverfordwest

Published

5 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating reports of criminal damage in Haverfordwest after suspected metal ball bearings were used to damage a vehicle and a property.

Dyfed-Powys Police said damage was caused to the wing mirror of a blue Range Rover Evoque on Glenfields Road sometime between 11:10am and 11:20am on Sunday, May 10.

Officers believe metal ball bearings may have been used.

A second incident was reported at around 2:30pm on Tuesday, May 12, when the window of a property on Glenfields Road was allegedly struck by a suspected metal ball bearing.

Police said local officers are continuing to speak with residents after receiving a number of calls about ball bearings being found in the Glenfields Road and Old Hakin Road areas.

Anyone who witnessed anything, or who has information that could help the investigation, is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Quote reference: 26*375605.

Crime

Stolen vehicle investigation after late-night crash in Waterston

Published

6 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A VEHICLE involved in a late-night single-vehicle crash in Waterston, Milford Haven, is believed to have been stolen, police have confirmed.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers received a report of the collision at around 11:55pm on Sunday (May 17).

The vehicle was recovered at approximately 1:15am on Monday (May 18), but nobody was found at the scene.

Following enquiries, police established that the vehicle had reportedly been stolen at some point during Sunday evening.

Officers said enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

News

Labour names Senedd spokesperson team after election defeat

Published

7 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Ken Skates says group will focus on holding new Welsh Government to account

INTERIM Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates has unveiled the party’s Senedd spokesperson team following its defeat in the recent election.

Mr Skates will act as interim leader of Welsh Labour and spokesperson for health, care and national security.

He said the Labour group would draw on “extensive experience” while bringing “fresh energy and ideas” to its work in opposition.

The party said its Senedd group was committed to holding the new Welsh Government to account and pushing for practical results for the people of Wales.

Jayne Bryant MS has been appointed spokesperson for housing, communities, public and preventative health, with women’s health also included in her brief.

Mike Hedges MS will cover culture, sport, local government and legislation.

Vikki Howells MS becomes Chief Whip and spokesperson for environment, farming, energy and transport. Her portfolio also includes planning.

Lynne Neagle MS has been named Business Manager and spokesperson for children, education and lifelong learning.

Shav Taj MS will cover employment, equalities and economic transformation, including social partnership.

Huw Thomas MS has been appointed spokesperson for finance, democracy, citizenship and the Welsh language. Regional and city deals will also fall within his brief.

Welsh Labour said Sarah Murphy’s portfolio will be announced when she returns from maternity leave.

A photo call with the Welsh Labour Senedd Group is due to take place in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday (May 19), although no interviews will be available.