Community

Folly Farm manager turns to Farming Connect to learn a new skill!

Published

3 years ago

May 17, 2022

Becky Summons, Farming Connect’s Animal Health & Welfare Training Manager and Kim Brickell, co-manager of Folly Farm, Kilgetty, pictured with a group of coloured ‘Ryeland’ ewes and lambs enjoying the spring sunshine

EARLIER this year, Pembrokeshire born Kim Brickell, aged 30, was awarded the Farming Connect Animal Health & Welfare trophy at the Lantra Wales annual awards ceremony.

The award was in recognition of her outstanding commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) and effectively applying her new knowledge and skills to what she describes as her ‘dream’ job

“Farming is a fast-moving, progressive industry so there is always new science we need to be aware of and innovative, more efficient ways of doing things,” says Kim, a farm manager at one of Wales’ most popular family destinations, Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, near Tenby.

Kim says that Farming Connect’s fully-funded e-learning courses have enabled her to ‘keep up to speed in my own time and at my own pace’, which has not only increased her skillset but enables her to impart that knowledge to other members of the Folly Farm team coming up behind her.

“The range of support services available through Farming Connect, including Animal Health and Welfare workshops, open day events and very wide range of farm-related topics I’ve studied through e-learning have given me new skills and knowledge I utilise every day.”

Located on a main tourist route between Narberth and Tenby, Folly Farm runs to about 200 acres with a large proportion of the farmland open to the public. Attracting around 500,000 visitors a year, its world-class zoo is home to more than 100 species of exotic animals, birds and many other creatures. Kim’s role is to look after the health, welfare and general husbandry of the farm’s flocks of rare sheep and goats, speciality breeds of pigs and poultry as well as a large number of small petting animals.

Although not brought up on a farm, Kim’s love of the outdoors and animals started at a young age and while still a sixth former, she helped out at Folly Farm in her spare time.

The entrepreneurial dairy farming family who have built up Folly Farm into the multi-million pound business it is today, quickly spotted her dedication and ability. After completing her A levels, she was appointed as a full-time assistant, a role she combined with studying for a foundation degree in animal science at Pembrokeshire College.

Since then, it’s been a steady progression up through the Folly Farm ranks, as assistant supervisor, supervisor and now ‘living the dream’ as a farm manager, where Kim, along with a co-manager and team of six staff, is responsible for the smooth running of the agricultural and farm animal side of the business.

She is also involved in the farm’s soil and grassland strategies, both topics she’s studied through Farming Connect.

Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

“We operate a rotational grazing system, which has resulted in improved soil health and fertility through better manure distribution, as well as an increase in forage after each ‘rest’ period, so it’s a win-win situation for us as farm managers and all the stock which benefit from the outdoor life.

“Whatever Farming Connect e-learning topic you’re interested in is easily accessed and you know you will get the key information you need, pitched at the right level, in a clear and concise way.

“Each interactive module is targeted at people working within the industry, they all take about 20 or 30 minutes to complete and include a quiz at the end which gives you reassurance you’ve absorbed the information correctly, but if not, you simply do it again,” says Kim.

In the last 12 months, she has undertaken more than 20 different e-learning modules, combining them with various sector-specific webinars and workshops on what she says is a ‘need to know’ basis.

She’s completed e-learning modules on animal health topics including anthelmintic resistance, biosecurity, quarantining stock and vaccinations as well as specific diseases and conditions that affect sheep, pigs and poultry.

“I also wanted to learn more about farm health and safety because as a manager, I need to be aware of the current legislation and guidance and encourage colleagues to prioritise working safely.

Kim says that the flexibility of e-learning ‘plus the fantastic bonus that there are no costs involved’ has enabled her to utilise any spare time she has.

“If there’s additional knowledge that I feel will help me in my job, I always turn to Farming Connect and my laptop first.”

Kim is a keen advocate of utilising Storfa Sgiliau, Farming Connect’s online data storage facility which records all her CPD activities and achievements, enabling her to identify any gaps in her skills and plan her future career progression. So, what’s next for this ambitious young farmer?

“Sustainable farming is a key focus at Folly Farm and in addition to our biomass system and solar panels, we recycle most waste including nappies and plastic left by visitors.

“Next on my CPD agenda is to learn what else we can do to reduce our carbon footprint – through Farming Connect of course!”

Community

Former Port Chair Dr Chris Martin Awarded OBE in New Year Honours

Published

3 days ago

December 31, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DR CHRIS MARTIN, former Chair of the Port of Milford Haven and a proud Pembrokeshire native, has been awarded an OBE in The King’s New Year Honours list for his outstanding contribution to the maritime and ports sector.

Dr Martin’s leadership journey at the Port began in August 2017, following his appointment as Chair by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Prior to this, he had served as Vice Chair for four and a half years, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a successful entrepreneurial career.

Having built and sold pharmacy chains across South West England and Pembrokeshire, he transitioned into leadership roles across healthcare and advisory boards. Between 2009 and 2014, he was the lead Chair for all health organisations in Wales, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service.

During his tenure at the Port of Milford Haven, Dr Martin played a pivotal role in steering the organisation through a significant period of change and diversification.

His strategic vision ensured the Port maintained its position as the UK’s leading energy port and a cornerstone of Pembrokeshire’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting inward investment.

Beyond the Port, Dr Martin’s dedication to public service extended to a variety of leadership roles.

He served as Deputy Lieutenant, Chair of Life Sciences Hub Wales, Trustee of Marie Curie UK, Governor at Pembrokeshire College, Co-Chair of the Bevan Commission, and Vice Chair of St John Ambulance Cymru.

Each role reflects his deep commitment to improving the lives of people across Wales and beyond.

This recognition is a moment of immense pride for the Port of Milford Haven, Dr Martin, and his family.

Congratulations, Dr Chris Martin, on this well-deserved honour, and thank you for your tireless dedication and service.

Community

Milford Haven mum gives birth to triplets amid medical emergency

Published

6 days ago

December 28, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PREGNANCY is often a challenging experience, but for Ellie Davies from Milford Haven, it became even more stressful when she found herself facing a 140-mile round trip away from home during labour.

Ellie was initially admitted to Carmarthen’s Glangwili Hospital with pre-eclampsia, a condition causing dangerously high blood pressure. However, due to a lack of available neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) beds, staff arranged her transfer to Singleton Hospital in Swansea, nearly 30 miles away. Thankfully, accommodation was also provided onsite for her fiancé, Craig Butland.

RENAL FAILURE COMPLICATIONS
Ellie explained: “I had pre-eclampsia and was taken to Glangwili. My blood pressure was going up and down, and they had to ring around hospitals with a NICU to see if they had any spare beds – Singleton was the only one with space.”

On November 12, Ellie was transferred to Swansea, where she remained on the antenatal ward. However, her condition worsened. “On Sunday 17, my kidneys became affected by the pre-eclampsia, and I was going into renal failure,” she said.

In the early hours of Monday, November 18, Ellie underwent an emergency C-section, delivering triplets Mia, Isla, and Elsie two months prematurely.

BRIEF FIRST MEETING
“I only met Isla, the middle triplet, for around two minutes before she was taken to neonatal to be with her sisters,” Ellie shared.

Mia was born weighing 2lb 9oz, Isla at 2lb 10oz, and Elsie at 2lb 8oz. All three girls initially required breathing support and spent nine days in the NICU. Now, over three pounds each, they are receiving care at Glangwili’s special care unit and are reportedly “doing really well.”

SUPPORT FROM NHS STAFF
Reflecting on their experience, Ellie praised the hospital staff: “The midwives Louise and Emily were amazing, answering every question we had and supporting us through everything. Dr Sree Nittur, who was there during the delivery, followed up daily. The neonatal nurses were absolutely fantastic, and we can’t thank them enough for their care and dedication.”

A PLACE TO STAY
For Craig, the availability of accommodation at Cwtsh Clos, a row of five houses on the Singleton Hospital site, was a significant relief. Without it, he would have faced daily commutes between Milford Haven and Swansea.

“Craig spent a week in Cwtsh Clos, and I joined him for the final night,” Ellie said. “It was a huge help having Craig so close. It’s one problem you don’t have to think about, and it gives you a space to gather your thoughts.”

The couple is now supporting Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Cwtsh Clos appeal, which aims to raise £160,000 to refurbish the homes for future families in similar situations.

‘TRIPLETS ARE A RARITY’
Lisa Harris, interim matron for neonatal services, said: “We are delighted to hear the girls are doing well. Cwtsh Clos allows parents to stay close to their babies, which is so important during such critical times.”

NICU consultant Kate Burke added: “Triplets are a rarity for us. We serve families across south central and south west Wales, and often, we’re the unit they turn to when pregnancies are more complicated. It’s wonderful to see families like Ellie and Craig’s returning home with their babies healthy and thriving.”

The family recently celebrated their first Christmas together with Mia, Isla, and Elsie, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all who supported them through their journey.

Support the Cwtsh Clos Appeal: Donations can be made via the Swansea Bay Health Charity website.

(Pic: Swansea Bay University Health Board)

Charity

Boxing Day Duck Race raises £2,000 for Wales Air Ambulance

Published

6 days ago

December 27, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE ANNUAL BOXING DAY Duck Race in Lower Fishguard, organised by the Round Table Fishguard & District, proved to be another resounding success this year.

A large crowd gathered by the riverside to watch the vibrant yellow ducks race downstream, with participants and spectators enjoying the festive tradition despite the winter chill.

Thanks to overwhelming community support, the event raised an impressive £2,000 for the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, a vital service providing emergency air cover across the region.

The winners of this year’s race were:

1st: Duck 807 – Rachel
2nd: Duck 94 – Glenys Hughes
3rd: Duck 119 – Howard Hughes

In a lighthearted twist, the title of ‘Last Place Duck’ went to Duck 937 – Julia Moffet, earning laughs from the crowd.

A spokesperson for the Round Table Fishguard & District said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who bought ducks, attended the event, or supported us in any way. It’s always a joy to see the community come together for such a great cause.”

The Boxing Day Duck Race continues to be a cherished tradition, blending fun, community spirit, and charity support into one delightful event.