News

Minister welcomes the pride of Pembrokeshire to Folly Farm

Published

10 years ago

August 8, 2014

Edwina_Lions_01

Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart, has today come face-to-face with Folly Farm’s new lions at the adventure park’s new Pride of Pembrokeshire.

On the back of a record breaking 2013 season, which saw the attraction break through the 400,000 visitors mark for the first time, Mrs Hart was invited to unveil the new two-acre enclosure and congratulate Folly Farm on its success.

Since the opening of the Penguin Coast last year, Folly Farm has seen a 20% rise in visitor numbers and has invested £500,000 in its latest ‘Pride of Pembrokeshire’ attraction which houses six lions.
The Pride of Pembrokeshire project was funded entirely from reinvestment from Folly Farm. Over the last 10 years Folly Farm has invested £10 million into the attraction, 4% of which has been grant funded, creating 45 full
equivalent jobs.

Minister for the Economy, Edwina Hart, said: “With the penguin enclosure opening last year it’s a reflection of Folly Farm’s success that I am returning only 12 months later to welcome Hugo and his family to Wales.

“Investing and developing our tourism product is vital if we are to drive higher tourism earnings for the Welsh economy and Folly Farm’s commitment to giving its visitors more reasons to return is an excellent example of this development. I’d like to congratulate Folly Farm on their impressive new attraction which I hope will be a roaring success.”

Tim Morphew, zoo manager at Folly Farm, said: “It has been months and months of planning, research and training and it feels fantastic to share the new attraction with a record number of visitors.

“I am so proud of the whole team here, as every single member of staff has pulled together to make this attraction possible.

“We’re continuing to grow at a rapid pace and are extremely appreciative of the support from the Minister and our Folly Farm friends and we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in this process.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

8 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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

Published

9 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

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.