Entertainment

Manor Wildlife Park welcomes four critically endangered moon bears

Published

1 year ago

June 28, 2025

FOUR Asian black bears, also known as moon bears, have today (27 June) arrived in Wales for the very first time — ahead of their new chapter at Manor Wildlife Park, Tenby.

The species is critically endangered due to a combination of habitat loss, poaching and illegal wildlife trade — with more than 10,000* moon bears estimated to still be held in bile farms in Asia alone.

But thanks to conservation efforts, Martha, Irene, Gigi (eleven) and Coco (nine) will now call the Moon Forest at Manor Wildlife Park home — complete with bear-shaped swimming pool; enormous climbing frames and hammocks; and plenty of hiding places.

What’s more, in a world first, two tunnels have been built linking the bears and tigers’ enclosures — allowing the species to swap into each other’s domains for enrichment purposes, in future.

Anna Ryder Richardson, owner of Manor Wildlife Park, said: “We are beyond thrilled to welcome our newest residents — four magnificent moon bears — to the park.

“These charismatic creatures, with their striking crescent-shaped chest markings and playful personalities, have already stolen the hearts of our team. We can’t wait for visitors to meet them in due course, and learn more about their journey and the vital work being done to protect the species in the wild.

“Their arrival marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to educate the public about endangered wildlife and support global conservation efforts. And with further new arrivals also anticipated in our tiger and red panda enclosures very soon, we have a very busy and exciting summer ahead!”

Asian black bears are native to 18 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India and Japan, and are known for their distinct V-shaped chest marking and white patch on their chin.

Adult females typically weigh between 65 and 90 kilograms, with a life expectancy of up to 25 years. And whilst there are no immediate plans to breed from the bears, the wildlife park may be advised to do so in future, by the wider breeding programme they are a part of.

Matt Hunt, CEO of Free the Bears — the charity which has helped rescue and rehabilitate over 1,000 of the world’s most vulnerable bears — added: “Free the Bears works with communities, schools and organisations across Asia to change attitudes and raise awareness of the wildlife trade. We also work with government, law enforcement agencies and other charities to create and implement a framework to combat wildlife traders.

“Despite each country facing a unique set of challenges and issues to overcome, and combined with the conservation efforts of wildlife parks like Anna’s, we will continually strive to achieve our mission of protecting, preserving and enriching the lives of bears throughout the world.”

Later this year, Anna plans to host a teddy bear’s picnic event at Manor Wildlife Park, with all funds raised to go towards Free the Bears’ essential work.

Tickets for Manor Wildlife Park can be purchased via the website. To stay up to date with the bears’ progress in the meantime, follow Manor Wildlife Park on Facebook and Instagram.

Entertainment

Fishguard Soapbox Derby returns for day of speed, creativity and family fun

Published

2 days ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teams are being urged to get their carts ready as Fishguard Round Table brings back one of the town’s most popular community events

FISGHUARD is gearing up for one of its most colourful community events as the Fishguard Soapbox Derby returns on Saturday, June 27.

The event, organised by Fishguard Round Table, will get underway from midday and promises a day of speed, creativity, family fun and community spirit.

Teams are being encouraged to build their own soapbox carts and take part, with organisers hoping this year’s event will be the biggest and best yet.

The derby brings together racers, families, spectators and local supporters for a fun-filled day in the town, with prizes, food, stalls and entertainment also planned.

Organisers say the event is all about “speed, creativity and community”, giving teams the chance to show off their designs while spectators enjoy the action from the roadside.

The event poster promises “fun family action” and urges people to “race it, build it, watch it, love it”.

Fishguard Round Table, which supports community causes through its fundraising and events, is encouraging people to come along, support the racers and enjoy a full afternoon out.

Entries are currently open, with teams urged to get together and prepare their carts ahead of race day.

Entertainment

Torch cuts children’s cinema tickets to £5.25 for summer

Published

2 days ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES heading to the cinema in Milford Haven this summer will be able to take advantage of reduced ticket prices at the Torch Theatre.

From Friday, July 3, to Tuesday, September 1, the Torch will offer cinema tickets for under-16s at £5.25 as part of the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Family tickets will be available for £21, while 3D tickets for under-16s will cost £5.80. A 3D family ticket will be priced at £23.

The discount will be applied automatically to eligible screenings during the offer period. It cannot be used on tickets already purchased or for screenings outside the stated dates.

Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director and Interim CEO at the Torch Theatre, said: “The Torch is delighted to be offering these reduced cinema ticket prices for families over the summer months.

“We are not required to pass on the VAT saving, but we are firm believers in providing the best value for audiences and this scheme is allowing us to do just that.

“With a summer full of blockbuster titles ahead, including Toy Story 5 and the latest instalment of the Minions, we are looking forward to welcoming you soon.”

The summer savings scheme is part of a wider government package aimed at helping households with rising costs, including support around energy bills, fuel costs, holiday activities and wages.

Tickets can be booked at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod

Published

6 days ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.

Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.

She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.

Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.

Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.

Caption:

Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.