Community
An adorable new arrival at Folly Farm
IN a delightful surprise for visitors and staff alike, Folly Farm has welcomed its very first Macaroni penguin chick to its popular Penguin Coast exhibit. The chick, a male affectionately named ‘Ravioli’ by the keepers, is the latest addition to the zoo’s thriving penguin colony, marking a significant milestone as the only place in the UK currently home to this particular species.
The Macaroni penguins, easily recognisable by their striking yellow crest feathers, have been residents at Folly Farm since 2020. They originally arrived from ‘Living Coasts’ in Devon following its closure during the pandemic. Since then, they have become a firm favourite among visitors, although breeding success had eluded the keepers—until now.
Ravioli was first discovered during a routine morning check by the surprised penguin keepers, nestled safely under the watchful eyes of his parents. Concerned about the attention from other curious Macaroni penguins in the colony, the keepers made the decision to move Ravioli and his parents to the ‘Penguin Nursery’—a quieter, off-display area of the enclosure where the chick could grow in peace.
Caz Davies, one of the assistant managers and penguin keepers at Folly Farm, shared her excitement about the new arrival: “We’re beyond thrilled that Ravioli is growing strong and continuing to do so well. This is so exciting for us as keepers. To welcome our first Macaroni penguin chick to the colony will hopefully mean we can have more successful breeding for this species, as well as with our Humboldt penguins, as part of the European Breeding Programme.”
Ravioli’s arrival is particularly noteworthy as the Macaroni penguins had not previously bred successfully at the zoo. However, with careful nurturing, the chick is now eight weeks old and gaining weight daily—encouraging signs that he will soon be ready to join the main colony once he has developed his waterproof feathers and learned to feed on whole fish.
Folly Farm’s Humboldt penguins, who have been at the zoo since 2013, have enjoyed considerable breeding success, with more than 40 chicks hatched as part of the European Breeding Programme for this vulnerable species. Now, with the successful hatching of Ravioli, there is renewed hope that the Macaroni penguins will follow in the same footsteps.
As for the name ‘penguin,’ it holds a special significance for readers in Wales. The word is believed to derive from the Welsh “pen gwyn,” meaning “white head,” a curious fact given that most penguins do not have white heads. Nevertheless, this linguistic link adds an extra layer of interest for those following Ravioli’s journey.
While Ravioli remains off display for the time being, Folly Farm is encouraging guests to stay tuned to their social media channels for updates and pictures of the adorable chick. The zoo looks forward to the day when Ravioli can make his public debut, much to the delight of visitors eager to catch a glimpse of this charming new resident.
Images: Megan Lee/Folly Farm
Community
Baby loss remembrance service at Withybush Hospital
THE ANNUAL baby loss remembrance service will take place on Tuesday 1 October 2024 at St Luke’s Chapel in Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest at 7.00pm.
The ‘Forget Me Not’ service is part of the health board’s commitment to Baby Loss Awareness week (9-15 October) and is arranged by Midwifery and Bereavement teams and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy).
Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Experiencing the loss of a baby is an incredibly painful experience, and the service allows parents and their families to reflect and remember surrounded by support and love.
The service has long been a source of comfort for parents and families and will include prayers and readings, as well as poems and music to reflect. The service offers the opportunity for people to come together and remember the lives of babies who are sadly no longer with us.
Euryl Howells continued: “The loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death is overwhelming and emotional. We meet families during some of their darkest days and to meet them sometimes after months or years after their bereavement is a privilege and special to staff.”
Should you require further information please contact Euryl Howells by telephone or email 01267 227563 or [email protected]
If you are unable to attend the service and wish to commemorate your loved one, please send a message to [email protected] by 29 September 2024.
Community
Pure West Radio gears up for DAB launch
PURE West Radio is poised to enter a new era in its six-year history as it counts down to the launch of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) later this autumn. The station is awaiting the activation of five transmitters, which will enable DAB to broadcast extensively across Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. This move is set to significantly enhance Pure West Radio’s listener base and deliver an exceptional radio sound quality.
Toby Ellis, Pure West’s director, expressed his excitement about this milestone. “This is a very exciting time for Pure West Radio as it means we’re now going to be able to continue to expand in so many different directions,” he said. “Our biggest focus has always been the people who listen to us and who’ve grown with us since we first launched back in April 2018. The way in which we’re now moving forward is due to the hard work and commitment that this dedicated team has shown.”
The station, which has been a key part of the Pembrokeshire community since its inception, boasts a workforce of 13 people, including presenters, producers, journalists, and sales personnel. Additionally, it benefits from a strong voluntary sector comprising over 100 members, contributing to its hybrid working model. This approach allows the station to maintain a strong community commitment while ensuring commercial viability.
“Our move to DAB will enable more people to remain connected to our platform as we continue delivering interviews, local news, information, and of course, a whole load of quality music,” Ellis added. Pure West Radio has grown rapidly, reaching over 500,000 people across its platforms each month. During the COVID-19 crisis, it played a crucial role in providing up-to-date information in collaboration with Pembrokeshire County Council.
The station, which celebrated its third birthday recently, has seen two million listens since its start, with an average of 50,000 listens per week. This audience engagement is approaching nearly half of the population of Pembrokeshire. The upcoming DAB launch marks a significant development for the station, allowing it to reach a wider audience and continue its mission of delivering local news, community events, and music to its listeners.
Pure West Radio has close links to the Herald, with its Director, Toby Ellis, General Manager Mathew Rickard and its Head of News, Sarah Jane-Absalom all having previously worked at The Pembrokeshire Herald or Herald Radio.
Herald Editor Tom Sinclair said: “Everyone at The Herald wishes Toby and the team the best of luck with this important milestone.
“Getting on the airwaves is what Pure West Radio needs to take it to the next level and we are very proud of what the PWR team have achieved over the last few years.”
Those interested in becoming part of the radio station can get more information by emailing [email protected].
The official DAB launch date will be announced in the near future, Pure West Radio said.
Community
Celebrate autumn’s bounty at Carew Castle’s Apple Pressing Day
CAREW CASTLE is inviting local communities to join in a day of apple pressing, offering a hands-on experience to transform their extra apples into fresh, delicious juice.
The event will be held at Carew Castle on Saturday 28 September, from 10am to 2pm, giving participants the chance to learn the art of apple pressing in the stunning surroundings of this historic site, managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.
Ranger Chris Taylor will be on hand throughout the day with the apple press, ready to help visitors turn their surplus apples into a refreshing homemade treat.
Daisy Hughes, Manager of Carew Castle, said: “With autumn in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make the most of the apple harvest. This event is a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to have fun while creating something delicious.
“While the Apple Day is free to attend, we highly recommend enhancing your experience with a ticket to explore the Castle and Tidal Mill – winner of Best Attraction in last year’s Visit Pembrokeshire Croeso Awards and a finalist in three categories this year. We look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy a memorable day!”
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own apples and bottles to take home their freshly pressed juice.
Further information on this and other autumn events at Carew Castle can be found at https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/carew-castle/events-at-carew-castle/autumn-events/.
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