Speaker at the June meeting of Saundersfoot WI was Jack Gradidge, the Conservation Officer from Folly Farm.

Welcomed by President Gwen, Jack gave the ladies a fascinating talk on the founding and development of Folly Farm.

It all began on the farm of that name, when the farmer, Glyn Williams, noted how interested some people were when they had to stop their cars to let the cows go over the road from their field to the milking parlour. In 1988 he and his wife, Ann, opened the dairy parlour so that people could view it and even milk the cows; they could look round the farm which began to branch out to include goats, lambs and pigs, which the children -then! – could bottle feed.

In 1987 undercover fairground rides were added so that the children could enjoy themselves even when it rained. Then, in 2009, with the arrival of llamas, lemurs and giraffes, it became a zoo. In 2022 a new holiday village was opened and there are plans to grow a wildlife area.

There are lots for visitors to see and enjoy but there is much more going on behind the scenes. With the concern for protecting wildlife, the environment and climate change, Folly Farm has links not only with projects and organisations concerned with these issues in the UK but all over the world. It is involved in such projects as combatting the illegal pet trade ivory poaching, habitat loss, protecting the pangolin, the most endangered species.

All revenue generated at Folly Farm is ploughed back into the business, and a conservation fund of £40,000 was distributed to conservation partners all over the world.

Folly Farm has remained a family business, with grandchildren joining and adding their expertise; Glyn’s widow, Ann, is still very much involved in the work. For nearly 40 years, Folly Farm has been a much-loved part of Saundersfoot and the go-to visitor attraction in the area.

The raffle prize was won by Val, and the competition for an item with royal connections, was won by Val and Jennifer.

Saundersfoot WI will be taking part in the Saundersfoot in Bloom, which runs from August 8 to 12. Details of the July trip have still to be finalised, and then they break up for the summer. Next meeting will be in September. Saundersfoot WI is a small, informal and friendly group. and new members are always welcome.