Farewell to the founding father of tourist attraction Folly Farm
The man whose vision led to tourist attraction Folly Farm has died. Robert Harries looks back on his life
THE man who founded one of Wales’ most popular tourist attractions has died. Glyndwr Williams, the man who had the vision to open and grow what became Folly Farm in Pembrokeshire, passed away after a long illness, his family has confirmed.
Mr Williams, who was 75, had lived on the farm since the 1940s after his parents moved there from Haverfordwest.
He married his wife, Anne, in 1967 and they made the farm, at Begelly, six miles north of Tenby, their family home.
Two decades later he and Anne decided to open up their land to the public. Over the years it went from being a typical dairy farm to what it is today – one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, which attracts half a million visitors each year and employs around 200 people.
In that 32-year period Mr Williams, along with Anne and other members of the family, realised a number of the founder’s dreams.
In 1996 the vintage fairground that still takes pride of place at the farm was installed, and six years later, in 2002, the first zoo animals arrived.
In 2009 he oversaw the arrival of Wales’ only giraffes, and earlier this year another dream of his was realised when an endangered eastern black rhino was born at Folly Farm.
That rhino – the first to be born in Wales – has been named Glyndwr.
Announcing Mr Williams’ death, a spokeswoman for Folly Farm said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our founding director, Glyndwr Williams.
“Glyn was always keen to try something new and so it followed that in 1988 they opened Folly Farm as a tourist attraction.
“Now in its 32nd year, the park has grown immeasurably from those humble beginnings to be one of Wales’ top visitor attractions, attracting 500,000 visitors a year and employing close to 200 people during peak season.
“Pembrokeshire and proud, Glyn was fiercely loyal to the surrounding community that had supported him and his business throughout the years. Wherever and whenever possible he would support local groups and charities by offering Folly Farm’s facilities free of charge for their fundraising events.
“Never one to court the limelight, Glyn was very humble about his achievements. However, it was in 2014 at the Pembrokeshire Tourism Awards, held at The Wolfscastle Country Hotel, that he was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award in recognition of his achievements.
“This, just one of many awards and accolades bestowed upon Folly Farm over the years.
“Outside Folly Farm Glyn had a great passion for sports and enjoyed watching rugby, boxing and motor racing.
“He loved spending time with his family, friends and colleagues and will be deeply missed by everyone that met him.”
The farm confirmed that Mr Williams died last Tuesday (February 18) following a long illness.
In tribute to the legendary work ethic and ambition that was present throughout his life, the farm says it will carry on as normal as it mourns the death of its founder.
A spokeswoman for the attraction added: “The whole Folly Farm family are extremely grateful for your support, as always, during this difficult time, but rest assured it’ll be business as usual, just as Glyn would have wanted.”