Community

Dorrien Davies elected as 130th bishop of St Davids

Published

2 years ago

October 20, 2023

IN AN EVENT that marks a significant chapter in the spiritual leadership of Wales, Dorrien Davies, a seasoned cleric who has rendered his service across all counties of Wales’ most expansive diocese, has been chosen to ascend as its 130th bishop.

Elected this week, The Archdeacon of Carmarthen, Dorrien Davies will oversee St Davids Diocese, encompassing Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion.

On the second day of deliberations at St Davids Cathedral, Archdeacon Dorrien obtained the crucial two-thirds majority endorsement from the Electoral College. This pivotal announcement was broadcasted at the cathedral’s western entrance by the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John.

The Archbishop commented, “It is with great pleasure that I recognise the election of the Archdeacon of Carmarthen. His profound wisdom, intimate understanding of this region, and remarkable abilities will be pivotal in advancing the diocese and fortifying our unity in faith, hope, and love. Under his stewardship, I trust that the diocese will indeed embody the values St David implored: joy, fidelity, and an appreciation for life’s simple blessings.”

Responding to his appointment, Archdeacon Dorrien remarked, “It is both a profound honour and a humbling experience to receive the trust of the Electoral College. My commitment stands firm – to serve the Diocese and the broader Province of Wales in the glorious name of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. I eagerly await the journey ahead, filled with promise and new horizons.”

Until the official confirmation at the Sacred Synod service on November 29, Archdeacon Dorrien will retain the title of Bishop-Elect. Subsequent ceremonies include his consecration at Bangor Cathedral on January 27 and his enthronement at St Davids Cathedral shortly thereafter.

This election was necessitated following Joanna Penberthy’s retirement as Bishop of St Davids in July, culminating her tenure that began in 2017.

For transparency, the Electoral College consists of representatives from all six Welsh dioceses, inclusive of bishops. St Davids Diocese was represented by twelve members (half laypeople and half clergy), while the remaining dioceses had six representatives each. The selection procedure, marked by confidentiality, entails nomination, discussion, and a ballot vote, with a two-thirds majority signifying a successful election.

*Dorrien Davies with Archbishop Andrew John*

Journey of Ministry: From Abergwili to the Pinnacle

The Bishop-Elect’s path has been remarkable. A native of Abergwili and fluent in Welsh, Dorrien began his spiritual education at St Michael’s College, Llandaff, receiving his ordination in 1989. His ministry journey led him from Llanelli to Llanfihangel Ystrad Aeron, eventually earning a degree from the University of Wales, College of Lampeter in 1995. Subsequent significant roles included his tenure as Vicar of St Dogmael’s, Pembrokeshire, Canon of St Davids Cathedral, and eventually, his appointment as the Archdeacon of Carmarthen in 2017.

Outside his clerical duties, Dorrien leads a fulfilling personal life. Married to Rosie and father to two sons, Morgan and Lewies, he finds solace in reading and expresses his creativity through painting.

Community

Final chance to invest in historic Boncath community cottage

Published

2 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS in North Pembrokeshire have just days left to invest in a unique community project to purchase a historic Victorian corrugated cottage in Boncath for £12,000.

After a month of gathering support, volunteers behind the initiative are holding a final public meeting at the cottage on Saturday (Apr 4) from 11:00am to 12:00 noon. The event offers a last opportunity for new investors to join the cooperative and for existing supporters to view the building they now collectively own.

The cottage has served the community for more than 130 years. Since the 1930s it has been home to the Boncath WI, while earlier uses included a sawmill office and a rent collection point for the local estate.

The meeting will be led by Cris Tomos of Narberth-based community development organisation PLANED, who will explain how the scheme works and the financial incentives available. Investors contributing £500 may qualify for 50% tax relief through the UK Government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS).

A similar model was successfully used in nearby Crymych, where community investors raised £210,000 to purchase and reopen the Crymych Arms pub.

Supporters can invest by contacting [email protected]
or downloading forms via the Bwthyn Boncath Facebook page. Printed forms are also available from Boncath Village Shop and Post Office.

Following the purchase, organisers plan to launch a wider community share offer at £50 per share to encourage broader local ownership.

The long-term vision is to transform the building into a small heritage centre, celebrating Boncath’s history and collecting local stories, photographs and artefacts for future generations.

For further information, contact Cris Tomos on 07974 099738 or email [email protected]
.

Community

Port launches waterway safety competition with monthly prizes

Published

6 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN has announced the launch of its first Waterway Safety Competition, set to begin in April.

The initiative aims to promote safe and responsible use of the Milford Haven Waterway, one of the busiest and most diverse waterways in Wales. The waterway is used daily by paddleboarders, kayakers, sailors, swimmers, and large commercial vessels, making safety a key priority.

As part of the competition, participants are invited to showcase their own interpretation of the waterway through any creative medium. All art forms are welcome, and entries will be judged monthly.

Each month, winners will receive prizes designed to support water safety, including lifejackets and training sessions.

The Port hopes the competition will encourage greater awareness of safety while celebrating the unique character of the waterway.

For more information or to enter, visit: https://www.mhpa.co.uk/waterway-safety-competition/

Community

Bishop returns to Llanelli for Palm Sunday celebrations

Published

7 hours ago

March 30, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Visit described as ‘coming home’ as Bishop Dorrien joins worshippers in Bro Lliedi

BISHOP DORRIEN marked Palm Sunday (Mar 29) with a series of visits and services across Llanelli, describing his return to the area as “coming home.”

The Bishop of St Davids spent the day in the Bro Lliedi Local Ministry Area, beginning with the main parish Eucharist at St Elli Church, where he both preached and presided.

Following the service, he joined members of the local ministry area for lunch, before spending time visiting parishioners in the community.

The day concluded with a Songs of Praise service in Felinfoel, bringing together worshippers for an evening of reflection and celebration.

As a token of appreciation for his visit, Bishop Dorrien was presented with a print of St Davids Cathedral.

The Bishop has strong personal ties to the Llanelli area, having served his title there earlier in his ministry. Speaking during the visit, he said returning to the town always feels like “coming home.”

Church leaders said the visit was a valuable opportunity for the Bishop to connect with congregations across the area during one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a central time of reflection for Christians leading up to Easter.