News

Bishop’s report reveals major renewal challenge at St Davids Cathedral

Published

2 months ago

May 6, 2026

Formal Visitation highlights financial, structural, leadership and spiritual pressures at one of Wales’ most important religious sites

ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL is facing a period of major renewal after a formal Bishop’s Visitation identified financial, structural, leadership and spiritual challenges at one of Wales’ most important religious and historic landmarks.

The report, published by the Diocese of St Davids on Friday (May 1), marks a significant moment for the cathedral, which is both the mother church of the diocese and one of Wales’ most recognisable places of pilgrimage.

The Bishop of St Davids, the Right Reverend Dorrien Davies, said the Visitation had been carried out as a “pastoral and constructive act” intended to support the Dean, Chapter, staff and wider cathedral community.

But the wording of the report makes clear that the cathedral is facing serious and practical pressures, including the need to strengthen its finances, protect the fabric of the ancient building, improve leadership structures, and renew its mission.

The Bishop said the purpose of the Visitation was to “direct and encourage ministry” and to enable a “faithful, practical response to the very real needs of the Cathedral — financial, structural, missional, and spiritual.”

Executive committee created

One of the most significant developments is the creation of a new Executive Committee, which has already been put in place following the Visitation process.

The Bishop said this was intended to support leadership, improve focus, and maintain momentum in dealing with urgent priorities.

He said the move showed “a willingness to engage seriously with the issues raised and to respond in a practical and timely way.”

The report adds that it is important this momentum is sustained, and that the recommendations are progressed with “clarity, purpose and due urgency.”

Although the Bishop stresses that the report was not written to criticise for its own sake, the language points to a cathedral at a crossroads, with governance and long-term planning now central to its future.

Ancient building

St Davids Cathedral is one of the most important Christian sites in Wales. It is a centre of worship, a focus for pilgrimage, a major visitor attraction, and a building of deep historical and spiritual significance.

The Bishop describes it as a “physical and visible sign of the Christian presence in this land — locally, nationally, and internationally.”

But ancient cathedrals are costly to maintain, and the report makes clear that the preservation of the building is now a major concern.

The Bishop refers to a detailed presentation by architect Andrew Faulkner and archaeologist Ross Cook, setting out a long-term vision for repair and preservation of the cathedral fabric.

He described that presentation as “both inspiring and reassuring”, saying it showed that careful and hopeful planning for the future was already underway.

The reference to fabric repairs is likely to raise questions about the scale of work needed, the likely cost, and whether further fundraising will be required.

Wider church pressures

The Visitation also sits within the wider context of the Diocese of St Davids’ “Pruning for Growth” strategy.

The Bishop said the cathedral, despite its historic status and national importance, had rightly been invited to undergo the same prayerful scrutiny as every other part of the diocese.

He said such scrutiny was “not a sign of failure, but of care and hope for the future.”

That wording suggests the cathedral is not being treated as exempt from wider pressures facing the Church in Wales, including falling attendance, financial strain, ageing buildings and the need to rethink ministry for the future.

Praise for staff

The report also contains strong praise for cathedral staff and departments.

***Praised by Bishop: Dean’s Verger Chris Cooks***

The Bishop singled out Chris Crooks, the Dean’s Verger, and the vergers’ team, describing their work as “exemplary” and praising their role in worship, safety, and the care of the building.

He also praised the cathedral’s music, led by Simon Pearce and Laurence John, describing it as “one of its most powerful forms of proclamation.”

The Education and Pilgrimage department was also recognised, with particular thanks given to Janet Ingram for her work at Ty’r Pererin and her contribution to education at the cathedral as she enters retirement.

The Bishop also thanked librarian Mari James, the Friends of St Davids Cathedral, and advisers Arwel Davies and Medwin Hughes for their contributions.

***Powerful form of proclamation says Bishop: Cathedral’s music, led by Simon Pearce and Laurence John***

Dean backed

The Bishop said he was especially grateful to the Dean for her cooperation throughout the process.

He said he wished to affirm her continuing leadership and her commitment to guiding the life and mission of the cathedral.

He added that he was confident in her resolve to lead with “openness, collaboration and faithful service.”

However, the creation of new leadership structures and the call for greater urgency suggest that the cathedral is now entering a period of closer oversight and reform.

The Bishop said the Visitation should be seen as an invitation to renewal, deeper collaboration and faithful courage.

He said: “Failure to recognise the positive developments emerging from this Visitation — or to read between the lines the appreciation of what is already being undertaken — would be to misunderstand why this Visitation was called.”

The Herald has asked the Diocese of St Davids whether the full financial position of the cathedral will be made public, what repair work has been identified, and what specific recommendations will now be taken forward.

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

24 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

29 minutes ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.