News

Former Bishop of St Davids dies

Published

8 years ago

October 20, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Tributes paid: Huw Jones, former Bishop of St Davids

THE ARCHBISHOP OF WALES has led tributes to a retired Welsh bishop, Huw Jones, who died this week.

Bishop Huw served as Bishop of St Davids from 1996-2001. Originally from the Swansea Valley, he was educated at Pontardawe Grammar School, Bangor University and University College, Oxford.

He spent his entire ministry in Wales – starting as a curate in Aberdare and rising to Dean of Brecon before being consecrated as Bishop of St Davids. Academically gifted, he was also a sub-warden at St Michael’s Theological College, Llandaff – where he trained for ministry himself – and a theology lecturer at the University of Wales, Cardiff. In his retirement he lived in Llandaff and served as an honorary assistant bishop.

He died, aged 82, on Tuesday (Oct 18), leaving his wife, Gwyneth, and daughters Lynwen and Gaenor.

The Archbishop, Dr Barry Morgan, said the prayers and thoughts of the Church in Wales were with his family. He said, “I was deeply saddened to hear of Bishop Huw’s death. He served the Church excellently as a theological teacher, priest, dean and bishop and was at the forefront of ecumenical affairs in the Province. In retirement he helped out as an honorary assistant bishop in Llandaff and my debt to him is considerable.

“He was a lucid teacher and a very clear preacher. As he had been trained in philosophy and theology he had a very clear, systematic mind and that always came through in everything he said.”

The recently retired Bishop of St Davids, Wyn Evans, also paid tribute to his predecessor. He said, “Bishop Huw’s approachability, scholarship and abilities were much appreciated in the Diocese of St Davids. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gwyneth and his family at this sad time.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.