News

Bishop of St Davids, Dr Joanna Penberthy, to step down due to ill health

Published

2 years ago

May 29, 2023

THE BISHOP OF ST DAVIDS, Dr Joanna Penberthy, has announced her decision to retire from her position later this summer, citing ill health as the primary reason for her departure.

This announcement follows a prolonged period of absence from her diocese, which began after she faced widespread criticism for a tweet posted in March 2021. In the tweet, she wrote, “Never, never, never trust a Tory.” Dr Penberthy later apologized, explaining that her comment was in response to reports suggesting the Conservative Party’s intention to abolish the Welsh Senedd. Recognizing her mistake, she deleted her Twitter account, expressing regret for the irresponsible and disrespectful manner in which some of her comments were expressed.

At the time, the Archbishop of Canterbury expressed deep embarrassment over her posts, deeming them unacceptable. Three months later, Bishop Joanna was advised by her doctor to take a one-month leave of absence, which was later extended to four months. Despite a subsequent announcement by the diocese that she would make a phased return to work, another period of sick leave was announced in August 2022.

This week, Bishop Joanna acknowledged that her ongoing health issues have compromised her ability to fulfill the demanding responsibilities of her role within the diocese. In a statement, she affirmed, “This is not a decision I have taken lightly. The constant presence of migraines has impeded my ability to function at the required level to carry out my duties.”

Upon announcing her retirement, the Most Revd Andrew John, Archbishop of Wales, praised Dr Penberthy’s significant contributions to the Church in Wales. He emphasized her notable work in areas such as environmental matters and the social responsibility network, stating, “A decision like this is never easy to make.”

Dr Joanna Penberthy, born in Swansea in 1960, holds the distinction of being one of the first women to be ordained as a priest in Wales in January 1997. Prior to that, she served as a deaconess since 1984 and was ordained as a deacon in 1987 after completing her studies at Newnham College, Cambridge, and Cranmer Hall, Durham, for ordination purposes. Additionally, she pursued theological studies at the University of Nottingham, earning a Master’s degree in 1984 and completing a Ph.D. in quantum physics in July 2019, focusing on the intersection of theology and science through her thesis titled “Reading the ‘Paradoxical Book of Bell’: A Case Study in Theology and Science.”

Since January 2017, Dr Penberthy has held the distinction of being the first woman consecrated as a bishop in the Church in Wales. Her diocese covers a significant area spanning 2,266 square miles across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire, encompassing the archdeaconries of St David’s, Cardigan, and Carmarthen.

Dr Penberthy’s retirement will formally take effect on 31 July, and it is anticipated that a new bishop will be elected in October to succeed her position.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

4 hours 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

11 hours 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

12 hours 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.