Community

Dorrien Davies elected as 130th bishop of St Davids

Published

1 year 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

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

3 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.

Community

Landfill odour sparks calls for inquiry and legal action

Published

4 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS near Withyhedge landfill in Haverfordwest are demanding a public inquiry and considering legal action after foul odours returned just weeks after the site reopened on 6 January.

The landfill, closed last May to address odour issues, was declared fit to reopen by operator RML, which claimed its improvements would protect nearby communities. However, Colin Barnett, of campaign group Stop the Stink, said: “People in Crundale, Haverfordwest, and Spittal are being subjected to horrendous smells again.”

Describing the site as a “stink bomb on steroids,” Barnett supported Conservative MS Paul Davies’ calls for a public inquiry. “We’ve been flanneled by NRW, public health, and Pembrokeshire council. It’s disgraceful,” he said, adding that delays in resolving the issue had left litigation as the only option.

RML, part of Dauson Environmental Group, is owned by businessman David Neal, who has previous convictions for environmental crimes in 2013 and 2017. Last year, another of Neal’s companies pleaded guilty to environmental offences.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) reported receiving 34 complaints since 6 January, with a rise in recent days coinciding with the end of a slurry-spreading ban. However, NRW stated no odours attributable to the landfill were detected and plans to inspect the site with Pembrokeshire council on 29 January.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I’ll keep a very close eye on this, and if concerns persist, we’ll discuss further steps with NRW.”

RML and the Welsh Government declined to comment.

Community

Public transport users urged to ‘check before travelling’ due to storm

Published

4 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT FOR WALES and Network Rail are urging all customers to check before they travel on Friday morning and into the weekend with weather warnings in place across the country.

With Storm Eowyn set to hit Wales and winds reaching 90mph on Friday morning, customers should expect disruptions and are strongly urged to check before they travel.

There will be alterations to rail services, replacement road transport on certain routes and blanket speed restrictions at some locations, meaning journeys could take longer than usual.

Stand by buses are being planned at key locations around the network in preparation for travel disruption.

Across Wales and the Borders, Network Rail have positioned response teams to address any storm related problems to keep disruption to a minimum.

TfW Operations Director Sarah Higgins said: “It’s so important for our customers to plan ahead when looking to travel this Friday.

“While we’ve made a number of changes to our services based on detailed forecasts, storms can still be unpredictable.

“We’ve seen the impact storms can have, with damage to trains and infrastructure sometimes taking weeks or months to repair, so our cross-industry approach will hopefully limit that and keep our colleagues and customers safe. We apologise to customers for any disruption to their journeys as a result.”

Network Rail Wales & Borders Operations Director Rachel Heath added: “Our priority is always keeping safe everyone who travels and works on the railway.

“Unfortunately, there will be some delays and cancellations on Friday, as trains will not run on some lines and there will speed restrictions on other parts of the route.

“We are working closely with our train operator colleagues to ensure we can safely reopen affected lines as quickly as possible and urge passengers to check before they travel.”

Rail service changes:

No services to run on the Conwy Valley Line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
No services to run on the Heart of Wales line all day, with replacement road transport in place.
Speed restrictions at various locations around the network, meaning some journeys will take longer than usual. These include:

  50mph speed restrictions imposed from 0200 to 1500 Friday on the North Wales Coast – Bodorgan to Llandudno Junction.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Carmarthen to Kidwelly.
  50mph restrictions from 0200 to 1200 between Neath and Swansea.
  50mph restrictions from 0100 – 0800 between Newport and Llanwern.

Customers who have connecting tickets for the following operators who have suspended services due to the adverse weather conditions, we’ll honour tickets dated 24 January on either Thursday 23 January or up to and including Tuesday 28 January.