Community
New Bishop of St Davids to be consecrated in Bangor Cathedral
TH ECCLESIASTICAL landscape of Wales is set to witness a significant event as Dorrien Davies is consecrated as the new Bishop of St Davids this weekend. The consecration ceremony is scheduled to take place at Bangor Cathedral, the seat of the Archbishop, at 1.45 pm on January 27. This momentous occasion will be followed by his enthronement as the 130th Bishop of St Davids at St Davids Cathedral on February 3.
Bishop Davies, who will preside over the diocese covering the counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire, has a rich history of service within the Church of Wales. Prior to his election, he held the position of Archdeacon of Carmarthen and was the vicar of St Dogmaels.
Born in Abergwili in 1964, Dorrien Davies is a native Welsh speaker. He embarked on his journey of ministry at St Michael’s College, Llandaff, and was ordained a priest in 1989. His early clerical career saw him serve his curacy in Llanelli before taking up the role of Vicar of Llanfihangel Ystrad Aeron in Ceredigion. In addition to his pastoral duties, Bishop Davies pursued academic achievements, earning a degree from the University of Wales, College of Lampeter, in 1995.
Dorrien’s dedication to his vocation led him to St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire, where he served as Vicar for 11 years from 1999. His connection to St Davids Cathedral deepened in 2007 when he was made a Canon, and later in 2010, he became a Canon Residentiary. His appointment as Archdeacon of Carmarthen and priest-in-charge of St Clears came in 2017.
Apart from his ecclesiastical commitments, Dorrien enjoys a personal life enriched with family and hobbies. He is married to Rosie and is a father to two sons, Morgan and Lewis. His interests include reading and painting, adding a creative dimension to his personality.
Bishop Davies’s election follows the retirement of Joanna Penberthy, who served as Bishop of St Davids from 2017. The Archbishop of Wales, Andy John, praised the new Bishop, highlighting his experience, deep wisdom, and skills as assets for leading and uniting the diocese in faith, hope, and love.
In a heartfelt response, Venerable Dorrien Davies expressed his gratitude for the support received and his anticipation of leading the diocese towards “things wonderful and new.”
For those unable to attend, the consecration ceremony will be broadcast live on the Bangor Cathedral YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/@cadeirlandeiniolsantsaintd9228. The livestream will be featured as the latest video on the channel, allowing a wider audience to witness this historic event.
Community
RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions
RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.
Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.
Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
Engaging young minds
The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.
Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”
Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”
Building a sustainable future
Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”
RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.
Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation
RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.
As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.
Community
New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station
TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.
Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.
Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.
The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.
Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”
The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.
A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”
They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”
Community
Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
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.
-
Crime3 days ago
Man charged with sexual penetration of seven-week-old baby in court
-
News5 days ago
A48 crash: Four injured as police arrest man on suspicion of dangerous driving
-
News3 days ago
Budget cuts under fire as financial challenges grip Carmarthenshire County Council
-
News7 days ago
Beloved Haverfordwest institution, The George’s, to close after 35 years
-
Health7 days ago
‘Truly abysmal’ – Welsh NHS waiting list hits new record high
-
News7 days ago
Grandmother jailed for killing baby girl in Withybush Hospital crash
-
Crime5 days ago
Dyfed-Powys Police tax bill could rise by nine percent
-
News6 days ago
County councillor warns of dangerous and illegal E-scooter use in Haverfordwest