Community

New Bishop of St Davids consecrated in a ceremonial service in Bangor

Published

12 months ago

January 28, 2024

IN a ceremony steeped in tradition and religious significance, Bishop Dorrien Davies was consecrated as the 130th Bishop of St Davids in a special service at St Deiniol’s Cathedral in Bangor today. The event marked a significant milestone in the history of the diocese, which encompasses Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion in West Wales.

Hundreds of congregants from across Wales gathered in the cathedral, with many more joining online, to witness Bishop Dorrien’s anointment and reception of the symbols of a bishop’s office. These symbols – an episcopal ring, a pectoral cross, a mitre, a Bible, and a pastoral staff – were presented to the new bishop in a solemn ceremony.

***The Archbishop anoints Bishop Dorrien***

The choice of Bangor for the consecration service was significant, as it is the seat of the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John, who also serves as the Bishop of Bangor. Archbishop Andrew played a key role in the service, anointing Bishop Dorrien with holy oil as part of the consecration ritual.

In a poignant address, Archbishop Andrew called upon Bishop Dorrien to embody “an extravagant love” for Jesus, the Church, and the world. He drew an intriguing comparison between the responsibilities of bishops and the popular BBC reality show, The Traitors, urging the bishop to captivate the nation and the church with a similar fervor. Archbishop Andrew’s message was clear: to lead with a vision that inspires and excites, just as the dramatic twists of the reality show have gripped viewers across the nation.

Bishop Dorrien expressed his honor and acknowledged the challenges ahead in his new role as the Bishop of St Davids. He emphasized his gratitude for the support he has received and called for continued prayers as he embarks on this new journey in his ministry, buoyed by a sense of hope and joy.

Adding to the ceremonial grandeur, a new musical composition by Joe Cooper, the Cathedral music director, was performed. This piece, set to a 16th-century Welsh poem by Dafydd Trefor, commemorated the consecration of Deiniol, the first Bishop of Bangor, and his retreat in Pembrokeshire.

The service was also attended by bishops from other Anglican churches in the UK, including the Church of England, the Church of Ireland, and the Scottish Episcopal Church, showcasing the unity and shared heritage of these religious institutions.

Looking ahead, Bishop Dorrien is set to be enthroned as the Bishop of St Davids at St Davids Cathedral next weekend. The enthronement service, scheduled for February 3 at 2:30 pm, will see him officially installed in the Bishop’s chair. Representatives from across the St Davids Diocese will welcome him in a ceremony that promises to be another significant religious event, open to reporters and the public alike.

**Bishop Dorrien blesses the retired Bishop of St Davids, Wyn Evans**

**Bishop Dorrien with his wife, Rosie, sons Morgan and Lewis and friend Angharad**

Community

Grieving family’s aim to protect young drivers in memory of daughter

Published

13 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Road Safety Team have worked in partnership with the family of a young woman killed in a road traffic collision to launch an intervention for young drivers in our County and beyond.

Ella Bee’s Story aims to prevent further deaths on the road, particularly among the 17 to 25-year-old age group, and concentrates on the Fatal 5, peer pressure, driver behaviour and how to reduce the risks both as a driver and passenger.

Twenty-one year-old Ella Smith was killed in a road traffic collision on the Broad Haven road in 2021 and her family are bravely telling their story of the night it happened and the aftermath of losing Ella.

Two drivers involved in the collision were jailed for ten years each having been convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The intervention was launched recently and will be available to all schools and young peoples’ groups in the County, along with Pembrokeshire College.

The Road Safety Team worked closely with the family to put together the intervention which includes the production of two videos that can help educate all young drivers, and any adults with young drivers in the family.

Following the launch Ella’s mother Maria said: “We as a family and Ella’s best friends have worked tirelessly with Pembrokeshire County Council to produce a presentation on road safety to be delivered to schools, colleges and youth groups to educate young drivers on the devastating impact that losing Ella has had on us all.

“Ella your legacy will live on and you will forever be remembered for helping others even now.”

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett added: “The launch of Ella Bee’s Story was incredible moving. Ella’s family has been incredibly brave in their determination to ensure her tragic death is not in vain and this project will help other young drivers stay safe on our roads.”

For further information about how your school or youth group can access Ella Bee’s Story please email [email protected]

Community

Storm Éowyn upgraded to ‘danger to life’ amber warning for Wales

Published

15 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE MET OFFICE has upgraded its weather alert for Storm Éowyn to an amber warning, signifying a “danger to life” as strong winds and heavy rain approach Wales and other parts of the UK. The warning is in effect from 6:00am to 9:00pm on Friday, covering northern Wales, Northern Ireland, northern England, and southern Scotland.

Strong winds and widespread disruption

The amber alert warns of winds reaching 60-70 mph inland and up to 90 mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground. The Met Office advises that flying debris poses a risk to life, while power cuts, travel disruption, and property damage are highly likely.

Road, rail, air, and ferry services are expected to face delays and cancellations. Homes and businesses may also sustain structural damage as the storm progresses.

Areas in Wales under amber warning:

Conwy
Denbighshire
Flintshire
Gwynedd
Isle of Anglesey

Alongside the amber alert, two yellow warnings for wind cover all of Wales on Friday, lasting from midnight Thursday to midnight Friday. A separate yellow warning for rain is also in effect from midnight to 9:00am on Friday, predicting 15-25 mm of rain across much of Wales and 40-60 mm in higher elevations. The heavy rainfall may lead to surface water flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Storm Éowyn will move across the northwest of the UK on Friday, clearing northeast by Friday night. This will bring a spell of very strong west to southwesterly winds, with a brief reduction in wind strength as the storm’s centre passes over certain areas. Winds will then increase rapidly before gradually easing later on Friday.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel, and monitor updates as the storm approaches.

Community

Mid and West Wales Fire Service backs Register My Appliance Week

Published

2 days ago

January 21, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is supporting Register My Appliance Week (January 20–26) to help households stay informed about appliance safety and product recalls.

Millions of UK households are unaware of critical safety updates for their appliances, with over 40 million large appliances still unregistered. From brand-new purchases to second-hand machines, registering appliances ensures owners are alerted to any safety issues, extending their safe usage.

In the past year, MAWWFRS responded to 163 incidents involving white goods. Home Fire Safety Manager Wayne Thomas said:

“We all value how appliances have transformed our lives, but it’s essential to register them. Doing so is quick, free, and ensures you’re informed if a safety repair is needed. Just a few minutes spent registering can help you enjoy your appliances safely.”

The Register My Appliance portal, run by AMDEA, connects users with over 70 leading brands and accepts registrations for both new and older appliances.