Community

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

Published

2 years 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

Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation

Published

16 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations

NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.

Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.

A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”

(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

Published

2 days ago

December 13, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)