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.

SIX talented young musicians showcased their skills during the first round of the 2025 Young Musician competition, held at Bethesda Chapel in Narberth on Wednesday, January 15. The event, organized by the Narberth & Whitland Rotary Club, highlighted the exceptional abilities of these enthusiastic performers.

The evening’s instrumental category winner was harpist Alaw Elisa, representing Ysgol Bro Preseli. The vocalist winner, Max Morris, also represented Ysgol Bro Preseli, impressing the audience and judges alike with his outstanding performance.

Certificates were presented to the winners by Rotary Club President Paul, who expressed his gratitude to everyone involved. “A heartfelt thank you to the competitors, their teachers, parents, and the dedicated volunteers at Bethesda Chapel who made this event a success,” he said.

The Rotary Club looks forward to seeing these young musicians continue to excel as they progress to the next stages of the competition.

Talented winners: Alaw Elisa (Harp) and Max Morris (Vocalist) proudly represent Ysgol Bro Preseli. (Pic: Narberth & Whitland Rotary)

AN INNOVATIVE church project, funded by the Church in Wales, has sparked extraordinary growth in youth ministry, engaging more than 160 children across three coastal parishes. Just a year ago, only two children were involved.

The Faith Alive project from Bro Dwylan Ministry Area in the Diocese of Bangor combines regular family-friendly worship with hands-on activities for children and young people. A monthly Kids Club meets at the local community centre, offering Bible stories, arts and crafts, games, and a delicious picnic lunch provided by volunteers.

Alongside regular activities, the project runs seasonal events to involve people who may be new to church. Activities include summer rock-pooling sessions exploring God’s creation, led by Revd Andy Broadbent, who is also a marine biologist, Halloween celebrations focusing on Christian traditions, and interactive Christmas activities including nativity displays and craft workshops.

Funding has also enabled the creation of a welcoming family space at St Mary and Christ Church in Llanfairfechan, complete with comfortable seating, a Lego table, children’s toys, library, and art area.

The impact has been significant. Where previously only two children attended, the Ministry Area now regularly engages with over 160 children through its events, with additional hundreds reached through joint community initiatives. Several new families have become regular worship attendees.

Revd Andy says, “We wanted to create options for those new or familiar with church to join in as much or as little as they want while helping them to develop their faith. Thanks to Church in Wales funding families can now attend services that include easy-to-understand theology, and family-friendly worship with modern music and technology.

“It has given the congregation a real boost seeing that change is possible and that decline need not be the future. Our success story shows how targeted funding for innovative local ministry can revitalise rural churches and create more opportunities for young people to come to faith.”

Archbishop of Wales Andrew John says, “The success of Faith Alive shows what’s possible when we reimagine how we serve our communities. Bro Dwylan’s creative approach to ministry shows that churches can thrive through innovation and genuine engagement with families. This is exactly what Church in Wales funding aims to achieve – locally-grown initiatives that can inspire similar growth across Wales.”

Bishop of Bardsey David Morris says, “It has been wonderful to hear how the Faith Alive initiative, pioneered by the clergy and people of Bro Dwylan, has touched the lives of so many young people in local communities. We are hopeful the project will continue to grow in strength and impact, nurturing and deepening faith in the next generation.”

The Church in Wales’s Tier One funding stream provides grants of up to £10,000 for innovative local projects that can be replicated nationally, supporting the wider church’s mission to engage with modern communities.