Community

Cherry Vann elected Archbishop of Wales following Bangor scandal

Published

5 months ago

July 30, 2025

BISHOP Cherry Vann, the Bishop of Monmouth, has been elected as the 15th Archbishop of Wales, succeeding Andrew John, who resigned earlier this summer following damning reports into the culture at Bangor Cathedral.

The Church in Wales confirmed the result after its Electoral College met in closed session, with Bishop Cherry securing the required two‑thirds majority from clergy, lay representatives and fellow bishops. She will be enthroned at Newport Cathedral in the coming months but will continue in her role as Bishop of Monmouth.

Scandal at Bangor Cathedral

The post became vacant after Archbishop Andrew John resigned in June following the release of independent reports into the Diocese of Bangor. The investigations found serious failings in governance and safeguarding at Bangor Cathedral, including a culture of excessive drinking, blurred sexual boundaries, bullying, inappropriate language, and poor management oversight.

Although there were no allegations of personal misconduct against the Archbishop, he accepted responsibility for not addressing the problems sooner. The Church’s Representative Body passed a motion of no confidence in his leadership, and the Charity Commission began looking into related financial and governance issues. Archbishop John announced he would also retire as Bishop of Bangor at the end of August.

The controversy centred on Bangor Cathedral, which is part of the Anglican Church in Wales, and not, as some reports incorrectly suggested, Wrexham Cathedral, which belongs to the Roman Catholic Church.

Background on Bishop Cherry Vann

Cherry Elizabeth Vann, 66, was born in Whetstone, Leicestershire. Initially training as a professional musician at the Royal College of Music, she later studied theology at Westcott House, Cambridge, and was ordained deacon in 1989. She was among the first women ordained priest in the Church of England in 1994.

Bishop Cherry served in Manchester for many years, holding parish posts and serving as chaplain to the deaf community before becoming Archdeacon of Rochdale in 2008. She was the first woman to hold that senior role in the Diocese of Manchester and later became Prolocutor of the Lower House of the Convocation of York, sitting on the Church of England’s Archbishops’ Council.

She was elected Bishop of Monmouth in 2019 after the resignation of Bishop Richard Pain, and was consecrated in January 2020. In her ministry, she has been a strong advocate for justice, reconciliation and inclusion, and is openly in a civil partnership.

Election process

The Archbishop of Wales is elected from among the six serving diocesan bishops by the Church in Wales Electoral College. The body consists of the six bishops and six elected representatives (three clergy and three lay members) from each of the six dioceses.

Meeting in Llandrindod Wells in a tradition akin to a conclave, the college prays, discusses and votes in secret. A candidate must win a two‑thirds majority to be elected. If no decision is reached within three days, the choice passes to the Bench of Bishops. This time, Bishop Cherry Vann secured the necessary majority during the electoral college process.

A new chapter for the Church

Bishop Cherry’s election comes at a challenging time for the Church in Wales, as it seeks to rebuild trust and strengthen governance in the wake of the Bangor scandal. Speaking after her election, she said she was honoured to be chosen and looked forward to serving the people of Wales in her new role.

The enthronement ceremony at Newport Cathedral will be held later this year, formally marking the start of her tenure as Archbishop of Wales.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

Published

18 hours 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

19 hours 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)

Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

Published

2 days ago

December 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).