Latest news with #RhysEvans
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Telegraph
Sex, alcohol and bad language: The Welsh cathedral that showed how not to run a place of worship
When Rhys Evans then applied to train as a priest, it was John who ensured he was accepted. And then in 2021, when Rhys Evans was hardly out of theological college, John named him Sub-Dean of the Cathedral, in charge – among other things – of its money. Many voiced concerns at the time that Rhys Evans had a conflict of interest in overseeing both the finances of the cathedral and the diocese. The two had to be separate. The Charity Commission seems to agree with them. It is now examining allegations that money given to support the diocese was used to buy expensive new seating for the cathedral at an estimated cost of between £200,000 and £400,000. Some congregation members the Telegraph spoke to say that the sub-dean was not a universally popular figure in the cathedral, though some point to his achievements in boosting congregations at set-piece liturgies, such as the Christmas Eve service. Others who have spoken to the Telegraph describe him as clique-ish, and claim they were excluded from decision-making in what they regarded as 'their cathedral'. Allegedly, their views were ignored and their hard work, usually as volunteers, to keep it running was taken for granted. Rhys Evans is alleged to have 'hand-picked' members of the choir who went on a trip to Rome in 2023, the Telegraph has been told, leaving behind those who had questioned his judgements. They did not get to enjoy the smart hotels that were preferred to pilgrim hostels nor the taxis that felt more appropriate than shoe-leather for getting around the city. According to a source in the Bangor Diocese, the final bill for the visit is believed to have come to over £20,000. Taken alongside the prosecco that was regularly served at the most minor event in the cathedral, more sober voices in the congregation were asking increasingly loudly if this was a suitable use of the money put on the plate each week. It took Archbishop John a long time to hear them but, when he did, he commissioned both a formal 'visitation' (inspection) of the life of the cathedral, and a safeguarding review from an independent agency. These are the two reports that are now being kept secret. The archbishop seems to have seen through his protégé long before either report landed on his desk. Whatever faith in Rhys Evans he once had had and maintained for over a decade, it was apparently now lost as he put him on gardening leave. Some in the congregation are happy to speculate why it took so long but they provide no evidence. Rhys Evans – who lists his interests on his X account as 'spirituality, religion, gender and Italian greyhounds' – resigned in December 2024 to take up a job as bursar at Westminster College, a United Reform Church establishment in Cambridge. He left there in May after his probation period. So, what will happen now the two principals in the drama have exited stage right? In matters financial, the Charity Commission, when it completes its investigation, has substantial powers if it has found evidence of improper behaviour. Some are even asking for police involvement around the allegations of misuse of funds. Rev Professor McPhate has a wider concern, namely that 'an injustice' may be being done 'to any persons who have been damaged by what went on, and to those who faithfully have given their money to the Church, trusting that it would be used appropriately and wisely'. There is a risk that Bangor Cathedral's bruised congregation will vote with its feet and leave its community. But he also adds a note of caution about the rumours created by the archbishop's sudden resignation. In his eight years worshipping at the cathedral, he says, 'I have never witnessed any culture of alcohol abuse or sexual promiscuity to which the [safeguarding] report makes reference. If true, the reference must allude to extramural behaviour by specific individuals, of which I know nothing.' Writer Tim Wyatt, whose The Critical Friend substack covers Anglican affairs, sees in the whole saga a 'resonance' with the departure of Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, in January. Neither leader came out well from independent reports into their conduct (Welby around his links to John Smyth whose abuse of children went unchallenged and unpunished). Both then tried to hang on despite the findings, presenting themselves implausibly as the solution not the problem. And both finally resigned with little good grace. 'Neither were bad people,' says Wyatt, 'and both made a series of bad decisions and paid heavily for them.' Is there, then, a problem with the selection process for senior leadership roles in the Church that needs addressing? Rev Dr Mark Clavier, Canon Theologian for the diocese of Swansea and Brecon, believes that this whole episode highlights a worrying trend. 'I've served in ministry for three decades in the US, England and Wales, and I've rarely known clergy and congregations to feel more fatigued than now. That's partly down to the Church's structures and leadership that don't always feel responsive or participatory.' But he goes further. 'Culture is the common thread between the various crises we've seen. Their frequency – and the way they've sometimes been handled – have reinforced a sense that decision-making is too closed and too centralised, with key choices made by a small circle without enough wider involvement. That's not healthy for any church.'
Wales Online
15-05-2025
- Wales Online
Police warn dog owners 'you'll pay ultimate price' as video shows savage attack near popular beach
Police warn dog owners 'you'll pay ultimate price' as video shows savage attack near popular beach The distressing video has been shared by police to highlight a growing issue A distressing video showing two dogs savaging a lamb has been shared by police to expose the grim reality of livestock attacks. The bloodied dogs fled when approached, tragically leaving the lamb to die. The spaniels were being walked on Dinas Dinlle beach close to Caernarfon, but they managed to break free and began harassing sheep near Caernarfon Airport. A farmer from a neighbouring farm captured the attack on his quad bike as the lamb lay motionless amidst scattered clumps of wool. The farmer attempted to secure the dogs with a makeshift lead, but they ran off. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Despite approaching slowly, in an attempt to put the dogs on a lead, the farmer was unable to catch them (Image: NWP/Farmer ) North Wales Police (NWP) condemned dog attacks on livestock as "wholly unacceptable" due to negligent owners, reports North Wales Live. Online viewers of the footage also expressed little compassion for the owners of the dogs. One business owner commented: "Should have driven straight over them," Displaying her distress with an "enraged face" emoji, a Pwllheli resident declared: "Need to be shot!" Article continues below While farmers are allowed to defend their flocks and can lawfully shoot a dog that's putting their sheep at risk, the action must be justified and only if the dog is an imminent threat. If the dog can be controlled, shooting it is not legally warranted. The spaniels broke free and began harassing sheep (Image: NWP/Farmer ) Despite the emotional toll of such assaults and the loss of livestock, numerous farmers hesitate before resorting to a firearm. But PCSO Rhys Evans, of the NWP Rural Crime Team, warned dog owners that such incidents could occur. He said: "A dog's owner is the only person who can prevent an attack from happening. You may have to pay the ultimate price if you cannot control your animal." The Good Samaritan farmer alerted the lamb's owner, Dafydd Jones, who expressed his gratitude to the authorities. Speaking to police, he said, "The matter has now been resolved, thanks to North Wales Police and Hedd Rhys from FUW (Farmers Union of Wales)." This incident took place on Wednesday, April 23, around 1pm. Online, a local resident from Waenfawr commented: "Just goes to show any breed or type of dog has the hunter/predator gene - 'furbaby' or not!!" PCSO Evans advised that owners of dogs that escape in rural areas should contact the police as soon as possible so they can alert local farmers and landowners. In rural settings, dogs should always be kept on a lead and under control. He stressed that when left at home alone, the house or garden must be secure to prevent escapes, which is often a common cause of livestock attacks. Article continues below He also highlighted the importance of responsible dog ownership in addressing these problems, emphasizing that livestock harassment, including dogs running after animals and attacks, is a crime. He added: "They are extremely distressing, not only for the animals but also for their keepers. The costs, both financially and emotionally, are unacceptable."
North Wales Live
14-05-2025
- North Wales Live
Horror near 'Sunset beach' of blood-covered 'furbabies' launching attack
A video clip of two Spaniels mauling a young lamb has been released by police to highlight the true horror of livestock attacks. The dogs – their mouths covered in blood – ran off when approached, leaving the lamb to die. The incident happened next to a popular Gwynedd beach renowned for its glorious sunsets. The dogs were being walked along Dinas Dinlle beach near Caernarfon when they escaped into fields near Caernarfon Airport and began chasing sheep. A neighbouring farmer in the area at the time filmed the attack from his quad bike as the lamb lay prone among tufts of wool on the grass. When he tried to put the dogs on a makeshift lead, they ran off. North Wales Police (NWP) said livestock worrying due to irresponsible dog ownership was 'wholly unacceptable'. Neither was there much sympathy for the dogs' owners from people who watched the video online. "Should have driven straight over them,' said a businessman. Using an 'enraged face' emoji, a Pwllheli woman added: 'Need to be shot!' Farmers are permitted to protect their livestock and, as a last resort, this can include shooting a dog caught worrying their sheep. However the response must be proportionate - the dog must pose an immediate threat. If it can be brought under control, shooting is not legally justified. Despite the stress of witnessing attacks and losing animals, many farmers are reluctant to reach for a gun. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now But PCSO Rhys Evans, of the NWP Rural Crime Team, warned dog owners it could happen. 'A dog's owner is the only person who can prevent an attack from happening,' he said. 'You may have to pay the ultimate price if you cannot control your animal." The Good Samaritan farmer alerted the lamb's owner, Dafydd Jones. Speaking to police, he said: 'The matter has now been resolved, thanks to North Wales Police and Hedd Rhys from FUW (Farmers Union of Wales).' The incident happened around 1pm on Wednesday, April 23. Online, a woman from Waenfawr said: "Just goes to show any breed or type of dog has the hunter/predator gene - 'furbaby' or not!!" PCSO Rhys Evans said owners of dogs that escape in rural areas, should contact the police as soon as possible so they can alert local farmers and landowners. In the countryside, dogs should always be kept on a lead and under control, he said. If left at home alone, the house or garden must be secure to prevent escapes – this is often the most common cause of livestock attacks. He added: 'Responsible dog ownership is key in tackling these awful incidents, which are far too common. Livestock worrying is a crime, and can include dogs running after animals, as well as attacks. 'They are extremely distressing not only for the animals, but for their keepers too. The costs, both financially and emotionally are wholly unacceptable.'
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Experts reveal little-known feature of major SpaceX launch site: 'People are often surprised'
Many may not consider the impact that space travel has on wildlife. The United States Space Force is headquartered at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc, California, near Santa Barbara. This base is also a major launch site for SpaceX, an American aerospace exploration company. The Vandenberg base covers 99,000 acres and is home to rich biodiversity. According to a video from New Scientist, wildlife biologists have an important role in protecting the natural environment from the side effects of rocket launches. Rhys Evans, the natural resource lead at Air Force Space Command, told New Scientist that "people are often surprised" that wildlife biologists work on the U.S. Space Force Base. But their job is important: They ensure that the natural habitat of many creatures is safe from activities at the base. The location is home to over 400 animal and 800 plant species, with 17 endangered or threatened species. Some of these endangered species include the California red-legged frog, El Segundo blue butterfly, and the beach layia, a small flowering plant. A major factor to consider is noise from rocket launches. According to Evans, a rocket launch only produces noise for around two minutes. At 30 launches per year, that's only one hour of noise across 365 days. Even if it is infrequent, the noise impacts the animals. For instance, harbor seals often jump into the water when they hear a rocket. However, they do the same for pelicans, airplanes, or other loud noises in their habitats. Some frogs also hide under the water to avoid the sound. But in the long-term, they are mostly unbothered. Elephant seals, according to Evans, do a "head lift and grunt." They look up from their spot on the beach, see that there is no immediate threat, grunt, and go back to sleep. Which of these groups has the biggest role to play in reducing food waste? Grocery stores Restaurants Individuals The government Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. This conservation work has been going on for years and has been well-received. In 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded Vandenberg Base for their conservation efforts. Conservation efforts like those at Vandenberg are crucial to protecting and supporting the planet's biodiversity. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
