The challenges facing rural Wales will be highlighted  in a year-long programme of seminars which were launched at the Royal Welsh Show this week.

At the launch Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones declared the “The work of the Rural issues hub effective” The Rt. Rev’d John Davies, Bishop of Swansea & Brecon (who is the spokesman for the Welsh Bishops on Rural Issues) said that  this was an attempt on the Church’s part to further the manifesto of Jesus who came that people may have life in all its fullness. He suggested that politicians may well  be able to  agree to such a  statement. “ We have become aware that our clergy in rural areas would value the opportunity to come together to discuss the issues of rural living. Further discussion has led us to conclude that this opportunity should be open to anyone who has an interest in Rural Affairs. “

Elin Jones replied that she did indeed agree that  the Assembly Government held the same ideals and listed a number of measures which had very recently been enacted to help improve life in Rural Areas. She welcomed the hub and praised the Church’s work in Rural areas which she had experienced first hand.

The Hub has been organized by the Church in Wales, in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, to address and tackle the needs of today’s rural communities.

All 10 seminars, which will run from October until March 2012, will be held at the Showground and will be open to everyone. Themes include pastoral care, CAP changes, subsidies, markets and shows, rural poverty, housing and health, loneliness and isolation, ministry, climate change and animal disease.  

The Hub was based on feedback from the Church’s Rural Life Advisers and clergy who serve in rural parishes. It aims to bring people together to find robust and creative ways to regenerate rural communities. Each seminar will have a speaker and round table discussions.

For further information please contact

The Rev'd Richard Kirlew 01982 551288