The Reverend Beti Wyn James awarded Honorary Fellowship at UWTSD Carmarthen graduation ceremony
The Reverend Beti Wyn James has today received an Honorary Fellowship during the University’s summer graduation ceremonies.
At today’s ceremony, she was honoured in recognition of her contribution as an outstanding community and religious leader. Presenting the Reverend Beti Wyn James to the congregation was Dr Lowri Lloyd, Director of Rhagoriaith at UWTSD. She commented:
“It is my great honour to present the Reverend Beti Wyn James as an Honorary Fellow of this University.
Beti Wyn’s key contribution to her people and to society knows no limits. Covid 19 – do you remember the days when so many people were isolated behind closed doors?
It’s a fact that Beti Wyn’s Christian services during lockdown provided faith and much needed company to so many people. At it’s peak, there were over 2,000 followers from across the world. A key contribution indeed. A minister’s work isn’t easy and I can testify that Beti Wyn has had many difficult and sad services to officiate over the years. To so many families, your presence and care has been invaluable.
Is there time for anything else, or indeed for herself? I’m well informed that she finds time for creative writing and is a keen walker, an author and takes great interest in art. But more than anything else. Beti Wyn is ‘Mam’. Mam to Elin Wyn and Sara Llwyd – the candle of her eyes – and I know how proud they both are of you as well.”
Beti Wyn was born and raised in Clydach and received her education in Ysgol Lôn Las, Ysgol Ystalyfera, College Of The Welsh Independents, Aberystwyth. In 1994 she was ordained as Minister of Tabernacl Chapel in Barry. In 2002, she came to Carmarthen as minister at Priordy, Cana and Bancyfelin chapels. At present, Beti Wyn is a Governor at Ysgol y Dderwen and Ysgol Gyfun Bro Myrddin, an active volunteer with the local food bank, provider of the weekly Sunday service on Radio Glangwili, current President of the Union of Welsh Independents, Chaplain to Carmarthen Town Mayor for the tenth time this year, and a member of Gorsedd y Beirdd Cymru, where she’s started in her new role as Arwyddfardd, or Herald Bard, this year.
On receiving the award, Rev. Beti Wyn James, added:
“It is a great privilege for me to receive this award today. It came completely unexpectedly and I believe I haven’t got over the shock!
Almost thirty years have passed since I was ordained as a minister. I’ve spent almost twenty-two of those years in Carmarthen and Bancyfelin and have benefited so much from being part of the life of both communities.
Only three women were ministers in the whole of Wales 30 years ago. I was the fourth. Things have progressed quite a bit since then thank goodness.
If I had listened to certain people rather than listening to my own heart there is a possibility that I would not have been a minister today. I believe there is a lesson here for all of us, and especially for you who are graduating today and are entering a very exciting time in your lives. You have already proven that you have the ability but remember, you also need passion. Follow your heart’s desire and your dream - even though that dream may be different from what others expect of you.
Thank you to the University of Wales Trinity Saint David for this honour. Today will remain in my memory forever.”
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076