AN African Bishop on his first visit to Wales will be spending a week in Bala.

Bishop Matthew Mhagama, the Bishop of South West Tangayika and his wife Skola will enjoy Valentine’s Day in Meirionnydd before staying for a week exploring the area and its attractions.

The couple are guests of Drs Hilary and Adrian Murray, from Bala, who have gathered support from across the town to establish a link with the Tanzanian village of Milo.

Over the last two years, four young people from Bala have visited Milo as volunteers in the rural community to establish woodwork, computer, hospital and football projects.

The Milo link is supported by the town’s Rotary Club, Football Club, Town Council, Christ Church, local schools and community groups. Milo football club now play in kit sponsored by Bala Town FC.

Drs Adrian and Hilary Murray have visited Milo several times and are delighted to be hosting Bishop Matthew and Skola.

Hilary said: “The town of Bala has established a strong link with Milo. So far, we have raised more than £6,000 to fund a water project, supply IT equipment for the village school and train its teachers, set up and kit out a carpentry workshop and support the local football team.

“We will also be raising funds to send money back with Bishop Matthew and Côr Godre’r Aran will be performing at a concert in Christ Church on Thursday, 16 February at 7.30pm. We hope too, that the weather will be kind enough to allow Bishop Matthew to climb Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdon.

Read the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News