A NEW church leader has been apponted for the Dyfi Valley area.

The Bishop of Bangor, the Right Reverend Andy John, has announced the appointment of Rev Miriam Beecroft as ministry area leader of the Bro Cyfeiliog a Mawddwy Ministry Area, serving the churches and communities of the Dyfi Valley around Machynlleth, Cemaes, Corris, Darowen, Llanbrynmair, Llanwrin and Mallwyd.

Miriam is presently curate in the Bro Ardudwy Ministry Area, serving the churches and communities around Barmouth and Harlech.

Originally from Formby, near Liverpool, Miriam came to study at Aberystwyth University in 2004, and has been in Wales ever since.

She has ministered as a lay person in Aberystwyth and Lisvane, Cardiff.

She trained for two years at St Michael’s College in Llandaff before her ordination in Bangor Cathedral in 2015.

Miriam is married to Darren and they have a young daughter, Anwen, and a second child on the way.

Rev Andy John said: “It is always a pleasure to be alongside new ordained clergy on their ministry pilgrimmage.

“Miriam has the potential to be an excellent ministry area leader and Bro Cyfeiliog a Mawddwy are fortunate to be gaining an inspirational young cleric to lead the ministry team there and to build on the ministries of Canon Kath Rogers and the Rev Roland Barnes.”

Looking forward to her move, Miriam said: “Now, we are excited as a family to be moving to the Machynlleth area.

“I am looking forward to working with the ministry team and people of Bro Cyfeiliog and Mawddwy to discern how we may best worship God, grow his church and love his world together in these communities.”

Canon Beth Bailey, the ministry area leader of Bro Ardudwy, who has been overseeing Miriam’s formation as a vicar since her ordination, said: “Miriam has strengthened our links with families and children through her imaginative ministry in our schools, clubs and outreach events, but, at the same time, is also greatly loved by the older members of our communities.”

A special service to mark the beginning of Miriam’s new ministry will be held at 7pm on Ascension Day, Thursday, 10 May, in St Peter’s Church, Machynlleth.