A FORMER safari park guide has been announced as the new ministry area leader for Bro Ardudwy.

The Bishop of Bangor - the Right Rev Andy John - announced the appointment of the Rev Tony Hodges as vicar and ministry area leader of the Bro Ardudwy Ministry Area, which serves the communities around Harlech, Dyffryn Ardudwy and Barmouth.

For the last year Tony has been ministering as an Associate Priest in Bro Ardudwy.

A native of Merthyr Tydfil, Tony trained for ordained ministry at St Marys’ College, Oscott, and St Patrick’s College, Carlow, Ireland.

He was ordained deacon in 1990 and priest in 1991 for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cardiff, where he worked as parish priest in various parishes throughout south-east Wales.

Tony has been a chaplain to Deaf and Hard of Hearing persons since his ordination and regularly signed services throughout Wales.

He has also worked at Luz - Saint Sauveur in the south of France where, with another priest, he looked after the Luz Pastoral Area comprising 17 churches.

He is a proud member of the Gorsedd, which was given to him in recognition for his work in promoting Welsh language and culture as parish priest in Cardiff. His bardic name is Glas y Dorlan (Kingfisher).

Tony is passionate about wildlife and nature and trained as Safari Field Guide and Trails Guide in Botswana and South Africa where he has family. He has worked for the RSPB as Mid-Wales Area Manager for Membership Development and trained as an ecological consultant.

At present Tony lives in Porthmadog with his civil partner Dominic, who also works for the Diocese of Bangor, as director of discipleship and vocations.

They have a house in Brittany, which is being slowly renovated, and both enjoy travel. They also share a passion for birding and the natural world.

Tony said: “I am excited to be working with the people of Bro Ardudwy as ministry area lead. Together we will face the challenges of mission and ministry in the 21st century in Gwynedd. I am looking forward to moving into the Bro Ardudwy Area, and live within the communities of people I have been working with for the last year.”

The Bishop of Bangor - the Right Reverend Andy John - added: “Tony has been an asset to the Bro Ardudwy ministry team during this last year, and I pray that his leadership skills will enable Bro Ardudwy to flourish. Please do pray for Tony, Dominic and the people of Bro Ardudwy.”

Tony will begin his new ministry in as vicar and ministry team leader at a special service on which will be held soon.