NEW facilities and interactive technology which enable visitors the chance to delve into the past at one of Wales’ oldest cathedrals were declared ‘officially’ open at a ceremony.

Clergy, politicians and parishioners packed into the grounds of St Asaph Cathedral last Friday and a ‘ribbon cutting’ took place outside the ancient site’s new tearoom - Caffi’r Cyfieithwyr [meaning Translators’ Tearoom]. Minister for culture, tourism and sport, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, also attended.

Interactive displays, showcasing the heritage, history and people involved in the life of the cathedral over the centuries, have also been introduced.

The facilities have cost more than £600,000 and complement new gender-neutral toilets, built as part of the cathedral’s extension and redevelopment project, and a community meeting space.

Speaking on the day to guests, the dean of St Asaph Cathedral, the very reverend Nigel Williams, said: “A lot of people have accompanied us on this journey and there has been many challenges on the way. I am told in about 20 minutes time, all the challenges and all those problems will disappear into that ether and we won’t remember anything about them.

“We have worked very closely with two companies.

“I think you would agree that what we have ended up with is really wonderful and blends in with an ancient building with a modern twist.”

Following the ‘ribbon cutting’, guests sampled sweet and savoury treats and tried out the interactive displays, located in the magnificent build.

The tearoom has been named as the cathedral houses the national memorial to Bishop William Morgan, whose 1588 translation of the Bible into Welsh is the centrepiece of the new heritage interpretation project.

It is one of only 20 known copies of the original Bible and is now on permanent display inside the cathedral in a protective glass showcase.

The Right Reverend Gregory Cameron added: “It is with a great sense of thankfulness in order to give thanks for what is probably the most significant addition to this ancient type for some centuries. We have tried to make the building a building which is accessible to people in all sort of ways.

“For 3900 years this building has stood in St Asaph in various forms. It was burnt down twice by the English and once by the Welsh and still it stands as a pointer, a monument to the Christian faith.

“The cathedral stands as it has done anciently, as a place of prayer and invitation, but we can feel the mind as well now as you read the interactive material and exhibits."

Ann Jones, AM for the Vale of Clwyd, said: “For me, this is the unlocking of what we have got to offer tourism within the Vale of Clwyd. We have been looking for ways to come off the A55 and actually come see what is available here in the Vale of Clwyd.”

For more information about the project and about the grants and funds involved, visit www.stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk