Latest news with #HuwWatkins
North Wales Chronicle
01-07-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Coleg Glynllifon win North Wales Under-18 Rugby Cup
Glynllifon were crowned North Wales Cup champions after beating Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor 38-7 in the final, while Coleg Menai reached the final of the North Wales Bowl. Mr Coles, rugby engagement officer, said: "I'm incredibly proud of the performances of the Grŵp Llandrillo Menai teams in the North Wales Cup and Bowl this year. "A huge amount of work has gone on in the background, and to have Coleg Menai competing in the Bowl final whilst Coleg Glynllifon and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor went head to head in the Cup final is testament to this. "The engagement from the players across the Grŵp has been excellent, with some fantastic rugby played throughout the year. "The programme has added significant benefits both to our learners but also to North Wales U18 rugby as a whole. "Congratulations to Coleg Glynllifon as deserved winners and U18 North Wales Champions." The cup final took place in Dolgellau on a sunny day, with Glynllifon starting strongly and building an early lead. Tries from Bedo Jones, captain Huw Watkins, and Robert Meurig Jones, all converted by Jones, put Glynllifon firmly in control. Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor responded with a try from Joseph Wall, converted by Euros Williams, captain, but Glynllifon continued to dominate after the break. Further tries from Elis Anderson and Robat Jones, both converted by Bedo Jones, along with a penalty kick, sealed the 38-7 victory. Huw Watkins, captain of Glynllifon, said: "It was a brilliant season. "Everyone was very committed and played with a lot of heart. "I enjoyed playing with my mates, and winning the North Wales Cup." Euros Williams, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor's captain, said: "Overall it was a good season with the college. "We gave some good performances but struggled to maintain our main and strongest team, but we never let the college down. "We played with a lot against us in the final with not our strongest team out, but everyone showed heart and courage to finish the game." Glynllifon's cup win capped a strong year that began with a second-place finish at the inaugural Welsh Agri-Colleges 10s tournament in Aberystwyth. Their cup campaign saw victories over Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen, Ysgol Brynrefail, and Ysgol Tryfan, earning them a home semi-final. A walkover in the semi-final, after Ysgol Eirias conceded, sent them into the final, where they secured the title. Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor also impressed, notching wins over Ysgol Dinas Bran and Ysgol Bro Caereinion before a narrow defeat to Ysgol Godre'r Berwyn. In the semi-final against the same opponents, a drawn result meant Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor progressed to the final as the away side.
South Wales Argus
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Gwent Chamber Orchestra to celebrate 50th anniversary
The event will take place at Brecon Cathedral on Saturday, June 14, at 7.30pm. The concert will be a family affair, with composer and pianist Huw Watkins MBE performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No 19, alongside his father and founder member, John Watkins. The orchestra will be led by husband and wife, Stephen Broom and Julia Watkins. Mr Broom said: "As the venue of the orchestra's first ever concert, Brecon Cathedral is GCO's spiritual home. "Almost 50 years on from that inaugural performance it's fitting that we're returning to the place where it all began to play some of the same music. "We're also delighted that the talented friend of the orchestra Huw Watkins is able to join us for our golden anniversary celebrations. "The fact that the concert will also be a family affair makes it extra special." The orchestra was founded in 1975 by David Gedge, then the director of music at Brecon Cathedral. It was initially formed to support the Brecon Cathedral Singers and Choir. The concert will feature music played at the orchestra's first concert on June 21, 1975, including Elgar's Serenade for Strings and Schubert's Symphony No 5. Tickets cost £15.
Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Hallé/Elder review — a classy instant classic from Huw Watkins
Some new music sounds as if it has always existed. That was the case for Huw Watkins's Concerto for Orchestra, the latest commission in a fruitful relationship with the Hallé that has already produced two acclaimed symphonies. The British composer is in many ways a traditionalist, rooted in tonality and writing in tried-and-tested forms, but Watkins is neither nostalgic nor ironic about the past. The Concerto for Orchestra is sincere and meaningful — classy contemporary classical music for those who don't think they like the new stuff. For all that, the Concerto for Orchestra made a wonderfully fresh impression at its premiere at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, with Mark Elder, returning as conductor emeritus, directing a performance of exemplary clarity. With its bright palette, clean
South China Morning Post
24-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
‘Assigning sentinels': Philippines eyes Subic Bay islands for South China Sea security
The Philippines is considering converting two strategically located islands in Subic Bay into military reservations – a step analysts say would fortify its position in the South China Sea amid growing security concerns and external threats. Advertisement One of them, Grande Island, offers 'a strategic vantage point with a clear view of key sea lanes in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc [Scarborough Shoal],' the defence department said on Thursday, using Manila's term for the region of the South China Sea that falls within the country's exclusive economic zone. Grande and Chiquita Islands are located at the entrance of Subic Bay, a natural harbour on the west coast of Luzon, around 100km (62 miles) northwest of Manila. Subic Bay served as a major US naval base until 1992, when American forces withdrew following the Philippine government's decision not to renew the lease. Subic Bay is the site of a former US naval base in the Philippines. Photo: Huw Watkins However, the area continues to be essential for military activities, with Philippine and American forces using it to resupply, refuel and repair vessels. Subic's port is also used to bring US military equipment into the Philippines during its Balikatan exercises.
