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North Wales Live
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Owain Rhys wins the Crown at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham
Owain Rhys has been awarded the Crown at this year's National Eisteddfod in Wrexham. The poet, who was born in Llandwrog, near Caernarfon but has been living in Cardiff since he was a teenager, won for his collection of work about his mother living with dementia. The Crown is sponsored by Elin Haf Davies and the cash prize of £750 is presented by Prydwen Elfed Owens, in memory of her parents and her happy childhood years in Bwlchgwyn. The Crown was designed and produced by Neil Rayment and Elan Rowlands in their workshop in Cardiff Bay. Poets were asked to submit a poem or a collection of poems without being in a poem, up to 250 lines, on the subject of 'Ruins'. The judges are Gwyneth Lewis, Siôn Aled and Ifor ap Glyn. Delivering the adjudication from the stage Ifor ap Glyn said that Llif 2's (Owain Rhys' nom-de-plume) collection opens with a simple couplet and it discusses living with someone who suffers from dementia, namely the poet's mother. It is a calm and sensitive approach to what must be done to help the mother continue to live with dignity as her memory decays. He said: "The collection presents a tender picture of a difficult situation that faces so many families today, and we sense the depth of the poet's feelings towards his mother, and her former strength. She in turn is compared to a trinity of strong women from our past, Rhiannon, Heledd and Buddug; and we share the poet's embarrassment at now having to help her sort out her own desk. "This is a powerful and rich collection that grabbed me on the first reading, with each subsequent reading only revealing further layers to appreciate. "In strong competition this year, it could have been discussed to crown Hafgan and Traed yn Dŵr, but Llif 2's collection is the most consistent and consistent in its quality." There was also praise from Gwyneth Lewis in her adjudication: "The text is solid without being exaggerated. There are lovely touches, such as the poet talking about clearing a family archive and throwing family papers into a 'museum box'. A clear, thoughtful and tender lyrical voice runs through the poem, and Llif 2 has the ability to summarize an experience in a few words. "Writing directly or being so spare-words is not easy. There is a special emotional and verbal care and it is a joy to award the Crown to Flow 2." And like his fellow judges, Siôn Aled also praises the work of Llif 2 - although he believes that two other poets are also worthy of the Crown this year. Owain Rhys lives in Cardiff with his wife, Lleucu Siencyn, and his children, Gruffudd and Dyddgu. After working for Amgueddfa Cymru for over twenty years, he now works in the field of community engagement and social value. He was a member of the Aberhafren team, which has twice won the BBC Radio Cymru programme, Talwrn y Bairdd. He has also been victorious in the englyn competitions in the National Eisteddfod. He has a degree in archaeology, and an MA in Museum Studies. He loves traveling Wales and the world to see castles, ruins and tombs. He has been a fan of the Wrexham football team since the 1970s, and has experienced many disappointments (and some joys!) while supporting them over the years.
North Wales Live
31-07-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
Reverend who served in Falklands and first Gulf War has died, aged 70
A minister who worked as a chaplain in both the Falklands and Gulf wars has died, aged 70. Reverend Marcus Wyn Robinson from Caernarfon started out as a Presbyterian minister in the Dyffryn Peris area, also returning to same area towards the end of his time with the church. He began his work as a Presbyterian minister in the Llanberis and Nant Peris area in 1978. In 1982 he was appointed chaplain with the Royal Navy. The Falklands War started a short time later and he was on board one of the first ships to reach the islands at the start of the fighting, part of the first aid team alongside his role as chaplain. He was known as a fun, humorous character and nicknamed 'Taff the Laugh' - which helped to build relationships with those serving in the Navy. But there were also incredibly poignant moments as those on board faced the risks and horrors of war. He said during these services "you could hear a pin drop". He told BBC Radio Cymru's Beti a'i Phobol in 2016: "Some really desire prayer for their families and those they loved in situations where it was not possible to do anything else." He also worked as a chaplain in the first Gulf War in 1990 before being appointed to the position of Secretary General for all sea chaplaincy. After he retired from the navy after 20 years of service, he went to work as an industrial chaplain on behalf of Cytûn: Churches Together in Wales, covering north-east Wales. He returned to the Caernarfon area in 2007 - serving in churches in villages like Brynrefail, Llanrug and Bethel. He also appeared on the BBC Wales programme Snowdonia 1890 - in which two families travelled back in time to live as 1890s smallholders on Yr Wyddfa - where he played the role of a reverend. In a tribute, a spokesperson for the family told BBC Cymru Fyw: "As a family we are extremely grateful for his love, support and friendship. His contribution to the lives of those who knew him has been invaluable. "One of his favourite sayings was: 'A man cannot discover new oceans until he has the courage to lose sight of the shore'."
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two women die in water at national park beauty spot
Two women have died after being found in a pool at Wales' largest national park. North Wales Police said they were called to Nant Gwynant, Gwynedd, at 21:31 BST on Wednesday in Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia. One woman was reported to be in the pool on the Watkin Path, one of the main routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, Wales' tallest mountain. The second woman was pulled from the water but pronounced dead at the scene, the force said. "Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families and friends of both women," said Det Ch Insp Andy Gibson. An investigation is under way, and potential witnesses are urged to come forward. A mountain rescue team, as well as police, air ambulance and a coastguard helicopter were sent to the scene. Jurgen Dissmann, chairman of Llanberis mountain rescue team, said it was a "complex and difficult callout" carried out alongside Aberglaslyn mountain rescue colleagues. County councillor June Jones called the incident a "tragedy". "It is obviously very sad news for the families and the sympathy of the whole valley is with the families," she said. She told BBC Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast that social media "encourages people" to go to these natural beauty spots. "We don't know what has happened... social media encourages people to go to these wonderful places and of course the water can be extremely cold," she said. More than 600,000 people climb up Yr Wyddfa every year, and the summit can get very busy during the summer season. At 1,085m (3,559ft) it is the highest mountain in Wales and the busiest mountain in the UK. The Watkin Path is regarded as one of hardest routes to to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. But it is a relatively easy hike to the pools and waterfalls where the two women died. They can be found close to the start of the path in the Nant Gwynant valley where they have become a social media sensation in recent times. Hundreds of TikTok and Instagram videos can be found showing people taking a dip in the crystal clear water running off the mountain. But after days of heavy rain across the national park, the gentle streams cascading into the pools have turned into torrents of foaming white water. The water from the Afon Cwm Llan river has created a dangerous and powerful undercurrent that has flowed into the plunge pools below.
Rhyl Journal
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Last call for Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition
Entries are now open for the second Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition, taking place during the 2025 North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral from September 11 to 20. The competition is open to instrumentalists and singers aged under 21 as of January 1 this year, who are either born or living in Wales, or Welsh nationals living abroad. Professor Paul Mealor, royal composer and co-founder of the competition, said: "It's not too late for young musicians to enter the competition – there's still a few weeks left. "We've already had a load of entries but we want to make sure we reach out to rising stars in every corner of Wales. "If there's any young instrumentalists or vocalists who want to have a chance to win thousands of pounds in prize money and to perform live on BBC Radio Cymru, they need to get their skates on." The competition is funded by the festival's headline sponsor, Pendine Park, through the Pendine Arts and Community Trust. The winner will receive the silver Pendine Trophy and a £2,000 cash prize. The judging panel includes Professor Helena Gaunt, principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama; internationally acclaimed soprano Rebecca Evans CBE; and Alun Jones, the festival's executive vice-chair and former principal of Chetham's School of Music. Mario Kreft MBE, co-founder of the competition alongside Professor Mealor, said: "After the success of the inaugural competition last year, we're really excited about the prospects for the 2025 contest. "Our aim is to encourage and foster young, emerging talent and the Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition has all the makings of a very prestigious event. "I think in years to come it will be one of the premier competitions for young musicians and will hopefully assist them and propel them in their careers. "From our perspective it totally fits in with our ethos as an inclusive, inter-generational care group." To enter, applicants must upload a video or audio performance and complete an application form by the deadline of 5pm on Friday, July 4. If under 18, entrants must have permission from a parent or teacher. Submissions will be judged anonymously, and selected candidates will be invited to perform a 10-minute programme in the semi-final. Four will advance to the final round. More information and entry forms are available on the festival website at Tickets for the North Wales International Music Festival 2025 went on sale today Thursday, June 12.
Western Telegraph
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Final call for entries to Pendine Young Musician of Wales
Royal composer Paul Mealor has extended a final call for entries to the Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition. Open to instrumentalists and singers, the competition will be held during the North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral, from September 11 to 20. Mr Mealor emphasised the potential impact on participants' careers, saying: "It's a very special competition that can launch a career and we're indebted to Pendine Park for sponsoring it." The competition, funded by the Pendine Park care organisation, offers a generous prize pool for the top four finalists. The overall winner will receive the silver Pendine Trophy and £2,000 in cash. The second prize winner will secure £1,000, and two runners-up will be awarded £500 each. The performances of all four finalists will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Cymru. A panel of judges, including Professor Helena Gaunt, Principal of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama; Rebecca Evans CBE, a world-renowned operatic soprano; and Alun Jones, the festival's executive vice-chair and former principal of Chetham's School of Music, Manchester, will select the winners. While the judges deliberate, last year's winner, Cardiff-based harpist Heledd Wynn Newton, will entertain the audience. The competition is open to all young musicians, either born or residing in Wales, or Welsh nationals living abroad, who were under 21 on January 1, 2025. Applicants under 18 will need the permission of their teacher or parent to enter. Mr Mealor added: "If there's any young instrumentalists or vocalists who want to have a chance to win thousands of pounds in prize money and to perform live on BBC Radio Cymru, they need to get their skates on." Entrants must upload their performance via a link on the festival's website to be judged anonymously. Selected participants will advance to the semi-final to perform a 10-minute programme, with four finalists competing the following night. Festival founder Mario Kreft said: "Our aim is to encourage and foster young, emerging talent and the Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition has all the makings of a very prestigious event. "I think in years to come it will be one of the premier competitions for young musicians and will hopefully assist them and propel them in their careers." He added: "Like Paul, I would urge young musicians right across Wales to submit their entries now. "We can't wait to hear them perform, and to follow their futures in the world of music." The closing date for entries is 5pm on Friday, July 4. Entry forms can be downloaded from the festival's website.
