Latest news with #ChrisAshton
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Every sport fan thinks they could be a commentator, so I gave it a go
'Okay commentators… one minute until commentary… 'Commentators - 30 seconds until start of commentary - stand by… 'Cue count into the start of commentary in…10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 until the cue…4, 3, 2, 1…cue commentary.' And with those words ringing in my ears at Ashton Gate – and after a brief moment where I thought I might have been in too deep – I pressed the microphone to my mouth, and my first experience of live commentary began. It is worth clarifying two points at this juncture. Although I was commentating live on Bristol's victory over Harlequins last Saturday, in conjunction with TNT Sports, the audio was not available to the public; so everyone was spared my mumblings and mutterings during the instances when getting words out might have been easier said than done (more on that to come). Nor am I set to appear on TNT Sports's broadcasts any time soon – you're stuck with me at Telegraph Sport for the foreseeable! Every fan across every sport has always questioned the difficulty of matchday commentary; a dream job for so many. So, the aim of this project was to find out just how tricky and demanding the art of commentary truly is by having an authentic experience in the role at a live fixture. This all began earlier in the season when a senior executive at TNT Sports was explaining just how hard commentary and punditry really is. He was singing the praises of the likes of Austin Healey, Ben Kay and – more recently – Chris Ashton and Sam Warburton for how smoothly that troupe had turned their hands to punditry after hanging up their playing boots. There was only one way to verify this. And, over a two-hour period commentating at Ashton Gate, I can confirm it really is incredibly difficult. The timing is militaristic, the language is incomprehensible to the untrained ear (me), and the assault on the senses is ferocious. While commentating last Saturday, with the match unfolding in front of me, I had nine voices in my ears, through the same pair of headphones: the television director, the producer, the PA (production assistant), the referee, TNT's actual pundits, my own voice, and the sounds of the crowd around the stadium. It was like listening to a nine-part vocal harmony, all out of sync and, crucially, not in harmony, while also trying to offer clean and crisp commentary of my own. Thankfully, I had been well prepped and briefed by the avuncular Ali Eykyn and the wider TNT team. I had done my pre-match prep, had been sent all of the broadcaster's preview material – detailing every stat under the sun, from the amount of caps a certain player has won almost to what car they drive and what they ate for breakfast – and I was ready to masquerade as a commentator for the day. My notes were ready, but sadly I was unable to mirror the colour-coded fastidiousness of Eykyn's colleague, Nick Mullins.'I hope it goes well, mate,' Eykyn said just before the match kicked off. 'Just not too well!,' he added, jokingly. The last-minute advice from both him and the BBC's rugby correspondent, Chris Jones, was invaluable. How it went, Telegraph Sport readers can be the judge. But one final plea, given it was my first ever live broadcast, with no dress rehearsal: please, go easy on me. Charles's introduction After all the build-up, being talked through my own miniature sound system to adjust the levels of all the different voices as well as making sure that my set-up was in order, the PA's countdown began. I had a television screen with live footage to my right, my notes in front of me, my iPad giving me live stats as well as the scores from elsewhere on the Premiership's final day – an added, unique complication – as well as some notes from my chat with Eykyn. On that notepad read bits of advice like 'talk to the pictures' and 'the voices in your head will be complicated'. I had listened to the director and the PA exchange phrases like 'is that 45 you're changing?', 'same again please but the bat cam' and 'cameras Mata and Randall we will back up' and now it was time for me to speak. After a nervy start, with voice wobbling, I got into a sort of rhythm, but you can see in the below clip that I forgot one of Eykyn's golden rules: talk to the pictures. When the Bristol starting XV flashes up, I am still banging on blindly about Bristanbul. For full disclosure, I do still manage to fit in a run-through of the Bears' line-up, but it is horribly rushed, with me giving my best impression of an auctioneer. Bristol open scoring This try came at the end of a set of Bristol phases where, until George Kloska had barged over, Harlequins did well to stifle the Bears' momentum and slow them down. All of my energy and flow for the Bristol attack had been used up earlier in the move, with one of those dashing first-phase plays which the Bears love so much. Thankfully, by the time Kloska drives over, I remember I need to sound excited again. There is a real ebb and flow to commentary; it can go from a high to a low very swiftly. Murley scores wonder try This was the clip I was most concerned about re-watching. That is because I realised that, when you are commentating on something of this ilk – a wonder score – in the moment, you never think or realise that the conclusion of the play might end up being a try of the season contender, with the footage replayed over and over again. And there is no chance of re-recording it. You only get one shot. So, before re-watching and listening, I just hoped I had done Cadan Murley justice. I think I just about did, even if there was a little bit of hesitation in my voice as I tripped over a word when Murley rounded the last Bristol defender. And the delivery of 'out of nothing' sounds like an Alan Partridge impersonation, which was not too encouraging. For reference, here is how the real thing sounded... Scorch marks, EVERYWHERE 💨 Harlequins aren't done yet as Cadan Murley produces one of the finishes of the season 🃏 #GallagherPrem | #BRIvHAR — Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) May 31, 2025 Bristol score again If my voice went higher than this in the whole game, then I'd like to hear it. One contender might have been when Quins broke from the restart in the second half to continue a spirited if temporary fightback, when it looked as though the visitors might blow the play-off race wide open, but this was certainly up there in terms of drama, after a sweeping Bristol attack had taken the Bears to within metres of the Quins line. Then, inexplicably, when Bristol actually score, I decide that that is the time for nonchalance. Admittedly, it was a walk-in for Gabriel Ibitoye, but come on, Charles, where is the excitement? This was also the try that launched Ibitoye back into the reckoning for the Premiership's top try-scorer, too, which I simply just... forgot to mention at any point. Sorry, Gabriel. Mixing up 'minutes' and 'metres' is a real blot on the copybook, too. Schoolboy. Bristol kill the game Well, I am pleased that I managed to correctly identify James Williams in this score but unfortunately that came after spending most of the first half getting mixed up between him and Noah Heward (of course, I know the difference between the two, but from a distance, with just one crack at it, with no replays, there was sometimes guesswork at play). I also apologise to Harlequins fans for totally writing them off at this stage – that was just sporting instinct. That try felt as though it was the end of a Bristanbul part-two dream, but if the visitors had come back there would have been a significant amount of egg on my face. Play-off line-up confirmed Eykyn's advice is prescient once again. Max Lahiff looks delighted, Pat Lam hugged his assistant coaches, Bristol fans clap their side off after semi-final rugby is secured – and I mention none of it. I didn't even mention The Wurzels! I also said 'south west' twice but the second time was supposed to be 'west country' but the phrase just escaped me entirely at that moment. At least I got the Bears' play-off opponents correct, however. What I learnt... Reflecting on my afternoon at Ashton Gate, the experience undoubtedly opened my eyes to the complex and arcane art of commentary, giving me a newfound appreciation of the mental and verbal juggling. While I was commentating on live action, the PA would be informing both myself and Ali that there is a replacement on the way, giving the numbers of the departing and arriving players. Then, seconds later, the director would say that Austin needed to talk through a try at Exeter, who were hosting play-off-hunting Sale that day, before coming back to Ben to talk through a maul intricacy at Ashton Gate. Then the referee will be having an interesting chat with Harry Randall about the cleanliness of the ball he is receiving at the ruck, and you'd have to both identify that and, crucially, shut up. There is an awful lot going on, but the experience was exhilarating (and equally as mentally fatiguing). I might not be the next John Motson or Barry Davies, but my afternoon with the mic will stay with me for many years to come.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Talga awards EPCM contract to Worley for Vittangi graphite project in Sweden
Battery materials and technology company Talga Group has appointed engineering services company Worley as the preferred contractor to deliver engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services for the Vittangi graphite anode project in Sweden. A non-binding letter of intent (LOI) has been signed between Talga and Worley, outlining the approach to a binding EPCM contract, contingent on a positive final investment decision (FID) by Talga's Board of Directors. The LOI specifies key workstreams and the alignment towards commercial terms and is set to expire by 10 April 2026 unless mutually extended. Talga's board is expected to approve an FID on the Vittangi anode project upon completion of key milestones including customer supply agreements and financing structures. Talga Group CEO Martin Phillips said: 'This partnership marks a major milestone in Talga's mission to become Europe's leading sustainable anode producer, combining Worley's engineering excellence with Talga's integrated, low-emission graphite solutions. 'Their expertise will complement the Talga project delivery team and we look forward to working together to finalise pre-FID activities towards execution.' Worley has been involved with the Vittangi anode project since 2019, contributing engineering services to various study phases. Additionally, Worley's ability to facilitate financing solutions could play a crucial role in supporting the project's funding, according to Talga. The project has already secured a €70m ($79.7m) grant from the EU Innovation Fund and a debt consortium anchored by a €150m cornerstone investment from the European Investment Bank. Recently, Talga's graphite mine gained Strategic Project status under the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act, and the battery anode plant received the status under the EU's Net-Zero Industry Act. These designations strengthen the project's significance to Europe's battery supply chain. Worley CEO Chris Ashton said: 'This agreement reflects our shared vision and commitment to delivering innovative, future-focused sustainable solutions. Our global teams supporting this project bring deep technical knowledge and experience in critical minerals, with benefits for Europe's battery supply chain.' In October 2024, Talga Group secured an exploitation concession for its Nunasvaara South natural graphite mine, part of its Vittangi anode project. "Talga awards EPCM contract to Worley for Vittangi graphite project in Sweden" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Disappointment as town's last bank branch to close
Larne residents have expressed their disappointment that the town's last remaining bank branch is to close. Santander announced on Wednesday it is set to close 95 branches across the UK, putting 750 jobs at risk. The decision to shut its Larne branch is part of a wider shift towards online banking, with the bank citing a "rapid movement of customers choosing to do their banking digitally." However, a new banking hub has been announced in the County Antrim town to help fill the gap left by the closure. The closure, expected later this year, will leave the nearest physical bank branch in Newtownabbey or Ballymena, which some residents have said is a significant journey for those reliant on in-person services. Other towns in Northern Ireland which are losing their branches are Armagh, Strabane, Magherafelt, Downpatrick, Dungannon and Portadown. While digital transactions have surged by nearly two-thirds since 2019, some Larne residents said many customers, including some elderly people, still depend on face-to-face banking. Barry Mills, from the town, voiced his frustration. "How are people meant to cope? How is an old person or someone with learning difficulties meant to cope?" he told BBC News NI. He said familiar staff would be missed as well as the sense of community the local bank had. In response to concerns about access to cash and banking services, LINK, the UK's cash access network, has confirmed that Larne will be one of the locations for a new banking hub. These hubs operate similarly to traditional bank branches, offering a counter service run by Post Office employees where customers of any bank can deposit and withdraw cash, make bill payments, and complete other basic transactions. In addition, rotating community bankers from different banks will be available on specific days to assist with more complex financial matters. Dr Chris Ashton, from LINK, acknowledged the importance of face-to-face banking and said that "while more people are choosing to bank and pay for things digitally, we know that many people still rely on and choose to use cash and face-to-face banking. "That's why we're delighted to recommend the new hub in Larne," he added. However, despite the announcement of the hub, there are still concerns from some local people. Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme, local flooring business owner Margaret Ferguson described it as "another blow for Larne as a town". Ms Ferguson told the programme that because there was no bank in the town, her company personally took a customer by car to the next nearest branch so that she could get payment organised. "I feel for the elderly," she added. Janice Wylie said she was worried about potential job losses and the wider impact on Larne's economy. "Larne is pretty bad at the moment," she told BBC News NI. "It needs an upgrade in the shops and Main Street. There's going to be nothing in Larne," she added. Clive Burns, from nearby Magheramorne was interested to see what the hub would look like and if it would materialise. "We'll have to wait and see what happen," he said. With Santander's exit, Larne joins the growing list of UK towns losing their high street banks. While the banking hub aims to soften the impact, many remain concerned about whether it can truly replace a full-service branch. Analysis: John Campbell - BBC News NI Economics and Business Editor The way this is going, bank branches are going to be more like car showrooms. We won't have very many of them, and customers won't really need to be in them very often. The introduction of banking hubs is an industry effort to have some banking presence in a town which is going to lose its bank. These hubs allow customers of any bank to do basic banking, deposit or withdraw cash and make payments. People from their own bank will be there on a rota basis who they can talk to about more complex matters. We are going to see a move towards fewer branches and more of these hubs. Bexhill-on-Sea Billericay Dover Droitwich Dunstable East Grinstead Holyhead Ilkley Larne Maldon Morley North Walsham Redcar Saffron Walden St Annes-on-Sea Turriff Uckfield Urmston Santander to close almost a quarter of UK branches
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rio Tinto subsidiary Rincon selects Worley for $2.5bn lithium project in Argentina
Rincon Mining, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, has appointed Worley as the lead integration delivery partner (LIDP) for the Rincon full potential lithium project in Salar Del Rincón, Salta Province, Argentina. This project, with a total investment of $2.5bn, aims to develop a scalable lithium carbonate plant with a production capacity of 60,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-grade material from raw brine. As the LIDP, Worley will oversee the detailed design and execution of the project, coordinating with subcontractors, technology providers and construction contractors. The services will be provided through Worley's offices in Argentina, with support from its operations in Chile and Bogota. The project leverages Worley's expertise in Argentina's lithium market and is categorised by the company as sustainable work. Worley CEO Chris Ashton said: 'This outcome builds on our global relationship with Rio Tinto and speaks to our contribution to the project in Argentina to date. This significant expansion in capacity at Rincon underscores our potential as an integral part of the energy transition, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to sustainability.' In a separate development, Rio Tinto has completed what is said to be the first trial of renewable diesel at its Pilbara iron ore operations in Western Australia. The trial, a collaboration with Neste and Viva Energy, involved using ten million litres of renewable diesel produced from used cooking oil. Blended with fossil diesel, the fuel powered a variety of operations including rail, marine and mining equipment. The four-week trial, conducted in January and February 2025, provided insights into the integration of renewable diesel and its potential to scale up across Rio Tinto's Australian operations. The initiative resulted in a reduction of approximately 27,000 tonnes of direct greenhouse gas emissions. Rio Tinto is exploring the use of biofuels as part of its strategy to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. "Rio Tinto subsidiary Rincon selects Worley for $2.5bn lithium project in Argentina" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
BBC News
19-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Blaming Townsend for Scotland depth 'quite harsh'
Former England winger Chris Ashton believes Scotland's Gregor Townsend has been the victim of his own success as national team head 51-year-old has been in charge since 2017, with his win percentage placing him among the top three Scottish coaches of all-time."For Scotland, there's pressure on Gregor," Ashton told the Scottish Rugby Podcast. "The team that he has, they've maybe excelled than they should have done anyway. It's a really small player pool to pick from.""Maybe we're looking at it the wrong way, maybe he has exceeded with what he's got available in his player pool. Maybe they've been so good that people have come to expect a certain level of performance from the team."Scotland have finished fourth in four of Townsend's seven Six Nations tournaments, finishing third is a belief this his current squad is his best ever assembled but in the most recent loss to Ireland, they lost two key players to injury early on and subsequently crumbled."If you take a couple of players out, like you did against Ireland - you lose Darcy [Graham], you lose Finn [Russell], no [Sione] Tuipulotu already - things start to look very drastically different, quickly."That isn't necessarily Gregor's fault. You can coach players to where you want to, within their limits. Whether they've got the strength in depth to finish games off against big teams is a very different question. To put that on Gregor seems quite harsh to me."You can listen to the full interview with Chris Ashton Scottish Rugby Podcast by clicking here.
