Phil Davies “very humbled” at receiving Cardiff call

Posted by Now Cardiff on May 11, 2012

By MARTYN WINTERS. Cardiff new boy, Phil Davies, can’t wait to get stuck into running the region.

The ex-Worcester forwards coach was commenting on his appointment as Director of Rugby at the troubled capital city regional outfit. The former Scarlet outlined his plans for the region and his aim to stem the tide of poor results that have stricken the club in recent months.

Davies said: "There are a lot of good jobs in rugby but when you get offered the role of being the Director of Rugby for Cardiff Blues, which is one of the most recognised teams in Europe, then I didn’t have to think twice."

Phil Davies: I didn’t have to think twice

In a nod to the recent run, and his hopes for the future, he commented: "There’s a lot of work to be done but it’s a chance and an opportunity for the next generation to come through and keep the Blues region at the top of the game."

The severe financial restrictions afflicting all the regions in Wales was uppermost in his thoughts when he said: "The salary cap will focus the mind and I genuinely believe we have to work through the change, there maybe growing pains but we can become competitive again."

"There’s a lot of history that goes with the Blues region from the great Pontypridd teams from the 80′s and 90′s when Lynn Howells and Dennis John were coaching and Neil Jenkins was kick goals and Dale McIntosh charging everywhere, to the Cardiff RFC teams of Gareth Davies, Gareth Edwards and Terry Holmes. The heritage is massive and the passion is there."

"We need to get the region to understand that we are proud of that history but embrace it and move forward."

"I’m very humbled and privileged to have this role and will work as hard as I can to make sure it’s successful."

Swiss adventure for school singers

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jun 30, 2011

A Cardiff primary school choir is gearing up to join the jet set as they prepare for a visit to Switzerland in style.

The choir of Creigiau Primary School has been invited on a three-day visit to the beautiful country in the heart of Europe and will be flying to Zurich next week on a special flight, exclusively reserved for the 50-strong party from the school.

The Creigiau school, which has been twinned with a school in Switzerland – Schulhaus Götzen – for the last four years, was part of the welcome party to greet the first Helvetic Airways flight from Zurich to Cardiff Airport when the route was launched in March this year. Now, co-owner of the airline, Rosmarie Ebner, has offered to fly the school choir and accompanying adults to the continent to visit their twin school.

The group will be staying at the Swiss Youth and Education Centre in the village of Einsiedeln   from Monday July 4 to Wednesday July 6 and have a packed itinerary to look forward to including a gondola and chair lift ride to the top of one of the local peaks, an alpine lunch at 1,856m above sea level and a visit to Schulhaus Götzen where they will enjoy a barbecue before performing songs for their hosts.

Creigiau Primary headteacher, Peter Evans, said: “We were delighted to sing at Cardiff Airport when the first Helvetic Air flight arrived from Zurich and now we are very grateful to the airline for this wonderful opportunity. All the members of the choir are looking forward to the trip and meeting children from our twin school.

“It’s going to be a real treat to fly with Helvetic Airways and we look forward to the fantastic itinerary that has been planned for us too.”

Black Country Blues: Joanne Shaw Taylor interview

Posted by Now Cardiff on May 24, 2011

Joanne Shaw Taylor is THE rising star on the British blues scene and her gigs are being widely regarded as the hottest ticket in town. A consummate guitarist, with a vocal style reminiscent of the great Janis Joplin, this is one show you do not want to miss.

She’s currently undertaking an extensive tour of Europe and the USA showcasing her latest album “Diamonds in the dirt”, and right now she is gigging up and down Britain, bringing her brand of rock-blues to her home country.

This week finds her in Bristol, where she will play at the Tunnels (Arches 31 and 32, Lower Station Approach Road, Bristol BS1 6QF – www.thetunnelsbristol.co.uk ). If you can get a ticket, it will be the best twelve and a half quid you’ve laid out in a long time. If you can’t, sell your body to someone in the queue – this is a must-not-miss event.

At twenty-five, she has the world at her feet and this time next year, the tickets won’t be easy to come by. Trust me.

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