Dear Member
I was amused that my last newsletter "provoked" a friend and member, Professor Brian Morgan of UWIC, to forward me an updated version of his (now famous) article which diarises, over 30 years, the correlation between rugby results and relative GDP using Wales and Ireland as the exemplars. I have included it in full in the news section but the conclusion, sadly, is that in relative terms both our economic performance and rugby performance have weakened - though the GDP figures run only to 2009 and do not reflect Ireland's current economic woes.
On a more serious note I attended an excellent Cardiff and Co Ambassador's event at the Institute of Directors on Monday when Professor Robert Huggins of UWIC presented his UK Competitiveness Index 2010 (to access it Google the title). One might argue on the input and output factors used in compiling the index but one cannot argue that it provides an excellent comparative assessment over time. And the conclusion? Wales has slipped to bottom (12th) out of the 12 regions measured. The study also looks at City competitiveness and there Cardiff is ranked 14th (down 1 on 2008): Newport 28th (down 1) and Swansea 38th (up 2).
The questions and answers were illuminating with Professor Huggins indicating that Wales, despite investing more per head than most other regions in economic support, continues to decline in relative terms.
As we know from our series of dinners all political parties in Wales recognise the need to increase the role of the private sector. Given the state of the UK finances all parties recognise the need to increase efficiency in the public sector and to adjust spending levels - the argument appears to be around quantum and timing.
Is it too much to hope that the political parties in Wales can reach some accord on a strategic direction for Wales?
We have to address such difficult questions as whether he scale of the public sector encourages a dependency culture. To question how we make the transition to a more balanced economy. To see whether / how the public sector promotes private sector development through approaches such as the reduction of procurement costs.
I suspect that we are unlikely to have a rational discussion on issues such as the Competitiveness Index and its implications until after the election.
On that I gave up TV for Lent (easier by far than proscribing alcohol). I have now extended my Lenten "fast" until May 6th.....
Planning on the summer reception goes on apace with the date now finalised as July 14th. We are delighted that Metrix have agreed to support us again which allows us to "contain" the ticket price to £40. Gaenor Howells is organising so we can guarantee good food, drink, music and a wonderful venue. Gaenor is down to a short list of two and we will let you know the central London venue shortly. In the meantime you can email Bridget on bridget.robinson@rllj.com to register interest
Our planned dinner for the end of May / early June has been postponed because of a business trip but I hope to arrange another event, perhaps another social event, for that time.
In terms of other events I note below some of those emailed to us. More detail in the News Section.
. 24th April at 19.30, London Welsh Chorale perform a programme of Haydn and Mozart at St Giles', Cripplegate, Barbican. (tickets@londonwelshchorale.co.uk)
. 26th April -15th May Theatre Clwyd Mold present Pieces a new play by Hywel John (son so proud parent….). If there are any Wales in London readers in the Mold area do go along - we need you!
. 1st May at 19.30 at St David's Hall, Cardiff Sinfonia Cymru, which provides a platform for the most talented young musicians at the outset of their careers, have their annual showcase concert featuring the (brilliant) Llyr Williams playing, Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3 and the Rite of Spring. Tel: 02920 878400 or visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
. 8th May at 19.30 Llandaff Cathedral celebrates its Opening Organ recital featuring Thomas Trotter the organist at St Margaret's Westminster. The organ appeal has raised £900,000 against the £1.5m targeted with this concert, and a series of concerts in July, contributing to the shortfall. The intention is to complete the installation when the balance of funding has been raised. For tickets contact Peter@drpmdavies.wanadoo.co.uk.
. 12th May Cymmrodorion have their next London event at 18.00 at the The Royal Academy of Engineering, 3 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1 (between The Mall and Pall Mall). The AGM will be followed by the lecture given by Dr Rhiannon Mason on "National Museums and nation building in the context of Wales and Britain".
. 4th / 5th June at Wales Millennium Stadium - a chance to support the North Wales Rugby team. A tour of the stadium, private showing of the film INVICTUS, a gala dinner and a ticket to the Wales v South Africa match. For more information contact
Janet Major on janmajor.northwalesrugbyevents@googlemail.com or on 01745 860137.
. 11th June London Welsh Rugby Club have an inaugural annual dinner in Wales at the Mercure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff with Scott Quinnell, John Taylor and Welsh comedian Rod Woodward (table of 10 for £650). Contact John Taylor at jtrugby@btinternet.com
. 12th June at 19.30. The London Welsh Drama Group are staging a night of drama and music at the London Welsh Centre. Tickets £10 to include a buffet. Contact Rachel Hughes at londonwelshdrama@googlemail.com.
. 12th June at 14.30 at the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, the British Antarctic Monument Trust have a lecture by Dr David Wilson the Antarctic historian whose great uncle was lost on Captain Scott's epic journey in 1910 to the South Pole.
I have attached a press release in the news section because it celebrates Scott's links to Cardiff which was the last port of call in the UK before they set off to the South Pole. The news section also has an application form for the event.
. 24th June. 5th and 7th September SWALEC Stadium. I was fortunate last month to be taken around the Swales stadium by Nigel Roberts MD of Paramount Office Interiors and Vice Chairman of Glamorgan cricket club. Like many others I was there last during the first Ashes test last year when Nigel and his team "delivered on their promise" to make it a spectacular success. This was a huge boost both to them and to Cardiff. Nigel reminded me that they are hosting a one day International against Australia on Thursday 24th June and two Twenty20 Internationals against Pakistan on the 5th and 7th of September.
Last year demonstrated it was a wonderful day out either on a personal or corporate basis. For more information on hospitality packages contact hospitality@glamorgan.co.uk.
. 29th June / 6th July. Photography students from the University of Wales, Newport are sponsoring an exhibition of their work at the Candid Arts Centre, Angel Islington. Last year Newport sponsored a 3 day exhibition of their students' work at Canary Wharf and this event builds on that success. Contact Penny Jarman at Penny.Jarman@newport.ac.uk.
. 17th July at Glanusk near Crickhowell, a Wales v Great Britain polo match at 12 noon in support of the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Fund. To include the Red Devils and other family attractions. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a high profile Summer Party with your friends and watch som e exciting polo. Tickets from £10 at www.glanuskpolo.com.
Finally, and with much sadness, I have to report the death of David James (Dai) Watkins who died unexpectedly on 13th March aged 76. Dai was one of those wonderful Welsh characters who, once met, was never forgotten. A loyal supporter of Wales in London and Cymmrodorian over many years.
I look forward to seeing you
Robert
