Huw Edwards – Favourite Things
Huw Edwards is a Welsh journalist, presenter and newsreader. He is BBC News’ lead presenter for breaking news and presents BBC News at Ten. Edwards has worked as a journalist for over 30 years, he spent 12 years reporting politics for BBC News, covering Thatcher’s downfall through to the rise of Tony Blair. In recent years, he has presented the main ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games, anchored the BBC coverage of the Royal Wedding (and won a BAFTA for it) and led coverage for Obama’s inauguration.
These are a few of Huw Edwards’ favourite things.
My dog
I never thought I’d be a convert to dogs but I certainly am. I was bullied by one of my sons into agreeing some eight years ago, and Mot is now the monarch of the household. Mot is a classic Welsh dog’s name in children’s books – think Fido in English. Mot has increased my walking to unheard-of distances, and he’s a friend to all of us at home. How did we ever cope before he came? He’s rather wary of strangers but soon settles down if he’s reassured. Like all labradors he’s greedy but (unlike me) he is kept on a strict diet. And he’s bilingual – commands in English and Welsh are happily obeyed.
Karl Richter
What, you haven’t heard of him? You need to look him up. This man’s genius has brought me a lifetime of music highs. He’s the best interpreter of Bach – don’t listen to those self-appointed experts who disagree – and his virtuosity as an organist and harpsichordist is jaw-dropping. He plays – entirely from memory – the insanely beautiful Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor with an intensity that floors me. I challenge you not to fall in love with his work.
Badges
Particularly political campaign badges and posters – my favourites are French and American ones. I have a great collection of Jimmy Carter memorabilia, including the famous but rare ‘The Grin Must Win’ badge (yes, I know…) from his victorious presidential campaign in 1976. I met the great man a few years ago and showed him some of the collection. He is such a gracious and kind man. It’s impossible not to admire him. My French items include some gems from Francois Mitterrand’s ground-breaking campaign for the presidency in 1981. His inspired ‘red rose’ rebranding of the Parti Socialiste was subsequently adopted by Labour in the UK, but not as successfully…
French Grammar textbooks
My bookshelves are full of volumes on history, politics, religion, snooker, wine and skiing. My most eccentric book habit is collecting old textbooks on French grammar. I have over 50 of them, some published in the UK, some in France. I love the traditional, structured way of learning languages and I’ve applied this ritual to my latest efforts in Spanish and German. Learning new languages requires a framework. The fluid, conversational approach has its advantages but too often it doesn’t provide a solid foundation. I’d love to devise my own Welsh course. There are remarkably few available online. There’s been a revival in learning Welsh and I’d love to be part of that.
Ties
I am unable to ignore nice ties. My current collection stretches to some 300, gathered over the past 25 years, of which around a dozen are worn frequently during a certain period before I move on. Ties are one of the very few ways to make a sartorial statement if the rest of the outfit is made up of a sombre suit, plain shirt and black shoes. I love ties in woven silk, with grenadine versions the best for knotting, in my experience. Printed silk can be very attractive but makes a far less solid knot. My woven favourites include Emma Willis, Fox Brothers, Benson and Clegg, and the great Neapolitan makers E. Marinella. Ties no longer in use are given to various charities to be auctioned.
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