0:00:02 > 0:00:05I'm on a very personal journey across Wales in search
0:00:05 > 0:00:09of our most valuable resource - the people!
0:00:09 > 0:00:13I've met an amazing range of individuals from the men and women
0:00:13 > 0:00:17who save lives in their spare time, to the colourful and eccentric!
0:00:17 > 0:00:23- SHE SCREAMS - Hold tight and be prepared to be shocked,
0:00:23 > 0:00:28surprised or just plain grateful for their heroic efforts.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Get him out now as soon as possible, people.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35As I introduce you to Connie's People.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40And today, I join the unsung heroes helping
0:00:40 > 0:00:42elderly people across Wales...
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Hello, Mr Newman, here's your meals on wheels.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50..and go to the lab to experiment with the weirdest Welsh ice cream.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- Chuck the lamb in. - Chuck the lamb in there.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55HUSKIES BARK
0:00:55 > 0:00:59But first today, I'm heading north by northwest.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01From my surroundings,
0:01:01 > 0:01:05you might think I've been transported to the forests of Alaska.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Oh, no, I'm still in the rolling hills of Wales.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11In fact, I'm in Pembrey Country Park which is playing host to
0:01:11 > 0:01:15an amazing canine event, a husky mushing rally.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18And I hear you've got to be barking mad to do this sort of thing.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23- SHE HOWLS - I guess I'm in the right place then!
0:01:23 > 0:01:26And it is a bit mad for all of these people and dogs to try
0:01:26 > 0:01:31and transport a tradition thousands of miles from the polar wastelands.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Huskies have been worked and raced for hundreds of years, essential
0:01:35 > 0:01:40to the survival of people like the Inuit, working and living in subzero temperatures,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43they are one of the toughest and hardiest of breeds.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Rather bizarrely, husky racing has taken off across Europe
0:01:48 > 0:01:50and in the UK.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52HUSKIES BARK
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Three, two, one, off you go!
0:01:55 > 0:01:59It's not the usual setting for Huskies, I grant you, but there are
0:01:59 > 0:02:02people here from all over Wales and England to give their dogs a run,
0:02:02 > 0:02:06and for people like Carolyn, it's not just exercise, it's great fun.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08Go on, on you go.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- You've just come off a race, how do you feel?- I have.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13I'm exhausted, actually, if I'm honest.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- It's a really long trek, isn't it? - It is. It's quite hard work.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20It's about three miles and quite a lot of it is sandy,
0:02:20 > 0:02:22up and down, so the rig doesn't want to go through too readily.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25What is it about keeping huskies you love so much?
0:02:25 > 0:02:28It just is a passion. I can't explain it. They're real characters.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- I must say, it's quite intimidating, they look like wolves.- They do.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35They're the closest domesticated animal to a wolf.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38SHE HOWLS AT THE BARKING HUSKIES
0:02:38 > 0:02:41They're excited because they're surrounded by other dogs
0:02:41 > 0:02:44that are running and just coming back in from the ring,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- and it's the whole atmosphere, it's very exciting. - HOWLING AND BARKING
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Husky lovers go wild about these dogs. They don't just keep one,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55some people here today have as many as 16.
0:02:55 > 0:03:00This event is for Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03and they have a strength and energy that needs to be harnessed,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06and that's why an event like this is second nature to these dogs.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11In snow, they use sleds. On days like today, it's a wheeled rig.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18So here's the nerve centre of the whole husky mushing event,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- and Mick, you're my main mushing man.- Well, I do try to be.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25I'm not mushing today, but I am trying to organise the race,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28trying to get it flowing, keep it going, all nice and smoothly.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31How many competitors have you got at the event today?
0:03:31 > 0:03:36- There's about 50 adults and 14 children.- So, kids do this as well?
0:03:36 > 0:03:38Oh, yes, kids do this as well.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44And that leaves plenty of scope for some sibling rivalry.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48So, I've got two hopefuls here, I've got Cian and Bethan,
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- how old are you, Cian? - 14.- And Bethan?- 13.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- 14 and 13, so you are competing against each other today?- Yes.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Who's going to win? I hear you're quite competitive.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- Me.- I hope me, but it's usually her.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06My theory is, because I've got really fast dogs and I'm really light.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- Bethan, your dogs are the same speed as mine.- Yes, but I'm lighter.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- Yeah.- So, the jury is out, we will have to wait and see.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19Bethan and Cian, head to head in husky mushing for kids. Stay tuned.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25With a lot of woofing and howling, Bethan and Cian are ready to race.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Bethan will head off first and a minute later,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29it will be Cian's turn.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Fearless! She's only 13.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39The youngsters take a shorter course than the adults,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41but the terrain is no less gruelling.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46We're at the finish line with a nervous mum.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48Sam, how are you feeling about your kids being out there?
0:04:48 > 0:04:52They should be fine, it's just seeing who comes across the line first.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54There will be a few arguments later on.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56Good girl!
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Yay!
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Come on, Cian!
0:05:00 > 0:05:01CHEERING
0:05:03 > 0:05:07Cian, look at you, you're mud splattered! How did you get on?
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- I did all right.- You did all right. You exhausted?- Yes. Very.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15- Bethan, you look fresh as a daisy, how do you feel?- Tired.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- Do you think you beat your sister? - Maybe.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- Do you know whether you beat Cian? - Hopefully.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- THEY LAUGH - We'll have to wait and see. Let's check the times.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30And let's hear it for Bethan, she just pipped her brother to the post.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33That's husky girl power.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36BARKING
0:05:38 > 0:05:41So, huskies, you thought, intelligent, strong, but why race them?
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Why not just walk them?
0:05:43 > 0:05:47Basically, they need a lot of exercise, you're talking three,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- four miles a day. - And you do that every day?
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Yeah, and it's just easier to put them on something,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54and for them to pull you.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56Good lad!
0:05:56 > 0:05:57They absolutely love it.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- They just go loopy tunes and they want to go.- So they love running.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- They're the doggy Forest Gump. - They are, yes.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08It's good exercise for the dogs, it's fun for the dogs,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- and it's dangerous for me. - At first, Tony James gave me
0:06:11 > 0:06:14the impression of being a husky racing veteran.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- But appearances can be deceptive. - You're completely wrong. I haven't got a clue! It's my first time!
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- It's your first time? - Yes.- Are you nervous?- Very.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27I don't want to look a complete fool in front of everybody, even though it's my first time.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30If I were you, I'd just be happy to get out alive. Break a leg!
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- Thank you.- I shouldn't say that, should I?!
0:06:33 > 0:06:37Just 10 seconds to go now before Tony's first race.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- The tension is rising and so is the noise level! - BARKING
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Tony has three dogs pulling him, safer for a rookie musher.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50The more experienced you get, the more dogs you have
0:06:50 > 0:06:52and the faster you go.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57The mushing masters run six dogs and can reach speeds of around 20 mph.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05It's probably more like five miles an hour for Tony though.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Two days, 20 minutes later! Come on, Tony! What time is it now?
0:07:08 > 0:07:10It's roughly 13 minutes.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- 13 minutes, so how is he doing in terms of world record?- Erm, no!
0:07:14 > 0:07:15THEY LAUGH
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- I hope he gets around!- I know, I'm like that! I keep looking.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23But a few minutes later, Tony came into view.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Come on!
0:07:26 > 0:07:29With some final encouragement, he made it!
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Only later to be disqualified for going off course.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Oh, it's all very well to scoff,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40until I was told that later on, I would be having a go.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44That's how I'm feeling right now. I'm going to be doing this later!
0:07:44 > 0:07:46That's how I'm feeling.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48DOG HOWLS
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Yes, later on, I get carried away!
0:07:52 > 0:07:56And let me tell you, these huskies don't understand the word stop.
0:07:56 > 0:08:03Stop! Stop! Stop! STOP!
0:08:05 > 0:08:10But now, I'm heading to Withybush General Hospital in Haverford West
0:08:10 > 0:08:14to meet a volunteer army that have been helping us all for 75 years.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Formed in 1938, the Women's Voluntary Service helped those
0:08:21 > 0:08:25on the home front survive the dark years of the Blitz in World War II,
0:08:25 > 0:08:29supplying food and comfort to those who suffered as a result of the bombing.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Good hot chocolate to steady jangled nerves.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Over the past seven decades,
0:08:33 > 0:08:37they've supported and cared for us through difficult situations,
0:08:37 > 0:08:39working with elderly people...
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Good morning, I have got your dinner for you.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47..and running many hospital shops and cafes across Wales.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51Whether you're visiting somebody in hospital or in for an appointment yourself,
0:08:51 > 0:08:54there's nothing like a cup of tea to raise those spirits.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58Most of the time, we don't even notice who it is that's serving us.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Well, it's down to a small army of volunteers,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05most of whom are members of the WRVS, and just around the corner
0:09:05 > 0:09:10is a troop of ladies that have had that kettle on since 8:30 AM. Wooh!
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Coffee anyone?!
0:09:13 > 0:09:20- Right, hello, ladies.- Good morning. - Oh, and a gentle man as well. Wasn't expecting that from the WRVS!
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- If you'd like to hang your coat up and wash your hands.- Right.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25Straight in at the deep end!
0:09:25 > 0:09:28I'm rolling my sleeves up, donning my apron
0:09:28 > 0:09:31and joining the services for a day.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- Point me in the right direction. - What would you like? Do the teas?
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Oh, I'd love a cup of tea. - SHE LAUGHS
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- Oh, I've got to DO the teas!- Well, yes.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Would you like to go on the till? Coffee?
0:09:42 > 0:09:47- Hot drinks.- £1.45.- £1.45, please.
0:09:47 > 0:09:53The WRVS cafe at Withybush General Hospital and its 75 volunteers
0:09:53 > 0:09:57last year raised thousands and thousands of pounds for the hospital.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02That's gallons and gallons of tea. The average age of volunteers is 70,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05but the oldest woman on duty today, and she told me
0:10:05 > 0:10:09she didn't mind me telling you a lady's age,
0:10:09 > 0:10:10is Dot Summons, who is 83.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12So how long have you worked here?
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Over 22 years now. Coming up to 23 years.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18What spurred you on to kind of work for the WRVS?
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Well, my husbands died about 27 years ago, and just after the blues,
0:10:22 > 0:10:24I started and I've loved it ever since.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Have you made many friends along the way?- Oh, gosh, yes. Millions!
0:10:28 > 0:10:32And why do you think it's such an important service here at the hospital?
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Well, you're helping people out.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38You're making use of your life, rather than sitting at home.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- What can I get you?- Two of your scones, please.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Two scones. Fabulous.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- Thank you very much. I'll bring it out to you.- Thank you.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55- Is that a pound? It's 80p for the coffee.- 80p for tea.- 80p for a tea.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59I've been overcharging people! It's 80p for a cup of tea.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01£1.00 for coffee.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04A good thing the profits are gifted back to the hospital!
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Making refreshments is not all these ladies are good at.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12A listening ear and a friendly face is all part of the service.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- No, you're sweet enough! - Sweet enough!- Thank you. - THEY LAUGH
0:11:16 > 0:11:20Some of them comes in after their scans and things and they want
0:11:20 > 0:11:23a bit of talking to, so we chat to them and things.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26So, really, you're a counsellor-cum-coffeemaker.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Oh, yes, we reassure them and everything else,
0:11:28 > 0:11:32and give them a giggle and a laugh and they go away quite pleased.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37- I bet you do! I hear you tell jokes! - I do!- Give us one, go on! - THEY LAUGH
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- Oh, no way! Not fit for camera!- Oh! After nine o'clock!
0:11:47 > 0:11:50What does WRVS bring to the hospital? Apart from tea and coffee.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- I think friendliness and warmth. Oh, hello.- Hello! Sexy man!
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- This is my sexy man!- I knew you were lurking in the back there!
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- So you come here for the ladies! - For the ladies and the coffee!
0:12:03 > 0:12:08And WRVS still take tea and comfort out to emergency situations,
0:12:08 > 0:12:12like in December last year, when some of the volunteers went to help
0:12:12 > 0:12:17at the scene of a serious accident on a railway line near Carmarthen.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20The WRVS weren't going to let treacherous conditions stop them.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24Head of the charity in Wales, Sally Rivers, coordinated her team.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28It was very bad weather conditions and we called our volunteers
0:12:28 > 0:12:31and again some staff responded there, and we went
0:12:31 > 0:12:35and we had to climb over fences to get some teas and coffees to the
0:12:35 > 0:12:38British Transport Police and also the railway workers there.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41It seems to me the community spirit you'd have during the war
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- is still very much alive here. - Oh, absolutely, yes.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48Whatever the services we offer, volunteers come forward
0:12:48 > 0:12:51because they want to help the people within their community
0:12:51 > 0:12:55and the old people to live better lives. And that's what we're about in WRVS.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57We're trying to make Wales a better place to grow old,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00and that's really what we are trying to achieve with
0:13:00 > 0:13:02the help of our wonderful volunteers.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- Does it keep you busy then? - Yes, yes.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09I do the desk as well on every other Friday. I love every minute of it.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Cheers!- Cheers!
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Finally, time for me to get a cuppa.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15My work here may be done,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19but I'm off to see another important WRVS service.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21I'm off shift!
0:13:23 > 0:13:27Meals on Wheels is one of the WRVS's earliest services.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31Post-war, they would sometimes use old prams to deliver the food
0:13:31 > 0:13:33or felt hats to keep it warm.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38As time went by, the trademark Meals on Wheels van took over,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40taking the food to the elderly or infirm.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44But this is a service that is under threat.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48Local council cuts have forced some areas to cut back on their
0:13:48 > 0:13:52funding for Meals on Wheels, leaving many elderly people without.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Pembrokeshire still backs the service.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57I'm here to see just how important it is
0:13:57 > 0:14:00and with help from Michelle Owens,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02get the meals packed and out in time for a hot lunch for 40.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05So this is the route I've got to follow.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Yes, and everything you need to follow goes in route order.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- And I just follow these addresses. - Yes, so that gives us
0:14:12 > 0:14:14a checklist to make sure that we haven't missed anybody out.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17So you've got it right, it's just down to the volunteers now.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20To stop me eating the food before it gets to the clients,
0:14:20 > 0:14:25I'm working with veteran WRVS volunteers Margaret and Brian Body.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27But the cuts are even seen here.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Brian and Margaret now have to use their own car
0:14:29 > 0:14:31to transport the meals.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- So we've got an hour and a half to deliver 14 hot meals.- Yes.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- And you must get to know these people.- Yes.
0:14:38 > 0:14:39You learn to see through them.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42You don't see the old person, you see them as they were
0:14:42 > 0:14:46when they were younger and they can talk about their past life,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49all in the time that it takes to get the meal into them
0:14:49 > 0:14:51and then on to the next person.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- An express chat. And a smiley face. - That's it.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56And it's definitely worth it.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02For many elderly people across Wales, the WRVS visit will be
0:15:02 > 0:15:07their only hot meal, and sadly their only human contact of the day.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- Quite a regular visit, this one. Good morning!- Hello. - Brought you lunch.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- Hello, here are your meals on wheels.- Thank you very much.
0:15:13 > 0:15:18- I hear you are in your 90s.- 97, yes.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21I need to be eating what you are eating!
0:15:21 > 0:15:25That's what I rely on now, a good meal each day.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28It's very kind of the volunteers to come along in all weathers,
0:15:28 > 0:15:32and always nice to see them.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35In fact, there is enough left over for the feral cat.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38He waits for it under the chair, he is always ready for it,
0:15:38 > 0:15:40the same as I am.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Lovely. It was lovely to meet you, enjoy your meal.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46Margaret and Brian are a double act,
0:15:46 > 0:15:48designed to get the job done quickly.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Never mind hot meals, Brian has got hot wheels,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54and his engine never stops. Vroom vroom.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58Keep it running, turn round, Maggie is doing the delivery.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Is it something you enjoy doing as a couple?
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Very much, it is really good.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04We've a lot of separate occupations, hobbies,
0:16:04 > 0:16:08but doing this together is really good.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14I hope it's still warm.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- Yes, it feels hot. Thank you very much.- Nice to meet you, goodbye.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23'This is a service rooted in the past, but after my lunchtime delivery,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26'I think it is an essential service for the future.'
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Two dinners, two puddings.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- Hello!- Hi.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Later on, I will be paying a host visit with the new WRVS service,
0:16:35 > 0:16:37which brought me to tears.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38Bravo.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Before that, I am taking a short break with an ice cream.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49Wales has a tasty tradition of ice cream manufacturers
0:16:49 > 0:16:51and is renowned for its exclusive scoops.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53I'm heading to Pembroke Dock,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57to the ice cream laboratory taking it to a different stratosphere.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Here I am in the right place, an ice cream factory,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04to meet a West Walian Willy Wonka.
0:17:05 > 0:17:11- Hello. It's not Willy, is it? - It is not, it's Charlie.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Even better, Charlie and the ice cream factory.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16And it is quite an ice cream factory.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20'Charlie Francis grew up in an ice cream family in Pembrokeshire,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22'he's taken the tradition a step further
0:17:22 > 0:17:26'and has a fetish for fantastical flavours like toast and marmalade,
0:17:26 > 0:17:28'roast beef and horseradish,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30'and dark port and Stilton.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33'His trick is to use liquid nitrogen to freeze
0:17:33 > 0:17:35'fresh ingredients in seconds.'
0:17:35 > 0:17:37I can use fresh ice cream mix and any number of ingredients,
0:17:37 > 0:17:42put it in the pot, make ice cream fresh in about a minute.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43'Ice cream in a minute?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45'For this, we need something you may not have
0:17:45 > 0:17:48'in your kitchen at home, safety glasses.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50'Turn on the liquid nitrogen.'
0:17:50 > 0:17:55To make ice cream you need two things, agitation, the mixing,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58and the second thing we need is cold.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- We will turn the liquid nitrogen on now.- All the way?- All the way.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04That's the liquid nitrogen coming out there.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07I feel like I'm in a science lab, back at school again.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12- Should I hold my breath?- It's fine. - What is liquid nitrogen?
0:18:12 > 0:18:15It's basically nitrogen, which makes 80% of the air we breathe.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18It's a common gas. It has been compressed, turns into a liquid.
0:18:18 > 0:18:24At that point, it's incredibly cold, so it's -193 degrees.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27It's freezing the ice cream almost instantly.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- Fresh ice cream.- Voila!
0:18:30 > 0:18:31Dive into that.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- That is so good.- It's all right.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39I made that! Well, you made that.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Look at you, taking all the credit. You've turned on me.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46'Made in a minute, eaten in seconds.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50'But Charlie said we can make ice cream from anything, so how
0:18:50 > 0:18:55'do you fancy lamb and mint sauce ice cream with a hint of rosemary?
0:18:55 > 0:18:56'A good Welsh dish.'
0:18:56 > 0:19:00That is nice, lamb and mint ice cream, let's do it!
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Chop that up really nice and fine.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05We want lamb shards, that would be nice.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Then we can have them as a ripple. Start with the ice cream.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13Put about a teaspoon of the mint sauce in there,
0:19:13 > 0:19:18mix that round, then your right hand on the liquid nitrogen.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22Not that one, the other one. The world will end if you do that one.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- Don't press that!- The whole thing will take off.- Okay.
0:19:27 > 0:19:34- Let's get lots of liquid nitrogen in there.- Chuck the lamb in now?
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Chuck it in and we will freeze it.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39And I think that should be lamb and mint ice cream.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Let's put a bit on there.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- Good with rosemary.- That's amazing.
0:19:50 > 0:19:57That is interesting. It's different.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02- It hands-down beats vanilla. The rosemary really works.- Doesn't it?
0:20:02 > 0:20:07- Could you put that on your menu? - Absolutely.- Yes!
0:20:07 > 0:20:13- Come on! Connie's Lamb & Mint. Done.- Woo! Love it.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17'I'm on a roll. Connie's exclusive Welsh scoops.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20'Cawl and daffodil, leek and Caerphilly cheese,
0:20:20 > 0:20:22'bara brith and laverbread.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24'Makes you proud to be Welsh.'
0:20:26 > 0:20:30'I'm spending the day with the WRVS in Pembrokeshire.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33'I have been helping out with volunteers in a hospital cafe
0:20:33 > 0:20:34'and the meals on wheels run,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38'essential support they have been supplying for decades.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42'But my final visit is part of a relatively new
0:20:42 > 0:20:44'and much-needed initiative.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46'More of us are living longer,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49'and to help socialise in our own homes, there is befriending.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53'I'm joining Margaret Webbley on her regular visits as a befriender.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57'It's a bit like a dating agency, but her friends.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01'Margaret has been matched with 87-year-old Edwina Peters,
0:21:01 > 0:21:02'who lives in Tenby.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06'She is losing her sight, and doesn't get out very much.'
0:21:06 > 0:21:11- Hello!- Hello, Margaret.- Hello. - Oh, my God.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Hello, Mrs Peters.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16'Pembrokeshire has led the way in this scheme,
0:21:16 > 0:21:20'and other areas around Wales are following its example.'
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- Hope you don't mind, I've come to be your friend as well today.- Lovely.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- I'm honoured.- I'll grab a seat.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- Lovely.- What prompted you to get involved with the WRVS?
0:21:33 > 0:21:37Nobody was coming here much, and they were going to find me
0:21:37 > 0:21:42someone, I said I liked music, watching telly, backing horses!
0:21:42 > 0:21:47So I thought somebody with similar interests
0:21:47 > 0:21:49and a sense of humour would be fine.
0:21:49 > 0:21:55So they found Margaret for me, she has made herself quite happy here.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58It is nice and pleasant to see her, she is always smiling.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00They've done a good job.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03You're lucky to have found friendship through
0:22:03 > 0:22:05a voluntary service.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06Yes, it is lovely.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09I'd written myself off, got into a very low state.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12I'd have been glad of the doctor had given me an injection
0:22:12 > 0:22:14and put me to sleep.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16That's how low I felt!
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- Feel much better now.- Margaret, you must get as much from this.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22Absolutely.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25It's a pleasure to come here, I've been here just a year,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27and I didn't know anybody either.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- We sort of become quite good friends, yes.- This is the thing.
0:22:30 > 0:22:35A lot of people are alone, and it seems a shame.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37They needn't be alone.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40It's a really simple thing, sitting down and having a chat
0:22:40 > 0:22:44with someone, but I can see how much both ladies get out of it.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Mrs Peters has such a sociable spirit,
0:22:47 > 0:22:51and despite her arthritis, still has a passion for the piano.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53Serenade me, Mrs Peters.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57I fiddle round sometimes, tunes, you know.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01There is only one key I can do well in, but I only play for myself.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03I don't go out entertaining.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07SHE PLAYS A BALLAD
0:23:35 > 0:23:36Bravo!
0:23:36 > 0:23:39Mrs Peters, I think everyone should be your friend
0:23:39 > 0:23:41so they can come and hear you play.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46That is unbelievable. I'm a little bit emotional.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51- Don't call me Mrs Peters, I'm Eddie to my friends.- Eddie!
0:23:51 > 0:23:52Eddie the piano legend.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58'There is one final message I have taken away from my day
0:23:58 > 0:24:01'with the amazing men and women of the WRVS.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03'I've seen just how vital their work is,
0:24:03 > 0:24:07'but I've also been told that the number of volunteers is declining.'
0:24:07 > 0:24:13'So if you have got a few spare hours, why don't you sign up?'
0:24:13 > 0:24:16SHE LAUGHS
0:24:16 > 0:24:19'Oh yes, and have a real laugh at the same time.'
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Earlier in the programme,
0:24:27 > 0:24:31I watched the high-speed husky racing in Pembrey Country Park.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35It was a day of fierce competition,
0:24:35 > 0:24:37but now the dogs are going to be under my direction.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Yes, it is my turn
0:24:39 > 0:24:44and I am in need of husky advice from race organiser Mick Clarke.
0:24:44 > 0:24:50- Have you got any tips for me?- Yes, hold on.- Top tip number one, hold on.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- You don't say "mush".- Where does the mushing part come into it?- TV films.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58You're leading the dogs, until you get to corners,
0:24:58 > 0:25:03when you have to shout "haw" or "gee", which is left or right.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Which means I need to know my left from my right.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- You have to, if not, your dogs will carry straight on.- Into a tree.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13They will find a way through.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Here's the map for the race.
0:25:16 > 0:25:22Looks like I take a right then left then right then a left.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27Then a left, probably. I'm a bit curious about this.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30"Slow down (lots)."
0:25:30 > 0:25:33How do you slow down with a group of dogs?
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Are there brakes on these things? I really hope so.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40What is this big fish thing doing here? I am a little bit worried.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43I hope I do not get lost in this region.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Lucky for me, and very lucky for the dogs,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49I will not be heading into the woods on my own.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Mick has found me a co-pilot, Robbie, and a bicycle made for two.
0:25:52 > 0:25:58- This is the contraption I will be steering?- Yes, you sit there.- Okay.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- In the front. Robbie will be standing on the back.- What about steering?
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- What's the best technique?- Steer when you see something going wrong.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10If you see a tree, Steer the other way.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15- We've both got brakes, so is it an efficient braking system?- Yep.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17That's the strongest one, use that to stop.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- Stopping four dogs must be quite difficult.- Depends.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25DOGS BARK
0:26:25 > 0:26:30- Very relaxing. Lovely. - It will be, until they go.- Oh!
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Hike on!
0:26:34 > 0:26:36SHE SCREAMS
0:26:38 > 0:26:42'Heading off into the woods with four huskies and a 14-year-old boy racer
0:26:42 > 0:26:45'makes me feel like Little Red Riding Hood gone rogue.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47'It was all going so well,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51'Robbie looking like Davy Crockett on a day trip, me looking like Hiawatha
0:26:51 > 0:26:55'In a tumble dryer. Then it all went wrong.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59'These huskies weren't being told where to go, and needed direct intervention
0:26:59 > 0:27:02'from Robbie to get them back on the straight and narrow.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04'It is a dog's life.'
0:27:07 > 0:27:12'I was enjoying it, honest. But I was still glad to get back to the pits.
0:27:16 > 0:27:22I'm alive. Thank the husky heaven. I'm alive!
0:27:22 > 0:27:27They work so hard, and it was really fun. But really scary.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30I don't think I'll be husky mushing for much longer.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32I'm mushing out of here!
0:27:32 > 0:27:35And with an elegant dismount, that is my end.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42Next week, I join an all-night ghost hunt in historic Monmouth.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- If you'd like to maybe touch one of us.- Don't say that!
0:27:46 > 0:27:50I go deep into the bowels of the earth on a rescue mission.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56And I'm on emergency duty with medical volunteers on match day.