0:00:03 > 0:00:05The British countryside...
0:00:06 > 0:00:12With green valleys, wild mountains, rolling farmlands and forests
0:00:12 > 0:00:16the landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Many dream of escaping to the simple country life,
0:00:19 > 0:00:23but for those who live in rural Britain,
0:00:23 > 0:00:25it's a different story.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Traditional industries are in decline
0:00:27 > 0:00:31and across the land, local shops, pubs and farms -
0:00:31 > 0:00:36the cornerstone of country life - are closing at an alarming rate.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41It just seems that the heartbeat of our green and pleasant land
0:00:41 > 0:00:43is fast disappearing.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48This was a really vibrant shopping street
0:00:48 > 0:00:51and now we've got one pub left and that's it.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56You need to keep these places safe and secure for our children to come and enjoy.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01The one thing the countryside has going for it is the people who call it home.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06But what if locals were able to take matters into their own hands?
0:01:06 > 0:01:10What if groups of volunteers were given a load of money
0:01:10 > 0:01:15to turn their dreams into realities and put the spirit back into their communities?
0:01:15 > 0:01:21We're only going to succeed if we involve as many people from the community as possible.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23Good service. We want good service.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29With just 12 months to pull it off, putting their villages
0:01:29 > 0:01:31back on the map is not going to be easy...
0:01:31 > 0:01:36- I just know we're going to have battles every step of the way!- Hmm.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38I have no building experience whatsoever.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40What a shambles.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44..but the results might just be spectacular.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48It's the biggest chance we've ever had to do something amazing.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50CHEERING
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Well done!
0:01:53 > 0:01:55It's a big ask, but it could work.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Will the spirit and passion of a few locals
0:02:21 > 0:02:23be enough to transform a crumbling mill
0:02:23 > 0:02:25into a profitable tourist attraction...
0:02:25 > 0:02:28We always knew that with a bunch of amateurs managing a project
0:02:28 > 0:02:31like this, there were going to be problems.
0:02:31 > 0:02:33..or will time get the better of them?
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Not until Monday.
0:02:35 > 0:02:36Problematic.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38That is miles too high.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41The things are just slipping and slipping and slipping.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- Stop!- Stop!
0:02:44 > 0:02:47It's exactly what I thought it would be like.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51With a bakery business also dependant on the mill's success,
0:02:51 > 0:02:53the whole thing could just crumble...
0:02:53 > 0:02:56There's a possibility of it being a complete white elephant
0:02:56 > 0:02:58and a complete, total failure.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01You haven't got any idea of what you're selling.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05You're not really sure how the business is going to work.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08..or at best be a half-baked idea from the start.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13Are people prepared to come to Nowheresville, Nowhere
0:03:13 > 0:03:15to experience that?
0:03:20 > 0:03:26The Brecon Beacons attract millions of visitors a year.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31Nestled in its foothills is Talgarth, a sleepy market town.
0:03:31 > 0:03:32Once known as
0:03:32 > 0:03:34"the jewel of the black mountains",
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Talgarth has lost its sparkle and lives in the shadow
0:03:38 > 0:03:42of its more popular neighbours, Hay-on-Wye and Brecon.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49This street was once bustling with thriving businesses -
0:03:49 > 0:03:54a clothes shop, a barber's and a greengrocers were all open for trade.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59There's no doubt it's a beautiful town
0:03:59 > 0:04:02and there are many successful shops here,
0:04:02 > 0:04:05but if the tourists continue to just drive through
0:04:05 > 0:04:08then Talgarth will become another ghost town.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Thankfully, there is a lifeline.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18In the centre of Talgarth is an 18th-Century mill.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23It was a busy hub, grinding corn from all the local farms,
0:04:23 > 0:04:27but the mill ground to a halt in 1946.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30It now lies derelict.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38A group of locals think the mill could be spectacular.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Former tightrope walker, now engineer, John Whitehead
0:04:41 > 0:04:48moved to Talgarth because he's inspired by the impact a restored mill could have.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51CIRCUS MUSIC
0:04:53 > 0:04:55So, this is it.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59There'll be people sat around, enjoying beautiful food, coffee
0:04:59 > 0:05:02and down at the end of the yard, in this little door,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04there'll be this magical machinery.
0:05:06 > 0:05:07When you come to visit,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10there'll be this beautiful engine of a waterwheel,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13turning right outside this window and just there,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16the millstones will be turning and producing flour.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22Part of the plan is to use the mill flour for a cafe and bakery.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28One person keen to get involved is Fiona Gray.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32She's a local lawyer, but the bakery might prompt a career change.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36I'd like to be the Talgarth baker, or part of the Talgarth bakers.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Fiona moved to Talgarth in 2006 with her husband, Bruce.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44It's a really nice town, but it does need a bit of a boost.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50Bruce is also a lawyer and an ex- military officer.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52He believes Talgarth can fight back.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58If we've got an opportunity to improve things here you've got to grab that.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00Thank you for all coming...
0:06:00 > 0:06:04He's chairman of a committee full of passionate locals, like John,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07all committed to saving the town.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09The timescale is very tight for this.
0:06:10 > 0:06:16Bruce knows restoring the mill will need the right balance of expertise, volunteers and planning.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21'There is a whole team of people who want the best for this town.'
0:06:21 > 0:06:25It was once known as "the jewel of the black mountains" and it will be again.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30MUSIC: "The Great Escape" film theme
0:06:30 > 0:06:33To pull it off will cost a huge amount of money.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Operation Mill has started.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41The group have applied for a grant from The Big Lottery Fund,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43designed to regenerate rural communities.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45PHONE RINGS
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Hello! It is, yeah.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Today, John will find out if they got lucky.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54We're all kind of hanging on the edge of our whatevers.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00Ex-circus performer John knows how to milk the tension.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04HE SCREAMS
0:07:07 > 0:07:12It's not just John who is celebrating. The community have come out in force!
0:07:13 > 0:07:17I can't believe Talgarth's actually won something for once.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19It's a tremendous idea.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23We've got the money. Let's make the most of it, I'd say.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27Shall we have a quick stunt and do a one-arm balance off the top of the roof.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- Go on, then.- He's doing it.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34CHEERING
0:07:34 > 0:07:36The show is officially on the road.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40You'll be able to smell bread from the wood-fired bakery from here.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44Wow! "Where's that coming from? Let's go get a coffee."
0:07:45 > 0:07:47One of the terms of the grant
0:07:47 > 0:07:51means the project must employ a full-time business manager.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56The task of co-ordinating this lively bunch is Talgarth's newest resident, Anne Hillyer,
0:07:56 > 0:08:00who's moved her family hundreds of miles from Norwich.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04One of the toughest challenges that faces us is getting
0:08:04 > 0:08:08everything done on time. We've got quite a tight timescale.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12We're determined we're going to be open by Easter next year.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14I'm really enthusiastic. I'm full of energy.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16I just want to get on with the job.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20The plan is to overhaul the river bank into riverside walks
0:08:20 > 0:08:25and get the 18th-Century watermill up and running and producing flour.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30The project is so vast they secure a further Big Lottery Fund grant
0:08:30 > 0:08:33to realise the project's full potential.
0:08:33 > 0:08:39For the mill's long-term survival they'll need more than just cash generated by ticket sales,
0:08:39 > 0:08:45so sitting next to it will be a bakery and a 50-seater cafe, with floor to ceiling glass windows.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54With over 50 years of neglect to combat and only a year to pull it off, it's hugely ambitious.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- How are you?- Good to see you.
0:08:57 > 0:08:58- Hello. - This is it. Come through.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03'Bruce, Anne and fellow volunteer William can't wait to get started.'
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- This is it? - This is it. Come on in.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Look at this. It's just unreal.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16This is the space where it's all happening.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19The wheel bit, here in front of you.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24It's an engineering feat in itself. It's amazing that you're trying to take this on.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- It's a big project.- Yeah.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32This is much bigger than starting a cafe, a mill and a bakery.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36It's about the community heritage.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41- There are farmers still alive who remember dropping their corn off for grinding.- Fantastic!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47This is going to be our cafe space.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53We're desperate to have visitors and we want to give them an experience they will enjoy.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56This would have been a hub of the village life.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01- It is the heart of the village and the aim of the project is to start it beating again.- Yeah.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06What a great project. I'm just a bit jealous that I'm not involved in it.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Converting the interior of the mill is only part of the picture.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18The mill's original wheel was badly damaged over time and they hope to restore it.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21They will also need to dig out the overgrown pit
0:10:21 > 0:10:24for the wheel to sit in.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31Once again, engineer John draws on his circus roots and becomes ringmaster to willing volunteers,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34who've agreed to juggle buckets for the day.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41You've co-ordinated this amazing effort?
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- Yeah, I think we have. It looks pretty well co-ordinated.- Galvanised?
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Today we've got this great team of people from Talgarth
0:10:49 > 0:10:51and visitors from other places.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54It's almost effortless and we're getting all this soil out.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57I think this is really impressive.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Archaic chain of energy. - Yeah.- People power.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04And what made you decide to get involved with this project?
0:11:04 > 0:11:06I'm not sure, what a question.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07A moment of madness?
0:11:07 > 0:11:13Yeah. This is something about the opportunity in Talgarth with this beautiful landscape
0:11:13 > 0:11:17that was waiting for something a little bit extra to happen.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21This ticks lots of boxes, because it's about the community
0:11:21 > 0:11:27and most importantly, it's about regenerating the heart of this village,
0:11:27 > 0:11:31which is a very exciting thing to be doing.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36A lot of the work will be carried out by volunteers from the community,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39all chipping in their time and muscle for free.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46Thank you, that's a really great day's work. Well done!
0:11:48 > 0:11:49ALL CHEER
0:11:55 > 0:12:00People are coming forward to get their hands dirty for Operation Mill.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Fiona, along with three other local mums - Wendy, Steph and Kate -
0:12:06 > 0:12:11have agreed to take on the challenge of creating the mill bakery.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15'It's a challenge and I'm looking for a different direction.'
0:12:15 > 0:12:19Lawyers are not the best loved in the world!
0:12:19 > 0:12:22And it's just something completely different.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26I've got more experience of baking than any of the others.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29I wouldn't consider myself a professional baker yet.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32There's quite a way to go, in terms of expertise,
0:12:32 > 0:12:34but I'm sure that can be achieved.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36I haven't run a business before.
0:12:36 > 0:12:42I've always wanted to, so it's worth a punt,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45because if it comes off it'll be fantastic.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49ALL LAUGH
0:12:51 > 0:12:55Their first priority is polishing their skills.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Hello, hi, I'm Sarah. Nice to meet you.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- Hello, come in and see what we're doing.- Thank you.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- What are you making here? - We're making Fougasse,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08which is traditionally made in the shape of a ladder or a tree.
0:13:08 > 0:13:15We thought, "Why don't we do one in a round mill wheel shape?"
0:13:15 > 0:13:18This one is Caerphilly, leek and walnut!
0:13:18 > 0:13:20That is absolutely delicious.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23It's got to be something with ingredients that we can get locally,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26because that's another important thing for us
0:13:26 > 0:13:29and something that says about Wales.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32I'm going to be chief tester, I've decided.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- That's very nice.- Really good.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44To find out if Talgarth has an appetite for their millwheel Fougasse,
0:13:44 > 0:13:48the group are road testing it at the town's annual festival.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56Fiona's been up since the crack of dawn, making her contribution.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Her first critic is husband, Bruce.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00Ha-ha! What's happened there?
0:14:02 > 0:14:06They do look a bit drunk. It's probably because the yeast's still been working.
0:14:06 > 0:14:12For anyone wanting Artisan bread in Talgarth, they have to travel five miles to a neighbouring town.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15I think it'll be interesting to see what the public think of it
0:14:15 > 0:14:18and whether they're willing to pay for it.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- Fantastic!- See you later.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- Bye.- Bye.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27As amateur bakers, they want to be sure there's a market, before they commit to running the bakery.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- They've gone wonky-donkey. - Oh, they're lovely.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- They're like '40s jaunty hats. - They are!- Also they look very hand made.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40ALL LAUGH
0:14:40 > 0:14:46With over 1,600 people in the community, there's potentially a huge customer base.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51ANNOUNCER: Welcome to the 2010 festival.
0:14:53 > 0:14:59Whilst juggling kids and jobs, the ladies have been baking samples to do some tasty market research.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03This is a sour dough rye bread.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- The bread is brilliant! - Just one left.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09I'm not too keen on that one.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- It's delicious. - It's not everyone's cup of tea.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- What do you think of that one? - The rye loaf, that was the nicest.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21We would cycle over the hill and buy some. Regularly.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23We've taken a lot of responses today.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- 428 people tasted the bread.- Wow!
0:15:26 > 0:15:29That's more than I thought they would be. That's really good.
0:15:29 > 0:15:35And only around 60 disliked some of it.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39With a majority of people saying they'd buy their bread,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42the baking team have every reason to feel encouraged.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46It couldn't have gone any better, really.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50Things like this does help us to see why we're doing it
0:15:50 > 0:15:53and what it could lead to.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58It's a real excitement and buzz and that's what we're looking to create.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02It really is a peep into the future today.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07The future for the mill isn't far away.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13they plan to open in May for National Mills weekend in just eight months' time.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24In Talgarth's heyday, wheat from all the local farms was ground at the mill.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Their plan to once again grind flour using the power of water
0:16:28 > 0:16:30is a massive undertaking.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36The masterplan for getting it to work and landscaping the exterior is John's.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45The first job is shifting over 100 tonnes of soil.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49I really love digging, you know.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52I can do a lot of design work,
0:16:52 > 0:16:57but when you're digging, you get ideas of how to work with the space.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00It is enjoyable, for sure.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Not fun! I hate digging.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Part of John's team is Saul Nicholas, a stone mason
0:17:07 > 0:17:11who's has recently moved to Talgarth to lend a hand.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16He's agreed to take a huge pay cut to do the work
0:17:16 > 0:17:18and will earn just £100 a week.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Saul's reasons for joining the project are inspired
0:17:25 > 0:17:28as much by the past as they are about the future.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30Good boy.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33What got me into restoration in the first place
0:17:33 > 0:17:38was finding the thumbprints of a dead mason inside his wall.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41That sort of thing brings it home to you
0:17:41 > 0:17:43how long these buildings are going to be around for.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51I've left my thumbprints all over the place,
0:17:51 > 0:17:53you know, especially in the mortar.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58We all have. We've touched a building, so our mark's in it.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00I just thought it was an amazing project -
0:18:00 > 0:18:03something I won't have much of a chance to do again.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07There aren't too many waterwheels in existence.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12I really hope Talgarth, as a town, loves it
0:18:12 > 0:18:16and takes it into themselves as part of their town.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20It's a beguiling little place.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22It's in a terrific part of the country.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29Just waiting for that wheel to go around is amazing.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34When it does go round it'll be an event-and-a-half, I'm sure.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39Staying with Saul is another crucial member of the build team.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Gordon goes everywhere with me.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43He looks after me on sites.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45I know he's not health and safety certified,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47but I can't leave him home.
0:18:50 > 0:18:56Saul, John and Gordon have a vital job, getting water to the wheel.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01The water needed to drive the wheel must be diverted from the river
0:19:01 > 0:19:05into a 90-metre-long channel, known as a leet.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11To grind flour, the mill needs a steady stream of water,
0:19:11 > 0:19:16so the role of the leet is absolutely critical.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Another critical part of the mill, its internal wheel, has arrived.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Operation Mill is in full swing.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33Once again, the community troops have come out to lend a hand.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38The wheel team - Tim Martin and local blacksmith, Dave Perks -
0:19:38 > 0:19:41will be responsible for installing the internal wheel.
0:19:43 > 0:19:50I feel privileged that I'm getting the opportunity to work on the mill.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52The fact that it's local means a lot to me.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53A bit more.
0:19:55 > 0:20:01'If you're a craftsman you get a feeling that the old men that built this mill'
0:20:01 > 0:20:05are looking over your shoulder and nodding grudging approval
0:20:05 > 0:20:07if you've done a good job.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Oh, he's not made a bad job of that. They never give you too much praise.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13HE LAUGHS
0:20:13 > 0:20:18Given its size, it isn't something you can carry in through the front door.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23It doesn't get better than this!
0:20:23 > 0:20:26This is what it's all about.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33I'm just worried about it slipping.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34Hang onto it there.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44That's really a magical moment to get this up here.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47It's great. It's starting to see something.
0:20:48 > 0:20:54Once in place, this half-tonne cast-iron wheel sits inside the mill
0:20:54 > 0:20:58and will eventually drive the gears that turn the mill stones.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03With the National Mills weekend deadline only seven months away,
0:21:03 > 0:21:09the team are one step closer to producing flour for their bakery.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16I don't think I want to change my day job now.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22There's nothing like seeing a wheel in place.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Even better to see it turning.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Well done, everyone. Very good job, well done.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- Is it the right way round? - It is the right way round?!
0:21:35 > 0:21:39The baking team were always committed to running the mill bakery as a business.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43Since then they've also been offered an opportunity to run the mill's cafe.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48At the end of the day someone, or two people, are going to be in that cafe.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- I imagine...- That's the difficulty, I've never run a cafe before.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54You do have to have faith people will come.
0:21:54 > 0:22:00It became apparent to us that it made more sense for the baking group
0:22:00 > 0:22:03to be involved in the cafe as well.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Wendy's run a cafe before.
0:22:05 > 0:22:12I frequent quite a lot, so I'm hoping that we can feed into lots of experience and things like that
0:22:12 > 0:22:14and take it forward.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19I hope I'm not going to be a complete idiot when it comes to running a cafe.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33Whilst it makes perfect sense for the bakery group to take over the cafe,
0:22:33 > 0:22:38the reality is that they've now two business to set up and run.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43Most of them have jobs, they're all mums and they have very little catering experience between them.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Whilst I'd really love them to pull it off,
0:22:46 > 0:22:52with so much on their plates, I wonder if they've bitten off more than they can chew.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57The same could be said of the build project.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00As autumn turns to winter it's more crucial than ever
0:23:00 > 0:23:05that each aspect of the mill's transformation remains on schedule.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11It's five months till opening.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14The wheel and the leat need to be connected
0:23:14 > 0:23:17and the wheel turning by the middle of December.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22It will then take three months to build
0:23:22 > 0:23:24and fine-tune the inner workings of the machinery
0:23:24 > 0:23:27so that everything can be ready for opening.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36But, there's a problem.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43The big freeze came earlier than expected -
0:23:43 > 0:23:45the worst possible weather conditions
0:23:45 > 0:23:48when you're hoping to lay tonnes of concrete.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51I mean, there's a layer of ice underneath the mud.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54But, there's a plan, albeit a strange one.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57We are about to try and set fire to the earth
0:23:57 > 0:24:00because the world's gone very cold.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04The concrete plants have shut down, but this morning
0:24:04 > 0:24:08we've got word that they might start to mix concrete again.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10We're kind of getting ready.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Personally, I think it's completely nuts,
0:24:13 > 0:24:18but Sal's passion and determination to get this concrete pad down
0:24:18 > 0:24:21has made me go, "What the hell, let's do it."
0:24:21 > 0:24:25There's a good reason why John's so fired up about the leat.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Fairly soon, this will be a beautiful, smooth,
0:24:28 > 0:24:30concrete leat with water flowing down it.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35Obviously, this whole thing isn't going to work without water going on there.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Unless we do get to that point the wheel isn't going to turn
0:24:39 > 0:24:41and the old project is going to get delayed,
0:24:41 > 0:24:43and we really don't want that to happen.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Everything hinges on the delivery of the concrete.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Fingers go kind of numb quite quickly, don't they?
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Hiya, it's John, down at Talgarth.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57We're wondering how you're doing this morning.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01Minus nine, same here, really, if not a little bit colder.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02We're a bit higher up.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Not until Monday. Right.
0:25:06 > 0:25:07Problematic.
0:25:07 > 0:25:08OK, all right.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10Yeah, and to you.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13I take it that's a no, then?
0:25:13 > 0:25:16That's a no. they're not doing it, they were minus nine.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20It's going to get finished, it's definitely going to get finished,
0:25:20 > 0:25:22because it's too important not to.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25So, hey-ho.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35Five days and a few degrees later...
0:25:37 > 0:25:40We rang up a concrete plant this morning
0:25:40 > 0:25:43and they're actually producing concrete for the first time
0:25:43 > 0:25:45in about a week or so, which is brilliant news.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Finally, Saul gets to light his fires
0:25:48 > 0:25:50to make sure the ground is absolutely frost-free.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Yeah, there's certainly a lot of heat in the ground.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56The walls are smoking, the ground's steaming.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00There's no sign of any ice up there now, happy with it.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09Here we go!
0:26:19 > 0:26:22We need to get concrete down before it goes off,
0:26:22 > 0:26:24and there's a lot of it.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27And we have to get it all level, too, but they start charging us.
0:26:27 > 0:26:32We've got half an hour to unload, then we're paying serious money after that.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37It helps keep you warm.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43One more here, and then we're on to that next section.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47To be here now and it falling out, we're going to make it,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49we're going to get it all down.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51The leat will be ready to flow.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54When things come right, it just makes it worthwhile.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56All that struggle was worth it now.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- Right, cup-of-tea time. - Cup of tea.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03Four lorries, over 60 tons of concrete, and hundreds of cups of tea later,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Talgarth's water wheel is one step closer to turning.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Now we need a spirit level.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Can we borrowed the long spirit level, please, Daniel?
0:27:18 > 0:27:20With the leat complete,
0:27:20 > 0:27:25The wheel team can crack on with its construction.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Chairman Bruce has swapped his court wig for a hard hat.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34The project team have missed their deadline of getting
0:27:34 > 0:27:36the wheel turning before Christmas.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37Hi there.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Bruce is now worried about the fast-approaching opening
0:27:40 > 0:27:42in just four months' time.
0:27:42 > 0:27:43It's January 13th now.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48The initial time for the wheel to turn was December 14th.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52We then hoped it would be turning January 15th,
0:27:52 > 0:27:56so that will give you a true sense of things just slipping and slipping and slipping.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00The idea of the project not working and not coming together,
0:28:00 > 0:28:05as chair of the group, you do feel responsibility.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09When you live in Wales, there's the old cliche about people being known
0:28:09 > 0:28:14the things they're associated with, 'Dai the Bread', 'Bill the Whatever'.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16And I just have this fear that
0:28:16 > 0:28:21I'm going to be known as 'Bruce the Mill' because it all goes horribly wrong at some point.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26It looks like Bruce's reputation may be intact.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31It's the beginning of February and just three feet of earth
0:28:31 > 0:28:35stands between the river and its journey to the wheel.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Least favourite job is digging.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41And this job's all digging.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- Want a go, Ben?- Yeah.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48This is the first time water has gone down here to the mill for 50 years.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51But before that, there's always been mills on this river,
0:28:51 > 0:28:55so this river, it wants to come this way.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59It wants to work, so we're going to put it to work.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04Gravity will assist, and that's it, really.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07Just got to dig this out, it's done.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09Today's the first day the work of the leat team
0:29:09 > 0:29:11and the wheel team will come together.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15There's not many people living who will have seen the wheel running
0:29:15 > 0:29:18It's taken fighting our way through snow
0:29:18 > 0:29:20and ice and having to set fires on the ground just so we can
0:29:20 > 0:29:25get the ice melted and put the base down.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29You look at it and you think, maybe, "it's not very much, is it?"
0:29:29 > 0:29:32But it's been a big journey, and in terms of the leat,
0:29:32 > 0:29:35this is pretty well the last few moments.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38That journey's kind of done.
0:29:38 > 0:29:39Whoo-hoo!
0:29:39 > 0:29:41Here comes the water!
0:29:41 > 0:29:46And the other end of the site, an apprehensive wheel team are waiting.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49A certain amount of trepidation, actually,
0:29:49 > 0:29:52because, we sort of feel it's our wheel,
0:29:52 > 0:29:57and we don't want to let something else have influence over it.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01Because it's a she now, and we're very protected for her.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04We're ready.
0:30:04 > 0:30:09- This is it.- Are you ready? Yeah, let's open it.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Fantastic!
0:30:16 > 0:30:17Any leaks, any leaks?
0:30:17 > 0:30:21Let's go down there, see what's happening.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Well, I can hear it coming.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31The water's coming down now.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35I'm thinking, "Did I do all those 156 bolts?"
0:30:35 > 0:30:39Which, um, I think I did.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47We've got a wheel going now.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48Fantastic!
0:30:48 > 0:30:50CHEERING AND CLAPPING
0:31:02 > 0:31:04We've got the water feature.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07Just incredible.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10I just want to tell everybody about it.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14I didn't think we'd be here today.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18So, yeah, there's still work to be done, but it's a great relief.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23The big day has finally come for Saul,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26and it's everything he hoped it would be.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29I am relieved, I'm very, very relieved.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34Everything works, nothing leaks, nothing washed away. Brilliant.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39I must admit, I don't get emotional very often,
0:31:39 > 0:31:41but it's been a long time coming.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47It's been a long slog.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51To see that happening, that's amazing,
0:31:51 > 0:31:54it's exactly what I thought it would be like.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56I'm going to be excited on my own.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04The long-term survival of the mill absolutely hinges
0:32:04 > 0:32:08on a successful cafe and bakery.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Being complete novices at running a cafe,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15the baking team have called for expert help.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20Bill Sewell has been in the cafe business for 20 years.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23The cliched things about cafes is more cafes go bust
0:32:23 > 0:32:28than any other business, so it's not an easy business to make a living in.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30- It's lunchtime... - Would you like everything?- Yes.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34..and today Bill's got some work experience staff on duty.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36Now, that's a pepper!
0:32:36 > 0:32:40I think I'm cutting him to about the right size.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42SHE SNORTS
0:32:43 > 0:32:46Yes! Thank you very much.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49They need to think that it starts today.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51They need to be thinking of it in that way,
0:32:51 > 0:32:55arranging their lives in a way that that is realistic.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59And they need to use that time as best they possibly can.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03No respectable cafe can survive without serving a decent coffee.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Coffee is all about minding about the detail.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09I shove it back up, I take my hand away,
0:33:09 > 0:33:12I count one, two, three, then I quickly turn it off,
0:33:12 > 0:33:16and that will get it to precisely 147 degrees Fahrenheit.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19Believe that, you'll believe anything.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21One took three, and quick off.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Off quickly.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25Not too bad.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28It seems that learning the dark art of cappuccino making
0:33:28 > 0:33:30isn't as easy as it looks.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34One, two, three, off.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36That's great.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39The reason it's great is that it's good to see absolutely
0:33:39 > 0:33:43what you are not wanting to end up with.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46I think we've learnt loads today.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49It's been so great seeing how the kitchen works, how everyone
0:33:49 > 0:33:52has their jobs and they know exactly what they're doing.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54I've got this much to learn, which is fine,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58but in such a short time, which is the difficult part of it.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02At the moment, it's just a really alien environment, really.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05It's shocking, from that point of view.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08It's fine, we'll be fine.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18After a full day at work,
0:34:18 > 0:34:21Fiona's starting to understand the reality of running her own cafe.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- Can I do what? - Can you sort out these? - Of course I can.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27I think about failure a lot.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29I'm getting out of my comfort zone,
0:34:29 > 0:34:32which I've been in for the last 20 years,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34and we are going into something where it's us,
0:34:34 > 0:34:39and we're going to be the ones that have to produce the money.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43It's potentially going to keep you up all night,
0:34:43 > 0:34:45and make you really, really worried,
0:34:45 > 0:34:49because at the end of the day it's our lives, our children
0:34:49 > 0:34:53the lives of her community, and if it fails that would be dreadful.
0:34:53 > 0:34:54It's scary.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Failing would be scary.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Keen for more of Bill's input, they have invited him to their cafe
0:35:04 > 0:35:08despite builder's tea being the only thing on offer.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11OK, are you going to give me a...
0:35:11 > 0:35:15This will be the kind of nice yard, so this will be a focus.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19And then the cafe stretching along the river.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- Blimey, it's big, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:35:23 > 0:35:28Along the river is this wall of windows.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Goodness!
0:35:30 > 0:35:33That's going to be lovely.
0:35:33 > 0:35:39The usual thing is ten square feet to a person.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41And is that including the table, or is that...
0:35:41 > 0:35:44That's including the tables and chairs.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47And the only question is, are you going to get enough people here?
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Well, the whole idea is that by renovating the mill and having
0:35:51 > 0:35:56that as a working flour mill, that becomes a visitor attraction.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58I can absolutely imagine it,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00it just feels like it's a long way to go.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04I think it's incredibly exciting, and I think there's possibilities.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06I think there's also the possibility of it being
0:36:06 > 0:36:10a complete white elephant and a complete, total failure.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16Are the group here going to offer fantastic food, at a sensible price,
0:36:16 > 0:36:23in an efficient way, in what could be an absolutely cracking location?
0:36:23 > 0:36:30And are people prepared to come to Nowheresville, Nowhere, to experience that?
0:36:31 > 0:36:36Actually, I'm going to get killed by somebody.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Despite Bill's doubts, there are two locals who are convinced
0:36:43 > 0:36:46that a working mill will draw people to Nowheresville.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51Bruce and Dave are so taken with the mill that they've given up
0:36:51 > 0:36:57their weekend and volunteered to learn the specialised art of milling.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00The idea is, by sending three or four of us
0:37:00 > 0:37:04on this course, we'll be able to help train everybody else.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07There are some big gaps in my knowledge, so really
0:37:07 > 0:37:10I'm looking forward to learning quite a lot of this weekend.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13We lose sight of the fact that this is what we're working to achieve,
0:37:13 > 0:37:18so today is really inspiring, because it gives a sense of what it's going to be like when we're finished.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20I've started talking about the wheel,
0:37:20 > 0:37:22now that she runs, as a female.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25The sort of thing men fall in love with.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29And I've got a feeling this is slowly happening to me.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31I want to stay involved with her.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35They're at Charlecote Mill in Warwickshire.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39It seems the hard men of Talgarth have soft centres.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46It's like having your first car and needing to get under the bonnet and adjust all the bits and pieces.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02This is the engineering bit that goes with the milling.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05I wouldn't suggest we mix the oil with the flour,
0:38:05 > 0:38:07but I'm really looking forward to getting back
0:38:07 > 0:38:11and then getting on to the grinding of the flower.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14I think it's fascinating, just the whole package.
0:38:14 > 0:38:20The machinery starts to turn, and the whole mill suddenly comes alive.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23It is that magical moment. It's fantastic.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26And there's something that sort of touches the soul.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29It makes you realise just how ignorant you are in some respects.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Yes. It certainly does me!
0:38:31 > 0:38:34It's that old expression we now know how much we don't know.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Exactly, exactly.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46It's early March, just two months until opening.
0:38:46 > 0:38:52The leat is complete and the riverside walks are starting to take shape.
0:38:52 > 0:38:58Much of the focus is now on the mill's 750-piece mechanical jigsaw.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01That is miles too high.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06The last time I visited, the mill was derelict.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08Hello, how are you?
0:39:08 > 0:39:11- Good to see you. - Good to see you again.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Oh, my goodness, look at that!
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- Isn't that wonderful? - It's great to hear you say that.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18Just the look on your face is a good thing to see.
0:39:18 > 0:39:23There's something kind of amazing about it, magical at the same time.
0:39:23 > 0:39:24Now I know it's here,
0:39:24 > 0:39:28if I'm anywhere in this area I am definitely going to come
0:39:28 > 0:39:31and see this, and I'd bring my kids to come and see this.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34I suppose the key is, making sure everyone knows how amazing it is.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Yeah, the tourist network around here is so good that
0:39:37 > 0:39:41when people come to visit this area, they do tend to
0:39:41 > 0:39:45go from one town to the next town to the next town.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Even with a thriving tourist trail on the doorstep, I really
0:39:48 > 0:39:53think it's the cafe that needs to be the jewel in their crown.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57This is wonderful, this space.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01I've been really worried about how much money we're going to make and whether it is sustainable.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03But this space makes me relax a little bit,
0:40:03 > 0:40:07because the thought of sitting here by the river with those
0:40:07 > 0:40:09windows open, I think, will sell it.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13Yeah. I think the potential of this is fantastic.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17You're sort of relatively confident that you'll be
0:40:17 > 0:40:20sipping tea in here in eight weeks' time?
0:40:20 > 0:40:24Well, I wasn't four weeks ago, but, having seen what's happened
0:40:24 > 0:40:28in the last four weeks, I think quite a lot could be done in eight weeks.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- It's coming together. - It is coming together, really fast.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36Perhaps not fast enough for eight weeks, but it's going to be a great space.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Not having the cafe up and running for the opening
0:40:39 > 0:40:43and, more crucially, the start of the tourist season, is a huge blow.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50If ever the project needed a reality check, it's now.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Basically, you're trying to launch in eight weeks' time.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- Mm-hmm.- Yeah.
0:40:55 > 0:40:56Yeah?
0:40:56 > 0:40:57That's the aim, isn't it?
0:40:57 > 0:41:02You're meant to say, "Yeah, that's right, absolutely!"
0:41:02 > 0:41:04It's a really ambitious timetable,
0:41:04 > 0:41:06but we're going to give it our best shot.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11Have you got an idea of what food you're making?
0:41:11 > 0:41:16- It's got to be bread-led.- Yeah.
0:41:16 > 0:41:17The food that we serve will be baked on the premises.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21- Are you planning on making a profit? - Yes.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24It might break even to start with, I should think,
0:41:24 > 0:41:26and a certain percentage towards the mill.
0:41:26 > 0:41:31- OK, and then are you expecting a salary on top of that?- Yep.- Yeah.
0:41:31 > 0:41:36The business plan provides for salaries out of minimum wage.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Cos normally when you start a business,
0:41:38 > 0:41:42you'd probably expect to not have a salary for the first year or so.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45We've done a lot so far, helping to set things up.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48But there's a limit to how long you will do that.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51But you haven't got any idea what you're going to sell, you're
0:41:51 > 0:41:53not really sure how the business will work, or whether you've got
0:41:53 > 0:41:56a salary, or even what share you've got, and you open in eight weeks.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59That's not enough time. It's clearly not enough time.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01It'll be easier when the building work's finished
0:42:01 > 0:42:03and you've got a building to move forward with.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05People will believe it's going to happen.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09At the moment, really, it's just one almighty building project, isn't it?
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Nothing's actually happened in terms of a business.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15In fact, that's probably the problem...
0:42:15 > 0:42:19nothing has happened in terms of a business!
0:42:19 > 0:42:22With only two months to go before they're due to open,
0:42:22 > 0:42:25the team still have a very long way to go.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Everyone in the community has given so much,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31but it is going to take one final push.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34I just hope that collectively there's enough gas
0:42:34 > 0:42:39left in the tank to get them over the finishing line.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Dan, can you lower it a bit?
0:42:49 > 0:42:52We're about to start lifting the millstones into the building.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54For the first time in 60-odd years there will be
0:42:54 > 0:42:55a millstone in there.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58The final pieces of the mill's complex workings are being
0:42:58 > 0:43:00assembled.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Every little bit, you're gradually building it up brick by brick
0:43:03 > 0:43:06and beam by beam, you know.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10And it's a step closer to ultimately seeing flour coming
0:43:10 > 0:43:14out into the sacks.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17John and Saul are continuing work on the riverside walks
0:43:17 > 0:43:19at the back of the mill.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22So we've got the beautiful river, people will be able to come into
0:43:22 > 0:43:26this previously private space and a little distance down there, they'll
0:43:26 > 0:43:31encounter this fully renovated water wheel, just turning around.
0:43:31 > 0:43:36That's really good. We could have an option of ham, or local cheeses.
0:43:37 > 0:43:39The baking team are finally nailing down a menu,
0:43:39 > 0:43:46sourcing suppliers, and even thinking about their interiors.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50- Chapel green.- Oh, I like chapel green.- I like that, yeah.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56Now, does this suit us?
0:43:56 > 0:44:00The ladies have done all they can to be prepared for opening.
0:44:01 > 0:44:05But it's looking like the cafe is a long way off.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13With the mill's advertised opening only four days away,
0:44:13 > 0:44:17I've come to see just how ready they are.
0:44:17 > 0:44:22- Are you going to be ready?- No!- Oh.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24Yeah, we are going to be ready.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26There's definitely bits that will be ready,
0:44:26 > 0:44:29and there's a big question mark over other bits.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31The mill will be finished and you'll be able to see the milling.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33And out here, you know, will be
0:44:33 > 0:44:37at a reasonable state to allow people out the back.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39But the cafe won't be finished.
0:44:39 > 0:44:40How disappointing is that?
0:44:40 > 0:44:43Because you had this date, from the beginning,
0:44:43 > 0:44:44that you were going to hit.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48And you're not going to actually hit it, are you?
0:44:48 > 0:44:52No, I mean, it is disappointing, of course it's disappointing.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55However, there are massive,
0:44:55 > 0:44:59massive construction projects that are not finished on time.
0:44:59 > 0:45:01We always knew that with a bunch of amateurs managing
0:45:01 > 0:45:03a project like this, there would be problems.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07It's not like we've got time to completely finish the building
0:45:07 > 0:45:11and then do our staff training nice and slowly, test it out,
0:45:11 > 0:45:14experiment a little bit.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16And you're going to go ahead anyway, with opening in four days?
0:45:16 > 0:45:18Even though it's not finished?
0:45:18 > 0:45:19We kind of owe it to ourselves,
0:45:19 > 0:45:21for people to see how far we have had to come.
0:45:21 > 0:45:25In four days' time, this place will be open to the public
0:45:25 > 0:45:30and milling flour for the first time since 1946.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34But it's far from finished, and opening without the riverside
0:45:34 > 0:45:37walks, the cafe or the bakery is a risky strategy.
0:45:37 > 0:45:42Word of mouth is critical to its success, and any negative
0:45:42 > 0:45:47thoughts will be very difficult for this business to recover from.
0:45:47 > 0:45:52In a few days' time, 450 mills all over the country will
0:45:52 > 0:45:56open their doors to the public for National Mills Weekend.
0:45:56 > 0:45:57It's an annual event
0:45:57 > 0:46:01and the pressure is on to get the new mill on the block ready.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03Most other mills will have a cafe that can cash in on
0:46:03 > 0:46:10the extra footfall, but sadly, not Talgarth's.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18Fortunately, the baking team aren't taking it lying down.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21They've invited me to the local woods to gather
0:46:21 > 0:46:24ingredients for their contingency plan.
0:46:24 > 0:46:28- Have you got five? Cos if you have, you have to put some back.- OK.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30Ooh, that smell. Strong.
0:46:30 > 0:46:35- Yeah, on your fingers. - Never going to get a snog tonight!
0:46:38 > 0:46:41So you've accepted that Saturday is not going to be
0:46:41 > 0:46:43the open day for the cafe?
0:46:43 > 0:46:45We don't want to waste that opportunity, even though we're
0:46:45 > 0:46:51not open, to get more word out about us and that we will be opening soon.
0:46:51 > 0:46:57So we're going to be making some cakes, and bread-based buns,
0:46:57 > 0:47:01and some fougasse bread with wild garlic, Parmesan for people to eat,
0:47:01 > 0:47:03sort of walking around.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06You know what, I think you are making the best of bad luck,
0:47:06 > 0:47:08and I think you're doing really well.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10It's another opportunity for us to make sure we've got
0:47:10 > 0:47:12everything right in our business plan.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15When we do these cakes, have we got them priced right, things like that.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18So it's a really... It's a positive.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24For a long time, Talgarth has been overlooked and unvisited.
0:47:24 > 0:47:30Today, all that could be about to change.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34It's the 14th of May, and the start of National Mills Weekend.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37We're opening the doors in an hour.
0:47:37 > 0:47:40Despite the pressure, Dave is as calm as ever.
0:47:40 > 0:47:47Oh, it's just another day, in't it? Another day, another new mill.
0:47:50 > 0:47:5312 months ago, this site was derelict, overgrown and neglected.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56It could have stayed in ruins, but the passion of a group
0:47:56 > 0:48:01of local people and utter determination has paid off.
0:48:03 > 0:48:07The engineering heart of the mill is now up and running.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11Having shifted over 100 tonnes of soil
0:48:11 > 0:48:16and placed 15,000 stones with care and love, the overgrown riverbank
0:48:16 > 0:48:21now hosts beautiful landscape walks for visitors and locals to enjoy.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27No matter how impressive the transformation is,
0:48:27 > 0:48:31the big test is if it will attract tourists.
0:48:31 > 0:48:33Someone's on the way whose opinion could make or break
0:48:33 > 0:48:36the mill's position on the tourist trail.
0:48:36 > 0:48:40The classic thing they say you need is a loo, a brew,
0:48:40 > 0:48:46and a view. So I'll be hoping that they've got all those things in place
0:48:46 > 0:48:51so that people get what they want when they come to visit the mill.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Richard Tyler is from the tourist board
0:48:54 > 0:48:56of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
0:48:56 > 0:48:58If he's not impressed,
0:48:58 > 0:49:02they could miss out on getting crucial free publicity.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10Despite their inexperience, the team are hoping their pop-up cafe
0:49:10 > 0:49:13will keep Richard and the visitors happy.
0:49:13 > 0:49:18Half of it is not open, but, you know.
0:49:18 > 0:49:20We're saving a few special bits for later.
0:49:20 > 0:49:24Actually, this is an auspicious day. It's an historic moment.
0:49:24 > 0:49:28The wheel is turning publicly for the first time in 65 years.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31We'll be grinding flour for the first time,
0:49:31 > 0:49:36and it all comes together in this one day.
0:49:37 > 0:49:41Good morning and welcome to everybody, welcome to Talgarth Mill.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46This building itself has been here since the 18th century.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49It last milled in 1946.
0:49:49 > 0:49:54Having lain dormant for over half a century, it is
0:49:54 > 0:49:58time for the heart of the mill to start beating again.
0:49:58 > 0:50:02This is opening the sluice gate to let the wheel operate. Bit more.
0:50:04 > 0:50:05It's a historic moment.
0:50:13 > 0:50:14I was very emotional to see it go in.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16I think it'll be a good thing,
0:50:16 > 0:50:19and hopefully a lot of people come and see it.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23Fantastic, and it's a community project,
0:50:23 > 0:50:26and look what people have done!
0:50:26 > 0:50:30- Very exciting really, isn't it? Feels quite inspiring.- Yeah.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32And we've volunteered now, we're going to be involved,
0:50:32 > 0:50:34because we're so taken by it.
0:50:36 > 0:50:40- The buzz in the mill hasn't gone unnoticed.- Haven't they done well?
0:50:40 > 0:50:42It really is superb.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45There is no doubt that the mill is going to be firmly on
0:50:45 > 0:50:46the tourist map.
0:50:46 > 0:50:51They will have to get the cafe going, and really, as soon as possible.
0:50:51 > 0:50:53But as an attraction for people to enjoy,
0:50:53 > 0:50:56it's going to be a great success.
0:50:56 > 0:51:00And the baking ladies are getting all the signs that their cafe
0:51:00 > 0:51:02could just work.
0:51:02 > 0:51:04That's £3.50, please.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06They're mildly cool cakes now,
0:51:06 > 0:51:09but yeah, they're going like hot cakes!
0:51:09 > 0:51:15The wheel team have one last play with their toy, and soon,
0:51:15 > 0:51:19Talgarth mill is producing useable flour.
0:51:19 > 0:51:23- Look at this, look at this!- Is that the very first?- That's lovely!
0:51:23 > 0:51:28Do you want to try some? It's the first bit we put through a sieve.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31Fire up the oven, then. It's not here, is it?!
0:51:33 > 0:51:37Well, we've had a first day's milling and it's come out great.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40It was such a relief when we had Richard from the tourist board come
0:51:40 > 0:51:45today from Brecon Beacons National Park and say that it was good.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47That's the first endorsement we've had.
0:51:47 > 0:51:52- The day may be winding down... - Shutting up shop for the day, yes.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55But there's one thing that just keeps blooming!
0:51:55 > 0:51:58I'm really in love with this now.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01I'll be here all day, just the sound of it!
0:52:01 > 0:52:03MUSIC: Franki Valli, Can't Take My Eyes Off You
0:52:06 > 0:52:07I'm completely besotted.
0:52:07 > 0:52:12At least if I'm messing with old machinery, the wife knows where I am!
0:52:26 > 0:52:29With the Brecon Beacons soon to be heaving with tourists,
0:52:29 > 0:52:33never has it been more important to get the mill's cafe open.
0:52:33 > 0:52:36Then you've got it there, and you've got it there,
0:52:36 > 0:52:38and if you had it behind...
0:53:03 > 0:53:06The old mill workshop has been transformed into a beautiful
0:53:06 > 0:53:10cafe, which is now ready for customers.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17To launch the cafe and get to grips with serving,
0:53:17 > 0:53:22the baking team have prepared a special afternoon tea.
0:53:23 > 0:53:24Do you want to do coffee?
0:53:24 > 0:53:27There's no turning back now for any of them.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31- Are you happy with the coffee machine?- No!- Right.
0:53:33 > 0:53:35Would you like to order coffee or tea?
0:53:35 > 0:53:38Not only is it a full house,
0:53:38 > 0:53:41but the customers are loving Talgarth's brand new cafe.
0:53:41 > 0:53:45The cakes are delicious, I think it's absolutely marvellous.
0:53:45 > 0:53:47They're all really nice.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51This is absolutely beautiful, opened up onto the river.
0:53:51 > 0:53:55The closest for us would be Hay, if you want anything like this.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57You know, Talgarth has got a lot to offer
0:53:57 > 0:53:59and I think this has just made it more special.
0:54:00 > 0:54:06- A not-so-secret diner has arrived to surprise the ladies.- Wow!
0:54:07 > 0:54:09Does Sir want a double shot?
0:54:09 > 0:54:13Bill had serious doubts about the cafe's prospects,
0:54:13 > 0:54:18but the inexperienced cafe team appear to have pulled it off.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23Given the situation that they're in, that they've just barely,
0:54:23 > 0:54:26barely opened, ten-and-a-half, I'd say.
0:54:26 > 0:54:27Yeah, pretty good.
0:54:27 > 0:54:32The food and drink is lovely, the coffee was beautiful.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34If you were on holiday and you wanted to sit
0:54:34 > 0:54:37and read the paper and have a coffee and a brownie...
0:54:37 > 0:54:39what a lovely place to find!
0:54:39 > 0:54:41So yeah, I think it's fantastic, love it.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47With their first day's trading drawing to a close,
0:54:47 > 0:54:51the baking team have made their dream a reality.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56The remarkable thing about the project is the amount of people,
0:54:56 > 0:55:00time, love and sheer effort it has taken.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04It seems to have had a massive impact on all of them.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07And so, the big question, will you stay?
0:55:07 > 0:55:08We'd love to stay.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11I'm coming to the end of my contract and this all finishing...
0:55:11 > 0:55:15that's actually been the hardest part of the whole project.
0:55:15 > 0:55:20Just thinking about leaving. Ooh! I don't want to.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23It's really changed us as a family.
0:55:23 > 0:55:25I think it has taken over our lives,
0:55:25 > 0:55:28and it has rooted us in this rural community.
0:55:28 > 0:55:32When you look at it now, do you feel amazing pride?
0:55:32 > 0:55:35It has been the biggest struggle of my life, to be honest.
0:55:35 > 0:55:40But when I look around, I actually feel like, wow. Unbelievable.
0:55:40 > 0:55:46Because it's not just about a pretty riverside walk, it's about
0:55:46 > 0:55:50using local knowledge and getting the old and young people together
0:55:50 > 0:55:54and saying, "OK, now we've done this, what are we going to do next?"
0:55:57 > 0:56:01I can't resist seeing the cafe in action.
0:56:01 > 0:56:02Or rather, getting a free biscuit!
0:56:02 > 0:56:04- Hello!- Hi!
0:56:04 > 0:56:07- Those are my absolute favourite. - Shortbread?- Mmm.
0:56:07 > 0:56:10If I'd said to you this is where you'd be in a year's time,
0:56:10 > 0:56:13would you have believed it?
0:56:13 > 0:56:16No, because you kind of think, yeah, right, you know?
0:56:16 > 0:56:20But then, but it gives you this amazing warm glow. You think...
0:56:20 > 0:56:23Like on Sunday, there were all these people in here,
0:56:23 > 0:56:25we were standing here, and in the brief seconds where it
0:56:25 > 0:56:28wasn't like, "We want a cappuccino", it was like, wow.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31All these people are here and enjoying our stuff.
0:56:31 > 0:56:33And we've been through so much.
0:56:33 > 0:56:38We know we can take on anything now, because we've dealt with it all.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40The way that the mill stands in the centre of the town,
0:56:40 > 0:56:44it kind of... It's doing that as well.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46All the different people who have got very different lives
0:56:46 > 0:56:52from each other seem to be focused and positive about this project.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55It's going to happen now, we just have to keep going,
0:56:55 > 0:56:57as we're doing, and it'll happen.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00I think you grabbed it with both hands, and I'm coming back.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03I've got a funny feeling you're going to be flying
0:57:03 > 0:57:07in a year's time, with this. It's going to be doing very well.
0:57:13 > 0:57:16You know, I've loved this project right from the first day that
0:57:16 > 0:57:18I came here.
0:57:18 > 0:57:22In fact, it would be difficult not to engage with it when you
0:57:22 > 0:57:25look at how much time, effort and passion everyone has put into it.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30If only a fraction of the people who come to this area pop in to
0:57:30 > 0:57:33the mill, the bakery and the cafe,
0:57:33 > 0:57:37this is going to be a roaring success.
0:57:37 > 0:57:42If you've been inspired to create a community project in your area
0:57:42 > 0:57:45and want to find out about the grants available,
0:57:45 > 0:57:47and how to apply, go to...
0:57:57 > 0:58:00A group of volunteers have a big plan to transform their dying
0:58:00 > 0:58:03local into a thriving business.
0:58:03 > 0:58:05I have the keys!
0:58:06 > 0:58:10It hasn't been cleaned properly for a long, long, long time.
0:58:10 > 0:58:12Really disgusting.
0:58:12 > 0:58:14Until I came here, I don't think I've ever lived real life.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19But can they get the community behind them?
0:58:19 > 0:58:22Along with drugs comes bad behaviour.
0:58:22 > 0:58:26There are always, kind of, fights and hostile atmosphere.
0:58:26 > 0:58:28Ladies and gentlemen...
0:58:28 > 0:58:31I'm a volunteer, I'm trying to do something good for my community,
0:58:31 > 0:58:33why are you shouting at me?
0:58:33 > 0:58:34It's terrifying.
0:58:58 > 0:59:01Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:59:01 > 0:59:04E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk