0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:08 > 0:00:13- For as long as I live probably, - Jim and Aled too...
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- ..we will be known - as Bois Parc Nest.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- I return to Parc Nest - as often as I can.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- I return - because the bond is so strong.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31- It has never been broken.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- As I look back at my upbringing...
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- ..what I remember - more than anything...
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- ..is the care, - the love, the warmth...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- ..and the people.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- There were books.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- We heard about chapel.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- We heard about drama.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- We heard about concerts.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- We heard about eisteddfodau.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- For an ordinary Welshman...
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- ..that was our culture.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- I feel that the three of us...
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- ..are like fossils.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34- We belong to an age...
0:01:34 > 0:01:41- ..that many of today's farmers - know nothing about.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45- The old farm of 60 years ago...
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- ..is vivid in our memory.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55- A traditional Welsh mixed farm.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- Dairy cattle, bullocks - but never sheep.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- Having sheep on the farm - was an exception.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- We didn't force the land in any way.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- Dad used very little fertilizer - on the land.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- He opposed the use of nitrogen.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22- Lime and manure were the only - supplements sprayed on the land.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30- During that time, we needed plenty - of workers on the farm.
0:02:30 > 0:02:36- Even here, - we had three servants and one maid.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- You remember two maids - - you two must have been a handful!
0:02:46 > 0:02:48- We remember them very dearly.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- Mary was an important part - of our upbringing.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- She was a woman who wanted to do - nothing more in life than work.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- She wouldn't stop.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01- She was a hard worker.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- As I stand here now, - I'm looking down at the floor.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- We had flagstones on the floor - back then.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- Mary would wash them regularly.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- After washing them, - she would find some newspaper...
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- ..such as the Western Mail...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- ..and place it on the floor - until it dried.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- Dat would have been - milking the cows...
0:03:25 > 0:03:30- ..and he would look forward to - reading the Western Mail at night.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35- He'd look for it and ask, - "Where's the Western Mail?"
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- Mary would say it was on the floor.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- "Mary fach, why have you done that? - I want to read it."
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- "What's the fuss, Gwyn bach?" - Mary would reply...
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- .."There'll be - another one tomorrow."
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- We all recognize - Mam's influence on our lives.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- She was a member of a large family.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- It's as if they had - a family tradition...
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- ..that they all loved singing.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- Mam had inherited that talent.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- For some reason...
0:04:19 > 0:04:24- ..when she started teaching us - Biblical verses as children...
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- ..and then started to teach us - lines of poetry...
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- ..Mam became interested - in recitation.
0:04:32 > 0:04:38- She started the three of us off - in the world of poetry recitation.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- What I still remember about Mam...
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- ..is that when she heard us - reciting, she would emphasize...
0:04:47 > 0:04:54- ..how much she liked hearing - certain sentences or phrases.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- She would say, - "Recite that line again to me."
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- "Isn't that a beautiful line?"
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- Dat was also interested in poetry.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- He loved completing - the missing lines of limericks.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- We'd have the programme schedules - from eisteddfodau where we competed.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- He would flick through - to the literary section.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- He would compete on the limerick - and sentence competitions.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33- He would often win the competitions.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- Where did he compose these lines?
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- I remember him in the cowshed when - he used to milk the cows by hand.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- He'd have a pencil on his ear...
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- ..and the back of an envelope - in his pocket.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- When he was inspired to write - a line for a limerick...
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- ..he had to write it down - there and then.
0:05:54 > 0:05:59- I remember him standing up, - leaning against a cow...
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- ..pressing his fingers into the cow, - counting the syllables...
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- ..if he wasn't sure about the rhythm - of the lines he'd written.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- He also liked writing sentences.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- Do you remember?
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- Do you remember?- - I remember one sentence...
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- ..he wrote from the word - "Ll-A-W-E-N-Y-Dd".
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- 'Llawenydd A Wna Ein Nos Yn Ddydd."
0:06:23 > 0:06:29- I think Jennie Eirian - was the adjudicator at the time.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- She was full of praise - for that sentence.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- Parc Nest's farmyard - was ideal for us.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- The ground was level and we could - play all kinds of sports.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- One game we'd often play - was cricket.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- We'd play it at night after milking.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- Mamgu and Mam would field.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- My father would bowl and we three - brothers would bat in turn.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- When I was alone...
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- ..I used to play here - against the side of the house.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16- I'd throw the ball at the wall - and bat the rebound.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- I knew I could score four runs - if I hit it towards the garage.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- If I hit it back against the wall, - it was four runs.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- If I hit it into the lake, - I was six and out.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39- I would walk back to the garage - - the pavilion...
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- ..and walk out again...
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- ..imagining that there were - thousands of supporters...
0:07:46 > 0:07:51- ..in the stands around the farmyard - shouting their support for me...
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- ..as I strode out - to win the game for Glamorgan.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Towards the end of my schooldays...
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- ..you were in the university - in Aberystwyth at the time.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- I'd started pole-vaulting at school.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- The problem with pole-vaulting is...
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- ..when you go up high, - where do you land?
0:08:23 > 0:08:29- They have all kinds of pits now - to ensure that you land comfortably.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- The best place to practise - pole-vaulting...
0:08:34 > 0:08:35- ..was a hay shed.
0:08:35 > 0:08:42- The hay would cushion your fall - as you landed.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- I spent hours in this barn.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- I didn't know that. That's the - first time I've heard that story.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- In my final two years at school...
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- ..this is where I trained, - in this hayshed.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01- What happened?
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- What happened?- - I had a trip to Colwyn Bay.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- Were you a champion?
0:09:07 > 0:09:09- Were you a champion?- - That's right.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- One of the greatest pleasures - of my youth...
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- ..was playing football - for Newcastle Emlyn.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- I'd play on our field - - Vicarage Park.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- I could walk down all the way - from the house...
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- ..wearing my kit.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- I didn't have to go through town.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- I could climb over hedges - to reach the field.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- We used to come down here - as young boys.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- We'd watch our heroes.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- The main advantage was finding out - what was happening...
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- ..by listening - to the other spectators.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- I remember one spectator - commenting on a shot...
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- ..which hit the back of the net.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- He said...
0:09:57 > 0:10:03- .."That ball picked up speed - the further it went.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- "Thank goodness there's - a net at the back of the goal.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- "Otherwise, - it would still be going now."
0:10:14 > 0:10:20- One who played with us - during that time was Dic Jones.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- Dic would start composing cynghanedd - in the middle of a game.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- He'd expect us - to compose one in reply!
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- He would start a line...
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- ..or even start an "englyn".
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- I remember one "englyn" that was - never finished on the field of play.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- He'd been shouting the first - two lines of the "englyn"...
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- ..throughout the game.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- "Quick the boy who kicked the ball - into the net in no time at all."
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- He came up to me - just after we were awarded a corner.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- We were side by side - waiting for the ball.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07- He said to me - he was expecting me - to give him the last two lines.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- "Why haven't you finished it?" - he said?
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- I couldn't finish it.
0:11:12 > 0:11:18- I couldn't play football - and write poetry at the same time.
0:11:31 > 0:11:32- .
0:11:37 > 0:11:37- 888
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- 888- - 888
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- Well, we're here - at Bryngwenith Chapel.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59- It's one of the chapels - that is familiar to us.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- We've been here to preach, I've been - here to a cymanfa festival.
0:12:03 > 0:12:09- The three of us have been here - many times to an eisteddfod.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- Eisteddfodau used to be held - in chapels.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- Many eisteddfodau were held - in village halls and chapels.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- Being in a place like this...
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- ..brings memories flooding back.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- There were eisteddfodau - throughout the year.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- We would attend eisteddfodau - in many towns and villages in Dyfed.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- There would be three eisteddfodau - a year in places like Aberporth.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- We would attend eisteddfodau...
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- ..on New Year's Day every year.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51- The greatest eisteddfod in these - parts was Rhydlewis Eisteddfod.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- We'd learnt numerous pieces - of poetry and prose...
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- ..in the course of 15 years.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- What I remember most vividly - about the eisteddfodau...
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- ..was how late - they would finish at night.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- They would continue - into the early hours.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- You could see the condensation - running down the windows and walls.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- People would go home - from the eisteddfod...
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- ..and start milking on the farms.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25- The eisteddfod in Rhydlewis was - well known for its late finishes.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- It would always - go on until milking time.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- I remember once it finished - at 2.00am.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37- They held an emergency meeting - to see where they'd gone wrong!
0:13:41 > 0:13:47- This is where our father - won a chair for writing a poem.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- We were all glad...
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- ..he had experienced - that memorable accomplishment.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- Even though - we were never forced to do it..
0:14:01 > 0:14:07- ..I can't remember ever going - on stage without feeling nervous.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- There was always a fear.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- The fear of forgetting the words - more often than not.
0:14:13 > 0:14:19- I always wanted to do justice - to the piece I was reciting.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24- That's very true.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- We won a number of competitions - over the years.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- We also - lost our share of competitions.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- Far more.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- Another thing I remember...
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- ..was that Mam was never angry - when we lost at any eisteddfod.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- Once the eisteddfod was over...
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- ..it was time to look ahead - to the next eisteddfod.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- On the subject - of joining the ministry...
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- ..I was sure from the start - that it was the right thing for me.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- We had a great-grandfather.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- He was a minister, - as were his two brothers.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- The three were ministers.
0:15:24 > 0:15:30- We were very aware - of that tradition within the family.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- I remember the night - when Jim returned home...
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- ..and entered Parc Nest - through the kitchen door...
0:15:45 > 0:15:47- ..and told us as a family...
0:15:47 > 0:15:52- ..that he had decided - to enter the ministry.
0:15:53 > 0:15:59- Of course, I was raised as a child - attending Ebenezer chapel.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- I'd only known one minister at that - chapel - Professor Trefor Evans...
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- ..a professor at the Presbyterian - College in Carmarthen.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- I admired his way...
0:16:12 > 0:16:18- ..of dealing with the Scriptures - and the Word of God.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- From my admiration of his sermons...
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- ..grew my desire - to become a minister.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- After three years - in the theological college...
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- ..I was called to the ministry - at Bethania in Tumble.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- I found it - a very fascinating chapel.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45- I was a farmer's son.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- Almost everyone - who attended the chapel...
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- ..was connected - to the coal industry.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- Even though we all belonged to - the same county - Carmarthenshire...
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- ..some of the people there - were very different...
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- ..to the people - I knew in Newcastle Emlyn.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- At the end of the four-year period, - I moved to Bangor.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- This is where I've been ever since.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- It was the natural path to follow...
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- ..because of the upbringing...
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- ..and the ideal - of doing something constructive...
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- ..and offering support - to one community or another.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- I was first called to the ministry - to Henllan Amgoed...
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- ..in south Carmarthenshire, - not far from home.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- After a period - of nine years there...
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- ..in south-west Carmarthenshire...
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- ..I was called - to serve as a minister in Neath.
0:17:46 > 0:17:53- Theological radicalism - was at the fore in the college.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- From that moment onwards...
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- ..I learnt that...
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- ..asking questions - was part of the faith.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- We shouldn't accept everything - without challenging it occasionally.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- Gradually, throughout my ministry...
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- ..I asked more and more questions.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23- They became more prominent - in my mind.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28- Maybe they became - more apparent in my sermons too.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- In the end, - I drew the conclusion...
0:18:33 > 0:18:38- ..that I shouldn't preach - about doubt.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- When you're delivering a sermon...
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- ..you should be stating something - that's defined and assertive.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- The Gospel of Christ itself...
0:18:52 > 0:18:58- ..I don't think we will see - another gospel like it.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- His message - is eternal and everlasting.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- In this day and age...
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- ..amidst a backdrop of war, - disillusionment...
0:19:07 > 0:19:12- ..and chaos of our generation...
0:19:12 > 0:19:17- ..for me, the Gospel of Jesus Christ - is most certainly...
0:19:17 > 0:19:23- ..one of the answers if not - the most important answer of all.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33- I'm not questioning - Jesus Christ's teaching in any way.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- He is the hero.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- His teachings remain firm.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- What I have questioned...
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- ..is the way the Church - has discussed his teachings...
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- ..and interpreted that doctrine.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- I feel that the Church...
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- ..and this has occurred - throughout history...
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- ..the Church has lost sight - of Christ's humanity.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- The emphasis has been placed - on his deity.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- This is a question - I ask myself frequently.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- Would Jesus Christ want us - to call him "Lord"?
0:20:19 > 0:20:25- The ethos of his teachings - opposes that concept.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- Would he?
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- Would he want us - to build these grand buildings...
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- ..to reflect - his dominance and Lordship?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- It raised concerns and doubts - in my mind.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- By now, I've come to realize...
0:20:57 > 0:21:03- ..that the Church - has been drowned by doctrine.
0:21:04 > 0:21:10- As a result, - we've lost sight of Jesus.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17- I truly hope that we will see - the Christian Church...
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- ..rediscovering Jesus Christ - as a person.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- He's a far greater person...
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- ..than the doctrine - has ventured to teach us.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- That's when I decided that it was - time for me to change my career.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- The doubts were increasing...
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- ..and that's why - I changed my career.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- I was very interested in drama.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- I became a lecturer - of Welsh and Drama...
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- ..in Trinity College, Carmarthen.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- After seven years in Carmarthen...
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- ..these seven-year cycles have been - a prominent part of my life...
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- ..I then moved to work in the BBC - in Cardiff.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- I became a script editor.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27- My main responsibility was - as script editor for Pobol y Cwm.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- The move from Neath to Cardiff - was a strange move.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- I tried for numerous positions...
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- ..because Menna - was working full-time in Cardiff.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- She was the chief breadwinner - within the family.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50- After some discussion, we decided - that it would be wiser for us...
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- ..to move closer to Cardiff - and closer to Menna's workplace.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- We realized that there were - a number of possibilities.
0:22:58 > 0:23:04- I thought I'd find an opportunity - to become a minister near Cardiff.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- That never transpired.
0:23:06 > 0:23:13- I then applied for a job with the - BBC - a job in the News Department.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- It was a natural progression - for me...
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- ..because - I'd had an active interest...
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- ..in current affairs and politics - over the years.
0:23:26 > 0:23:32- It was early spring and 24 million - tons of coal had been stockpiled...
0:23:32 > 0:23:36- ..but according to Arthur Scargill, - President of the NUM...
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- ..there was no way - to avert the strike.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- The NUM don't want a dispute.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- A period I remember quite vividly...
0:23:45 > 0:23:49- ..because my wife Menna came - from a coal mining background...
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- ..her father was a miner.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57- I spent a year - reporting the miners' strike.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- It was a very daunting time.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- While we're talking about Menna...
0:24:08 > 0:24:13- ..it's thanks to her that I - developed a keen interest in music.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- She had a keen interest in music.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- She had been a member of the - National Youth Orchestra of Wales.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24- Her musical training - started at a very young age.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- I remember during her illness...
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- ..she was struck down - with motor neuron disease...
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- ..and what I remember - more than anything...
0:24:35 > 0:24:40- ..is the way music - became a great comfort to her.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- It would bring a smile to her face.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48- There was a smile on her face - even through the darkest days.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- What I remember more than anything - is her courage.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55- One learns a lot - during hard times like that.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- It wasn't something - that only we had experienced.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- It both shocks and surprises one...
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- ..to see a person's courage - throughout troubled times.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- And their refusal - to become bitter about illness.
0:25:15 > 0:25:16- .
0:25:18 > 0:25:18- 888
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- 888- - 888
0:25:24 > 0:25:28- "The north-east wind sows fern seeds
0:25:28 > 0:25:32- "On the ragged slopes - above Cwmbach
0:25:33 > 0:25:38- "I remember resting there as a child - with the sun scorching the fern
0:25:38 > 0:25:40- "Every park was familiar
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- "Parc Llwyncelyn, Parc y Plaen
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- "Cwm Mora, - Bariwns Coch and the Llain
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- "Parc Nest farmyard - sheltering the lake
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- "The willow - surrendering its branches
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- "Like tears into the water
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- "They were the summers - of laughter and cricket
0:26:00 > 0:26:06- "Dat batting after the harvested hay - was safely stored in the barn
0:26:07 > 0:26:09- "The ball falling into the lake
0:26:09 > 0:26:12- "Would mark the end of the game"
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- The starting point for me - as an author...
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- ..as a poet...
0:26:20 > 0:26:25- ..was the commission - to translate Under Milk Wood.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- I had the part of the First Voice...
0:26:28 > 0:26:33- ..in the early performances - at Laugharne.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- I took the part - of the First Voice...
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- ..for two performances.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- Gwynne D Evans then asked me...
0:26:45 > 0:26:51- ..if I would be interested - in translating the play into Welsh.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56- I told him I was interested - and spent six months translating it.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02- That's what stirred - my desire to start writing.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- Poetry was regularly heard - in our home.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16- We competed in many eisteddfodau - and learnt many different poems.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20- Maybe it's the best apprenticeship.
0:27:20 > 0:27:25- To learn poetry and learn - as many poems as you possibly can...
0:27:25 > 0:27:30- ..and then start writing - your own poetry later on in life.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- My parents had a keen interest - in poetry.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- One maid who worked in the house...
0:27:37 > 0:27:40- ..who played a large part - in our upbringing...
0:27:41 > 0:27:47- ..she couldn't understand - why we discussed poetry so much.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- She would call it "that old poetry".
0:27:52 > 0:27:56- "What is this 'old poetry' - you talk about all the time?
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- "There's work to do."
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- She wanted to see the chores - around the farm being completed.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07- Sometimes, all the work - on the farm would stop...
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- ..so that we could discuss poetry.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- Many poetic contests were held...
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- ..and a culture for literary - composition existed in the area.
0:28:24 > 0:28:30- My father and I, with another chapel - member from Newcastle Emlyn...
0:28:30 > 0:28:35- ..would regularly attend classes - given by T Llew Jones.
0:28:37 > 0:28:43- That's where - I learnt about the "cynganeddion".
0:28:44 > 0:28:48- They were truly - inspirational classes.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- Since we only had a small van...
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- ..and that they were - giving someone else a lift there...
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- ..I was never able - to attend those classes.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- That explains...
0:29:00 > 0:29:05- ..why I shall never sit in the Chair - at the National Eisteddfod.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- I should have been allowed - to attend those classes.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11- It's too late now.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- There something very appealing - about "cynghanedd".
0:29:15 > 0:29:20- It guides your thoughts as well as - sound pleasing to the ear.
0:29:21 > 0:29:27- A lot of people talk about - the limitations of strict verse.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- There are no true limitations...
0:29:31 > 0:29:35- ..only the limitations of its rules.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41- With these so-called limitations...
0:29:41 > 0:29:49- ..you are guided towards an image - or a vision within the "cynghanedd".
0:29:52 > 0:29:56- What inspired me - to write the most...
0:29:57 > 0:29:59- ..is the fact - that I live in Cardiff...
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- ..and I feel - a sense of deep longing.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- I long for the atmosphere - of west Wales.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- Some people ask me - why I don't return to live there.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- There are personal reasons for that.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- They make it almost impossible - for me to do that.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- I have grandchildren - who live near me nowadays.
0:30:27 > 0:30:33- It's not just the sense of longing - for people and material things...
0:30:33 > 0:30:35- ..that inspires me to write.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- My writing is filled with joy too.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- I feel strongly...
0:30:42 > 0:30:48- ..that the positive influences - in my life stem from that base...
0:30:48 > 0:30:53- ..the cultural, close community - that once surrounded me.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- During the 40 years - I've lived in Bangor...
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- ..I've also worked - as a chaplain in the hospital.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17- I must say...
0:31:19 > 0:31:25- ..that meeting patients - and people who are suffering...
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- ..has strengthened - my faith enormously.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- I've seen people coming to terms - with pain and suffering.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- "Within your cell, outwardly brave
0:31:43 > 0:31:48- "A breath of air and welcome respite - to conceal the pain
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- "Like a slow ship from its haven - - venturing
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- "As the breeze anoints - the silver sunshine"
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- It came as no surprise...
0:31:59 > 0:32:05- ..that when I saw "The Battle" - as a set theme...
0:32:05 > 0:32:09- ..for an ode - in a National Eisteddfod....
0:32:09 > 0:32:14- ..I thought immediately, - as far as I'm concerned...
0:32:14 > 0:32:20- ..the greatest battle in life is the - battle against death and mortality.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- "Walking from the exit to the car, - arm in arm with a loved one
0:32:34 > 0:32:38- "A pair, seemingly - in the early throes of life
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- "It's a time of regeneration"
0:32:45 > 0:32:51- Some of the crowd have already seen - "Eilwon" rise to his feet.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57- At the time, - the Mistress of the Robes...
0:32:57 > 0:33:02- ..was Pencerddes Moelfre...
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- ..a woman who lived...
0:33:05 > 0:33:10- ..across the road from my parents' - house in Newcastle Emlyn...
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- ..after they'd left the farm.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18- She carried the robe - as they all walked up to greet me.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23- She enrobed me - ready for the ceremony.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- She hadn't realized beforehand - who had won.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- Then, we came face to face.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36- She asked me...
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- .."Do your parents know about this?"
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- It was as if she was asking...
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- ..if they knew I'd been pinching - apples from the vicar's orchard!
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- That I'd been up to mischief!
0:33:52 > 0:33:58- "Yes, yes," I replied, - "They're here, in the audience."
0:34:00 > 0:34:05- My father always helped her - during the week of the Eisteddfod.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11- He would carry the bin - from her house to the road.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- If they were in the Eisteddfod, - what had happened to the bin?
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- She asked, - "Have they taken my bin out?"
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- "Yes, yes," I replied.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27- I knew that my father - had done so before leaving home.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- She then proceeded to enrobe me.
0:34:34 > 0:34:41- I think that's the most original - greeting any Chaired Bard...
0:34:41 > 0:34:45- ..has had - before walking towards the stage...
0:34:45 > 0:34:47- ..to receive his Chair.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- The name of the winning bard...
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- ..is the Reverend - John Gwilym Jones, Bangor.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- The Bard may be seated - in his Chair.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18- I think that competing - under an alias...
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- ..encourages - an inexperienced writer.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27- That person can submit the work...
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- ..without anyone - being award of their identity.
0:35:31 > 0:35:36- The adjudicator is able - to make a fair appraisal.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- We live in a very small country.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43- We know one another too well.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46- It is nice being able - to compete under an alias.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52- I competed for years...
0:35:52 > 0:35:57- ..before adjudicators - took any notice of my work.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01- In 1979, the year of - the first Devolution Referendum...
0:36:01 > 0:36:07- ..Jon Dressel, an American who was - a staff member at Trinity College...
0:36:07 > 0:36:11- ..and I decided - to enter a joint composition.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16- At the time, the conditions - applied to the plural.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- The rules stipulated that...
0:36:19 > 0:36:25- .."contestants must supply their - real names in a sealed envelope."
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- That's what we did!
0:36:27 > 0:36:29- When they opened the envelope...
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- ..they realized two contestants - had submitted one poem...
0:36:34 > 0:36:38- ..and a Crown could not - be awarded to joint winners.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- We three favoured - various submissions...
0:36:42 > 0:36:47- ..before agreeing that Janus's work - was worthy of the Crown.
0:36:48 > 0:36:56- However, having opened the envelope - which contained Janus's real name...
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- ..we realized - that Janus had violated...
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- ..one of the fundamental rules - of the Eisteddfod.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- We decided to disqualify Janus - from the competition.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- The pseudonym we chose...
0:37:09 > 0:37:14- ..was Janus - the Roman God - who looked in opposite directions.
0:37:15 > 0:37:20- They've been known ever since - as "Cerddi Ianws" - Janus's Poems.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- It was a light-hearted attempt...
0:37:24 > 0:37:30- ..a sort of trick - bending - the rules with a joint composition.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35- However, - there was a more serious element.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- Both of us felt...
0:37:40 > 0:37:44- ..that Wales was missing - a huge opportunity.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- Wales was committing - some kind of suicide...
0:37:50 > 0:37:52- ..by refusing this opportunity.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56- The failed Referendum is the central - themes of those poems.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59- They reflect my disappointment - with the outcome...
0:37:59 > 0:38:04- ..and raise - other fundamental questions.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- What does the future hold for Wales?
0:38:07 > 0:38:11- Will Wales fade into oblivion? - It was a grave concern.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15- The poems conclude...
0:38:15 > 0:38:19- ..that we need - to change our attitude...
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- ..or Wales will cease to exist.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29- That question was posed - by many people eventually...
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- ..and thankfully, - there was a second Referendum...
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- ..and victory was secured - by a hair's breadth.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- We call upon "Dilys" to stand.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54- I competed for a number of years.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58- I competed for the Crown - many times...
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- ..before succeeding in - the Fishguard National Eisteddfod.
0:39:05 > 0:39:11- The Eisteddfod was almost cancelled - because of the heavy rain.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- Terrible mud - - I'd never seen so much mud.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20- The organizer had sent me - a letter informing me that I'd won.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25- He asked me to come in - so that they could measure my head.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28- I thought he was pulling my leg.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31- So I didn't go.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35- When you see footage - of the ceremony...
0:39:35 > 0:39:40- ..it's blatantly obvious - that the crown didn't fit my head!
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- W J Gruffydd was the Archdruid.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- He had a lot of trouble. - "It will fit eventually," he said.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- It never did. - I hadn't measured my head.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54- Don't blame the crown!
0:39:59 > 0:40:01- It will fit eventually.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- "I have a photograph
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- "Ten children - in their Sunday best clothes
0:40:08 > 0:40:11- "Laughing and teasing the sunshine
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- "Between Sunday school - and afternoon tea
0:40:14 > 0:40:18- "The parents cheerfully leaning - on the gates to the meadows
0:40:18 > 0:40:22- "As the buds open up in springtime
0:40:23 > 0:40:28- "This was a day to celebrate - that the family were all together
0:40:30 > 0:40:35- "As May approached, - who would dare forecast snow?
0:40:36 > 0:40:41- "Mother - a sprightly girl, smiling - at me, though I wasn't there
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- "Her white blouse hiding her bosom - that would raise children in time
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- "What did she write in her diary - that day?
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- "The memory of Dat - tenderly last night
0:40:57 > 0:41:02- "Crossing the boundary - of the first desire in Cwm Cych"
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- When a letter arrived - from the same organizer...
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- ..for the Newport - National Eisteddfod...
0:41:13 > 0:41:15- ..he emphasized in the letter...
0:41:16 > 0:41:20- .."Please ensure you come in - so that we can measure your head."
0:41:20 > 0:41:25- I slipped in quietly on the - Saturday morning of the Eisteddfod.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29- At least the Crown - was a perfect fit!
0:41:29 > 0:41:30- .
0:41:35 > 0:41:35- 888
0:41:35 > 0:41:37- 888- - 888
0:41:40 > 0:41:45- The most remarkable National - Eisteddfod for us as a family...
0:41:45 > 0:41:47- ..was the one in Bro Colwyn.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52- I was coming to the end - of my term as the Archdruid.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- In that Eisteddfod...
0:41:54 > 0:41:59- ..Aled was crowned - on Monday afternoon...
0:41:59 > 0:42:04- ..and Dylan was chaired - on Friday afternoon.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- It is my greatest pleasure - to announce...
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- ..that the Crowned Bard...
0:42:12 > 0:42:17- ..of the 1995 Bro Colwyn - National Eisteddfod...
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- ..is Aled Gwyn.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23- The poem Aled had written...
0:42:23 > 0:42:30- ..also added to the emotion - of the occasion for me...
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- ..because of Gwennan.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38- The background to the series - of poems entitled "Melodiau"...
0:42:39 > 0:42:45- ..was my granddaughter - Gwennan's terminal illness.
0:42:45 > 0:42:51- The symptoms became apparent - on her 5th birthday.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58- One of the aspects I noticed - at the time was her courage.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01- She was always looking forward...
0:43:01 > 0:43:05- ..never willing to accept - that her time was running out.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09- She looked forward - to all sorts of events.
0:43:09 > 0:43:13- She asked her mother - hours before she died...
0:43:13 > 0:43:18- .."Mam, is everything - going to be alright?"
0:43:18 > 0:43:24- Her mother said, - "Yes, everything will be fine."
0:43:24 > 0:43:30- One way of getting it out - of my system was to write poetry...
0:43:30 > 0:43:34- ..about the experience - and the steps along the way.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37- I remembered the songs - I had sung to her.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40- I remember the songs - the family had sung to her.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45- I remember the songs she had learnt - and the songs she would sing.
0:43:45 > 0:43:47- They are the foundation of the poem.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- "You faced your Everest - before your time
0:43:53 > 0:43:57- "You struggle climbing the stairs - to your room
0:43:58 > 0:44:03- "To read all the stories - you know so well
0:44:04 > 0:44:07- "We went through them all in turn
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- "We were only just beginning, - my dearest love
0:44:15 > 0:44:19- "The books will remain and we shall - flick through them again
0:44:19 > 0:44:23- "We shall relive your response - to the stories and pictures
0:44:25 > 0:44:29- "I revisited every nook and cranny - where you used to hide
0:44:29 > 0:44:32- "Behind the piano, behind the door
0:44:32 > 0:44:35- "The hedge at the bottom - of the garden
0:44:35 > 0:44:39- "The far side of the old settle - and under the bed
0:44:40 > 0:44:43- "The screech of my finding you - echoing noisily all around
0:44:46 > 0:44:48- "On the wall near the front door
0:44:49 > 0:44:53- "I saw once again the mark - where we would record your height
0:44:53 > 0:44:55- "Every now and then
0:44:55 > 0:44:58- "A little growth every time
0:44:58 > 0:45:01- "Until the last time
0:45:03 > 0:45:08- "We won't make another mark - just in case"
0:45:12 > 0:45:16- Looking back at the poem, - it's very sad.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- It's part of this family forever.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23- I must say one thing...
0:45:23 > 0:45:27- ..it's her Crown, not my Crown.
0:45:27 > 0:45:31- It's a bitter-sweet reminder.
0:45:36 > 0:45:37- This year...
0:45:37 > 0:45:43- ..after competing three times - and coming close on one occasion...
0:45:43 > 0:45:46- ..I heard that I'd won the chair.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50- That was a very different thrill.
0:45:50 > 0:45:55- It had been an ambition of mine - to compete for the Chair for years.
0:45:55 > 0:46:01- It was such an ambition, that - winning it just once is enough.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09- I'll never compete for it again.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14- "Before the minutes bring the night - to embrace us coldly
0:46:15 > 0:46:17- "There remains between us
0:46:17 > 0:46:19- ..and the anguish - brought about by death to part us
0:46:19 > 0:46:21- "Our own duet
0:46:24 > 0:46:26- "As pure - as the light of the rainbow
0:46:26 > 0:46:30- "Is the deep darkness that will be"
0:46:31 > 0:46:35- I was travelling back to Cardiff - over Epynt Mountain...
0:46:38 > 0:46:40- ..one autumn evening.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46- We saw the most stunning sunset.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48- We had to stop the car.
0:46:48 > 0:46:54- We got out, - stood and marvelled at the sight.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58- We took a few photos of the sunset.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01- The sun setting.
0:47:01 > 0:47:06- Of course, I wrote - at the beginning of the ode...
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- ..in reality, - the sun wasn't setting.
0:47:09 > 0:47:14- It was deceit, an illusion - like - attending a theatre performance.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18- That's what happened - on the Epynt that evening.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24- "The unworldly moment
0:47:25 > 0:47:28- "The moment - of the vicious visitation
0:47:29 > 0:47:35- "The recurring moment - that wounded so many"
0:47:37 > 0:47:41- The dreadful war in Iraq...
0:47:43 > 0:47:47- ..and all the resultant deaths...
0:47:48 > 0:47:50- ..following the invasion of Iraq...
0:47:50 > 0:47:54- ..had been on my mind - for many months.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57- It influenced my work.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02- And it's on Epynt Mountain...
0:48:02 > 0:48:06- ..that some of the soldiers - currently serving in Iraq...
0:48:07 > 0:48:08- ..were trained.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11- It's...
0:48:13 > 0:48:16- It's a tragic episode - in the history of Wales.
0:48:19 > 0:48:25- 40,000 acres of land - have been "stolen"...
0:48:25 > 0:48:28- ..to teach soldiers how to kill.
0:48:28 > 0:48:32- I then go on - to talk about the sunset...
0:48:32 > 0:48:37- ..and how it will set - for me and every one of us.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41- Death is part of life.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45- It's not unnatural.
0:48:45 > 0:48:49- We must die - it's a fact of life.
0:48:49 > 0:48:54- The way in which we face death...
0:48:55 > 0:48:58- ..determines how we live our lives.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03- "The final breath of our day
0:49:03 > 0:49:07- "We stand before - its disappearing magic
0:49:07 > 0:49:09- "And suddenly
0:49:09 > 0:49:14- "We are blinded by the darkness
0:49:16 > 0:49:18- "And the end of our duet"
0:49:21 > 0:49:25- We must be very careful...
0:49:26 > 0:49:29- ..not to be fooled...
0:49:32 > 0:49:34- ..by the earth's cycle.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38- The sun isn't setting. - We turn away from the sun.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43- We can also be fooled - into believing in a heaven...
0:49:43 > 0:49:45- ..which doesn't exist.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51- "A defined moment
0:49:51 > 0:49:55- "When Arawn will come for us"
0:50:01 > 0:50:05- As brothers, I feel - there's a close bond between us.
0:50:05 > 0:50:08- We talk regularly, we phone - one another, we keep in touch...
0:50:09 > 0:50:11- ..and discuss different matters.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14- We've been close friends - throughout our lives.
0:50:14 > 0:50:18- I remember my father - once telling me...
0:50:18 > 0:50:21- ..as we were travelling - in the car...
0:50:21 > 0:50:25- .."Aled, I'll tell you - what I treasure most dearly."
0:50:25 > 0:50:27- "What's that?" I asked.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32- "That the three of you - get on so well."
0:50:35 > 0:50:39- Jim is the one who has imagination.
0:50:39 > 0:50:43- Jim could turn life into a drama.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50- I admire his intellectual talent.
0:50:51 > 0:50:57- He could have gone on - to become an academic.
0:50:57 > 0:51:01- He opted to enter into the ministry - and remained a minister...
0:51:01 > 0:51:03- ..and for that, I admire him.
0:51:06 > 0:51:10- With Aled, as his stature shows...
0:51:10 > 0:51:13- ..there's a stability about him.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15- He's totally reliable.
0:51:15 > 0:51:20- We can rely on him always, - whatever the situation.
0:51:20 > 0:51:23- That's how it's always been.
0:51:29 > 0:51:33- For as long as I live, and the same - goes for Jim and Aled...
0:51:34 > 0:51:37- ..we shall always - be known as Bois Parc Nest.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42- There's a special bond - between us and the farm...
0:51:44 > 0:51:49- ..and the life we shared together - in the family home.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41- S4C subtitles by Simian 04
0:52:41 > 0:52:41- .