0:00:04 > 0:00:07- We've an au pair because sometimes - we need an extra pair of hands.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12- People are so paranoid - about losing a nanny.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17- I don't feel like the family's maid.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- Years ago, the maid - did everything for the family.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- They weren't respected.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- Today, maids are impossible to find.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- Today's women would never do - what we did.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- The working environment - of service industry workers...
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- ..where women are the majority...
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- ..remains fairly unchanged.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- Hopefully, they treat you well.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- But you're there to serve - - they don't think of you as a person.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- There are people - who look down on you.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- Others appreciate - you're there to help them.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- My own son doesn't approve - of me doing it!
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- "Don't tell anyone - you're a cleaner," he says.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- It's not that he's posh.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- He's a bit of a snob.
0:01:12 > 0:01:13- 888
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- 888- - 888
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- 888
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- The upper classes hired housemaids.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- Today, there's a demand - for cleaners and nannies.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- Many women have made - some sort of career through serving.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41- But during the last 100 years...
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- ..there has been a shift in attitude - towards the masters - and the work.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- I love cleaning.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- I'm always tidying up around here.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- What I can manage, I do. - I love cleaning.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- Nansi started serving between - school hours at eight years of age.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- She recently retired - as a cleaner at 92 years of age.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- At 15 years of age, she was one - of a handful of local people...
0:02:12 > 0:02:16- ..who served the Marquis' family - at Plas Newydd, Anglesey.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- During the 1930s, she was - one of 25 staff who lived in.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- Her daughter, Ann, - has taken Nansi back to Plas Newydd.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- It's her first visit - for over 70 years.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- The place went full swing back then.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- What were your duties?
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- Me? I was a housemaid - in the bedrooms.
0:02:55 > 0:03:01- At breakfast time, we'd come - downstairs to collect our food...
0:03:01 > 0:03:03- ..and take it upstairs to eat.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- The footmen tended on us!
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- You were important, then!
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- They wore white gloves.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- Was the Marquis - and his family nice employers?
0:03:17 > 0:03:19- We hardly saw them.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- Did you have to bow to them?
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- Oh, yes. We'd curtsey.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27- They were gentries.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- Were you allowed in this area?
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- No - only when they were away.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- The master and servant relationship - is interesting.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- There was a clear divide - - 'us and them'.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- The family was different.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- They were highly revered.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- The staff lived a separate - existence elsewhere.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- You accepted your role in the world.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- How many Welsh people worked here?
0:04:07 > 0:04:08- Bessie, Betty and me.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- Were there more English - than Welsh servants?
0:04:13 > 0:04:16- I'm talking about the housemaids.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- English staff - far outnumbered the Welsh.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- Most of the footmen were English.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- Were they from London?
0:04:29 > 0:04:30- Probably.
0:04:33 > 0:04:39- It's absolutely clear that the - Plas Newydd and Penrhos families...
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- ..rarely employed Welsh girls.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- The Welsh staff - were on a very low level.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- Families would move around.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- It was their English staff - who moved with them.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- Before her promotion to housemaid...
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- ..Nansi had to prove herself - in the laundry.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- This was Mrs Biner's domain.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- She bought good quality food - but we weren't allowed to eat it.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- "You've got a sweet in your mouth, - Nansi," she said.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- I had to throw it away. - Oh, she was strict!
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- You couldn't talk - amongst each other.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33- We would iron in a row - on a long table.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- My sister stood next to me.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- She was allowed to iron his shirts - and her ladyship's clothes.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- But I was only allowed to handle - kitchen and bed linen.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Sometimes, I scorched the material.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- I'd try to hide it, but she'd - open it. Oh! Then, there was - trouble!
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- Oh, yes! We'd have an almighty row!
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- Women are still working - in these areas.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- They have always done so.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18- But these days, the big difference - is that they don't live in.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24- It's different to arrive, - work and return home.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- Living with the master - was another matter altogether.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- Women are still being hired - to help out in stately homes.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- This is Plas Moel Garnedd, by Bala.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- The maid's job - isn't the only one on offer.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52- I don't mow the lawns or trim - the hedges. I prune the hedges.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- Men undertake 'the heavy work', - as they call it, wherever I garden.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04- They like making an entrance - with their noisy, smelly machines...
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- ..to mow the lawns and hedges.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- They enjoy the big, macho jobs.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- I think you get more attention - doing those jobs.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- With nine flower beds, four lawns - and a caravan park to look after...
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- ..Eirian hires multi-skilled staff.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34- I value her gardening skills - as much as our chats over a cuppa.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- We need to plant for spring.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- We don't constantly talk - about the garden.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- We've managed to say quite - personal things to one another.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- Not everyone you invite into - your own home is a good listener.
0:07:54 > 0:08:00- I've liked the way you've planted - this small tete-a-tete so early.
0:08:01 > 0:08:07- I worked in places where I - disliked the way I was spoken to.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- Some people issue commands as if - you don't know what you're doing.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- In other places, - I was followed around.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- My work would be forever criticised.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- That would make me so tired.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- Then I would have to hold back - and try not to get angry.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- I would just think, 'There's - no point. I'm not coming back.'
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- That's what happens. - So I stay where I'm happy.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- I have a cleaner - who comes once a week.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- I've asked for their help - - and I'm glad to be able to pay them.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- They're not employed - just for the money's sake.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- And I'm more than willing to pay...
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- ..a little bit extra for the - time we spend chatting together!
0:09:07 > 0:09:13- I am definitely a happier person - on the days that they come here.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- I like the idea that we're friends.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- I've never liked the notion - of being an employer.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- I think Welsh people always - feel guilty about everything.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- We always think - we're from the same background.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- Employing a cleaner or maid - improves your status.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- You become what you once despised...
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- ..a member of the ruling classes.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- All over a sudden - you have a maid! - Oh, my God!
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- Grapes, things like that. They were - in that stage of putting pipes down.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- You have more respect now because - you don't depend on them for wages.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- If you're happy in your workplace, - you make a friend.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- People refer to the relationship - between employer and worker...
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- ..as a partnership.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- But, really, it isn't. It's - an employer-worker relationship.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- It's too easy within - the domestic world to disguise it...
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- ..as a partnership. "We're - friends, really." Well, are we?
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- After serving in the laundry, - Nansi climbed up the staff ladder.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- She was promoted to housemaid.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- I came here as a housemaid.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- We worked in the bedrooms.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- We made and changed the beds - and took clean towels upstairs.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08- We'd return at night to change - them again since they'd been used.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- We'd distribute clean ones again.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- No wonder they needed a laundry!
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- Oh, we thought they had - an easy life - and it was, too.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- You had to make sure - they didn't see you.
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- Once in the laundry, - there was a flurry of excitement.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- One of Lord and Lady Anglesey's - children was nearby.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- We daren't show our faces. - We had to hide.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- "They don't want to see you - - the likes of you."
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- That's what it was like. I don't - know whether it's what they wanted.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- She might have just said that.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- Yes, indeed!
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- 888
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Ifan!
0:12:15 > 0:12:16- Marianne! Tea's ready!
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- It's nothing new to hire someone - to help out with the children.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- If the au pair decides - to take a holiday...
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- ..the hectic aspect of - modern life returns.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- Clear away those socks, too.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37- My shoes are in the car.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- THEY SPEAK FRENCH
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- At the moment, - Audrey is in France for Easter.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- She's not here - and we're stuck!
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- It's difficult to be - in two places at the same time...
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- ..or if I want to pop out - on my own for half and hour.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- But she's back next week - - and things will be much easier!
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- Ta-ra, Taid!
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- We hired a French au pair - because we speak French at home.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- It isn't ideal for the au pair, - who came here to speak English.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- Having said that, - she knew beforehand.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- The children are accustomed - to having an au pair around.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- We've employed an au pair - since Ifan was two.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43- Marianne loves it - having someone - do her hair and play girlie games.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- We've also had girls - who play football.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- Whoever comes to us must be dynamic - and not be couch potatoes!
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- Elen and Francis Dupuy hardly ever - have the chance to watch TV.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- Running a popular Cardiff restaurant - means life revolves around work.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- We have quite a hectic life.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- Everything hinges around - what happens in the restaurant.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29- If we're short-staffed - which - happens quite often over the year...
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- ..our life changes.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- It's fun not having - Mam and Dad around!
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- They always talk shop at the table. - We don't know what's happening.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- I carry on eating, - and just look at them.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- Then the next minute, - they disappear and Audrey's with us.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- It's hard for us - because we work unsociable hours.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Bed-time for us - is often the early hours.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- We don't get to bed before 3.00am at - least twice or three times a week.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- We've had a lot of au pairs.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- It's just different - not having Mam and Dad around.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- You get used to it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- People say, "I wouldn't like - not having Mam and Dad around."
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- I find it quite fun.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- We don't expect the au pair - to undertake much housework.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- She lives as one of the family.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- All we expect is that she helps out - as one of the family.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- We all wash the bathroom - after using it.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- Everyone helps in the house. - She isn't expected to do everything.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Years ago, - family members didn't have a choice.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- Parents didn't have the sole - responsibility of raising children.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- Eldest daughters - were expected to come home to work.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- They often looked after - the youngsters.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- Farmers would employ...
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- ..a 13-year-old maid...
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- ..to look after the youngsters.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30- There is nothing harder - than looking after toddlers.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- That's what the eldest daughter had - to do, in addition to the housework.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- Sali, from Pontarddulais, - is 85-years-old.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- As the eldest daughter - of 11 children...
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- ..she had to accept her fate - early on.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- I was 14 on the 21st of November.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- Mam gave birth to a new baby - on the 1st of November.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- She arranged for a maid - to look after her.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- But the maid didn't turn up.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- My father wrote to the schoolmaster, - to ask if I could leave school...
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- ..three weeks before turning 14.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- We were eight children at the time. - My father worked in the coal works.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- Mam lay in bed in the parlour - with the baby.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- We ironed twice a week. - I washed and ironed for them all.
0:17:44 > 0:17:50- I had to help. I passed the 11+.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- I wanted to attend Grammar School - but I was the second oldest.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59- Dad said, "No. There's too much work - at home. You can't go."
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- After spending a year at home, and - Mam was better, I could go to serve.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- Although I served - - I worked harder at home at night...
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- ..than where I was serving.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- If they went to work for an aunt - or another family member...
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- ..they might never see their wages.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- The pay would go straight to the - mother. They worked for nothing.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- It was a labour of love at home!
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- THEY SPEAK FRENCH
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- Audrey, the au pair, has returned - from her holiday in France.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54- It's now easier for Elen and Francis - to cope with day-to-day life.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- We're very happy to know that Audrey - is looking after the children.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- It's much easier for us.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- Sometimes, she cooks for us all.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- She looks after the children.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- There's not too much stress for us.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- She's like a big sister to me.
0:19:19 > 0:19:25- A big sister who isn't an adult yet.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- IFAN COUNTS IN FRENCH
0:19:30 > 0:19:35- But it isn't all sweetness and light - when an outsider cares for children.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37- Yes!
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- You never forget the fact that - there's somebody else in your home.
0:19:43 > 0:19:49- A person who isn't a family member - but who lives with us. It's hard.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- I think Audrey knows us by now. - She laughs. She understands us!
0:19:57 > 0:20:02- That's important - - the fact she understands.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07- She understands us - and realises when we're tired.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- She's aware if there are - problems at work.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- If we want to argue - about something personal...
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- ..we have to be careful.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- We argue in the car going to work!
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- That's the price we pay - for an au pair.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35- It's hard for any person to adapt - to tensions within a family.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- It can be difficult - for the family, too.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- Getting used to having - someone else around.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- That person must adapt - to the life of the family.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- But usually - it's very easy.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- We did play one trick. Ifan had - a snake for Christmas two years ago.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- It looks like a real one! - We put it in her bed!
0:21:01 > 0:21:06- It's really slimy. - She screamed in the night.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- We just laughed in bed.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- It can be hard - to discipline the children.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- I'm not here to educate them. - The parents must set out the rules.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- I have to act upon those rules.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- An agreement between myself and the - parents must be reached beforehand.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- THEY SPEAK FRENCH
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- Sali's work didn't end - with raising her siblings.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- When they were old enough to work, - she still waited on them.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- Once more, her duties kept her busy.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- At one time, there were seven of my - family working in the coal works.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- My father put a row of pegs - in the back kitchen.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- There were separate pegs - for the work clothes.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- There were no pit-head baths. - We hand-washed them at home.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- I washed and ironed for them.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- We patched their work clothes - when they were in need of repair.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- When they were wet, we dried them.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- Once the clothes were dry, - we went out to shake them.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- If a patch was needed, we'd fix it.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- In those days, there were - two collars on each shirt.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- My sister and I would both be at it.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- One starched, blued and washed them, - and the other ironed the next day.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- We'd put them out on the line - and cover them in greaseproof...
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- ..so that flies wouldn't dirty them!
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- There'd be trouble - if there was a mark on them!
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- They were very particular, even - though there were so many of them.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- They don't know what work is today. - Not at all.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- Whilst the au pair - waits on the children...
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- ..Elen waits on - the restaurant customers.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Although she and Francis are happy - with the present arrangement...
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- ..it hasn't always been so easy.
0:23:45 > 0:23:50- One of our au pairs didn't want to - be one of the family. That was hard.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- When an au pair or nanny - lives in the home...
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- ..a close relationship is needed.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- MARIANNE SPEAKS FRENCH
0:24:06 > 0:24:11- It's important the family has time - to itself - and the au pair, too.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- But if an au pair locks herself in - her room and doesn't communicate...
0:24:16 > 0:24:20- ..then it doesn't work! It isn't - fair on the children, either.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- Traditionally, parents could - depend on other family members...
0:24:27 > 0:24:32- ..to help raise children but, today, - families live in different places...
0:24:32 > 0:24:35- ..and this makes it hard - - some don't like to ask.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- I don't think it's fair - that we depend on Mam and Dad.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- Obviously, they've helped a lot - - fetching the children, and so on.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- But I don't depend on them.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- They have their own lives.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02- 888
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- Good nannies are now considered - a rare breed.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- When two professional people - choose to earn a living...
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- ..it's important - to hold onto a good nanny.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16- If you lose the child carer...
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- ..you're totally lost.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- You depend on that person to - love and look after your children.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- Remember what we saw on TV?
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- Dad's more strict. - Dad's looking after us now.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39- But Bryn and I get bored with Dad. - We want another nanny!
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- Anne Owen - is a successful businesswoman.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- She's an executive partner - in an international London company.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- Every school holiday, Anne and her - family leave their city dwelling.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- They come to their second home, - in Lampeter.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- Her retired English husband - helps to look after the children.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- Before that, they employed - a nanny for more than one reason.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- I'd often set out at 6.30 or 7.00am.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- We saw parents take children - to their childminders at that hour.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- I didn't want to get the children - ready and get them out of the house.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- I wanted them - to be looked after at home.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32- It was important to me that - they were raised to speak Welsh.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- It wasn't just a language issue - but also a way of life.
0:26:41 > 0:26:42- CAR HORN
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- Eryl and Bryn had several nannies - - most living in with the family.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54- A favourite, Elin from Aberystwyth, - still keeps in touch.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- Go, go, go!
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- Elin was one of my favourites - because she was really funny.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03- She always played with us.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07- She lived in a room in the attic.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11- The attic had a shower, TV and bed.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- You could live up there - if it had a kitchen.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- And a sofa bed.
0:27:17 > 0:27:18- And a sofa bed.- - Yes!
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- Feet up!
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- A nanny's role - is to look after the children.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31- I expected her to make sure - their clothes were in order.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35- But the children are a nanny's - priority - not housework or ironing.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38- Being a nanny is a profession.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- Angharad Llwyd, from Aberaeron, has - made a career from being a nanny.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- She also lives in an attic flat.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- Her employers live in Islington, - London.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- I'm extremely close to Jessica.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- When I'm home, - Jessica's the topic of conversation.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- But she knows - when it's Friday night.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- One Friday, I said, - "Goodnight then, Jessica.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- "I'll see you tomorrow." - "No, Monday," she replied.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17- She knows it's Angharad - from Monday to Friday...
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- ..and her parents on the weekend.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- I'm responsible for feeding Jessica.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- I make sure that - wherever she plays is clean.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- I ensure her clothes are clean.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37- Will you cut it?
0:28:38 > 0:28:43- I don't do anything for them. - Housework isn't my problem.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- They have a cleaner for that.
0:28:47 > 0:28:52- All I'm responsible for - is Jessica's welfare.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59- Jessica's parents work long hours.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- Her mother is a solicitor - and her father works for a bank.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- They hired a nanny who would - ensure that Jessica is raised...
0:29:07 > 0:29:10- ..exactly how - her professional parents wished.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15- At the moment, - Jessica's at home all day with me.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- I'm with her from 8.00am to 7.00pm.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- She has music and dancing lessons.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- We go swimming - - she enjoys everything we do.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- If she doesn't enjoy it, - we don't do it.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28- Bye bye!
0:29:30 > 0:29:34- This is an affluent area - - there are many nannies here.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- If you phone for a class, - they ask, "Nanny or mother?"
0:29:41 > 0:29:43- I don't feel like the family's maid.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- Years ago, a maid did - everything for the family.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- They weren't respected.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- They were kept behind the scenes.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59- Nowadays, people ask, - "Are you Jessica's nanny?"
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- We're not asked, - "Are you the mother?"
0:30:03 > 0:30:05- They presume everyone's a nanny.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10- People are shocked when a mother - stays at home to look after a child.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18- Watch the tree.
0:30:18 > 0:30:23- London is so competitive, people - are terrified of losing a nanny.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29- They buy their nanny a better car - or pay her gym membership...
0:30:31 > 0:30:33- ..just to make sure she stays.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41- There's a shift of power - - it isn't with the employer.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45- It's much more of a partnership.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50- Originally, it was the landed gentry - who employed maids.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52- During the 20th century...
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- ..the middle classes enhanced - their status by employing a maid.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- They lived in, carrying out - all sorts of domestic chores.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- Although very many went - to Liverpool or London to serve...
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- ..Sali from Pontarddulais didn't - cross the border to find work.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- Five from my village - went to serve in Treforest.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- One with a butcher, - another with a vicar.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- One went to Bowen's.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- Another served an old lady - in Glasfryn, Treforest.
0:31:35 > 0:31:41- The people who tended - to hire a 'maid of all work'...
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- ..were the aspiring middle class...
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- ..people who wanted to show that...
0:31:48 > 0:31:50- ..they were going up in the world.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- The maid was a symbol - of this status.
0:31:57 > 0:32:02- It was an incredibly hard life - for the girl.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08- The solicitor was alright.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- But- she- was awful.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- You tried your best, - but it was never good enough.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23- She was never grateful.
0:32:28 > 0:32:34- There was a brass plaque - on the gatepost...
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- ..showing he was a solicitor.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- I had to clean it with Brasso.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45- I scrubbed the front doorstep - and prepared their breakfast.
0:32:45 > 0:32:51- You couldn't call - their two children, Morley and Joy.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56- It used to kill me to say, - 'Master Morley' and 'Miss Joy'.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- So... no, I wasn't happy there.
0:33:07 > 0:33:12- I think the employer was highly - regarded in the 1920s and 1930s.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- The mistress was the boss - - they listened to whatever she said.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20- Everything revolved - around the mistress.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- A good and kind mistress meant - a fairly happy life for the maid.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28- If she was cruel or hard, - life could be very hard.
0:33:29 > 0:33:34- More often than not, the maid - had to do everything in the house.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- I had every other Saturday - and every other Sunday off.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- When I returned...
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- ..there'd be a mountain of dishes - after she'd been entertaining.
0:33:47 > 0:33:53- I'd arrive at 10.00pm, change - to my black dress, apron and cap...
0:33:53 > 0:33:58- ..and get on with the dishes - for the next hour and a half.
0:33:58 > 0:34:03- I still had to be up - in the morning at 6.30am.
0:34:04 > 0:34:10- When I was young, - I daren't answer back or say no.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- Whatever she wanted me to do, - I'd do it.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- They'd last a day today - before leaving.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- It's a good thing it's come to that.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25- Oh, yes.
0:34:27 > 0:34:28- Oh, yes.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- I've got hiccups!
0:34:31 > 0:34:35- It's OK! Have a little drink - and they might go away.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Being a nanny isn't always easy.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- You must be able to tell bosses, - "I'm not happy I'm doing this.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- "I shouldn't be doing it."
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- There are people who don't know - what a nanny's job description is.
0:34:54 > 0:34:59- They think they don't have to pay - a nanny between 11.00pm and 7.00am.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- A nanny might be the only adult - in the house with the child.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- In my first job, I was the baby's - monitor throughout the night.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11- This one?
0:35:11 > 0:35:12- This one?- - Yellow.
0:35:12 > 0:35:13- This one?
0:35:13 > 0:35:17- If he cried or moved, I'd go to him.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- I'd make sure he was alright. - It started off one night a week.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- It became two nights, - three and four.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- I was given - more and more responsibility.
0:35:34 > 0:35:40- We know of a couple - who've treated nannies very badly.
0:35:41 > 0:35:47- They were mother-figures, - looking after them.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- On call, really. - All day and all night.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56- Having chosen to have children...
0:35:56 > 0:36:01- ..I want to spend - as much time as I can with them.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- You trust this person - to look after your children.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- Some parents hand over - all responsibility to nannies.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- The children - are designer accessories.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17- Elin has turned her back - on a career as a nanny.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- She's training - to be a paediatric nurse.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- Aspects of the work didn't suit her.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29- They were long hours - and it was lonely work.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- I was alone. - A lady came in to clean.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- I spoke to her but only once a week.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39- I watched the news at 12.30pm - every day.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43- I became excited just - to find out what was going on.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45- It was a very lonely job.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55- Aspects of living in - as a nanny or maid...
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- ..don't change - from generation to generation.
0:37:00 > 0:37:05- I was between fifteen and sixteen - and from a large, close family.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- They wouldn't allow us - to mix with them.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- We had to stay in the scullery.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17- That's where we'd remain - 'til our work was done.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- No - they weren't nice. - It broke my heart.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- I cried more than I ever have since.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- 888
0:37:38 > 0:37:46- If I could have 'til - the 9th of March, I'll be 102.
0:37:47 > 0:37:51- Yes.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56- I don't know how I can be like this.
0:38:02 > 0:38:07- In 1916, when she was 14, Mary - Hughes left her Rhosgadfan home.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- She became - a Waunfawr shopkeeper's maid.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13- She was their only maid.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- Life for a young girl, with - so much housework, could be hard.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- You didn't have much freedom.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29- I would go to chapel on a Sunday - night to listen to the sermon.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- But I didn't enjoy the sermon.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39- I had to get up at 6.00am - to do the washing in the cellar.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- By 8.00am, - I was preparing breakfast.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- I couldn't enjoy the sermon.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- I was allowed home once a month.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04- After six months, I'd get my wages.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- 6 for half a year.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16- Compared to today's youngsters, - it was a hard life.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- After two years, - Mary got another job.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- She became - a Caernarfon doctor's maid.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- She greatly respected her masters.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33- But there is one unfortunate - incident that still haunts her.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- I took the breakfast tray up - one morning.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- It was a huge tray.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- All their breakfasts - were on the tray.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52- As usual, - I put the tray on the table.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- As I placed it down, it slid off.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04- Everything slid off.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- I didn't know what to do.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- I can remember him saying to her...
0:40:13 > 0:40:15- .."Don't say a word."
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- That's all I remember.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24- I was so scared.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- I didn't have a row.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37- They were good people.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- I could even go to the pictures.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- I'd go to the Guild Hall - under the clock.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47- That's where we would go.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- If he went to see Charlie Chaplin, - I could go with him.
0:40:53 > 0:40:58- I would accompany him to a shed - to hold a light for him...
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- ..if he wanted to work on the car.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- He was friends with me.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- I shan't say any more. No.
0:41:10 > 0:41:11- Yes.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13- Mmm.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- Mary didn't stay long after that.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- In 1924, she married - a lad from Rhosgadfan...
0:41:21 > 0:41:23- ..and stopped waiting on others.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28- She has now lived over a century.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32- Mary has seen great change - in technology and machines.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- She's noticed an attitude change - towards serving the masters.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41- No-one waits any more.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- People feel they're as good - as the next person.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- I think people do serve today.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57- Given the proper status, - it's genuinely important work.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03- The tourist industry needs people - who know how to wait and serve.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08- Abroad, the quality of service - is of the highest standard.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10- They take pride in it as a craft.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- In Wales, - it isn't granted the same status.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18- Our tourist industry suffers - as a result of lack of status...
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- ..especially amongst the Welsh.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27- Perhaps it's a throwback to the way - maids were treated over the years.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32- Maybe young girls - have different ambitions.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34- They see the work differently.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- Some might view it - as a profession...
0:42:38 > 0:42:41- ..to be developed into a business - instead of serving one person.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46- You're not a family maid - - you're running a business.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- There is a genuine need - for this service.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54- Someone must take responsibility - for domestic work.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57- Perhaps it's easier to buy into.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05- Maureen works for a cleaning agency - in Bontnewydd, Caernarfon.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10- She feels she was born - into this career.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16- I started to clean a church - with Nain as a youngster.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20- Nain showed me how to polish - and brush the floor.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22- I progressed from there.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- I like cleaning. - I've always done it.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30- I've tried other jobs - but I prefer cleaning.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37- Maureen and other daily helpers' - attitude to a hard master...
0:43:37 > 0:43:39- ..proves times have changed.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45- I walked in for the first time.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50- She said, "There's the sink." - It was full of dishes.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- I washed them all - and moved to another room.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57- When I returned, - the sink was full of dishes again.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01- "I don't like washing the dishes," - she said. I just looked at her.
0:44:02 > 0:44:06- "The sink and food cupboards - need cleaning," she said.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09- She ordered me around, - and I looked at her.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11- "Oh!" I said, and never went back.
0:44:11 > 0:44:16- I don't mind cleaning and helping - out. But I won't be anyone's skivvy!
0:44:18 > 0:44:22- They must show consideration - when talking to us.
0:44:23 > 0:44:28- I can easily turn around and say, - "Oh, well. I'll find another job."
0:44:29 > 0:44:32- There is such a demand for us, - it's just a matter of a phone call.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40- They're willing to pay, - that's one thing!
0:44:40 > 0:44:43- The wages can be quite good.
0:44:43 > 0:44:48- We're not expected to do - any ridiculous chores.
0:44:48 > 0:44:53- Usually, they're polite and say, - "Do this if you have the time."
0:44:54 > 0:44:57- If someone bossed me, - I wouldn't do it.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03- One lady expected me - to do silly things every week.
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- Cleaning the lampshades.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11- She prepared a list - for the first week.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14- The list was longer - the following week.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17- Clearly, it was - getting longer every week.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- Before starting to argue, - it was better to quit.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26- People appreciate - the services of a cleaner.
0:45:26 > 0:45:28- It gives them more free time.
0:45:29 > 0:45:35- The three or four extra hours a week - with the family makes a difference.
0:45:43 > 0:45:47- There's no doubt that the supply of - electricity and water to houses...
0:45:48 > 0:45:52- ..had an enormous impact on the - lives of women in the 20th century.
0:45:52 > 0:45:57- Washing machines became gods in - the kitchen in the 1950s and 1960s.
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- The hoover - revolutionised housework, too.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07- Machines cut out - the need for maids.
0:46:08 > 0:46:13- They began using industrialised - machines in hospitals and laundries.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23- All sorts of machines have made - a difference to domestic work.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- On the other hand, - the social standards have changed.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- In the old days, - I'd have a bath once a week...
0:46:30 > 0:46:33- ..on Sunday nights, - before school on Monday.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- Nowadays, people bathe at least - once a day - if not twice daily.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41- We wash our clothes on daily basis. - They're worn once and then washed.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44- In the old days, - they'd be worn for a week.
0:46:45 > 0:46:49- There's more work, even though - the work itself isn't as hard.
0:46:49 > 0:46:51- I think there's more work, - definitely.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54- These days, - they don't care how it's done.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56- They just go and change jobs.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01- But they have everything at their - disposal to lighten their loads.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04- Times have changed.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- They have everything - but they complain even more.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12- They complain much more - and they have everything.
0:47:13 > 0:47:17- Perhaps I was born too early. Yes!
0:47:18 > 0:47:21- That's what I think.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- I was married for 15 years - before having a washing machine.
0:47:27 > 0:47:29- I'm no worse.
0:47:30 > 0:47:31- No worse at all.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35- There's so much cleaning equipment - on the market.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37- Washing machines, - hoovers and everything.
0:47:38 > 0:47:44- We still get more work done - in a few hours than years ago.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47- It would have taken them all day.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54- The machines do everything for you.
0:47:54 > 0:48:00- Life is easier, - if this is the life you want.
0:48:01 > 0:48:07- But hard work didn't kill me, - did it?
0:48:09 > 0:48:10- Did it?
0:48:12 > 0:48:15- Or I wouldn't be here today.
0:48:49 > 0:48:51- S4C Subtitles by- GWEAD
0:48:51 > 0:48:52