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0:00:02 > 0:00:08- The wild west is home - to several family-run bus companies.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12- In this series, - we follow three of them.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15- Taf Valley Coaches, Whitland.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18- Someone's sure to complain.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20- Richards Bros, Cardigan.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- We talk on the phone, mostly.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- We talk on the phone, mostly.- - Then we can't hit each other!
0:00:26 > 0:00:28- And Midway Motors, Crymych.
0:00:30 > 0:00:31- The bus is coming!
0:00:32 > 0:00:36- They link rural communities...
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- I used to follow - a herd of cows down here.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- The drawbacks of country life.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- ..with nearby towns...
0:00:44 > 0:00:45- How are you, Tom? OK?
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- ..and run trips - with some colourful characters.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- We're what's termed merry widows.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- We're the carers, - they're from the care home.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- We won't get invited - back to Newport for a while.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- Yes, there's lots of fun - and laughter on the buses.
0:01:12 > 0:01:18- It's another busy early morning - at Richards Bros' yard in Newport.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23- The service buses are being washed - before another day's work.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- Malcolm, one of the brothers, - is in charge today.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- He's keeping a close eye on things.
0:01:31 > 0:01:32- I'm here by myself today.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- The other two have gone - to Sherburn-in-Elmet near Leeds.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- They're picking up a new bus...
0:01:42 > 0:01:47- ..for a new run in Pembrokeshire - and Carmarthenshire, Bwcabus.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- A brand-new bus.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- As well as service buses...
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- ..carrying schoolchildren - is a major part of the business.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02- Between 7.30am and 8.00am, - a dozen buses leave this yard.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- It's pretty busy, - then it's quieter by 8.15am.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- Most of these are going out now.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16- Some service buses, - some school buses.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- While Nigel is away in Leeds...
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- ..Malcolm makes sure - that things run smoothly.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- But Leeds or not, - Nigel likes to keep in touch.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- He uses technology - to show off the new bus.
0:02:31 > 0:02:32- Can you see the Optare name?
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- Can you see the Optare name?- - Yes, quite plainly at the top.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38- I'll be careful here.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- He has a few pennies - in his pocket to pay for it.
0:02:43 > 0:02:44- Here's the interior.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- Leather seats, or E-Leather.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49- Blue. They're blue.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- Dark blue, navy.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- Everyone seems happy - with the new purchase...
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- ..and they can't wait - for the bus to arrive in Newport.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- Meanwhile, - at Taf Valley Coaches in Whitland...
0:03:10 > 0:03:15- ..they're preparing for a trip - that's a bit further than Leeds.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- They're leaving for Belgium...
0:03:18 > 0:03:23- ..and a memorial service for those - who fell during the First World War.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28- It's a long trip, beyond the legal - driving duration in two countries.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- A minute over is enough.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- Get caught - and the police give you a fine.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- Lionel is first behind the wheel, - and every minute counts.
0:03:41 > 0:03:47- I'll pick everyone up, then Hubert - will take over the driving...
0:03:47 > 0:03:49- ..all the way to Bruges.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- Off they go to Pembroke Dock.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- First on board are Geraint and Ann, - who are used to making this trip.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- We've researched - the areas we're visiting.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07- My great uncle - was injured in the war.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- The First World War.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- He was taken to hospital - but sadly died.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- He was buried not far from Calais.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19- The climax of the trip...
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- ..is the armistice memorial service - at Menin Gate, Ypres.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- It's this service - that usually ensures a full bus.
0:04:27 > 0:04:28- Very emotional.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- One year, - it was pouring with rain...
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- ..as the poppies fell - from the tower, from the Menin Gate.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- It was like blood - flowing down the road.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- It was very symbolic.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44- It was...
0:04:46 > 0:04:51- Well, a lot of people shed tears.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57- Before venturing onto the M4, - they stop at Morriston fire station.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- Waiting for the bus is Hubert, - who will drive the rest of the way.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09- I've done this trip now - for about eight years.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- They ask for Hubert every time.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21- We're going to Folkestone, - then on the train under the sea.
0:05:22 > 0:05:28- Then it's another two-hour drive - and we should be in Bruges.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- The trip is organized by past and - present members of the fire service.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- The journey - has a special meaning for them.
0:05:37 > 0:05:43- It's important for us because we've - been coming now for over 20 years.
0:05:43 > 0:05:49- There's a historic connection - between the UK fire brigade...
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- ..and the fire service in Ypres.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- It first started in 1994.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- ..when the chief fire officer - of Dyfed Fire Brigade at the time...
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- ..got wind that this ceremony - was held in Ypres every year.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06- He asked us if we'd like to go.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08- So, in 1994, we set off...
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- ..never thinking, 23 years later, - we'd still be going.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- Gerwyn and his crew are based - at Haverfordwest fire station.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- When they're not out saving lives...
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- ..they take part - in ceremonies across the country.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- We go out to Ypres every November.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- We attend the funerals...
0:06:35 > 0:06:40- ..of any firefighters - that lose their lives.
0:06:40 > 0:06:46- Sometimes, we're even invited - to attend weddings.
0:06:46 > 0:06:52- If there's anything on, the service - passes the information on to me.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- I then get in touch with Dai...
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- ..to see who we can get - to turn out for the colour party.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02- A mobile phone is very handy, - and WhatsApp.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- The colour party boys - all get a message on WhatsApp.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- Who's available? Let's get there.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- Back in Newport, the new bus - reaches the Richard Bros' yard.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- It's a big family occasion.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- Marteine has even come from Cardigan - to have a peek.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31- Does it go well?
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- I'm glad we didn't follow you - all the way!
0:07:38 > 0:07:39- What's it like then?
0:07:42 > 0:07:43- Oh, leather seats!
0:07:43 > 0:07:44- Leather seats!
0:07:46 > 0:07:47- Instruction book.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- How To Drive In Five Easy Ways!
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- A fine Bwcabus, and it's here.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- Leather seats. Posh.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- Pembrokeshire will be amazed!
0:08:02 > 0:08:03- Good, isn't it?
0:08:04 > 0:08:05- It should be for the price.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07- 110,000.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- Maybe you shouldn't have gone - for leather seats then, Marteine!
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- But everyone is happy - with the latest purchase.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- Nigel has another toy to play with.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23- I'm not sure how it works.
0:08:23 > 0:08:29- Poppit Sands and the best village - in Wales, or so I'm told.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- St Dogmaels next stop!
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- Midway Motors in Crymych - is an old family business.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- It was established - by Stanley and Wyndham Rees.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- They've reached a milestone in 2017, - the company's 60th anniversary.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- Many family members - rely on the business...
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- ..so it's vital - to make it a success.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- Things have changed - since I left school.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- We didn't do MOTs then.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14- The service and repair - side of things has developed.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- Aled came back, - and he sprays and repairs cars.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- You'd never think - that would be as busy as it is.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- There's always someone - who has a knock at Tesco...
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- ..or they kerb a wheel.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- There's always something.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- There are strict guidelines - for driving buses.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Every driver has a tacho card.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- You put this card - into the machine on the bus.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- It records every hour you drive.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49- That's the new system.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- The old system - has paper tacho discs.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- We use both systems - because we have older buses.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03- You can work for 15 hours a day, - but no more than ten hours driving.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08- No single shift at the wheel - can last longer than 4.5 hours.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- It can be a headache sometimes.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- Driving hours are also important - to Hubert from Taf Valley Coaches.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- He's almost in Folkestone - and the Eurotunnel terminal.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- It's dark and wet - on the French coast.
0:10:28 > 0:10:34- The destination, Bruges in Belgium, - is still about 90 minutes away.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- This will be home - for the next three days.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- The tiny pins in the backside - have turned into nails!
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- I'll be glad - to sit in a comfy chair.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- I'm glad we've arrived - but disappointed that it's raining.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- But it should improve - tomorrow and the day after.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- We're here in one piece.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57- At last.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- The weather's supposed to be OK now, - but with some rain tomorrow.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07- Hopefully, on the eleventh, - it'll be nice.
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0:11:18 > 0:11:18- Subtitles
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- Taf Valley Coaches - have organized a trip to Belgium...
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- ..for the armistice service.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- After a good night's sleep, - some of the passengers...
0:11:38 > 0:11:43- ..are going on an excursion - to the WW1 museums and cemeteries.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- Hubert knows the roads - better than anyone.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54- I'm out here every year, and - I've been twice this year already.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- When I started driving, - there was no satnav.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- The satnav's in my head.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- You can't go wrong.
0:12:01 > 0:12:07- The roundabouts - are the same as they are at home.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- The road surface here is better.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- The roads are better than at home.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- It's important to keep to time.
0:12:18 > 0:12:24- If you lose time, people - have less time somewhere else.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- The first museum visited - is Hooge Crater.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40- It's a chance to experience - that terrible time in 1914.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Delyth and Ian - are regulars on these trips.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- They never tire - of seeing or hearing the story.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- This year, Ian is taking part - in the armistice service.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- Ian has been seven times, I think, - and I've been six times.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- No, it's a good trip.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- Having two boys - in the Royal Welch, you know...
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- ..when I come round the cemeteries, - I always look at the headstones...
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- ..and I think about the parents who - watched their children going to war.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- It does get a bit emotional - when you look at that.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- But at the same time, I'm proud - to march and show my respect...
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- ..for the soldiers - that lost their lives for the cause.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- You learn each time you come out, - going to different places.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- We meet people on the coach...
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- ..from other trips, - so it's like a reunion, in a way.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- Sometimes, - people forget why they come.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- You end up in a bar and forget - the real reason why we're here.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- Coming to the cemeteries and museums - is a sobering thought.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- It keeps people on track - to remember why we're here.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- The next port of call is a vivid - reminder of the atrocity of war...
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- ..that affected so many lives - during that time.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- Loss and sadness are evident - in the village of Langemark...
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- ..where thousands of Royal Welch - Fusiliers met their deaths...
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- ..the poet Hedd Wyn among them.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- No visit is complete without a visit - to Artillery Wood cemetery.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32- Hedd Wyn and hundreds of other - Welshmen were laid to rest here.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40- "The poet heavy under foreign soil, - the hands that will not part again
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- "Heavy eyes beneath a thick door, - eyes that cannot open."
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- I can't remember the rest, - but that means a lot.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- When you walk - through this cemetery...
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- ..you'll see stones marked - "Known unto God".
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Someone at home has lost a loved one - who's known unto God.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- It doesn't make sense...
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- ..that you don't know - who lies under the soil.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- From memories in Belgium - to memories back in Crymych.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- The family - is taking a break from the buses.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- For the first time, they have - organized a classic vehicles show...
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- ..in memory of two special men.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39- The vintage show is in memory - of my husband and my father-in-law.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- I've meant to do it for years, - but today, it's happening!
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- We have vintage cars, - bikes and tractors coming.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- I hope it stays dry.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- Every member of the family - has a job to do.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- We have six different bikes.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- That one there's from 1912.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- This one's from 1921.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- And this one's from 1928. - They're the three oldest ones.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- Myself and my brothers...
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- ..ride them the 75 miles - from Tenby once a year...
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- ..just to keep them turning.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- It's the first time we've held it.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- Hopefully, we can do it again - if it goes well.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- Off they go, and the grandchildren - pitch in as well.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- A David Brown and a Fordson Major - also arrive.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- Shon has his hands full...
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- ..and Elan looks stressed - trying to maintain order.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46- Oh, hello.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- Some posh cars are arriving as well.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- This was Wyndham's special bike, - so we've brought that out.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59- And this was Stanley, Dadcu, - this was his pride and joy.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- It was in better condition then, - so we've brought those out.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- A bus is coming!
0:17:08 > 0:17:09- Of course there is!
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- And another one!
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- This is a special one.
0:17:19 > 0:17:20- It's going well.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- There are so many cars coming in, - it's a job to control everything.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- It took a lot of planning...
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- ..but it's great even as it is now.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- We're expecting a hundred cars, - if they all turn up.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- It's nice to see.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43- We've always wanted to do it, - and the sun's out, as a bonus.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48- All the spadework has paid off.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- It's eight years almost to the day - that we lost my father.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57- He and Dadcu, Stanley, - always wanted to do this.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- They spoke about it for years, - but they both died at a young age.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- We're glad to do it as a family.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- It's taken us eight years, - but we've always wanted to do it.
0:18:09 > 0:18:10- If they were here...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- ..they'd be all smiles - and wouldn't know what to do.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- The show's a success, - and it's a day to remember.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- I can see Stan - and Wyndham's faces now.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- That was their hobby.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- It's great that the Midway boys...
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- ..did this in memory - of their father and grandfather.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- It brings the community together...
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- ..and gives us a chance - to display our vehicles...
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- ..and talk to others - who share our interest.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54- They'd have enjoyed something - like this when they were around.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- The crowd here today - shows what people thought of them.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- It's a pleasure to see everyone, - and they would have loved it.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- It's fantastic and the sun's out.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Someone's looking down on us - and it's been great.
0:19:20 > 0:19:25- In Belgium, it's Friday 11 November.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- A historic and special day - for the group from west Wales.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- Every year, - they travel hundreds of miles...
0:19:34 > 0:19:39- ..to be part of the Menin Gate's - armistice service in Ypres.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45- It's a world-renowned memorial - for those who died in the Great War.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- The day has dawned.
0:19:49 > 0:19:55- We'll get changed here - and march to the Menin Gate.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- Yes, it's a huge occasion.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- I'm quite nervous, actually, - even though we've done it so long.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- You still get the old butterflies, - and there's a lot expected...
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- ..even after all these years, - and the lump in the throat.
0:20:13 > 0:20:14- It's an honour to do it.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19- It is a big honour, and not many - people get the opportunity to do it.
0:20:19 > 0:20:20- Quick, march.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25- I'm very proud to come over here - and march with the fire service.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- Two boys with me were in the army - and both went off to war together.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- I always think of people - who went and never returned...
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- ..and parents who lost children...
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- ..when I'm up there at the memorial - hearing the Last Post.
0:20:41 > 0:20:47- The boys are clearly very proud - of the duty that awaits them.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- The town square has been closed...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- ..and the Menin Gate - attracts a crowd...
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- ..to be a part of the event.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- Officers from all over the world - take part in this unique service...
0:21:03 > 0:21:09- ..each remembering those soldiers - who fought for their countries.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- Very memorable, - and we've done it 23 times now.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- Every time we come, - the emotion is there.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- It's different every time, - it stirs the emotions.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- The atmosphere in Ypres is something - special. Very, very moving.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- Especially when the Last Post goes - and the poppies come down.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49- Every time, - it gets a lump in the throat.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55- It all went to plan, very good.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- People come from all over - to support the cause.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- We all want our children - and everyone else...
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- ..to remember - what happened in the war.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- We want to keep it going.
0:22:21 > 0:22:27- Next year again, - and the 100th anniversary in 2018.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Next time on the buses...
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- The Richards Bros' special bus - for a special occasion.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- It's one of the perks, - driving these girls.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- Clive Edwards is at his best - entertaining a crowd.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58- Special.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- We're here to have fun, - and we're having fun.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05- Fantastic.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09- And Midway Motors - celebrate 60 years in style.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- I'm chuffed to bits. It's lovely.
0:23:13 > 0:23:14- Great.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- Great.- - Come for a spin on the buses.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:32 > 0:23:32- .