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0:00:01 > 0:00:03- This week, we're in Mid Wales...
0:00:03 > 0:00:07- ..in Wales's ancient capital - - Machynlleth.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12- It's a great place to stop halfway - between north and south Wales.
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0:00:49 > 0:00:54- Machynlleth nestles in - the beauty of the Dyfi Valley.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- It's an important historic town.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- Machynlleth was the Welsh capital - in the days of Owain Glyndwr.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- The Parliament House is still - an important attraction.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- The weekly market is another - - since 1291.
0:01:10 > 0:01:15- Every Wednesday, locals flock - to the market to do their shopping.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32- Yes, indeed. Machynlleth is an - historic town of great importance.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34- Interesting stories abound.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- Well, Geraint, everyone's heard - or seen Machynlleth's clock tower...
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- ..and heard about - the Parliament House...
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- ..but very few will have heard - about Y Plas in Machynlleth.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- The mansion has been here - since the 18th century.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- As a child, I was aware that the - Prince of Wales used to stay here.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- When he was made Chancellor - of Aberystwyth University...
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- ..he stayed here for three nights.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- Mary Cornelia, the mansion's - daughter, commemorated the visit...
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- ..with this horseshoe-shaped - doorway outside the mansion.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- In 1911, - another Prince of Wales visited.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- He went on to become George V - and married Queen Mary.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25- The building has a rich history, - but the community now owns it.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30- There's a cafe and a gallery - used by many local artists.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35- You can marry in the mansion now. - The registrar is based here.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- It's nice to see it - being used by ordinary people...
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- ..after the early part of its life - was dominated by royalty.
0:02:44 > 0:02:45- That's very important.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- Machynlleth is surrounded - by such a beautiful landscape.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- It comes as no surprise that - it's an area that inspires artists.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- Meri Wells is one of those artists.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- Meri is renowned around the world - for her sculpture.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- Meri, - you live in an incredible house.
0:03:18 > 0:03:24- It is nice. It's suitable for what - I do. That's what I like about it.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25- It's an old house.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- It's an old house.- - Yes, it's very old.
0:03:27 > 0:03:33- It's changed very little. - It's a great place to work and live.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- This room is ideal - for exhibiting your work.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- Look at all these different pieces. - It's incredible.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- You've dedicated your life - to sculpture.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- Yes, this takes up most of my time.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- I don't know what I'd do - if I wasn't doing this work.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- It's fine.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- It does take time. - You need great concentration.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- It's all about the rhythm - of working every day.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- Everything grows from there.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- I looked at all the faces - when I arrived and I thought, "Ooh."
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- After spending some time here...
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- ..I've felt these figures - become friendlier.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- Each one has a face.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- They're not bad spirits in any way.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- If they do have any feelings...
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- ..they're looking at the mess - we've made of the world...
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- ..and thinking, "Oh!"
0:04:35 > 0:04:40- That's their main characteristic.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- Do you have a favourite?
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- Do you have a favourite?- - I like this one.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- It's missing an ear. It can't hear - a note. It doesn't belong.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- This one's staying here... for now.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- I like this one.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- This one stays in Caecarrog.
0:05:05 > 0:05:10- Geraint, - Dolgelynen is a wonderful house.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- The views are breathtaking. What's - the significance of this house?
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- This is where Lleucu Llwyd was born.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- # Lleucu Llwyd
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- # You're so pretty
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- # Lleucu Llwyd
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- # You mean everything to me #
0:05:30 > 0:05:35- Many people don't realize - that she is a real person.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- She's a historical person. - This is where she was born.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- She fell in love - with Llywelyn Goch ap Meurig Hen...
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- ..a poet from Dolgellau.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- Lleucu's family wasn't happy - with the courtship...
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- ..and one day, as Llywelyn - walked away to write poetry...
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- ..Lleucu's father - turned to his daughter and said...
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- ..that Llywelyn was in love - with another woman.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- She had such a shock, - she had a heart attack and died.
0:06:06 > 0:06:12- That's surprised me. I thought - it was just a Dewi Pws song.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- This is where she was born. - It's a farmhouse today.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- It also offers bed and breakfast.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- # Lleucu Llwyd
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- # You're an angel
0:06:27 > 0:06:28- # Lleucu Llwyd
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- # I love you, love you #
0:06:48 > 0:06:53- The village of Abercegir - is four miles from Machynlleth.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- It's a laid-back, - peaceful, tranquil village...
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- ..but sometimes, - it springs into life!
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- DOG BARKS
0:07:05 > 0:07:09- Jane Lloyd Francis and partner - Georges from Carreg y Fuddau Farm...
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- ..run a horse training - and breeding business.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- They also run a horse theatre.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- With the summer show about to begin, - Jane and dancer Zoe...
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- ..are busy rehearsing.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- This is my idea of heaven, Jane.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- I'm visiting your stables - in Abercegir.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- It's nice here.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- You're a local girl. Have you - lived here your entire life?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- I've lived here - for the past 19 years.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- I was born in Aberystwyth.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- The Equilibre Horse Theatre. - Tell me more about it.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- This was such a wonderful place and - I wanted to do something different.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- We perform with the horses. - People sing and dance here.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- It sounds like a perfect life.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- You spend your entire day - with the horses.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04- Does it pay well?
0:08:04 > 0:08:05- Does it pay well?- - No!
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- Georges is world-renowned - for his training work.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- After training this horse, - I was eager to see a performance.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- Alas, no. - I was given a role for the day.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- # L'amour est un oiseau rebelle
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- # Que nul ne peut apprivoiser
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- # Et c'est bien en vain - qu'on l'appelle
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- # S'il lui convient de refuser... #
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- I'm used to sharing a stage - with talented individuals.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43- Sharing the stage with a horse - was an incredible experience.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Its ability to dance to the beat - was amazing.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- I was having a great time.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- The seaside village of Aberdovey - is nine miles from Machynlleth.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- The village attracts thousands - of visitors each year.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20- For some of the locals, - it's a great place to keep fit.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- How's it going? Are you alright?
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- I'm very well, thanks. - I've just been running.
0:09:33 > 0:09:34- How far did you run?
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- How far did you run?- - Ten kilometres.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- Are you training - for a particular event?
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- I'm training for an ironman event.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- You swim for 2.5 miles - across an open lake...
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- ..cycle for 112 miles on a bike...
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- ..and the small matter - of a marathon run at the end.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- You're insane! Have you completed - one of these before?
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- I've competed in triathlon events - for the past twelve years.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- The distances are different - for a triathlon.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- I've completed - three half-ironman events.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- I'm hoping to end my career - with a full ironman event.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- This area must be - an excellent place for training.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- You're surrounded - by water and mountains.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- It's wonderful. - I run every morning and evening.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- There's plenty of variety - in this landscape.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- You've finished your run. - What's next?
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- I fancy going for a swim in the sea. - Do you want to join me?
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- If I can change my clothes, - I'll give it a go.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41- Don't go too fast or too far.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43- Let's go.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- There's no turning back now.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- I'll be back after the break, - if I'm still alive!
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Ready? Off we go.
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0:11:26 > 0:11:28- 888- - 888
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- Machynlleth serves as the backbone - of neighbouring communities.
0:11:39 > 0:11:45- With the nearest town 18 miles away, - it's a lifeline for the locals.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- I love accents.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- The people of Machynlleth - change every 'a' into an 'e'.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- So, Shen fech sings like a cet!
0:11:58 > 0:11:59- How odd!
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- I've lived here for almost 50 years. - There's nowhere better.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- Owain Glyndwr spanked the English - in the Battle of Dyddgen.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- Machynlleth has grown - and developed ever since.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- We're all friends in Machynlleth.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- I've lived in Machynlleth - for 15 years.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- It's a very convenient town.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- Aberystwyth isn't far, and - there's a lovely beach in Borth.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- The people are lovely. - They're very friendly.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- They welcome you with open arms, - and they're more than happy to help.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47- Like every other area, the town's - cafes are a great place for a chat.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- How are you all? What a welcome.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- I'm looking for Alwyn. Is he here?
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- He's out the back.
0:12:57 > 0:12:58- Excuse me.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- Alwyn is Y Gegin Fach's chef. - His carrot cake is legendary.
0:13:06 > 0:13:07- He also sings.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- The acoustics are great. - Fancy a sing-song?
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- We'll scare the customers away - before the cake goes out.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- # To Shani forever
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- # To Alwyn forever
0:13:20 > 0:13:27- # To Shani/Alwyn forever #
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- Oh! Excellent.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- Well done, Shan.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34- What a finale!
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- Right then, who asked - for a large piece of cake?
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- Beryl.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- Muriel.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- What do you think of it?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- Not as nice as the first one!
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- The mountainous terrain - of the Dovey Valley...
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- ..is perfect for mountain biking.
0:14:06 > 0:14:11- Climax, one of the most challenging - trails, can be found in Ceinws.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- How are you, Dylan? - Is the bike alright?
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- Yes, just about.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- Where are you taking me today?
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Up into the forest.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- This trail is called Climax. - This is some track.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- Apparently, it's dangerous.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30- Apparently, it's dangerous.- - No, it's fine.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- You're a competitive biker.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- Yes, I race in cross country - and Enduro competitions.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- How long are those races?
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- Up to 60 miles on a mountain bike...
0:14:42 > 0:14:43- ..and over 100 on a road bike.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- How long is this trail?
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- Eight miles. It's a baby!
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- How long does it take you - to complete eight miles?
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- About 50 minutes.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Eight miles in 50 minutes. - That's challenging.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- No, it's not.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23- Why can't Shan do these items?
0:15:23 > 0:15:27- I'm shattered now, - and they're still going.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- On the other side of the mountain, - life is far more relaxed.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- I had the chance to enjoy - the magnificent views...
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- ..with Gwen Lloyd - from Glan Dulas Fawr.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- Gwen breeds Bernese Mountain dogs.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- She's had a lot of success - with the breed.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- She won her class in Crufts in 2008.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- Gwen is also well-known locally for - practising alternative treatments.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- After wandering the mountains, - I put my feet up...
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- ..to enjoy her latest treatment - - Hopi candles.
0:16:10 > 0:16:18- Right, Shan, we'll place this over - your face or the side of your head.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- There's a hole in the tissue.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- This will stop anything - from falling on your face.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29- It's not our intention to burn you!
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- I have to locate your ear.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- It's there - somewhere!
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- It's there somewhere.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- Are you comfortable?
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- It's wonderful. - The fragrance has knocked me out.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- I can see the flame getting closer.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- It's OK. Don't worry about a thing. - You're OK.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- Hopi candles are used - to treat all sorts of illnesses...
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- ..including headaches - and allergies.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- The hollow candle in my ear...
0:17:10 > 0:17:15- ..draws out the dust from my ear - and the heat relaxes my body.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- Falling asleep during the process - is a common occurrence.
0:17:20 > 0:17:25- Right, Shan, I'm removing - the candle from your ear.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- OK?
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- It's lovely.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- I'm removing the tissues.
0:17:41 > 0:17:47- I'll just clean - the inside of your ear.
0:17:50 > 0:17:51- OK?
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- Time to wake up.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- Where am I?
0:18:00 > 0:18:01- Thanks, Gwen.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- The town is packed - with interesting little shops.
0:18:07 > 0:18:12- Kelvin and Judy Jenkins - run a successful jewellery shop.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Hello. Is Kelvin in?
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- Yes, he is. - He's down in the workshop.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- Lovely. Thank you.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- Kelvin, how are you? How are things? - Are you alright?
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- I'm fine, thanks.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- What are you doing here?
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- I'm finishing off this ring - made of Welsh gold.
0:18:45 > 0:18:51- You work with jewellery now - but you used to be an archaeologist.
0:18:52 > 0:18:59- I've worked as an archaeologist - in America, the Outer Hebrides...
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- ..and in Czechoslovakia.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06- When I was in America, I saw people - working in small workshops.
0:19:07 > 0:19:08- I thought that was a good idea.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I returned to London. - I was living there at the time.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- I returned to college in London - to study jewellery.
0:19:17 > 0:19:23- Have you made a ring - for someone famous?
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- I made a ring - and designed the pattern...
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- ..for Sian Lloyd and Lembit.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- That relationship - didn't end up well.
0:19:35 > 0:19:36- That's another story.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- On the mountains above Penegoes, - Sioned and Alan Pugh...
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- ..have diversified their farm.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- They've established - a laser clay pigeon...
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- ..and quad bike centre.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- Happy?
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- How are things, Sioned? When did you - introduce these bikes to the farm?
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- We've had quad bikes - for the past 12 years.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29- It's a successful venture.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- You're very busy.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- We attract people - from Britain and beyond.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- A lot of people - forget about this area.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- They visit Snowdonia - and the Brecon Beacons...
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- ..and they forget about - the delights of this area.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- Mid Wales is often ignored.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- People think there's more to do - in Snowdonia or on the Beacons.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- We have something special - to offer here.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- The landscape is very different.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- That's a reason for setting up - a business here.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- You can see everything - from these hilltops.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- There's nowhere better - than Montgomeryshire.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- I've had a great welcome - in Machynlleth.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- The people have been so wonderful.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- I think they like me because I've - been invited to a party in a yurt.
0:21:22 > 0:21:23- Hello there!
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- This is a party to launch - the El Sueno Existe Festival...
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- ..The Dream Lives On.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- The Latin American festival - is held here every year...
0:21:35 > 0:21:40- ..to commemorate the life of - Chilean freedom fighter Victor Jara.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- Here it is - the yurt.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46- Lovely.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- The festival organiser - is Tony Corden.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- He's been interested - in Latin American music for years.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- He is Cloud Cuckoo's lead singer.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- Tony, that was the longest - song finale I've ever heard.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- Sit down.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- I love this kind of music - - Latin American music.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- You have a wonderful voice - and some wonderful instruments.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17- What is this?
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- It's a charango - a traditional - instrument from the Andes.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- This is made out of wood - from the orange tree.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Here's another one. It's smaller.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- This is an older instrument - made from an armadillo shell.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- An armadillo shell. - A dead one, of course.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42- A dead one, yes.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- A dead one, yes.- - It had a good life.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- In its will, it wanted to be used - as a musical instrument!
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- It's found a wonderful home.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- How about another song?
0:22:54 > 0:22:55- How about another song?- - Why not?
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- Let's keep the party alive. - Everything's swinging in the yurt.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- We're going to sing a song - called You Are The Party...
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- ..La Fiesta Eres Tu.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- One, two, three.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- # Muchacha morena y tierna
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- # Se te ha roto tu vestido
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- # Por ahi te miro la pierna... #
0:23:21 > 0:23:26- What better way to bring - our visit to Machynlleth to an end?
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- A party with some of my new friends - in the yurt.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- # Ay, ay, ay
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- # Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- # Muchacha morena y dulce - como llevarte por ahi
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- # Ay, ay, ay
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- # Ay, ay, ay #
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:24:11 > 0:24:11- .