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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Welcome to Bro.
0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Today, we're visiting the town - where I live.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11- Even though I know this town well, - there are sights I haven't seen.
0:00:11 > 0:00:17- Yes, we're in Newtown - but the town looks rather old to me.
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0:00:50 > 0:00:54- Newtown is one - of the largest towns in mid Wales.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59- It's a market town - on the banks of the River Severn.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01- Back in the early 1960s...
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- ..the river burst its banks - several times...
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- ..causing extensive damage - to buildings in the town centre.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11- The situation was so serious...
0:01:11 > 0:01:17- ..plans were drawn up to rehouse - the population on higher ground.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21- In 1965, a decision - was made to save Newtown...
0:01:21 > 0:01:27- ..by changing the river's course - and investing in flood defences.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- New businesses were established...
0:01:30 > 0:01:35- ..new housing estates were built - and the population increased.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- The history of Newtown begins - before founding the town...
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- ..in the castle - of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, Dolforwyn.
0:01:44 > 0:01:50- I met up with Penri Roberts - to visit the remote castle ruins.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- It's larger than I expected.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- It's a large fort.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- We're four or five miles - from Newtown.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07- What is the connection between - Dolforwyn Castle and Newtown?
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- This castle was here before Newtown.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- There was a small Welsh village - just outside the castle walls...
0:02:14 > 0:02:20- ..consisting of thatched-roof - cottages with small gardens.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- The people who lived there were - servants and maids in the castle.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- Llywelyn had a fort - and people to work in the fort.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- When the castle was taken...
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- ..in 1277 by Roger Mortimer - of Montgomeryshire...
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- ..he dismantled the village - and built Newtown...
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- ..four miles further down - the valley.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- Newtown isn't that new.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- No, Newtown itself - is over 600 years old...
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- ..but it's still a new town.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- What happened to the castle - after it was taken?
0:02:56 > 0:02:57- When it was taken...
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- ..it is believed that only the - rectangular and oval towers existed.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- The curtain wall was built - by the Mortimers later.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- An interesting aspect - was the absence of a well.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- One of Roger Mortimer's first duties - was to dig a well...
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- ..to make sure the same - wouldn't happen to him.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- I don't think the castle - was captured after that.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- Edward I gave Roger Mortimer - the castle as a gift.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- He lived here...
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- ..reinforced the castle - and extended the main building.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- After that, the castle only - survived for another 150 years...
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- ..then it lay derelict.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41- Slowly, - the castle fell into wrack and ruin.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- How Welsh is Newtown? - We're on the border with England.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- You're Welsh through and through...
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- ..being born and raised - near the border.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- Yes, in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, - six miles from the border.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- Since the Middle Ages, Newtown - hasn't been a very Welsh town.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08- When I moved here, as a teacher, - it was a very anglicized town.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- However, the situation is changing.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16- People are trying to safeguard the - language, culture and traditions.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- Gradually, I feel Newtown - is becoming more Welsh.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- In the early 19th century...
0:04:28 > 0:04:31- ..Newtown's population grew - from 1,000 to over 4,500...
0:04:31 > 0:04:36- ..as the town became an important - centre for the spinning industry.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- The woollen industry - remains strong locally.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- Wool is delivered every morning...
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- ..and the depot knows precisely how - much work they have ahead that day.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- They make sure plenty of wool - comes in and it's then graded.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- It's baled into a bales tin...
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- ..and every bale is then cored.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- A hole is made in the bale...
0:05:03 > 0:05:08- ..and the wool is tested to ensure - the quality is up to standard.
0:05:10 > 0:05:16- The history of wool and the history - of Newtown go hand in hand.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- For many centuries, certainly.
0:05:19 > 0:05:25- A lot of wool was treated - on farms in the 18th century...
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- ..before the first factories - were built.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31- Wool was woven on the farms.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37- Soon, the wool was treated - in the local factories.
0:05:39 > 0:05:45- From 1700, right through - until the 19th century...
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- ..several factories - were opened here.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- There were six factories in town - weaving wool.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- Montgomeryshire was renowned - for its frieze wool.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- It was a well set type of wool.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- Homespun cloth. I remember Mam - telling me about this.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- It was cheap to buy...
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- ..but it was good quality.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20- Flannel was also produced - in Montgomeryshire.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- You'll remember flannel shirts.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- They were manufactured - in these factories.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- They produced flannel by the yard...
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- ..for export all over the world.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- The town centre itself - is rather small.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- It'd be great to have the company - of a local to show me around.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55- Taxi!
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- Hello, how are you?
0:07:01 > 0:07:01- Are you well?
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- Are you well?- - Yes, thank you.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04- What's your name?
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- What's your name?- - Hywel Richards - or Hyw Bach.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- Hyw Bach? I'm Shan.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- How are you, Shan?
0:07:11 > 0:07:16- As a taxi driver, Hyw, you must - have seen some sights in this car.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- I've had a lot of fun, yes.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- Can you tell me a story or two?
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- One story I remember goes back - to when I started driving taxis.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- I still had L plates.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- I picked someone up one night.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- He'd had a pint or two too many. - He didn't want to pay.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- He left his cardigan in the car.
0:07:42 > 0:07:49- I sold the cardigan in - a car boot sale to pay for the fare.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- He still doesn't know.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- That's fair enough. - Fair play to you.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- I don't know where I want to go.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- The Monty Club, maybe. I've heard - some good reviews about it.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- It's a good place to go.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- I'll be there for the night. - I'll get a taxi home!
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- If I'm skint, - you could sell my coat!
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- OK.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Well, John, - I've known you for over 20 years.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35- You've never mentioned Meccano to me - before but your house is full of it.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- You've never asked me - about it before.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- When did your interest - in Meccano begin?
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- My interest began one Christmas - in the 1950s...
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- ..when I had a No.4 set - similar to this, in green and red.
0:08:52 > 0:08:58- The toy business started in 1901 - with Mechanics Made Easy...
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- ..by a man named Frank Hornby - in Liverpool.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- The name was changed to Meccano - in 1907.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- Well, well, well. - You have a vast collection here.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- Some of these are functional.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- Yes, this one works.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17- It's a steam engine from a factory.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- That's great.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21- Did you build this from scratch?
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- From scratch, yes. I'd better - stop it - it's rather noisy.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- What's next for you? - Are you looking for large pieces?
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Or are you collecting old pieces?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- That's a difficult question - to answer.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- I'm very haphazard.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- I don't have any specific - intentions. I buy what I see.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- On eBay and such sites.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Recently, well, - yesterday actually...
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- ..I received an Erector set - from America.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- Frank Hornby started it all...
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- ..but by now, - there are over 500 similar sets.
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- Erector in America, - Marklin and Stabil in Germany...
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- ..Stokys in Switzerland, - Temsi in Holland...
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- ..and many, many more.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- This house - - is it made of bricks or Meccano?
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Is it strong enough to hold us?
0:10:19 > 0:10:25- There are times when I fear Meccano - will fall through the ceiling!
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- Different events are held in the - Monty Club every night of the week.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- Tonight, folk band Ffonic - are rehearsing.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- Rhys, this is where you are. - Are you OK?
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- It's a lovely room for rehearsing.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- Yes, it's great.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- You're obviously very musical - - the violin is your instrument.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05- Do you enjoy playing - the folk repertoire?
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Or do you prefer other styles?
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- I like folk music but I also play - classical music with an orchestra.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- But rehearsals aren't held - during the summer holidays.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- It's fun to play in an orchestra.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- Esta, you're taking a break. - You've been rehearsing for a while.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Rhys has been a member of Ffonic - for three weeks.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- How long - have you been with the group?
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- From the outset - since 2000.
0:11:40 > 0:11:46- Five musicians started rehearsing - in Gary's kitchen.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- Steve was there too.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- Ffonic has grown over the years. - You're a large group now.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- Yes, we are - very large!
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- I learnt to play - after joining Ffonic.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- I was awful at the very beginning!
0:12:09 > 0:12:10- Me too!
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- What do you think of Kitty - as a leader?
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- She's great.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- If we're playing in a barn dance, - she has a drink or two.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- We have to play at a fast pace then.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36- .
0:12:37 > 0:12:37- 888
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- 888- - 888
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- Newtown's most famous son - is Robert Owen...
0:12:51 > 0:12:56- ..founder of the cooperative - movement, born here in 1771.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- After working as an apprentice - in a draper's shop...
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- ..he ran his own factory, - treating his workers fairly.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- He provided them - with favourable living conditions.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16- Robert Owen set up cooperative - communities in Scotland and America.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- He returned to Newtown - and died in 1858.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- Memorials to him can be found - in various locations around Newtown.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- Another prominent figure - is Pryce Jones...
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- ..a businessman who put Newtown - on the map in the Victorian Age.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- Who was Pryce Jones?
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- Well, when he was 12 years old...
0:13:52 > 0:13:57- ..he went to work for a tailor - in the town centre.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- He worked there for a while.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- The tailor became ill...
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- ..and Pryce Jones, - at an early age...
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- ..took charge of the business.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- That's how it all started.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- He opened a large shop in town...
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- ..the Royal Welsh Warehouse, - before his 20th birthday.
0:14:17 > 0:14:23- From there, he would send out - leaflets and pamphlets...
0:14:23 > 0:14:28- ..to the richer people - of the area...
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- ..to show them what he sold.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- A wise move.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- A wise move.- - He had great foresight.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- He was a pioneer.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- That's where the mail order - business started.
0:14:41 > 0:14:47- It all started - with a few pages of pamphlets...
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- ..outlining the products - he had to sell.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- The business grew and grew...
0:14:54 > 0:15:00- ..until finally, - he could afford to build this store.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02- This building...
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- ..Agriculture House, - as it's called nowadays...
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- ..was linked to this building.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- A bridge used to link - the two buildings.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- Inside that building, which - specialized in wool production...
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- ..they made the clothes - which were sold here.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26- That huge building - needed to be located...
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- ..near the train station.
0:15:31 > 0:15:37- Three coaches would take the orders - from here to Euston.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- They would drop off parcels - at stations along the way.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- It was a huge business.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- Even Queen Victoria - bought clothes from here.
0:15:47 > 0:15:54- Not only Victoria, but all - the royal families of Europe.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- That's how Victoria heard about him.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- She would send a large number - of orders to him.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- Bloomers?
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- I'm sure one pair was auctioned - a long time ago! I'm sure of it.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- They were made in Newtown.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- Victoria's bloomers!
0:16:23 > 0:16:29- A market has been held in Newtown - every Tuesday since 1279.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- Let's take a closer look at it.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Do you think - I should go bigger or smaller?
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- Happy birthday, Iolo! - You might need a pair of these.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- Len, do you live in Newtown?
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- No, I live in Welshpool.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- You're a regular visitor to Newtown.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- I come here three times a week.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- To meet your friends.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22- Yes. I like Newtown. I like taking - my dog for a walk by the river.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- It's a little Jack Russell. - There's a lovely river in Newtown.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- It's a lovely town.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- Yes, very nice.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43- Here we are, an orange juice for me - and something stronger for Dot.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- Thank you very much.
0:17:47 > 0:17:48- I'm wearing the shoes.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- I'm wearing the coat - but the heavens have opened.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58- It's a matter of rain stopped play. - What can we do?
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- Well, we'll have a drink.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- John will be happy.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- # Sunny intervals
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- # Sunny intervals
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- # Sunny intervals
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- # Sunny intervals #
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- This is Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd. - Who exactly was Dafydd Llwyd?
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- Back in the 15th century...
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- ..there was a man named Dafydd Llwyd - and he was a local lord.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- He lived in a mansion on the hill - next to the school.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- The hill over there.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- Yes, right next to the school.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- He was a poet and a musician.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- He would invite hundreds of people - to these fields...
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- ..to socialize in Welsh.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- When the school - was established in 2001...
0:18:57 > 0:19:03- ..it seemed natural to name - the school - Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- As you can see here...
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- ...these children are the future - of the Welsh language.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14- You've had a lot of success recently - in the Urdd Eisteddfod.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Yes, we competed in Cardiff - this year.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- We won a recitation group - and a rock band competition...
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- ..for the third successive year.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29- # I need your company
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- # My world won't be complete... #
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- I must admit, - we feel isolated in Newtown.
0:19:37 > 0:19:42- These children come - from English-speaking households.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- 95% of these children - don't speak Welsh at home.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- When they start school, - they can't speak a word of Welsh...
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- ..yet they leave - able to speak two languages.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- Hiya, boys. - So you're called Da'n Gilydd.
0:20:02 > 0:20:03- Let's get your names.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- Glyn, Liam, Jake, - Dafydd on drums, Aaron and Lloyd.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- Now that you're - rock and roll stars...
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- ..do you get more attention - from the girls?
0:20:16 > 0:20:17- Not yet.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- Not yet.- - They're all after Lloyd.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- Lloyd's the pin-up boy.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Do the girls have posters of Lloyd?
0:20:26 > 0:20:27- Do the girls have posters of Lloyd?- - No!
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- No? D'you reckon they've got - a poster of you, Daf?
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- Are you going to continue - playing as a band?
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- Yes, we're going to try our best...
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- ..but Dafydd's going to Llanfair.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- To the secondary school?
0:20:42 > 0:20:47- To the secondary school?- - We can rehearse in Dafydd's house.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- I have a set of my own drums - at home.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- If they bring their instruments, - we'll see.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- # I need your company
0:21:01 > 0:21:02- # My world won't be complete
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- # Your company keeps me going
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- # Around the world, you're my life #
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- One, two, three, four.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- APPLAUSE
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- Back in the Monty Club, - the folk band has left the building.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- The Monty Club Stompers - have taken their place.
0:21:28 > 0:21:29- COUNTRY & WESTERN MUSIC
0:21:38 > 0:21:39- Wahey!
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- Well done. Where's Mai?
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- How are you? - You're the Monty Club Stompers.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- You're responsible for them all.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- For the past six or seven years.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- They're good line dancers.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56- Do you teach them every week?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Three to four hours, - every Tuesday night...
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- ..with Kiri who's been with us since - she was five and she's twelve now.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- She's at the front of the class - and I'm at the back.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- It's all about teamwork.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- It's all about teamwork.- - Keeping everything organized.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- I'm told that you run - the Monty Club.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- With my partner Daf. - He's behind the bar tonight.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- We have line-dancing, - darts and dominoes here.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- We try to get - the younger generation involved...
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- ..to keep the fun going.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- Come on then, - I watched you dancing as I came in.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- What's it all about? - I've never done it before.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- Would you like to learn? - You can't learn looking like that.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- Hold on a second.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- I'm getting worried.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- A hat.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49- I can cope with this.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- And a pair of cowboy trousers.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- You'll have to wear these.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- I've got one leg in. - And the other one.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- Here we go.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- Back and to the side.
0:23:07 > 0:23:08- Forward.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- And back.
0:23:10 > 0:23:11- And smile.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18- Here we go.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- Push up and swing.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Hey! Hee-hah!
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42- .