0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:20 > 0:00:26- Welcome to Cadw Cwmni, - a series that provides a platform...
0:00:26 > 0:00:31- ..for our nation's - interesting and diverse stories.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- Tonight, we recall - a particular time...
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- ..when Welsh-language institutions - were under threat...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- ..as English speakers - moved to Wales.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- English speakers - under the age of 14 years old!
0:00:45 > 0:00:50- Evacuees first moved to Wales - on September 1, 1939.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- The Government decided - to move women and children...
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- ..away from the cities - that were likely to be bombed.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- During the Second World War...
0:01:02 > 0:01:08- ..110,000 children - moved to live in Wales.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- Most settled in South Wales.
0:01:10 > 0:01:18- Many moved to live in - Glamorganshire, about 33,000 in all.
0:01:20 > 0:01:26- A lot of children moved to live - in towns in North Wales.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31- They moved - from Liverpool and Manchester.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- The standard of living - for many children improved...
0:01:36 > 0:01:38- ..when they moved to Wales - from England.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- A lot of children enjoyed - living the rural life in Wales.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- They had plenty of fresh air, - they played in open spaces.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52- Many children claimed they didn't - experience the Second World War...
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- ..while living in Wales.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58- Many enjoyed themselves so much...
0:01:58 > 0:02:00- ..some settled in Wales for good.
0:02:02 > 0:02:08- Two of the thousands of evacuees - are keeping me company tonight.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- One comes from Edge Hill, - the other from Everton.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- Barbara Davies and Harold Williams, - welcome to the show.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- Life could have been different - had you met before tonight.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23- Who knows?
0:02:24 > 0:02:26- Let me take you back to that time.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- How much of the war do you - remember in Liverpool, Harold?
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- I remember the bombing - - I was five years old when I left.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- I remember the bombing - during the daytime.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- The sirens sounded - and aeroplanes flew overhead.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- I remember a bomb - falling on our house.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- We lived in a three-storey house...
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- ..and we didn't use - the third floor at all.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- I remember men running upstairs - carrying buckets.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- I went up the following day to have - a look and saw a hole in the roof.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01- It had been caused - by an incendiary bomb.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- Were your experiences similar?
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- I remember one particular night.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- Mam died - when I was three years old...
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- ..and Mam's friend, Ruthie Cooke, - looked after us.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- She lived across the road - from where we used to live.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- My father was in the Army - and he came home one weekend.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- The sirens were sounded to warn us - that the Germans were coming.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- I remember running - to Ruthie's house...
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- ..to see where she was going.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- She was heading to the technical - college at the top of the street.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- My father thought it was - a dangerous place to shelter...
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- ..with so much glass there.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44- Neither she, her daughter - or myself went to the college.
0:03:44 > 0:03:50- That night, my father took me back - to Mr and Mrs Baker's house...
0:03:50 > 0:03:51- ..where he lodged.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- The bombs were falling close by - that night.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- There was a direct hit - on the college.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- 164 people died.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- Only one baby emerged - from the rubble, sucking a dummy.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- You were meant to be in that college - on that fateful night.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- That's where we would have gone.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- It was a warm place to shelter - in the middle of November.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- Harold, do you remember the day - you left Everton?
0:04:24 > 0:04:27- I don't remember anything - about the journey.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- We were given a parcel - by whoever looked after us.
0:04:30 > 0:04:37- Inside the parcel, I found - underwear, pyjamas and shoes.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41- I'd never owned - a pair of shoes before that day.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- We left the train and went - to a school in Watling Street.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- Someone would take crews of us - and knock on doors.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- The residents would choose a child - from the group outside.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- Mrs Williams chose me.
0:04:59 > 0:05:00- According to her...
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- ..the first thing she did - was put me straight in the bath.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- I had a parcel of underpants, - a vest, pyjamas and shoes.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- She told me to have a bath - and wear the clothes afterwards.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- "And I'll be back in a minute."
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- She came back in a few minutes...
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- ..and I was sat in the bath - wearing the underpants and vest.
0:05:22 > 0:05:23- In the bath?
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- In the bath?- - I'd never owned underwear before...
0:05:26 > 0:05:27- ..or pyjamas.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33- As I said, - everyone was always nice to us...
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- ..but there was great poverty - at the time.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- It was a rather unusual situation - in your house.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- Your mother had died...
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- ..but your father was forced - to join the Army.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- He left you behind.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- It was very sad.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- The war started on September 3.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- Soon after, the evacuees moved away.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- I lost contact - with my father and brother.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- My mother had died - three months earlier.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- I remember the journey - as if I was on the train now.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- We travelled from Liverpool - to Aberystwyth on the train.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- From Aberystwyth, - a bus took us to Llanon.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- I'd never been in a car before.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- I'd travelled in trolleys, - trams, trains and ferries...
0:06:22 > 0:06:23- ..but never in a car.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- I travelled by car - from Llanon to Talgarreg.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- We came to a stop near a milk stand.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- A muddy road led us along a bank...
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- ..and coming over the bank, - we could see a horse and cart.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- It was being led by a small man - with a flat cap on his head.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- He was puffing on a cigarette.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- He was John Davies, Pantglas.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- I came to know him as Wncwl. - I called him Wncwl from that day.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- He became more of a father to me - than my real father.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- That's so interesting to hear, - from both of you.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- I sense that you were closer - to the people who took you in...
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- ..than you were - to your biological parents.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- There's no doubt about it.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- I was given the choice - did I - want to stay or not after the war?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- You were given the choice - when the war ended?
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- My brother was older. He attended - the grammar school in Llanrwst.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29- He was very intelligent.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- At the end of the war, - my father told him to come home...
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- ..to work and earn a wage.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- The headmaster at Llanrwst - wrote to my father...
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- ..to ask if my brother could stay - in school, but he flatly refused.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- He had to go back.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- Mr and Mrs Williams were - the couple who'd taken me in...
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- ..and Mr Williams died of cancer - straight after the war.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- She was a widow and childless.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- Her sister lived in Betws-y-Coed. - She didn't have children.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- I was the only 'child'.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- From what I know, Mrs Williams - and Mrs Davies went to Liverpool...
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- ..and asked my father - if they could keep me.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- He said that if I wanted to stay, - I could.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- If I changed my mind at any time, - I was to return home.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- You had a different choice, Barbara.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- My father would come down - on weekends.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- One Monday morning, he said...
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- .."Come on, Barbara, - time to go back to Liverpool."
0:08:29 > 0:08:31- "No, Daddy, - I'm not coming back with you.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- "I'm staying in Wales - with our old Willy, my brother."
0:08:35 > 0:08:41- As you look back, where was home?
0:08:41 > 0:08:42- Talgarreg.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43- Talgarreg.- - Llanrwst.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- Going home was Talgarreg.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- Llanrwst and Betws-y-coed.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- I have two Welsh people with me, - not Scousers!
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- True enough.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- When I looked into my family tree, - I found that Tad-cu came from Tenby.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- When I found out Mam-gu - was a Welsh girl from Flint...
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- ..it was such a wonderful feeling.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- I was so proud of my Welsh roots.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09- All doubts were removed.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10- All doubts were removed.- - Yes.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- Did this family - become Mam and Dad...
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- ..or were they always Mr and Mrs?
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- Respect was very important - to Mrs Williams...
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- ..towards other people, - older people.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- That's how I was raised.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- I had to respect everyone, whoever - they were, however old they were.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34- They were always - Mr and Mrs Williams to me.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- You called him Wncwl.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- Talgarreg was very different.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- You were taught to respect others...
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- ..but you also knew people as - John Pantglas or Ifor Llawr Cwrt...
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- ..their first name and their home.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- What did they call you?
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- Strangely enough, - my name was Barbara.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- People struggled with Barbara, - it was an unfamiliar name.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- Wncwl would call me Barba.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- An old woman who lived opposite us - would call me Bar-bara.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- "Bar-bara, bring me some tea."
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Tad-cu Llawr Cwrt would say Debra.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- "I'm not called Debra, Tad-cu."
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- Bar-bara! Deb-orah!
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- That made me feel even worse.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- In the end, they called me Sian.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30- My name was Barbara Joan - so they decided to call me Sian.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- To people who know me, I'm Sian.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Were you Sian Pantglas - or the evacuee?
0:10:37 > 0:10:38- Were you part of the family?
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Were you part of the family?- - Sian Pantglas.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- If I can take you back to the time - after the war had ended...
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- ..describe the relationship - you had with your biological father.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55- It wasn't very good. I'd stay - in touch with him by letter.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- I only saw him once - during the war...
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- ..and after that, very little.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- He became very distant.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- He might've wanted to cut the ties - because of the memories.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- Your relationship - with your family soured.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17- Yes, especially after I went - into business, and succeeded.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- I'd receive letters - asking for financial help...
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- ..to buy a TV or something.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- I felt I had my own family. Mrs - Williams in Llanrwst was a widow.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- She was my first priority - so I'd refuse to help out.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- I wouldn't write back - with the refusal...
0:11:36 > 0:11:38- ..I'd just ignore the letters.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43- I kept in touch with my brother - who was in Llanrwst with me.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- He'd phone me every now and then - if he had something to say.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- In fact, he phoned me to tell me - that my father had died...
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- ..and that they'd buried him.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- My brother said...
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- .."It was better you didn't come - or Margaret would have abused you."
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- You didn't say goodbye - to your father?
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- He died and they buried him - before I knew anything about it.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- Ted thought it was better that way.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- I would have gone had I known.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- You've both said the same thing.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- You felt you had a debt towards - the families that took you in.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- They became your responsibility.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- Most definitely.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- It's been an absolute pleasure - talking to you.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- You're publishing a book - about your experiences.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- The book will be published in May.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- It's strange to think - that both of you were seen...
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- ..as a threat - to the Welsh language...
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- ..when you crossed - Offa's Dyke into Wales.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- Thank you very much - for keeping me company.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- It's been a pleasure.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- It's time for us to take a break.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- We've heard about - the English moving into Wales...
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- ..and how we turned them Welsh.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- In Part Two, we hear about the Welsh - who moved to the Khasi Hills.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Join us again in two minutes.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09- .
0:13:13 > 0:13:13- Subtitles
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Welcome back to Cadw Cwmni.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- In Part 1, - we heard about the evacuees...
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- ..who found a home in Wales.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- In Part 2, we hear about - Welsh people who moved away...
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- ..to share their religion - - the missionaries.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- I suspect that a big saga - for the Welsh nation...
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- ..was the missionary movement - to India.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- The story begins in 1840, - in Liverpool...
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- ..when a young missionary, - Thomas Jones...
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- ..was refused passage to India by - the missionary society in London.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- People in Liverpool - set up their own missionary society.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02- Thomas Jones, along with his wife - Anne, travelled to Calcutta.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07- They then travelled to Cherrapunji, - the wettest place in the world.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- After six long months, - they started their missionary work.
0:14:12 > 0:14:18- The foundations were laid for Khasi - literature, language and life...
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- ..especially the alphabet.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26- Thomas Jones died - a young man of 39 years old...
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- ..but by then, another missionary, - William Lewis, had arrived.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- That was the story - all the way up to 1970.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- Hundreds of young Welsh men...
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- ..and women went out, - as doctors and teachers...
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- ..working with the Sunday schools - and the children.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- The missionaries - who've travelled around the world.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- I've been joined - by Gwynn Angell Jones...
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- ..who comes from a family - of missionaries.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- How many members of your family - were missionaries?
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- My father went out to India - as a missionary.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- He was there for 27 years.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- His brother went to China - as a missionary.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- He was there for a shorter time - because they were persecuted...
0:15:14 > 0:15:16- ..during the Chinese Revolution.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- He was persecuted - and returned to Wales.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- The idea of missionaries - is interesting.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- There's something - rather Victorian about it.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- Is missionary work - beneficial or harmful?
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- From my point of view, - it was very beneficial.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- These people went out - to preach the Gospel...
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- ..but they were also involved - in other work.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- They did social - and educational work.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52- They established schools and helped - organise the electoral system.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- Many were involved - with important medical work...
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- ..that improved - people's living standards.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- In terms of your father...
0:16:01 > 0:16:06- ..when did he decide to go to India - to do his missionary work?
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- After leaving college, - he didn't search for a church.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- He went through - the educational system...
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- ..and decided he wanted to become - a missionary.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- He went out as a young man - in his 20s.
0:16:20 > 0:16:21- With his wife?
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- With his wife?- - No. It's an interesting story.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- He met her before going out - but didn't want to rush things.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- He went out and they kept in touch.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36- A year later, she travelled - by boat around Africa...
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- ..to Colombo and up to Calcutta.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- They married in Calcutta.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- My wife, Enid, and I visited - the church where they married.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- Often, you make a point of - referring to them as brave people.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- It was a characteristic - of missionaries for over 100 years.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- They visited a country - they knew very little about.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- They didn't know what to expect.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07- They worked for years and made - a difference in their communities.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- Of course, missionaries would - return home every five years...
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- ..apart from times of war.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- They would return to Wales - to talk about their experiences...
0:17:19 > 0:17:24- ..and decide if they would return - to India for another five years.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- How long did your parents do that?
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- 27 years.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- 27 years?
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- When did you enter the equation?
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- When did you enter the equation?- - After 17 years.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41- They returned to Wales - and I returned with them as a baby.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- We lived in a village called Jowai, - on the Jaintia Hills.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- How long did you live there?
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- How long did you live there?- - Ten years.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- I was ten years old - when I returned to Wales.
0:17:52 > 0:17:53- How were you taught?
0:17:53 > 0:17:54- How were you taught?- - Mam taught me.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- You didn't attend a local school?
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- I attended a local school - for one term...
0:18:00 > 0:18:06- ..to learn the language - and interact with other children.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- Is the Khasi language - difficult to learn?
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- Like every other language, - it's quite difficult.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- The language had evolved - from the east...
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- ..from places that are now called - Burma and Thailand.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- The origin of the language is Khmer.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- Those states migrated west.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33- They established themselves on - the hills now known as Meghalaya...
0:18:34 > 0:18:35- ..the Abode of Clouds.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- There's a stronger connection - with eastern languages...
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- ..than the Indian languages.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- Your parents were missionaries - in Khasi.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- Yes, in Khasi or Pnar.
0:18:49 > 0:18:55- It was essential for missionaries - to learn the native language.
0:18:55 > 0:19:01- Otherwise, they wouldn't have been - able to transfer their message.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- Your parents must have had - to translate the hymns...
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- ..and passages from the Bible - to Khasi.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- They did a lot of that kind of work.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- If you look at the hymn book...
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- ..you'll see the initials EJ, - my mother, or GAJ, my father.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24- Your connection with India - ended when you were 10 years old.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- 50 years later, you returned.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Enid pointed out that I was - celebrating my 60th birthday.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- She said, "Let's go back to India."
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- We visited India and were given - the warmest of welcomes.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- Did they remember you?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- Did they remember you?- - Yes, of course.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Many were the same age as me.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- Many came up to me saying - they were my best friend as a child.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- It was such a surprise - to meet so many best friends!
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- Did you start remembering - the language?
0:20:02 > 0:20:08- Strangely enough, when I returned, - I had hoped to understand a little.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- I spoke Pnar and Khasi fluently - as a child.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- For two days, - I was so disappointed with myself.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- I couldn't understand a word.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- As I listened, - it started coming back.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- How strong are the churches now?
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- They're very strong.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- A large percentage - of the population are Christians.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- When we recently visited - the chapel in Jowai...
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- ..1,750 were taking Holy Communion - that morning.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- The chapel is still central to life - over there.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- The hospitals are also important - to the communities.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- When you were first there, - the hospital was being built.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- As a child, I saw the hospital - being built in Jowai.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- The building services a wide area...
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- ..the size of Gwynedd and Ceredigion - combined.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- A lot of Welsh people have had - an opportunity to support the work.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- We established the Jowai Fund.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13- We've completed projects thanks to - the generosity of people in Wales.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- These projects have made - such a difference.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- Ear and throat clinics - have been established.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- There's a clinic - for new-born babies.
0:21:23 > 0:21:30- That's saved over 1,500 lives - in the past four years.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- In such a remote place...
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- ..the speed people can reach - the hospital is so important.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- That's crucial.
0:21:40 > 0:21:45- It can take a day or two to reach - Jowai from the remotest places.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- You will only encounter transport...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- ..when you're 10-15 miles - from the village.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- A lot of sick people have been - carried by their families.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- It's also far to travel home.
0:21:57 > 0:22:04- People's families have been forced - to stay at the hospital for days.
0:22:05 > 0:22:11- That's a huge problem that - doesn't have an easy solution...
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- ..because of the country's - geography.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- Beautiful - but difficult to travel across.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- You were ten years old - when you returned to Wales.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- How many languages did you speak?
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- I spoke three languages. - Welsh, the family language.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Pnar and Khasi. - I then learnt English.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34- You couldn't speak English.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- You couldn't speak English.- - I could say good morning.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- And that was it? - Good morning was everything!
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- I thought it was similar - to the Khasi word 'khublei'...
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- ..God be with you.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53- You used it to say thank you, - as a greeting, everywhere you went.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- As a child, I would answer - 'good morning' to everything.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- When the sun had set, - I'd say good morning!
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- People were far too kind - to correct me!
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- It's like hola in Spanish.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- Well, Gwynn, good morning, - or thank you very much.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- Thank you for keeping me company.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- Thank you.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Everyone has a story.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23- If you have a story, get in touch. - We want to hear your stories on S4C.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- We're back next week. - Until then, goodnight.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:48 > 0:23:48- .