0:00:07 > 0:00:12- Many have come to Bala - to see Thomas Charles's memorial.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- Today, Bala has another Thomas - - Thomas James...
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- ..or Twm Jim as he's better known.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26- He lives in the family home - - Brynbanon Bach...
0:00:27 > 0:00:29- ..with his wife, Olwen.
0:00:32 > 0:00:37- His father and grandfather worked - as gamekeepers on Rhiwlas Estate.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41- 'Though Twm Jim is a well-known local character...
0:00:41 > 0:00:46- ..and a regular attender at sheep shows and shearing competitions.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- February 1992
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- February 1992- - These are your show sheep.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02- It's a dangerous spot.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- I see you have two lambs already.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- I see you have two lambs already.- - Yes, unofficially!
0:01:07 > 0:01:09- They're waiting to be fed.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- They're waiting to be fed.- - Waiting for their daily bread!
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- Bread is a cheap and effective food.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- It's very nutritious.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- How many loaves do you feed them?
0:01:29 > 0:01:34- I don't keep count. - They just eat what I give them.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- I've never seen sheep - enjoy bread so much!
0:01:41 > 0:01:43- All these are show sheep...
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- All these are show sheep...- - Yes.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48- You have several breeds.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- Yes, badger-face - Torwen and Torddu...
0:01:54 > 0:01:56- ..and these others are Balwen.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59- ..and these others are Balwen.- - From the Rhandirmwyn area.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01- Twm Sion Cati sheep!
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- The smaller sheep are Ryelands...
0:02:06 > 0:02:08- The smaller sheep are Ryelands...- - Yes.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11- I keep several breeds.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16- You show badger-face - Torddu and Torwen...
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- ..Balwen, Welsh Mountains - and Ryelands. What else?
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- I have about eight - North Country Cheviots.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31- How long have you been showing sheep?
0:02:31 > 0:02:33- How long have you been showing sheep?- - Many years.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- How did you start off?
0:02:38 > 0:02:43- I think Bala sheepdog trials - first kindled my interest.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- Carry on feeding the flock! >
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- The Llandderfel to Bala road - is quite busy.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- It leads to Corwen, through Cynwyd.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- You have a smart signpost! - Why place it there?
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- An old lady once lived - in the mansion next-door...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- ..and people would - mix up entrances.
0:03:25 > 0:03:31- They'd go to her house - Brynbanon,- - in mistake for Brynbanon Bach.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37- She'd have many callers then -- everyone visits Twm Jim!
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- The day's improving.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- Twm holds an annual sale - of the area's unwanted articles.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- You arrange an annual sale...
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- You arrange an annual sale...- - Yes, this will be my fourteenth.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- Do you expect to sell - this old winnowing-machine?
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- Do you expect to sell - this old winnowing-machine?- - Yes. I've a customer for everything.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- Who are your customers?
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- Who are your customers?- - They come from everywhere - - Shrewsbury, Llanilar, Llangybi.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- From England and Wales.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- There's plenty of choice.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- People want some strange things!
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- People want some strange things!- - And they'll pay good money - to get them.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- You have some rare implements here.- What's this - an old pulper?
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- You have some rare implements here.- What's this - an old pulper?- - Yes.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36- Who buys such equipment - - scrap people?
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- Who buys such equipment - - scrap people?- - No, farmers often want pulpers.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- Some buy old implements - to paint and display in the garden.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- This is very old - a kibbler.
0:05:01 > 0:05:07- You have no-end of equipment here. - Your sale will go on for days!
0:05:07 > 0:05:09- You have no-end of equipment here. - Your sale will go on for days!- - No, just a day.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- Here's another old kibbler.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- Yes, turned by hand.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- How would you fancy this job?
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- I won't have much use - for the kibbler!
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- You can gather a store of firewood - along the farm-track.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- You've plenty of firewood. - May as well gather a few logs now.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- Do you burn coal, too?
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- Do you burn coal, too?- - Yes, a little.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- Logs supplement - today's expensive coal.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- Have you always lived here?
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- I'm from Cwmtirmynach.
0:05:59 > 0:06:00- That's not far away...
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- That's not far away...- That's not far away...- No.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04- Did your family live here?
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- Did your family live here?- - Yes, my grandparents had the house.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- My grandfather - worked as a gamekeeper at Rhiwlas.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- They'd breed pheasants - by the thousands.
0:06:18 > 0:06:24- That little stone shed was used - for boiling eggs and mixing food.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- My father then became - estate gamekeeper.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- < Do you shoot game?
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- < Do you shoot game?- - No, moles are my limit!
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- < You're too kind-hearted - to use a gun!
0:06:39 > 0:06:44- We can tell Spring is in the air - by the sound of nearby tractors.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- We can tell Spring is in the air - by the sound of nearby tractors.- - And there's slight grass growth.
0:06:49 > 0:06:55- Let's hope it gets colder tonight now I've gathered these logs for you!
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- < Twm Jim is from Cwmtirmynach - - are you a local girl?
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- Yes, from Tal-y-bont, Rhyduchaf.
0:07:09 > 0:07:15- < You've numerous cups and trophies -- do you have a- favourite show?
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- Yes, the Royal Welsh.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20- < Do you go for the whole week?
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- < Do you go for the whole week?- - Yes, it's our annual holiday.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- < And you have to keep an eye on Twm!
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- He's such a chatterbox!
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- This is the lorry you take to shows.
0:07:35 > 0:07:41- This is the lorry you take to shows.- - Yes. The sheep in the truck, - and the wife up front!
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- The Bedford Hotel! - It's seen many a show.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- The Bedford Hotel! - It's seen many a show.- - Yes, if only it could talk!
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- It's roomy inside - - equipped with a bed, too.
0:07:57 > 0:07:58- It's roomy inside - - equipped with a bed, too.- - Do you have many callers - at the Royal Welsh?
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- Do you have many callers - at the Royal Welsh?
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- Do you have many callers - at the Royal Welsh?- - Yes, many.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- Is the lorry specially designed - for the job?
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Is the lorry specially designed - for the job?- - No, it's an old furniture van.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- You sleep up front here, - with the sheep behind...
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- You sleep up front here, - with the sheep behind...- - The sheep are let out at night.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- It's a meeting-centre for Bala folk!>
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- It's well-equipped - - there's a table...
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- Yes, cupboards and a commode.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- An essential facility - for a week's stay! >
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- Twm organises courses - for the ATB in Penllyn.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- A range of courses are on offer.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- What area do you cover for the ATB?
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- The Llanuwchllyn, Cwmtirmynach - and Frongoch areas.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- And it's your job to make sure - the courses run smoothly.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- And it's your job to make sure - the courses run smoothly.- - That's right.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- The Llandderfel road - is flanked by stone walls.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13- There's some good land around here.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- There's some good land around here.- - Yes, nice and flat.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- Plas Isaf Farm, Llandderfel.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- ATB courses are held - on local farms.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- ATB courses are held - on local farms.- - Yes.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- You helped found the shearing course.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- You helped found the shearing course.- - Yes.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- How popular are the welding courses?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- How popular are the welding courses?- - Very popular.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44- We're lucky to have the use - of this shed.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- Who's the course teacher?
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- This is Aneurin Morris,- - but we call him Neu.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- How many attend classes at one time?
0:10:02 > 0:10:08- Not too many at a time - - these lads are quite a handful!
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- We usually have - about four in each class.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- Does welding take much training?
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- Does welding take much training?- - Yes, quite a lot.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- What exactly do you teach the lads?- Could you show me?
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- I'd better wear the protective eye-shield.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- You must try to keep - a straight line.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- This is the first thing one learns - before welding things together.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- This is the first thing one learns - before welding things together.- - Yes, you start on a flat surface.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- Shall I give it a try? >
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- I can't see a thing!
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- That's better!
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Bloody hopeless!
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- I shouldn't touch the metal itself...
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- I shouldn't touch the metal itself...- - No.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- What do you think - of Dai's welding, Twm?
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- It looks like bird droppings to me!
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- He'll take some teaching!
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- From welding to buying a sheepdog -- something much more in my line!
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- Do you buy all your dogs locally?
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Do you buy all your dogs locally?- - Yes, at the cheapest place!
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- Where are we destined today?
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- Where are we destined today?- - Cryniarth Farm.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Poet Llwyd o'r Bryn - wrote about Cryniarth.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- Poet Llwyd o'r Bryn - wrote about Cryniarth.- - Yes, he lived nearby.
0:12:32 > 0:12:33- What do you know about this dog?
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- What do you know about this dog?- - I sold its mother - to Robin in the first place.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- How much are you prepared to pay?
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- How much are you prepared to pay?- - It depends on Robin's asking-price.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- Whatever the price, - Twm will haggle!
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- She's quite good - for a young bitch, Twm.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- She needs new brakes!
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- She's not too bad.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- She's going well for a young bitch.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- She's going well for a young bitch.- - Not bad at all for an 8-month old.
0:13:18 > 0:13:24- I just want her fully trained - to sell at May's sheepdog sales.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- The dog I have at home is too young.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- She has great potential.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- She has great potential.- - Yes, she'll be ready by May.
0:13:39 > 0:13:45- Don't be too complimentary - or Robin will raise the asking-price!
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- She's a handy bitch, Robin.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- She's a handy bitch, Robin.- - Yes, very useful.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- Especially for an 8-month old.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01- Is she for sale?
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- Is she for sale?- - Yes, for the right price!
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- That's the snag!
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- I get quite good prices around here.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- How much do you want for her?
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- I want to be able to sell her - at the May sale.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- It's good of you to admit it.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- Don't be too complimentary now, Dai!
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Don't be too complimentary now, Dai!- - No, this is between you two.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- She's good for her age.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- But not not fully trained.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- No, she must learn the stops, - but she's young enough yet.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48- The bargaining went on - Robin wanted 100, Twm offered 80.
0:14:52 > 0:14:57- We'll have to settle on a price, - or we'll be here all day!
0:14:57 > 0:14:58- I'll give you 80.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- I'll give you 80.- - No - let's meet half way.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- What's that - 85?
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- No, 90!
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- Thanks for trying, Dai!
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- Come on, before he asks for more!
0:15:24 > 0:15:29- Back to Brynbanon Bach, to prepare - for Saturday, March 7th...
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- ..day of the sale.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- There are people everywhere!
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- You hold this sale every year.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- You hold this sale every year.- - Yes, this is my fourteenth.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- There's a good selection.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- You have all kinds of people here - - scrap collectors, and gyppos...
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- ..as Trebor Gwanas calls them!
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- And Cardis, too!
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- You don't bracket Cardis with gyppos!
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- You don't bracket Cardis with gyppos!- - They're the same breed!
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- Let's go and see what's on sale.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24- Are these your geese?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- Are these your geese?- - Yes.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- How old are they?
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- How old are they?- - A year this April.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Where are you from?
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- Where are you from?- - Llandrillo.
0:16:36 > 0:16:42- I hope you get a good price for them.- The money will come in handy!
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- Yes, my trousers are in rags!
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- Good luck! >
0:16:50 > 0:16:52- Twm, this is your grandson.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- Twm, this is your grandson.- - Yes, my only grandson.
0:16:55 > 0:16:56- You've an only daughter.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- You've an only daughter.- - Yes, and one grandson.
0:16:58 > 0:16:59- What's your name?
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- What's your name?- What's your name?- Deiniol.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- Will you follow in your - grandfather's footsteps?
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- Will you follow in your - grandfather's footsteps?- grandfather's footsteps?- I expect so.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- What do you think of today's sale?
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- What do you think of today's sale?- - A dirty old day like every year!
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- Young lads having fun in the mud!
0:17:22 > 0:17:28- Twm has made me a new kennel - - let's hope it's not too expensive!
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- Have you got money to pay for it?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- Have you got money to pay for it?- - No, not a penny!
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- 40 to Dai Jones, Llanilar.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- You'll have to give me - a discount for luck.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- You'll have to give me - a discount for luck.- - I'll wish you good luck!
0:18:03 > 0:18:05- Is it guaranteed waterproof?
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- Is it guaranteed waterproof?- - Yes, guaranteed!
0:18:08 > 0:18:09- Look who was bidding against you!
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- Look who was bidding against you!- - Don Llannerch - I suspected so!
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- Do you fancy making a profit, Dai?
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- I'll give you 41 for the kennel!
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- You've got a good kennel here.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30- I sold the kennel to Don Llannerch,- but made no profit!
0:18:30 > 0:18:36- William, you managed to make it to the sale despite a busy schedule.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38- Do you come here every year?
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- Do you come here every year?- - I don't miss many sales.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42- Do you come to buy?
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- Do you come to buy?- - Yes, I always buy or sell something.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- Has anything caught your eye today?
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- Has anything caught your eye today?- - There are some useful things here.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- I bought the kennel! - You didn't want that?
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- I bought the kennel! - You didn't want that?- - No, I'm all right for kennels!
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- People flock here from everywhere.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11- Sales like this attract more crowds- than cattle sales.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- It's so central for Bala- - and Montgomeryshire.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- Dic is a good auctioneer. - Selling isn't easy these days.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- Yes, he's very efficient.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- Six hens and two cocks.
0:19:50 > 0:19:51- Are you happy with the price?
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- Are you happy with the price?- - Yes, quite happy.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Do you breed many hens?
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- Do you breed many hens?- - Quite a few.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- You'll be out on the town tonight!
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- Did the geese sell well?
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- Did the geese sell well?- - Yes, 4 each. I had to sell - as I had too much stock.
0:20:09 > 0:20:10- Are the geese brooding this year?
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Are the geese brooding this year?- - Yes, some have laid eggs already.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- Good luck to you!
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Look at the professionals!
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- What a good trailer!
0:20:26 > 0:20:28- What a good trailer!- - Yes, it tows well.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- What's your asking-price, Twm?
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- I expect to get around...
0:20:36 > 0:20:37- I expect to get around...- - I expect to get around...- 30?
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- I expect to get around...- - I expect to get around...- 30?- - No, between 100-150!
0:20:45 > 0:20:46- Aluminium floor.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- Aluminium floor.- - And easy to tow.
0:20:48 > 0:20:49- Is Dai Jones interested?
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- Is Dai Jones interested?- - Is Dai Jones interested?- No, indeed!
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- He has nothing to put in it!
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- He has nothing to put in it!- - It'll carry the kennel!
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- It comes with a cover, too.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- 150 to Dewi Jones, Garnedd.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- What a commotion! Have you just arrived, Don?
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- What a commotion! Have you just arrived, Don?- - Yes.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- Where have you been all morning?
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Where have you been all morning?- - I had lambing troubles.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- It's a dirty old morning.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02- How's your lambing coming on?
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- How's your lambing coming on?- - Quite well.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- You're dressed up today, Don,- with gentleman's wellingtons!
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- I bought these new last Friday.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- Things must be looking up, then!
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- Things must be looking up, then!- - Not too bad.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- But the wife will have - to wait another year for a new hat!
0:22:22 > 0:22:23- How is your wife?
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- How is your wife?- - Quite well, thank you.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- I've never seen such implements- on sale.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- And there are some characters here!
0:22:34 > 0:22:35- Do you often go to sales?
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- Do you often go to sales?- - Yes.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45- You haven't missed any bargains today- - I bought a kennel for 40.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- I need a good rope for the stallion.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- He needs a rope around his neck!
0:22:59 > 0:23:04- There are plenty of ropes here - for you, Don.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- How much will the winnowing-machine- fetch, I wonder?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50- 22 - not bad.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- That's a good price, Twm.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56- You've made a fortune today!
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- You've made a fortune today!- - A small fortune!
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- You'll be on your second million now!
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- You'll be on your second million now!- - I expect so!
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- I spoke to a man just now who said he's sold you some kittens.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- I spoke to a man just now who said he's sold you some kittens.- - That's right.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- He had plenty of kittens to sell.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20- How many did you buy?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- How many did you buy?- - As many as I could get.
0:24:24 > 0:24:29- There was a lady in Gwyddelwern once- - who'd lost her cats.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31- She accused me of taking them - - 'It's that Twm Jim from Bala!'
0:24:31 > 0:24:35- She accused me of taking them - - 'It's that Twm Jim from Bala!'- Yes - Twm Jim, gentleman from Bala.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- S4C subtitles: - Enid Mathias - TROSOL CYF