Bois y Frenni Cefn Gwlad


Bois y Frenni

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-# Bois y Frenni's merry band

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-# Who is here to sing a song

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-# Boys of the heather and birdsong

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-# Boys from Llanfyrnach

-and the village of Glandwr

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-# Boys from Crymych

-and from Tegryn, of course

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-# Some are slender, some are fat

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-# Some as stiff as planks

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-# Some are young and some are old

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-# Some have lost their hair

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-# Some are from Llanglydwen,

-some from Bwlchygroes

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-# It's a jolly party

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-# We're the real thing #

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-It's a lovely morning.

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-I'm looking across to Y Frenni...

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-..in Pembrokeshire.

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-This piece of land

-gave its name, 75 years ago...

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-..to the Bois y Frenni

-concert party.

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-We're here to spend some time

-with the party...

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-..and also to meet

-some of the members...

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-..who are among the most genial

-people you could meet.

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-Their late leader, WR,

-still means everything to them.

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-# Who is here to sing a song

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-# Boys of the heather and birdsong #

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-I was raised

-in a very special area...

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-..the Preseli area...

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-..in the shadow of Moel Cwmcerwyn,

-Moel Fedw and Tal Mynydd.

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-Waldo wrote a lot

-about these old hills.

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-"Wall of my boyhood

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-"In my mind's independence

-ever at my back."

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-A very special area.

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-# We're the real thing #

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-WR Evans had a keen enthusiasm

-for culture.

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-Even today, his influence shines out

-in Bois y Frenni.

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-# Laugh with Bois y Frenni

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-# All #

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-APPLAUSE

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-"Some in the nude with skinny legs"

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-# It was early summer

-and the harvesting was done

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-# So I went to the seaside

-on a lovely, sunny day

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-# I had felt for many years

-that my feet were rather foul

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-# So off I went and joined the crowd

-to wash my feet in Mwnt

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-# Oh, what an occasion

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-# Such a wonderful day

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-# Oh, what a picture

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-# Tra la la la la la

-la la la la la la

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-# Some in the nude with skinny legs,

-like a little bird's

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-# Some were fat and rounded,

-like a herd of pigs

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-# Some were old-fashioned, lacking

-passion, getting wet and dry

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-# And our young Winnie

-in a five-guinea bikini

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-# And we all said, "Ho ho ho!" #

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-Denzil, I've heard so much

-about the beach at Mwnt.

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-This is it?

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-This is it?

-

-Yes - isn't it delightful?

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-It certainly is.

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-It's sheltered from the wind.

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-It's sheltered from the wind.

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-Yes, it's pretty good.

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-Do you come here often?

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-Do you come here often?

-

-Yes, fairly often, mostly in summer.

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-How did WR establish

-the concert party, Bois y Frenni?

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-According to what he wrote

-in his autobiography...

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-..after he graduated

-from Bangor college...

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-..he moved back to his home

-in Mynachlog Ddu.

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-Some time later,

-he was appointed headteacher...

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-..of Bwlchygroes school.

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-He was an exceptional character.

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-He was an exceptional character.

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-Yes, and he was very popular.

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-He was a remarkable headteacher.

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-Everyone knew him.

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-He was WR.

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-Some time later,

-around that period...

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-..he wrote his first book of songs.

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-They were based

-on well-known English songs...

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-..and he wrote Welsh lyrics to them.

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-He wrote about people and events

-in the area where he lived.

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-He gathered these together

-in his book, Pennill - A Thonc.

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-After writing these songs...

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-..he decided

-he needed someone to sing them.

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-So he went in search

-of people living locally...

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-..brought them together,

-and called them Bois y Frenni.

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-There was an element of brilliance.

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-Everyone had heard these songs

-on the radio.

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-We didn't have Welsh channels,

-in those days.

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-The songs were familiar.

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-Yes, and easy to learn.

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-Yes, and easy to learn.

-

-The words were all in Welsh.

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-# Benji Ty-draw

-had a great motorbike

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-# It went like lightning

-through wind and rain

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-# Racing and scrambling

-through sludge and mud

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-# Oh, what a bike

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-# Benji Ty-draw's motorbike

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-# Oh, what a bike

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-# Benji Ty-draw's motorbike

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-# It went like lightning,

-a fire bolt

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-# Scattering poultry,

-Benji's nose on the wheel

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-# Telegraph poles whizzing by

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-# Benji Ty-draw's motorbike

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-Here he comes!

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-Brr-rrr-rrr-rrr!

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-# Benji Ty-draw's old bike

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-# Benji Ty-draw's old bike

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-# Benji Ty-draw's motorbike #

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-I joined in 1986.

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-The party came together again...

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-..when the National Eisteddfod

-came to Fishguard.

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-WR was retired by then

-and living in Pembrokeshire.

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-A decision was made to organise an

-evening event at the Eisteddfod...

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-..commemorating the 1940s

-and Bois y Frenni's huge popularity.

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-# It went like lightning,

-a fire bolt

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-# Scattering poultry,

-Benji's nose on the wheel #

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-Lots of people

-still remembered the songs...

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-..and they joined

-in all the choruses.

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-People had been singing these songs

-since the '40s and '50s.

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-Here he comes!

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-Brr-rrr-rrr-rrr!

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-# Benji Ty-draw's old bike #

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-They performed at concerts

-in various places...

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-..including a concert

-in Capel Mair in Cardigan.

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-I went to the concert,

-I knew many of the songs...

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-..and I knew many of the men

-who were singing on stage.

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-One of them asked me,

-"What are you doing next Tuesday?"

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-I said, "Not much."

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-"Come and join us

-at the rehearsal in Crymych."

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-# Oh, what a bike

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-# Benji Ty-draw's motorbike

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-# It went like lightning,

-a fire bolt

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-# Scattering poultry,

-Benji's nose on the wheel

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-# Telegraph poles whizzing by

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-# Benji Ty-draw's motorbike #

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-Then the party decided to disband -

-some had been original members.

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-But Wendy Lewis,

-the party's accompanist...

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-..said there was no need to disband.

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-There were plenty of younger men

-willing to carry on.

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-So we decided to keep going.

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-# Benji Ty-draw's motorbike

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-# Benji Ty-draw's old bike #

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-Before we leave...

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-..I remember once,

-when I sang on stage...

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-..I'd come to Pembrokeshire

-to sing at a Sunday cymanfa.

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-WR was in charge.

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-I got up to sing for a second time,

-and he said, "Stand there.

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-"Lead us in two hymns -

-you're younger than me."

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-And I had to lead,

-whether I wanted to or not!

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-That's how he was!

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-It's great to talk about WR,

-with the sun shining on us.

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-He must be laughing, up there!

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-He'd say we're telling tall tales!

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-I'm sure he is!

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-"We have a drink

-to quench our thirst"

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-You're Arwyn, aren't you?

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-Carwyn - and please

-don't start an argument!

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-# Here we are, two famous policemen

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-# The finest in the land

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-# One is strong and muscular

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-# One is strong and muscular

-

-# And one's just up to scratch

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-# Wherever there is brawling

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-# Or fights on village squares

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-# We stay away

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-# We stay away

-

-# We stay away

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-# We stay away

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-# We stay away

-

-# We stay away

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-# And hide beneath the stairs #

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-Carwyn, this is where you work.

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-Yes, from 8.00am to 5.30pm,

-four days a week...

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-..and 8.00am to 7.00pm

-on the other day I work.

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-I have to work until 7.00pm

-to cover other workers.

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-And at the end of each week,

-you have to count up all the costs.

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-Yes, and end of month accounts.

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-That's when you see

-the company's costs.

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-I wouldn't like to be

-in the managers' shoes.

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-You didn't smile as you said that.

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-You didn't smile as you said that.

-

-No.

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-We're in a rural area.

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-It's not as if we're on the M4.

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-We're based in Llanfyrnach.

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-The family employs

-200 to 300 people.

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-That's a lot.

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-Yes, for a rural area.

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-Ben, you do similar, work,

-but you haven't been here so long.

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-I've worked here for a month, and

-spent 18 months at another office.

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-Are you a local man?

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-Are you a local man?

-

-Yes, a local man, from Hermon.

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-# If there is someone in the tavern

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-# Loitering with intent

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-# After stop-tap #

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-What's your favourite song?

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-I like all of them.

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-But the one that stands out

-is a song called Lemoned.

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-When you have a party

-after a concert...

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-..is there something

-stronger than lemonade?!

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-Um... Occasionally!

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-# We have a drink

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-# We have a drink

-

-# We have a drink

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-# We have a drink

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-# We have a drink

-

-# We have a drink

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-# To quench our thirst

-before we leave

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-# We have a drink

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-# We have a drink

-

-# We have a drink

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-# We have a drink

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-# We have a drink

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-# To quench our thirst

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-# Before we leave #

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-APPLAUSE

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-.

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-Subtitles

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-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

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-Shall we do Cwtsh Dan Star?

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-# I have a shelter from the bombs

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-# Beneath the stairs

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-# Where my wife and I will hide

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-# Underneath the stairs #

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-It's rehearsal night

-for Bois y Frenni.

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-I've come to listen to them.

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-They're a lively bunch!

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-It's windy outside,

-but nice and warm in here!

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-# Beneath the stairs

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-# A place to hide beneath the stairs

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-# Underneath the stairs #

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-Are you happy with that?

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-Well done, I'm proud of you!

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-The postman, Kevin Vaughan,

-is a keen member of the party.

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-Today, he's organising the boys.

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-Every day, he eats his lunch

-near Waldo's memorial stone.

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-It's a great spot for a cuppa.

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-# And my great wealth

-that's less than a pound

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-# A place to hide...

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-There you are!

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-There you are!

-

-How are you, Dai?

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-The rain is forever

-coming and going.

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-That's what it's like up here.

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-I stopped to ask someone

-where you were.

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-I knew you were somewhere

-around here.

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-He said, "He eats his lunch

-every day by Waldo's stone."

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-I'm doing well, thanks.

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-I'm doing well, thanks.

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-When did you start work?

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-At 6.30am.

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-I cover a wide area.

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-I drive 50 miles a day.

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-Are you a local man?

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-Are you a local man?

-

-Yes, from Crymych.

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-I'm not from Mynachlog Ddu.

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-I'm not from Mynachlog Ddu.

-

-Crymych isn't far.

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-You could use a bike -

-the land's quite flat.

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-Don't tell my boss!

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-I've just had a new van!

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-How long have you been

-a member of the party?

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-I joined in 2000.

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-Yes?

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-Carwyn John and Llyr

-joined shortly before me.

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-You were just young lads, back then.

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-You were just young lads, back then.

-

-Yes, we were.

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-We had grown too old

-to compete in the Urdd.

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-What does the choir mean to you?

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-Why do you want to be a member?

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-It's something I've grown up with.

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-I listened to Bois y Frenni

-when I was a child.

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-I listened to the songs.

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-I joined, and saw

-how light-hearted it is.

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-It's very easy-going - if you

-forget the words, it doesn't matter.

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-We just keep going.

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-I'm now a part of it.

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-I'm now a part of it.

-

-Do you sing any solos in the choir?

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-Yes - all of us sing a few songs.

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-One if the songs I sing

-is called Leisa.

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-It's a love song.

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-It comes from the show Twll O Le.

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-He wrote the song and sent it

-back home for Bois y Frenni to sing.

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-The song describes how much

-he missed his home and his wife.

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-# Lay me to rest in tranquillity

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-# By the home of the one that I love

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-# I shall hear her voice

-on the breezes

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-# And her joy

-in the song of the stream

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-# Take me home to Leisa

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-# Leisa

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-# Let me sit by the hearth

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-# By the hearth

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-# Just take me home to Leisa

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-# Oh, Leisa

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-# My wife, that is all I desire

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-# I desire #

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-I'll have to be on my way, soon.

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-I'd offer you a cuppa, but

-there's only enough tea for one.

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-Do you have two cups?

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-Do you have two cups?

-

-No!

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-"Clear off, Wish-goc, Good Bitch"

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-# Crows are among the potatoes again

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-# Crows are among the potatoes again

-

-# Clear off, clear off

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-# I'd really love

-to be rid of them all

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-# Clear off, clear off

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-# Soon, the potatoes

-will all be gone

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-# It's enough to drive a man insane

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-# Oh, all these things

-torment an old farmer, poor dab

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-# Oh, all these things

-torment an old farmer, poor dab #

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-It's a rainy morning,

-and I'm visiting Trefigin Quarry.

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-Llyr John joins me.

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-One of the Johns - there are lots

-of Johns in this area.

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-Almost as many as Joneses.

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-Almost as many as Joneses.

-

-Quite possibly.

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-How long has the quarry

-been in operation?

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-For over half a century.

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-My grandfather had a farm in Y Glog.

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-He became a contractor...

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-..and later on, he and his brother

-started this business.

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-We extract sand and gravel

-from the pits.

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-The area relies heavily

-on agriculture...

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-..and other businesses are needed

-in order to support agriculture.

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-People support each other.

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-It's an ideal place to live.

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-It's lovely - Bois y Frenni

-sing about the Preseli Hills.

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-Singing is the main reason

-why we're here...

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-..and we're enjoying our visit

-enormously.

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-What does Bois y Frenni mean to you?

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-You joined the group

-at a very young age.

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-A group of my friends and I

-joined Bois y Frenni.

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-We were invited to join,

-to keep it going.

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-# The old yellow cockerel

-is in the shed

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-# He'll ruin the corn -

-thump him, Ned

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-# Wish-goc, wish-goc

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-# Thump his gizzard, thump his head

0:18:470:18:50

-# Use a rock, use a stick

0:18:500:18:52

-# Oh, all these things

-torment an old farmer, poor dab #

0:18:520:18:56

-There have been many

-singing groups in this area...

0:18:560:19:00

-..Bois y Felin, Cantorion Ingli,

-Cor Crymych, Cor Sir Benfro...

0:19:000:19:05

-..the John Davies Singers -

-more than I can count.

0:19:050:19:09

-But Bois y Frenni are different.

0:19:090:19:10

-But Bois y Frenni are different.

-

-We're very different.

0:19:100:19:12

-We're not a choir, as such.

0:19:130:19:14

-We had taken part

-in activities with the aelwyd...

0:19:150:19:19

-..competing with the choir

-and the noson lawen.

0:19:190:19:22

-Bois y Frenni combine the two.

0:19:220:19:25

-# Ned, you lazybones, call the bitch

0:19:250:19:28

-# Ned, you lazybones, call the bitch

-

-# Good bitch, good bitch

0:19:280:19:31

-# Tell the creature to get here fast

0:19:310:19:34

-# Good bitch #

0:19:340:19:35

-We had sung songs such as

-Traeth Y Mwnt at the aelwyd...

0:19:350:19:39

-..and Yr Evacuee,

-Cwtsh Dan Star and Y Blac Owt.

0:19:390:19:43

-I was brought up

-knowing these songs.

0:19:440:19:47

-We learnt some at school.

0:19:470:19:49

-# All these things

-torment an old farmer, poor dab #

0:19:490:19:52

-WR wrote about things he knew.

0:19:530:19:55

-He was a teacher,

-a farmer's son, a farmer...

0:19:550:19:59

-..and he owned a shop.

0:19:590:20:00

-He also wrote about the war.

0:20:010:20:03

-What's your song?

0:20:040:20:06

-Everyone has a song, everyone

-comes forward in turn to sing.

0:20:060:20:10

-I sing Y Ffarmwr - Pwr Dab.

0:20:100:20:12

-# ..torment an old farmer, poor dab

0:20:130:20:16

-# Oh, all these things

-torment an old farmer

0:20:160:20:21

-# Poor dab #

0:20:210:20:28

-The AI man's van -

-I'm in the right place.

0:20:280:20:31

-He has a good name - Arwel Owen.

0:20:320:20:34

-Arwel, how are you?

0:20:340:20:35

-Arwel, how are you?

-

-It's Llywelyn, actually!

0:20:350:20:37

-Oh, heck!

0:20:380:20:39

-Arwel Llywelyn - what a good name.

0:20:420:20:45

-Arwel, how are you?

0:20:450:20:46

-Are you busy?

0:20:460:20:48

-Yes, I'm kept going.

0:20:480:20:50

-Years ago, the AI man would arrive

-at the farm, do the job and go.

0:20:500:20:55

-It's more complicated than that,

-these days.

0:20:550:20:58

-Yes, I do RMS, which stands

-for reproductive management system.

0:20:580:21:03

-Every day, we visit this farm

-and another five farms.

0:21:030:21:09

-We mark the cows' backs

-with orange chalk, as you can see.

0:21:090:21:13

-This is used to denote cows that are

-being mounted by other cows...

0:21:140:21:18

-..which is an indication

-that the cow may be in heat.

0:21:180:21:22

-I'll let you finish your work.

0:21:220:21:24

-We'll talk about the choir later.

0:21:250:21:27

-He's a member of the choir, you see!

0:21:270:21:30

-# This pitch-darkness frightens us

0:21:310:21:35

-# It's all so dark everywhere

0:21:350:21:38

-# It's not a time for fun and games

0:21:390:21:43

-# It's all so dark... #

0:21:440:21:45

-Y Blac Owt

-is one of the songs I sing.

0:21:450:21:48

-# The blackout

0:21:490:21:52

-# The blackout #

0:21:520:21:54

-It's a song about wartime.

0:21:540:21:56

-# Windows must be covered

-in every house and vestry

0:21:560:22:01

-# It's all so dark everywhere

0:22:010:22:04

-# A lad went courting

-his lovely lass

0:22:050:22:09

-# It's all so dark everywhere

0:22:090:22:12

-# He wrapped his arms

-around a big black cow

0:22:130:22:17

-# It's all so dark everywhere #

0:22:180:22:20

-This is what makes the group

-so successful, I believe.

0:22:210:22:25

-Sometimes, I forget the words,

-so I substitute a 'la-la-la'...

0:22:260:22:30

-..and the audience

-accepts this naturally.

0:22:310:22:34

-It's just a bit of fun.

0:22:340:22:35

-How long have you been a member?

0:22:360:22:38

-About three years ago,

-I was invited to join.

0:22:390:22:42

-Kevin the postman texted me.

0:22:430:22:46

-When you're invited to join

-Bois y Frenni, you don't refuse.

0:22:460:22:52

-It's an honour to be a part of it.

0:22:520:22:54

-# ..everywhere #

0:22:550:22:59

-APPLAUSE

0:23:000:23:01

-What does the choir mean to you?

0:23:020:23:04

-You enjoy it, of course.

0:23:040:23:06

-It's not a choir, it's a party.

0:23:060:23:08

-Party, then.

0:23:080:23:10

-I'd promoted you to a choir!

0:23:110:23:13

-It's not a choir,

-it has elements of the noson lawen.

0:23:130:23:17

-For me, it's because my father had

-been a member of Bois y Frenni...

0:23:190:23:23

-..and I'm happy,

-if he'd be looking down at me now...

0:23:230:23:27

-..that I'm keeping

-the tradition going...

0:23:280:23:31

-..and we're recruiting young lads

-to come and join us.

0:23:310:23:35

-We're celebrating

-our 75th anniversary.

0:23:360:23:39

-We must keep it going -

-it's part of our local heritage.

0:23:400:23:44

-You meet in the pub after practice.

0:23:450:23:47

-Sometimes, we rehearse in the pub.

0:23:480:23:50

-Have a drink before you go.

0:23:520:23:54

-I'll have a lemonade.

0:23:540:23:55

-Lemonade - an excellent choice!

0:23:550:23:58

-Yes, it's good.

0:23:580:23:59

-# Tell me what you're drinking, lad

0:24:000:24:02

-# Lemonade

0:24:020:24:04

-# Tell me what you're drinking, lad

0:24:040:24:06

-# Tell me what you're drinking, lad

-

-# Lemonade

0:24:060:24:07

-# Tell me what you're drinking,

-tell me what you're drinking

0:24:080:24:11

-# Tell me what you're drinking

0:24:120:24:13

-# Tell me what you're drinking

-

-# Lemonade #

0:24:130:24:15

-# Lemonade

0:24:150:24:18

-# Lemonade

0:24:180:24:20

-# The sweetest drink of all

0:24:200:24:25

-# A sparkling drink

-that will not go to your head

0:24:250:24:29

-# Let's sing our praise

-of lemonade #

0:24:290:24:34

-.

0:24:340:24:34

-Subtitles

0:24:390:24:39

-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

0:24:390:24:41

-# Sitting on a tractor

0:24:420:24:44

-# Is my lot in life

0:24:440:24:46

-# Here, I am a ruler

0:24:460:24:48

-# King of all I see

0:24:480:24:50

-# I have all my duties

0:24:500:24:52

-# And these I carry out

0:24:530:24:55

-# Sitting on a tractor

0:24:560:24:57

-# Elevates my life

0:24:580:25:01

-# I have a modern tractor

0:25:010:25:03

-# That cost a lot of cash

0:25:040:25:05

-# It rumbles over meadows

0:25:060:25:07

-# Growling as it goes

0:25:080:25:09

-# It moves as fast as lightning

0:25:090:25:12

-# Scrambling up a bank

0:25:120:25:13

-# It never becomes tired

0:25:140:25:16

-# It never becomes tired

0:25:160:25:17

-# When there's fuel in the tank #

0:25:180:25:20

-Dyfed has been a keen supporter

-of Bois y Frenni since he was young.

0:25:310:25:35

-He grew to become

-a prominent talent.

0:25:360:25:39

-# Poor old schoolteacher

0:25:390:25:42

-# Teaching kids all day

0:25:420:25:44

-# We don't call him a hero

0:25:440:25:47

-# We don't call him a saint #

0:25:470:25:50

-I was there with the original group.

0:25:500:25:53

-I played the accordion, back then.

0:25:530:25:57

-I was in school with WR, of course.

0:25:570:25:59

-Pati Col Jones

-was Bois y Frenni's accompanist.

0:26:000:26:04

-She gave me piano lessons.

0:26:040:26:06

-But the accordion

-was my favourite instrument.

0:26:090:26:13

-I enjoyed playing

-and singing Bois y Frenni's songs.

0:26:140:26:18

-I was with the group

-until WR moved to Barry in 1959.

0:26:190:26:22

-# Oh, poor thing #

0:26:220:26:29

-After WR moved to Barry,

-I kept on singing the songs.

0:26:290:26:34

-I kept on singing those songs

-for 30 years or so.

0:26:350:26:40

-Strangely, there aren't any

-recordings of the original group.

0:26:400:26:45

-All broadcasts were live.

0:26:460:26:48

-You travelled the country

-for concerts.

0:26:480:26:51

-Yes - we went everywhere.

0:26:510:26:53

-Going to North Wales was

-a strange experience, at the time...

0:26:540:26:58

-..because the language

-was so different.

0:26:580:27:01

-Today, television

-has brought us together.

0:27:020:27:05

-In those days, there were words

-that I couldn't understand.

0:27:050:27:10

-We spoke the Pembrokeshire dialect.

0:27:100:27:13

-They must have found that

-difficult, too!

0:27:130:27:16

-I'm sure!

0:27:160:27:18

-He wrote so much, and he wrote

-about these areas and their people.

0:27:180:27:24

-It's extraordinary.

0:27:250:27:26

-Yes, it is extraordinary.

0:27:260:27:29

-He wrote songs

-about all kinds of things.

0:27:290:27:32

-I remember one song,

-written by Ifan John Williams...

0:27:320:27:36

-..who had a shop in Bwlchygroes -

-Ianto Siop.

0:27:360:27:40

-Its subject was myxomatosis.

0:27:400:27:42

-"I curse the myxomatosis

-that causes poor rabbits such pain

0:27:420:27:47

-"More deadly than tonsillitis,

-toothache, arthritis and flu."

0:27:470:27:52

-He became extremely emotional

-about the rabbits.

0:27:540:27:59

-I remember standing next to him

-on stage...

0:27:590:28:02

-..and he'd start crying.

0:28:020:28:04

-Tears flowed down

-and fell on the toes of his shoes!

0:28:050:28:09

-He wept real tears,

-even though he was acting!

0:28:100:28:13

-And he wrote the song?

0:28:130:28:14

-And he wrote the song?

-

-Yes, he wrote the song.

0:28:140:28:16

-# Farewell to you, dearest rabbit

0:28:170:28:20

-# Here's a flower

-to place on your grave

0:28:210:28:24

-# Resting beneath the greensward

0:28:250:28:28

-# You lie at last in peace

0:28:290:28:32

-# When the minister came, as usual

0:28:330:28:36

-# Mari felt terribly flat

0:28:360:28:39

-# He was expecting his supper

0:28:400:28:43

-# But there was nothing

-to put on his plate

0:28:430:28:46

-# Farewell to you, dearest rabbit

0:28:460:28:50

-# Here's a flower

-to place on your grave

0:28:510:28:55

-# Resting beneath the greensward

0:28:550:28:58

-# You lie at last in peace #

0:28:580:29:03

-WR was known among his friends

-as Wil yr Organ Geg.

0:29:060:29:10

-He entertained countless audiences.

0:29:110:29:14

-This was WR's mouth organ.

0:29:350:29:37

-I played the mouth organ at a

-memorial concert to him in Crymych.

0:29:370:29:42

-After the concert,

-Mrs Evans came up to me...

0:29:430:29:48

-..and Gwawr...

0:29:480:29:49

-..and they gave me that mouth organ

-as a memento.

0:29:500:29:53

-I have many memories

-of him playing it.

0:29:530:29:56

-It says 'Mishtir' -

-is that what you called him?

0:29:560:30:00

-Yes, that's what we all called him

-in Bwlchygroes.

0:30:000:30:04

-# My Grandfather's Clock #

0:30:050:30:08

-# I'll cultivate

-every spare scrap of land

0:31:430:31:47

-# Two pounds an acre, boys

0:31:470:31:49

-# Grow food for the pigs,

-and some for the hens

0:31:500:31:53

-# Two pounds an acre, boys

0:31:540:31:56

-# Two pounds, yes, two pounds,

-two pounds each

0:31:560:31:59

-# Two pounds, yes, two pounds each

0:32:000:32:03

-# Two pounds each, two pounds each

0:32:030:32:06

-# Two pounds an acre, boys #

0:32:060:32:08

-This is an important facility

-for local farmers...

0:32:090:32:13

-..the excellent mart

-here in Crymych...

0:32:130:32:17

-..in the shadow of Frenni Fawr

-and the rest of the Preseli Hills.

0:32:170:32:23

-It's a superb place

-to stop and chat to people.

0:32:230:32:27

-Dozens of people are here today,

-despite the rain.

0:32:270:32:31

-# Two pounds each, two pounds each

0:32:320:32:34

-# Two pounds an acre, boys #

0:32:350:32:37

-Arwel loves singing.

0:32:370:32:40

-He epitomises Bois y Frenni.

0:32:400:32:43

-Dolau Newydd Farm

-stands beneath Frenni Fawr.

0:32:430:32:47

-# Wherever you travel,

-wherever you roam

0:32:470:32:51

-# Two pounds an acre, boys

0:32:510:32:53

-# Two pounds, yes, two pounds,

-two pounds each

0:32:540:32:57

-# Two pounds, two pounds each #

0:32:570:33:00

-I don't think there's anywhere

-closer to Frenni.

0:33:000:33:07

-The sheep of Dolau Newydd Farm

-graze on Frenni during the summer.

0:33:070:33:12

-I was looking at this little book.

0:33:130:33:15

-WR wrote about all aspects

-of rural life in his verses.

0:33:160:33:22

-He had a verse for everything.

0:33:230:33:24

-He had a verse for everything.

-

-I'd say so, yes.

0:33:240:33:26

-Lots of the songs

-are about the area...

0:33:270:33:30

-..and people's daily work.

0:33:300:33:33

-He was raised in this area and

-returned to become a headteacher.

0:33:330:33:39

-He was deeply involved

-with life in the area.

0:33:390:33:43

-In those days, people

-didn't travel far from home.

0:33:430:33:47

-They formed a party

-and did a good job of it.

0:33:470:33:51

-You sing a few solos in the choir.

0:33:520:33:54

-What's your favourite song?

0:33:540:33:56

-My favourite song

-is Druan O'r Hen Sgwlyn...

0:33:580:34:01

-..though Yr Evacuee

-comes a close second.

0:34:010:34:04

-I can play around a little

-with Druan O'r Hen Sgwlyn.

0:34:040:34:09

-The Sgwlyn was WR himself.

0:34:090:34:11

-Yes, since WR was a schoolteacher -

-that's why he wrote it.

0:34:110:34:15

-Later, he went away to war.

0:34:150:34:17

-When he returned, I think

-there were heavy bills to pay.

0:34:170:34:21

-Stop talking, and give us a song!

0:34:220:34:24

-# Poor old schoolteacher

0:34:250:34:28

-# Slaving away all day

0:34:290:34:32

-# Now, he finds it handy

0:34:330:34:36

-# To share his peas and beans

0:34:370:34:40

-# But poor old schoolteacher

0:34:410:34:45

-# It's a good thing that I

0:34:450:34:48

-# Learned to read potato bills

0:34:490:34:53

-# And various other foods

0:34:530:35:00

-# Poor old schoolteacher

0:35:010:35:05

-# He gets a lot of flack

0:35:050:35:08

-# Our Jeni's getting this

-our Jeni's getting that

0:35:080:35:12

-# Our Jeni shouldn't get this,

-our Jeni shouldn't get that

0:35:120:35:16

-# Everyone picks on our Joni,

-what is wrong with our Joni?

0:35:160:35:21

-# Over and over

0:35:220:35:28

-# Poor old thing

0:35:290:35:36

-# Poor old schoolteacher

0:35:360:35:40

-# When he's 60 years old

0:35:400:35:43

-# He'll be a feeble creature

0:35:440:35:47

-# Wandering in the woods

0:35:470:35:52

-# He can't even go fishing

0:35:530:35:56

-# Without a care in the world

0:35:560:36:00

-# He feels there are inspectors

0:36:000:36:03

-# Around him all the time

0:36:040:36:11

-# Poor old schoolteacher

0:36:120:36:15

-# He gets a lot of flack

0:36:160:36:19

-# Our Jeni's getting this,

-our Jeni's getting that

0:36:190:36:22

-# Our Jeni shouldn't get this,

-our Jeni shouldn't get that

0:36:220:36:27

-# Everyone picks on our Joni,

-what is wrong with our Joni?

0:36:270:36:32

-# Over and over

0:36:330:36:39

-# Poor old thing #

0:36:400:36:48

-APPLAUSE

0:36:490:36:50

-.

0:36:510:36:51

-Subtitles

0:36:550:36:55

-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

0:36:550:36:57

-# Seventy-five years have rolled by

0:37:050:37:10

-# Since our journey began

0:37:110:37:15

-# We've travelled

-from village to village

0:37:160:37:20

-# Our spirit still youthful and free

0:37:210:37:26

-# Memories

0:37:260:37:29

-# Memories

0:37:290:37:31

-# Companionship and song

0:37:310:37:36

-# Memories

0:37:360:37:39

-# Memories

0:37:390:37:41

-# Hours of pleasure and joy #

0:37:410:37:46

-Tudur Lewis, rugby is one

-of your greatest interests.

0:37:510:37:55

-Yes, I've always been keen

-on rugby...

0:37:550:37:58

-..though I was never a good player.

0:37:580:38:01

-I was interested in various clubs,

-and in the Welsh team in particular.

0:38:010:38:06

-My involvement

-with Clwb Rygbi Crymych began...

0:38:060:38:10

-..when my sons started playing.

0:38:100:38:13

-We're proud of our Welshness

-at this club.

0:38:130:38:16

-Everything is done in Welsh.

0:38:160:38:18

-We're not Crymych RFC,

-we're Clwb Rygbi Crymych.

0:38:190:38:22

-Everyone knows

-what Clwb Rygbi means.

0:38:220:38:25

-If you don't,

-you shouldn't be playing.

0:38:250:38:28

-The choir, or rather, the party - I

-don't want the lads telling me off!

0:38:290:38:34

-The Bois y Frenni party.

0:38:340:38:35

-How long has it been

-close to the heart?

0:38:360:38:39

-My heart, personally?

0:38:390:38:41

-When I was a young lad...

0:38:410:38:43

-..I'd accompany my parents

-to nosweithiau llawen.

0:38:430:38:47

-There were a lot more of them,

-in those days.

0:38:470:38:50

-Bois y Frenni took part

-in lots of concerts in the area.

0:38:500:38:54

-What I remember most, as a boy,

-was the piano accordion...

0:38:540:38:58

-..played by Dyfed Llwyn-drain.

0:38:580:39:01

-He played with such enthusiasm.

0:39:010:39:03

-He had a thick head of hair.

0:39:030:39:05

-For me, that was the thing.

0:39:060:39:07

-I hoped I could become

-a member, one day...

0:39:080:39:11

-..but never thought it would happen.

0:39:110:39:13

-# Sometimes, when I'm home on my own

0:39:160:39:19

-# When my wife is spending money

-in Porthcawl

0:39:200:39:23

-# Pws and I

0:39:230:39:25

-# Live without much fuss

0:39:260:39:27

-# We never feast on stew

-or meat or cawl

0:39:280:39:31

-# We sit ourselves down

-beside the hearth

0:39:330:39:36

-# With a basin of bread and tea

0:39:360:39:39

-# I stretch my legs

-towards the hearth

0:39:400:39:43

-# With a basin of bread and tea

0:39:430:39:46

-# I live my life without much fuss

0:39:460:39:49

-# And that, too, is what Pws wants

0:39:500:39:53

-# We sit ourselves down

-beside the hearth

0:39:540:39:57

-# With a basin of bread and tea #

0:39:570:40:02

-Ever since I've been here...

0:40:020:40:05

-..I feel

-I'm in a sociable community...

0:40:050:40:08

-..in the true sense of the word.

0:40:090:40:11

-Certainly.

0:40:110:40:13

-People are so easy-going.

0:40:130:40:15

-I'm an outsider.

0:40:160:40:17

-But you're with the group,

-you listen to them talking...

0:40:170:40:21

-..and you listen to them singing.

0:40:220:40:24

-It's obvious that it means

-everything to them.

0:40:240:40:28

-They wouldn't changes places

-with anyone.

0:40:280:40:31

-No - this is

-a very special community.

0:40:310:40:34

-The area is steeped in Welshness.

0:40:340:40:37

-Non-Welsh-speakers are welcomed

-in the area, of course.

0:40:370:40:41

-But if you speak Welsh, you become

-immersed in the community.

0:40:420:40:46

-# A basin of bread and tea

0:40:460:40:49

-# I'll stretch my legs

-towards the hearth

0:40:490:40:53

-# With a basin of bread and tea

0:40:530:40:56

-# I live my life without much fuss

0:40:560:40:59

-# And that, too, is what Pws wants

0:41:000:41:04

-# We sit ourselves down

-beside the hearth

0:41:040:41:07

-# With a basin of bread

0:41:080:41:11

-# Yes, a basin of bread of tea #

0:41:110:41:20

-APPLAUSE

0:41:220:41:23

-Tudur, what's your special song?

0:41:240:41:27

-Llythyr Caru is my special song.

0:41:270:41:29

-I've always been a romantic chap!

0:41:300:41:33

-It's strange - that's the only song

-in our repertoire...

0:41:340:41:39

-..with lots of English words in it.

0:41:390:41:41

-I use my best English, of course!

0:41:420:41:44

-Remind me.

0:41:440:41:46

-How does it go?

0:41:460:41:48

-"My pretty, pretty Jen Ann

0:41:480:41:50

-"I hope you be darling in the pink

0:41:500:41:52

-"I am taking up my fountain pen

-in my right hand

0:41:530:41:56

-"For me now not sleep a wink."

0:41:560:41:58

-# I spent money, lots of money

0:42:060:42:09

-# On a fountain pen

0:42:090:42:11

-# So I could write a letter

0:42:120:42:15

-# To the sweetest girl on earth

0:42:150:42:18

-# Of course, I wrote in English

0:42:190:42:21

-# To show a bit of style

0:42:220:42:24

-# Because the use of English

0:42:240:42:27

-# Makes it more worthwhile

0:42:270:42:31

-# My pretty, pretty Jen Ann

0:42:320:42:35

-# I hope you be darling in the pink

0:42:360:42:39

-# I am taking up my fountain pen

-in my right hand

0:42:400:42:45

-# For me now not sleep a wink

0:42:450:42:47

-# Me write as good as me can

0:42:490:42:52

-# Hope this find you A-one

0:42:540:42:57

-# Trusting you not look

-at any young man

0:42:580:43:02

-# My pretty, pretty Jen Ann

0:43:030:43:06

-# I puzzled and I puzzled

0:43:090:43:11

-# Yes, for many an hour

0:43:120:43:14

-# Couldn't find the pretty words

0:43:150:43:18

-# In which to express my love #

0:43:180:43:20

-Wendy Lewis, how long have you been

-the party's accompanist?

0:43:210:43:26

-Some might say it's been too long!

0:43:270:43:29

-I don't think so!

0:43:290:43:31

-It's been over 25 years.

0:43:310:43:32

-It's been over 25 years.

-

-Really?

0:43:320:43:34

-# My pretty, pretty Jen Ann #

0:43:340:43:38

-I knew about the party.

0:43:380:43:40

-They asked me to join them because

-their accompanist had left...

0:43:400:43:45

-..and they had

-a temporary accompanist.

0:43:450:43:48

-And I'm still with them.

0:43:480:43:50

-I don't use much sheet music -

-I have one or two copies.

0:43:520:43:56

-I just listen to them singing...

0:43:560:43:58

-..and make notes in sol-fa

-for the start of the song...

0:43:580:44:02

-..in case my mind goes blank.

0:44:020:44:04

-# My pretty, pretty Jen Ann

0:44:050:44:08

-# How to end this masterpiece

0:44:100:44:13

-# For my dear Jen Ann?

0:44:140:44:16

-# Yours in anticipation

0:44:170:44:19

-# Love from Samuel John #

0:44:200:44:22

-You're a very lively accompanist.

0:44:240:44:27

-You have to be, with these lads.

0:44:270:44:29

-How shall I put it?

0:44:300:44:31

-You never know what they'll do next.

0:44:310:44:34

-There's no set routine

-that's followed every single time.

0:44:340:44:38

-They change things around.

0:44:380:44:40

-Sometimes,

-they'll stretch out a word...

0:44:410:44:44

-..and I have to keep up.

0:44:440:44:46

-# I am taking up my fountain pen

-in my right hand

0:44:460:44:50

-# For me now not sleep a wink

0:44:510:44:53

-# Me write as good me can

0:44:550:44:58

-# Hope this find you A-one

0:44:590:45:02

-# Trusting you not look

-at any young man

0:45:030:45:08

-# My pretty, pretty

0:45:090:45:11

-# Jen Ann #

0:45:120:45:19

-APPLAUSE

0:45:190:45:21

-Let's do Traeth Y Mwnt next.

0:45:270:45:29

-Dai, would you like to join us

-for this song?

0:45:290:45:32

-Traeth Y Mwnt?

0:45:330:45:35

-It's rough there tonight!

0:45:350:45:38

-Come and sing with us!

0:45:380:45:39

-I was there yesterday with Denzil.

0:45:390:45:42

-What do I do?

0:45:420:45:44

-Stand in the gap.

0:45:440:45:45

-Stand in the gap.

-

-Dance!

0:45:450:45:46

-Pitch in wherever you can.

0:45:480:45:50

-It's a pleasure

-to be with the boys...

0:45:550:45:59

-..and sharing a stage with them

-is an honour.

0:45:590:46:02

-# It was early summer

-and the harvesting was done

0:46:020:46:06

-# So I went to the seaside

-on a lovely, sunny day

0:46:070:46:11

-# I had felt for many years

-that my feet were rather foul

0:46:110:46:16

-# So off I went and joined the crowd

-to wash my feet in Mwnt

0:46:160:46:21

-# Oh, what an occasion

0:46:210:46:23

-# Such a wonderful day

0:46:230:46:25

-# Oh, what a picture

0:46:250:46:27

-# Tra la la la la la

-la la la la la la

0:46:280:46:33

-# Some in the nude with skinny legs,

-like a little bird's

0:46:330:46:37

-# Some were fat and rounded,

-like a herd of pigs

0:46:380:46:42

-# Some were old-fashioned, lacking

-passion, getting wet and dry

0:46:420:46:46

-# And our young Winnie

-in a five-guinea bikini

0:46:460:46:50

-# And we all said, "Ho ho ho!" #

0:46:510:46:54

-This shirt is for you.

0:46:540:46:56

-Bois y Frenni -

-I shall wear it with pride.

0:46:560:46:59

-You're a 16.5, aren't you?

0:46:590:47:01

-You're a 16.5, aren't you?

-

-Yes, but what's the collar size?!

0:47:010:47:03

-# So there I was, prancing,

-keeping my balance

0:47:040:47:07

-# Hiding my front with a shawl

0:47:080:47:11

-# But once I had started,

-I got a bit worried

0:47:110:47:14

-# There was nothing

-to hide my rear

0:47:140:47:17

-# Oh, what an occasion

0:47:170:47:19

-# Such a wonderful day #

0:47:190:47:21

-Now, I just need to learn the words!

0:47:210:47:24

-And a drop of something!

0:47:240:47:26

-# Some in the nude with skinny legs,

-like a little bird's

0:47:290:47:33

-# Some were fat and rounded,

-like a herd of pigs

0:47:340:47:37

-# Some were old-fashioned, lacking

-passion, getting wet and dry

0:47:380:47:42

-# And our young Winnie

-in a five-guinea bikini

0:47:430:47:47

-# And we all said, "Ho ho ho!" #

0:47:480:47:59

-APPLAUSE

0:47:590:48:01

-S4C subtitles by Trosol Cyf.

0:48:030:48:05

-.

0:48:050:48:05

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