Côr Meibion Machynlleth Cefn Gwlad


Côr Meibion Machynlleth

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-# You're the only country for me,

-O Wales #

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-Machynlleth Male Voice Choir.

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-Yes, the old verse is true enough.

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-"You're the only country for me,

-O Wales".

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-A part of the old county of

-Montgomeryshire is in front of me.

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-This is the area from which

-all the choir members originate.

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-They say that the men and women

-of Bro Ddyfi start singing...

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-..before they start crying.

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-The subject of our programme today

-is Machynlleth Male Voice Choir...

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-..one of the best male voice choirs

-in the world.

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-# You're the only country for me

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-# O Wales

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-# We pass our traditions on

-to our children and grandchildren #

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-There are 56 members in the choir.

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-But only half of us can really sing.

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-The eldest is 65

-and the youngest is 20.

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-There are four sets of brothers

-in the choir...

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-..and two fathers and sons.

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-There are four teachers

-in the choir...

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-..including the conductor,

-Aled Myrddin.

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-Over half the members are farmers.

-It stinks here sometimes.

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-We have one gardener. He likes

-to call himself a landscaper.

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-We have one electrician and one vet.

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-Four members are builders.

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-I'm the best one, of course.

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-One professional singer.

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-I wouldn't go that far.

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-# Stand with us #

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-We come from every part of

-Montgomeryshire and beyond.

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-Everyone in the choir speaks Welsh

-except one.

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-The other is Irish,

-so he doesn't count.

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-The choir was set up three years ago

-for the Meifod Eisteddfod.

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-We came second. We were cheated.

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-We were cheated at Abergavenny too,

-but it was a good night!

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-We were lucky enough to win

-in Anglesey this year.

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-We had a good night after that!

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-Machynlleth is the home

-of the choir.

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-They rehearse here in the shadow

-of the famous clock.

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-The are rehearsing this evening.

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-They've turned up in their trucks...

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-..and parked on the yellow lines.

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-The traffic warden could make

-a fortune.

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-But, who cares, let's go in!

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-The boys have a big day

-on the horizon...

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-..singing the anthems

-and entertaining the crowd...

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-..at the rugby match

-between Wales and New Zealand.

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-They have to learn some new songs

-and some traditional Maori tunes.

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-Aled, what a sound!

-They sing like angels.

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-But they don't look like angels!

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-Excellent!

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-Congratulations on your successes

-up to now.

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-You're a teacher in Ceredigion,

-but they don't work you too hard.

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-You come here of an evening.

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-It isn't an easy job,

-but you don't look stressed.

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-You're not sweating.

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-It must be a pleasure for you

-to come here.

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-Yes, it is.

-I wouldn't do it otherwise.

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-It's great to come here

-and have a bit of fun.

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-We sing and we get invited

-to various events.

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-It's nice to look forward to

-various activities.

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-We're looking forward to the match.

-We're rehearsing for it now.

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-It takes time,

-but the words are coming.

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-I was listening to you outside.

-I'd never be able to say them!

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-They can't say them either!

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-Most of the choir members

-work on the land...

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-..and there's nothing like

-the robust voices of farmers.

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-The most well-known face and voice

-in the choir...

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-..is Aled Wyn Davies

-or Aled Pentremawr.

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-He is one of the Three Tenors

-who travel the world singing...

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-..but his heart resides

-here at home.

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-Aled Pentremawr sings

-to a high standard.

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-He's come back from a world tour...

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-..but still likes to sing

-with his friends.

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-To win the blue ribbon would be

-a real challenge for us all.

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-# O Wales, O Wales,

-you are my paradise #

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-He's a giant of a man,

-in every sense of the word.

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-A big voice and a big belly

-to go with it.

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-He's a very nice man.

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-Even with all the success he's had,

-he hasn't changed a bit.

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-# When trouble sometimes

-rears its head #

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-We all have our troubles,

-but he supports Liverpool.

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-He's not perfect by a long way.

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-# I'm lifted by images of hill

-and home #

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-He thinks too much of himself,

-really.

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-The top tenors are not great...

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-..but when Aled comes back,

-he makes a difference to them.

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-# O Wales, O Wales,

-you are my paradise #

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-He's a lovely person.

-A real gentleman.

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-He has his feet on the ground.

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-I'm Aled Wyn Davies of Pentremawr.

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-I'm a farmer

-and some sort of singer.

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-# O Wales, O Wales,

-I'd give you my life #

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-Come by, come by!

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-Jim, come here! Jim! Come by!

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-Stay there!

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-The sheep are looking good.

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-Yes, they're good

-for mountain sheep.

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-They'll change when we go down

-to Pembrokeshire next month.

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-They're not breeding rams?

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-No, these will leave here

-at the end of October.

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-Of course, you're from a long line

-of sheep farmers.

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-We're from Aberbiga near Staylittle.

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-The Clywedog reservoir.

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-Then we moved down here

-in the 1950s or 60s.

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-When I started with

-the Welsh Mountain sheep...

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-..I bought some of these

-at the Llanidloes sale.

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-Have you still got them?

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-I'm still trying to make them pay.

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-Well, I'm sure it'll pay off

-one day.

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-You've had wonderful chances.

-You've travelled the world.

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-Now you're in the choir.

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-Even though you're busy

-with your own singing...

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-..you enjoy the choir too,

-don't you?

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-It's a lot of fun.

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-I sing a lot at weekends...

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-..so on Monday night it's nice

-to catch up with everyone.

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-We all enjoy singing in the choir.

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-Some of the boys had never sung

-until two years ago.

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-They love it. They're very keen.

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-After a busy weekend...

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-..do you really feel like

-singing some more?

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-Yes, I do. Always.

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-I sing my head off on a Monday

-night, in spite of a busy weekend.

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-When we won at the Eisteddfod,

-we were so thrilled to have won.

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-To think that a group of friends

-can get together like this...

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-..and within two years win

-at the Eisteddfod.

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-Aled is very good.

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-I've never heard him

-raise his voice ever.

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-He knows how to manage people.

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-The conductor

-is the most important person.

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-Everyone listens to him

-and he does a good job.

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-If he stays,

-the choir will continue.

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-You spend quite a lot of time

-away from home.

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-Yes, in the last two months

-I've been away every weekend.

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-I'll be very busy up to Christmas

-and then it will be lambing.

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-Are you going abroad?

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-Yes, I'm going to Melbourne

-just before the lambing season.

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-It will be a bit frantic here

-at home.

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-You won't be long!

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-That's what I've told them!

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-The work is shared

-between you and your father.

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-Yes, it's only me and Dad now.

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-We have to get in more help now

-than we used to.

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-We get help with fencing

-and shearing.

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-I don't do as much shearing

-as I used to.

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-People don't always understand

-the benefits of singing.

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-It draws us home, it's true.

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-It's nice to go away to sing

-for a week or ten days...

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-..but you're ready to come home

-by the end.

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-The uniqueness of this location

-must help you.

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-Yes, it's an inspiration.

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-When you're up on the top,

-you can sing your heart out...

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-..and no-one will hear you.

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-When you're singing,

-you wear smart clothes...

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-..shiny shoes and a bow tie.

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-Yet, here you are today

-covered in the familiar mud.

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-It's quite a difference, isn't it?

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-Yes, but I scrub up quite well

-when I have to.

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-But I'm at home in the mud today.

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-I wish you every success.

-You deserve it.

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-Thank you very much, Dai.

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-# You are my sunshine #

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-Subtitles

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-Subtitles

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-Machynlleth Male Voice choir

-were the winners of Cor Cymru...

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-..and they also won at the

-National Eisteddfod in Anglesey.

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-With success comes fame...

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-..and requests to sing

-at all kinds of events.

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-These are new experiences

-for many of the boys...

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-..and nerve-racking experiences,

-at that.

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-Nervous?

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-Yes, I'm very nervous.

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-To the point that I don't really

-want to do it. But I have to.

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-I have to force myself

-to get through it.

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-I always feel very nervous

-before a concert.

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-When I say that, I'm serious.

-I feel nauseous.

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-I always feel nervous

-before a concert...

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-..and fierce before a competition.

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-It's good to be a little nervous

-before a concert or a competition.

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-It gives you a buzz and you put

-more energy into your singing.

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-"Machynlleth Male Voice Choir".

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-No, not at all.

-There's no point in being nervous.

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-I'm quite confident

-that we know our stuff.

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-We're good at just turning up and

-singing and putting on a good show.

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-I don't usually worry

-about concerts.

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-I'm looking forward to entertaining

-the people of Llanidloes...

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-..and giving them

-a wonderful evening.

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-# Oh Lord, our God

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-# How majestic is thy name

-in all the earth #

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-Well, Aled, there is a good balance

-in the choir.

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-You sing two pieces unaccompanied.

-That's quite difficult.

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-We try to get the pieces right.

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-It doesn't always go well...

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-..but we've worked hard on singing

-unaccompanied.

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-We try to keep in pitch and to get

-the tone of the pieces right.

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-But we get better with every concert

-and competition we do.

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-# ..is your name #

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-Of course, tonight's concert...

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-..is to raise money

-for the Royal Welsh Show.

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-Yes, there are such a lot of us

-with strong connections to the show.

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-Many of us visit the show

-every year.

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-It's close to the hearts

-of many choir members.

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-# ..who art in heaven #

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-Why did you grow the moustache?

-Was it because it's been a wet year?

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-Don't ask me. Ask Huw!

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-He's the one who organizes

-the moustaches.

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-As we're all going down

-to Cardiff...

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-..we thought we'd all sport

-moustaches just for fun.

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-And it's November, so we're raising

-money for a good cause.

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-# Alleluia #

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-Thank you for being

-such a good organizer.

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-Fair play. Well done!

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-It's your job to keep them laughing.

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-I wanted to conduct!

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-# Alleluia #

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-Aled Griffiths.

-What can I say about Aled?

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-Ali G.

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-He's an insurance man,

-so you have to watch him.

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-He's noisier than Dafydd Post!

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-He's noisier than Dafydd Post!

-

-Clown!

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-He turns up late for every

-rehearsal, sneaks in at the back...

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-..pushes past everyone and tells

-them they're in his way!

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-Aled G works for NFU Cymru

-and some say he's a farmer.

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-Yes, Ali G is quite a character.

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-He became famous when he won

-the jackpot on Sion a Sian.

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-Blazer.

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-He and his wife understand

-each other very well...

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-..and they have three children!

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-Dad, Huw, Meilyr, Paul

-and Dafydd Post and everyone.

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-I like to think of us as a smaller

-version of the Von Trapp family.

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-# You're the only country for me,

-O Wales

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-# We pass our traditions on to

-our children and grandchildren #

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-Aled, you get home from work and

-the place is buzzing with workers.

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-It's nice to see them doing

-something, earning their keep.

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-You have three children?

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-You have three children?

-

-Yes, Garmon, Morris and Marged.

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-What about the YTS?

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-Because I work full time...

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-..Paul helps me out with the mowing.

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-Paul is a tenor in the choir.

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-That's very good.

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-We're friends in choir

-and we try to help each other.

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-We try to help each other

-in our businesses too.

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-Are you a musician?

-Do you read music?

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-No, I learn the music by ear.

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-But I'm lucky because I have

-an accompanist at home.

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-My wife can play the piano.

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-She practises with me

-which helps a lot.

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-No, he isn't a singer.

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-He makes up the numbers.

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-He shouts rather than sings.

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-He always comes in too early.

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-He's enthusiastic.

-Too enthusiastic sometimes.

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-When the choir has finished the

-song, he's often still singing.

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-Aled Griffiths often comes in

-before everyone else...

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-..and comes off after everyone else.

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-He has a serious side.

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-But we don't see it very often.

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-Having characters and individuals

-in a choir is very important.

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-He's very willing to play the fool

-when we need him to.

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-# What shall we do,

-what shall we do, what shall we do?

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-# What shall we do,

-what shall we do, what shall we do?

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-# What shall we do

-with a drunken sailor?

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-# Way-hay, up she rises,

-way-hay, up she rises

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-# Way-hay, up she rises

-early in the morning

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-# What shall we do, what shall we do

-with a drunken sailor?

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-# Way-hay, up she rises

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-# Way-hay, up she rises

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-# Way-hay, up she rises

-early in the morning

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-# What shall we do,

-what shall we do

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-# With a drunken sailor? #

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-The boys come from a wide area...

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-..from every part of Montgomeryshire

-and beyond.

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-Although most of them are farmers...

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-..32 out of 56 members

-work on the land...

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-..some of the boys from the town

-have other skills.

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-Four of them are builders...

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-..and the most mischievous of them

-all is Dafydd Post.

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-With Dafydd Post, you never know

-what's going to happen next.

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-It's upside down.

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-Dafydd Post is quite a character.

-He's very noisy.

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-But he has a heart like a football.

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-He'd do anything for anyone,

-but he's very noisy.

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-Silly, hairy, likes to drink.

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-Dafydd Post is a real nutter.

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-But he is a very good singer.

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-If he had company

-in the second tenor section...

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-..it would be the best section

-in the choir.

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-He doesn't realize how good he is.

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-He should get more attention.

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-Dafydd Post, builder.

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-Okay boys, that's ideal. Good!

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-Dafydd Post, how are you?

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-Dai, be careful there!

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-You haven't got any PP.

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-I had one before I came in!

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-You have to have PP here.

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-Personal Protective Equipment.

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-This building business is dangerous.

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-It's a little tight.

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-Don't worry.

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-Which is your name? I saw your van

-outside with two names on it.

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-My real name is Evans.

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-You're a builder now.

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-I'm a carpenter.

-That's what I did at college.

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-I formed a partnership

-with my father's first cousin.

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-You're a local lad,

-so you get plenty of work.

0:21:070:21:12

-Yes, it's quite a help.

0:21:120:21:14

-We all know each other in this area.

0:21:140:21:17

-On the other hand, you can't get

-away with a poor job...

0:21:170:21:20

-..or you won't get the work again.

0:21:210:21:23

-You've been in the choir

-since it started.

0:21:230:21:26

-Yes, I originally received

-a text from Huw Pughe.

0:21:260:21:30

-I get a text from Huw Pughe

-every Monday evening.

0:21:300:21:33

-But the first text asked if anyone

-would be interested...

0:21:330:21:37

-..in forming a choir to compete

-at the Meifod Eisteddfod.

0:21:370:21:41

-85% of people responded positively.

-We thought of it as a night out.

0:21:420:21:48

-I think it's brought people

-together.

0:21:480:21:50

-We meet every Monday evening

-for an hour and a half.

0:21:500:21:54

-It's good fun.

-Half of the choir can't read music.

0:21:540:21:58

-They look at the sheet

-and it's just lines and dots.

0:21:580:22:02

-But Aled gets the best

-out of everyone.

0:22:020:22:05

-Aled is very laid back.

0:22:060:22:09

-He's so cool. He never gets cross.

0:22:090:22:12

-When he's helping the basses,

-the tenors are chatting away.

0:22:130:22:17

-I believe you're a tenor.

0:22:170:22:20

-I'm a second tenor.

0:22:200:22:22

-I found that out.

0:22:220:22:23

-I didn't know such a thing existed.

0:22:240:22:27

-Yes, our old friend, Dafydd Post.

0:22:280:22:30

-He's a builder and a rally driver.

0:22:300:22:34

-He thinks he's something

-of a driver.

0:22:350:22:38

-I don't know. He's ended up

-in the hedge a few times.

0:22:380:22:42

-I've been in a car with him

-a few times.

0:22:430:22:45

-That was before

-he could drive properly.

0:22:460:22:48

-His car spends more time in the

-garage than it does on the road.

0:22:480:22:52

-I've never seen him rally. But I

-wouldn't get in a car with him.

0:22:530:22:57

-This is the most important room.

0:22:570:22:59

-Yes, everyone needs a man cave.

0:22:590:23:02

-I've had a lot of pleasure here

-building this car.

0:23:020:23:06

-You built it from scratch?

0:23:070:23:09

-More or less.

0:23:090:23:11

-I had a car before this one...

0:23:110:23:14

-..but I had some bad luck with it.

0:23:140:23:18

-Are you asking me to get into

-this car with you?

0:23:180:23:21

-Well, if you'd like to.

-You don't have to.

0:23:210:23:23

-If it has two handbrakes

-I'll be happy.

0:23:240:23:26

-It looks safe.

0:23:260:23:28

-Yes, it's safe.

0:23:280:23:29

-We have harnesses and bucket seats.

0:23:290:23:33

-We have a cage - that won't bend.

-It's sound.

0:23:330:23:37

-You have to be sensible.

0:23:370:23:41

-Let's go down here and turn around.

-We'll go shopping, Dai.

0:23:440:23:48

-I'd have to be desperate for fags.

0:23:480:23:51

-There are leaves on the road.

0:23:540:23:56

-Be careful, be careful!

0:23:580:24:03

-Slow down! Slow down!

0:24:100:24:12

-Hell!

0:24:130:24:14

-Ohh!

0:24:180:24:19

-Be careful, be careful!

0:24:250:24:27

-Turn back!

0:24:300:24:32

-Subtitles

0:24:400:24:40

-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

0:24:400:24:42

-# O mighty lord,

-give thou thy hand #

0:24:420:24:48

-There is a big singing tradition

-in this area.

0:24:480:24:51

-A tradition of excellent

-choirs and soloists.

0:24:510:24:55

-Unlike other parts of rural Wales,

-perhaps...

0:24:550:24:59

-..these boys have remained

-in their home area.

0:25:000:25:03

-The cream have stayed and are

-contributing to the community...

0:25:030:25:09

-..building rich traditions

-for generations to come.

0:25:090:25:14

-Many choir members have sung with

-young farmers and at school.

0:25:180:25:23

-It's in their blood.

0:25:240:25:25

-# All graces

-that the church can know

0:25:250:25:34

-# In heav'n above or earth below

0:25:350:25:43

-# I claim them all as my due right

0:25:430:25:52

-# If I possess thy nature's might #

0:25:530:26:02

-We've been singing

-since we were in nappies.

0:26:030:26:07

-We've had some success

-with the young farmers...

0:26:070:26:10

-..and the choir

-is successful now too.

0:26:110:26:13

-It's great because it makes my job

-a lot easier.

0:26:140:26:18

-The quality of the voices

-that we have is very high.

0:26:180:26:21

-We have a couple of very talented

-individuals too.

0:26:210:26:24

-# I'll praise the virtue

-of thy death

0:26:260:26:37

-# I'll bear the cross,

-I'll breast the tide

0:26:370:26:46

-# If thou thyself in me abide

0:26:460:26:56

-# Amen

0:26:560:26:59

-# Amen

0:26:590:27:02

-# Amen

0:27:030:27:06

-# Amen #

0:27:070:27:16

-One of my heroes hailed

-from this area...

0:27:180:27:21

-..the best bass ever,

-Richard Rees Pennal.

0:27:220:27:26

-I made a Cefn Gwlad programme

-with Dic...

0:27:260:27:29

-..back in 1985 -

-the year of the big snow.

0:27:300:27:35

-# When the trumpet sounds

0:27:400:27:44

-# See the peoples flow

-like a river #

0:27:440:27:47

-You don't know the words.

0:27:470:27:49

-No, you got it wrong.

0:27:490:27:50

-# Pouring through his hands #

0:27:510:27:53

-# But the old language

-is in the land

0:27:530:27:59

-# And the old tunes still live #

0:28:000:28:04

-The family of my old friend Dic

-still farm...

0:28:040:28:07

-..and run a caravan site

-in Penmaen Dyfi.

0:28:080:28:10

-Dic's son, Aled,

-and his grandson, Richard...

0:28:100:28:14

-.. are continuing

-the singing tradition.

0:28:140:28:17

-They are both members of the choir

-and are strong basses.

0:28:170:28:21

-You get up each morning

-to this wonderful view.

0:28:210:28:27

-It's a privilege.

0:28:270:28:28

-Yes, we're very fortunate.

0:28:290:28:31

-You were born and bred here.

0:28:310:28:33

-I was born in that white house

-down there.

0:28:340:28:37

-I've only moved about 500 yards

-since the day I was born.

0:28:370:28:41

-You, Richard, joined the choir

-before your father did.

0:28:410:28:46

-I was there the first year.

-In the dark days!

0:28:460:28:49

-But things came together

-quite quickly.

0:28:490:28:52

-Aled whipped us into shape.

0:28:520:28:54

-The standard improved.

0:28:540:28:57

-Well, so they say!

-At least one person thinks so.

0:28:570:29:02

-I saw you in the front row

-at the Eisteddfod...

0:29:020:29:06

-..and you looked as though

-you were enjoying every second.

0:29:070:29:10

-You were singing your heart out.

0:29:100:29:12

-I loved it, Dai.

0:29:120:29:14

-It meant such a lot.

0:29:140:29:16

-I considered other choirs,

-but when I saw these youngsters...

0:29:170:29:21

-..I thought that

-they would suit me...

0:29:210:29:24

-..and they've been good enough

-to let me join them.

0:29:240:29:27

-Is this your first choir?

0:29:290:29:31

-Yes, apart from the young farmers.

0:29:310:29:34

-I was also part of a mixed choir

-at about the same time.

0:29:340:29:38

-It's something that I wasn't

-interested in for years...

0:29:380:29:42

-..until two or three years ago.

0:29:420:29:44

-But I really enjoy it now.

0:29:440:29:46

-I wouldn't have it any other way.

0:29:460:29:48

-A farmer works every day alone with

-the animals and in the mountains...

0:29:480:29:54

-..it must be nice to have somewhere

-where you can sing your heart out.

0:29:540:29:58

-You can sing as much as you like.

0:29:580:30:00

-You don't have to worry

-about being in tune.

0:30:000:30:03

-No-one else can hear you.

0:30:030:30:05

-We both do that occasionally.

0:30:050:30:09

-It starts off with a whistle

-and then we start singing.

0:30:090:30:14

-As Dic's son, you've heard singing

-from your cradle.

0:30:200:30:23

-Did you always want to be a bass?

0:30:230:30:25

-You may find this hard to believe,

-but I wanted to be a tenor.

0:30:260:30:30

-Really?

0:30:300:30:31

-But I'm a million miles away

-from being a tenor!

0:30:310:30:34

-I'm a bass.

-There are only basses in our family.

0:30:340:30:40

-Dic would be very proud

-of your singing.

0:30:430:30:45

-He'd be very proud of the choir.

0:30:450:30:47

-He'd be very proud that both of us

-are singing in the choir.

0:30:480:30:51

-But I was never under any pressure

-to sing.

0:30:510:30:54

-Richard has never been under

-any pressure to sing.

0:30:550:30:58

-We don't pressure my other son

-to sing either...

0:30:580:31:01

-..even though he has

-a good bass voice too.

0:31:010:31:04

-You enjoy it more

-if you don't feel you have to do it.

0:31:040:31:07

-The family element is strong

-within the choir.

0:31:100:31:13

-Endaf and Iestyn Meddins

-are two brothers...

0:31:130:31:16

-..who come down from the mountains

-to sing in the choir.

0:31:160:31:20

-One is sensible, the other is silly.

0:31:200:31:23

-You'll never see two brothers

-so unlike each other.

0:31:230:31:26

-Iestyn Meddins - Farmer.

0:31:270:31:31

-He's another clown.

0:31:320:31:33

-Endaf is a lot more cool.

0:31:340:31:35

-Endaf Meddins - potential farmer.

0:31:360:31:40

-They're from the Llanbrynmair

-valley.

0:31:410:31:43

-That's where the money comes from!

0:31:440:31:46

-They're fairly quiet,

-well, Endaf is quiet.

0:31:460:31:49

-Iestyn's a bit more cocky.

0:31:490:31:51

-He gets the better of me.

0:31:520:31:55

-I wouldn't have known

-you were brothers.

0:31:570:32:01

-That's what everyone says.

0:32:010:32:03

-He was the postman's.

0:32:040:32:05

-These buildings are new to me.

0:32:070:32:11

-Whose idea were they?

0:32:110:32:13

-My wife saw them originally.

0:32:130:32:15

-We'd been talking about

-diversifying for a while.

0:32:150:32:19

-The way farming is going, we can't

-depend on it for the future.

0:32:200:32:24

-My wife saw them

-at the Royal Welsh Show last year.

0:32:240:32:29

-We made enquiries and decided

-to give them a try.

0:32:290:32:33

-We're very lucky here.

0:32:330:32:35

-The Glyndwr's Way path

-is very close by.

0:32:350:32:37

-A lot of people walk

-and mountain bike along it.

0:32:380:32:41

-We hope to attract some of them.

0:32:410:32:43

-Of course. But has the choir

-changed your lives?

0:32:430:32:46

-You're farmers and at harvest

-and such times...

0:32:470:32:50

-..you have a lot of work to do.

0:32:500:32:52

-You have to think about the choir

-as an important part of your lives.

0:32:520:32:58

-It's good, because we don't go

-down to the town very often.

0:32:580:33:02

-It's nice to meet people and have

-a pint at the end of the night...

0:33:020:33:06

-..and travel to competitions -

-that's the fun of it.

0:33:060:33:09

-You could ask the choir to come

-and open this venture.

0:33:090:33:13

-I'm not sure I can afford them.

-Their fee is so high.

0:33:130:33:17

-But you're one of them!

0:33:180:33:20

-I'm sure they'd come if there was

-alcohol on offer.

0:33:200:33:24

-# You're the only country for me,

-O Wales #

0:33:240:33:36

-As a result of recent successes...

0:33:370:33:40

-..the Sain record label

-want the choir to make a record.

0:33:400:33:43

-The aim is for the record

-to be released next summer...

0:33:440:33:48

-..in time for the National

-Eisteddfod in Cardiff.

0:33:480:33:51

-Today is their first recording

-session.

0:33:510:33:54

-It takes hours and hours

-to get it right.

0:34:040:34:06

-There's nothing worse

-than rushing to make a CD...

0:34:070:34:10

-..then listening to it

-twenty years later...

0:34:100:34:13

-..and regretting that you didn't

-record a certain line again.

0:34:130:34:17

-# You're the only country for me,

-O Wales #

0:34:170:34:25

-Aled Myrddin has performed miracles.

0:34:250:34:28

-He has brought together

-a group of fairly ordinary men...

0:34:280:34:32

-..and now they can almost sing.

0:34:320:34:34

-Aled Myrddin is excellent.

0:34:340:34:37

-Believe it or not,

-he's the same age as me.

0:34:370:34:40

-He's almost got wings

-growing out of his back.

0:34:400:34:43

-He keeps everyone in order

-without raising his voice.

0:34:440:34:48

-I've never heard him

-raise his voice.

0:34:490:34:52

-I'm Aled Myrddin. I'm a PE teacher.

0:34:530:34:57

-A lot of nonsense and chatting

-goes on during rehearsals.

0:34:590:35:03

-But he never raises his voice.

-Never ever.

0:35:030:35:07

-I think he's the most laid back

-conductor I've ever had.

0:35:070:35:13

-He knows how to get the best

-out of people.

0:35:150:35:18

-He knows what he's doing.

0:35:180:35:21

-Perfectionist is the word I'd use

-to describe Aled Myrddin.

0:35:230:35:27

-When things come right, he gives

-a little smile, and that's enough.

0:35:270:35:32

-We're lucky to have a conductor

-like Aled Myrddin.

0:35:320:35:36

-We do realize how lucky we are.

0:35:360:35:39

-There are many choirs in Wales

-who would like to have him.

0:35:390:35:42

-But he's with us,

-and he's staying with us.

0:35:430:35:45

-# Wales

0:35:450:35:46

-# Wales

0:35:470:35:50

-# Wales, our country #

0:35:520:36:04

-Subtitles

0:36:140:36:14

-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

0:36:140:36:16

-# Alleluia #

0:36:180:36:28

-Another set of brothers who sing

-in the choir are the Pughes.

0:36:280:36:32

-Aeron, Huw and Gwion.

0:36:320:36:34

-They are a well-known cultured

-farming family...

0:36:350:36:38

-..that is so typical

-of this remarkable area.

0:36:380:36:42

-It's important to remember that the

-Pughes spell their name with an 'e'.

0:36:440:36:49

-Three brothers with one razor

-between them.

0:36:500:36:53

-They're a comic trio.

0:36:550:36:57

-They're a caution.

0:36:590:37:00

-Again, a mixture of silliness

-and seriousness.

0:37:010:37:05

-They're nice boys.

0:37:050:37:07

-All three of them have good voices.

-The Pughes can sing.

0:37:080:37:12

-Huw, you were in the choir

-from the start.

0:37:130:37:17

-Yes, I was.

0:37:170:37:18

-The Meifod Eisteddfod

-was held in 2015...

0:37:190:37:21

-..and we thought Machynlleth should

-have its own male voice choir.

0:37:210:37:26

-It's the closest town to this area.

0:37:260:37:28

-Several young men thought they could

-sing, so we decided to give it a go.

0:37:280:37:32

-You're a bass, Huw.

-What about you, Gwion?

0:37:320:37:36

-I'm a baritone.

0:37:360:37:37

-Baritones are posh.

0:37:380:37:38

-Baritones are posh.

-

-I try to be.

0:37:380:37:39

-You work here in the great outdoors.

0:37:400:37:43

-You have plenty of time

-to learn your words.

0:37:430:37:46

-That's why so many farmers sing.

0:37:460:37:48

-It's because they have plenty

-of space to learn their words.

0:37:480:37:52

-Yes, and no-one can hear you.

0:37:520:37:54

-Are you a musician?

0:37:550:37:56

-No, but I manage to sing

-in the choir.

0:37:570:37:59

-Aeron Pughe is the eldest.

0:38:010:38:02

-He is a familiar face from TV,

-and is a farmer and craftsman.

0:38:020:38:08

-Hello there! How are you?

0:38:100:38:13

-Hello, Dai.

0:38:130:38:15

-The sparks are coming off you there.

0:38:150:38:17

-Before ten in the morning!

0:38:170:38:19

-How are you?

0:38:210:38:22

-How are you?

-

-Very well, thank you.

0:38:220:38:24

-You're a father now too.

0:38:240:38:26

-Yes, the grey hairs

-are coming already.

0:38:260:38:28

-I hope you're becoming wiser.

0:38:290:38:31

-That's quite another thing.

0:38:310:38:33

-Are you busy?

0:38:330:38:34

-Yes. There aren't enough hours

-in the day.

0:38:350:38:37

-Do you have any spare?

0:38:370:38:39

-You can have some of mine!

0:38:390:38:42

-It's fine. It's better to be busy.

0:38:440:38:46

-You and your brothers have managed

-to find work in your home area.

0:38:480:38:53

-We're very lucky.

0:38:540:38:55

-There's plenty of work out there

-if you have the skills.

0:38:550:38:59

-Precisely.

0:39:000:39:01

-And you have time to sing

-in the choir.

0:39:010:39:03

-That's important.

-It's the highlight of my week.

0:39:040:39:07

-The singing bug seems to have

-got hold of us all in the choir.

0:39:070:39:13

-We're a team, and we look

-forward to Monday nights.

0:39:140:39:17

-Everyone takes it seriously.

0:39:170:39:19

-Everyone looks forward to it

-and wants to be part of it.

0:39:190:39:23

-You're used to travelling

-to Cardiff...

0:39:260:39:29

-..but you'll be going to the match.

0:39:290:39:32

-Have you been to a match before?

0:39:320:39:34

-I've been to watch several games,

-but I've never sung.

0:39:340:39:38

-It will be quite an experience.

0:39:380:39:40

-We'll be able to say, "I was there!"

0:39:400:39:42

-Of course, the old men

-of Montgomeryshire...

0:39:420:39:45

-..have a peculiar way of pronouncing

-the word "sing" as "cianu".

0:39:450:39:49

-It's a strange sound.

0:39:500:39:52

-Yes, the boys can sing...

0:39:520:39:54

-..and after all the anticipation,

-the big day dawned...

0:39:540:39:58

-..when they would sing for Wales.

0:39:580:40:01

-It's the day of their trip

-to Cardiff...

0:40:040:40:07

-..to sing at the biggest rugby game

-of them all...

0:40:070:40:10

-..when Wales take on the rugby

-giants, New Zealand.

0:40:110:40:14

-I'm the only one that's not going.

0:40:200:40:23

-It's a shame that I won't be there.

0:40:230:40:25

-I'm sure they'll have fun.

0:40:250:40:27

-I hope they behave

-so they'll be invited back.

0:40:270:40:31

-Are you driving?

0:40:320:40:33

-Are you driving?

-

-No.

0:40:330:40:34

-We need to go over the sheet

-I've given you.

0:40:340:40:39

-Because this is what we sing when

-the players get off the bus.

0:40:390:40:43

-# I am coming, Lord #

0:40:430:40:47

-I've been really looking forward

-to this.

0:40:470:40:50

-There will be such a crowd there,

-no-one will see us on the field.

0:40:510:40:55

-# ..cleanse me, in the blood #

0:40:550:40:57

-By now, the choir's moustaches

-are good and thick.

0:40:570:41:02

-But, there's a problem,

-Paul the gardener has a beard.

0:41:020:41:05

-But, despite his protests,

-the whole bus has contributed...

0:41:060:41:10

-..so that he can be shaved

-by Dafydd Post.

0:41:100:41:13

-Who else would be carrying an

-electric razor to a rugby match?

0:41:140:41:18

-There are you, Paul.

0:41:190:41:21

-# For a pure and honest heart #

0:41:210:41:26

-We've been looking forward...

0:41:270:41:29

-..to this experience of singing

-in the stadium for months now.

0:41:290:41:32

-It's the only time most of us

-will set foot on the pitch.

0:41:330:41:38

-Good quality too!

0:41:390:41:41

-That was a bargain.

0:41:420:41:43

-I'll have lost it

-by the end of the night anyway.

0:41:440:41:46

-In the bowels of the stadium,

-the choir rehearse...

0:41:500:41:53

-..led by Musical Director for the

-Welsh Rugby Union, Dr Haydn James.

0:41:540:41:59

-# Gwlad beirdd a chantorion,

-enwogion o fri #

0:41:590:42:07

-The sound is superb.

0:42:080:42:09

-It's a blend of mature voices

-with young, fresh voices.

0:42:100:42:15

-Eisteddfod winning choirs.

0:42:150:42:17

-It's a very special sound today.

0:42:170:42:19

-# Tros ryddid gollasant... #

0:42:190:42:23

-It's a good sound, but I'm worried

-we may have peaked too soon.

0:42:230:42:27

-The acoustics here are awesome.

0:42:270:42:29

-# ...gwlad #

0:42:310:42:33

-It's quite thrilling.

0:42:330:42:35

-It's a good sound in here.

0:42:350:42:37

-If it's as good on the field,

-it will be worthwhile.

0:42:370:42:41

-I'm not nervous. I'm excited now.

0:42:410:42:43

-This is serious now.

0:42:440:42:47

-The boys have chosen to sing

-and greet the teams...

0:42:480:42:51

-..as they come into

-the changing rooms.

0:42:520:42:54

-I'm really looking forward to it.

0:42:550:42:57

-The All Blacks are the best team

-in the world.

0:42:570:43:01

-Welcome to Wales,

-New Zealand All Blacks...

0:43:030:43:07

-..and Calon Lan is blaring.

0:43:070:43:10

-# The pure heart alone can render

0:43:100:43:14

-# Songs of joy both day and night #

0:43:140:43:21

-They're hoping to frighten the Kiwis

-and inspire the Welsh.

0:43:210:43:25

-# The pure heart alone can render

0:43:270:43:32

-# Songs of joy both day and night

0:43:320:43:38

-# Oh, pure heart

-so true and tender #

0:43:380:43:42

-Then, on to the boiling saucepan as

-they step on to the holy ground...

0:43:420:43:47

-..of the best rugby pitch

-in the world.

0:43:470:43:50

-Okay, Iest?

0:43:510:43:52

-Okay, Iest?

-

-Not bad.

0:43:520:43:54

-You'll be alright, Basil Fawlty!

0:43:540:43:56

-# ..both day and night #

0:43:580:44:03

-I've watched one or two games

-in the stadium...

0:44:030:44:07

-..but going on the pitch

-is a different matter.

0:44:070:44:10

-I went on the pitch

-when the stadium was empty.

0:44:100:44:13

-But I've never been on the pitch

-when the stadium's been full.

0:44:130:44:17

-With the roof closed

-and the lid on the saucepan...

0:44:180:44:22

-..the sound is deafening...

0:44:220:44:25

-..as the national anthem is sung.

0:44:250:44:29

-# Gwlad, gwlad

0:44:290:44:33

-# Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad

0:44:330:44:39

-# Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau

0:44:400:44:51

-# O bydded i'r heniaith...#

0:44:510:44:58

-After singing beautifully

-for their country...

0:44:580:45:02

-..and the crowd of 75,000...

0:45:020:45:06

-..heard every word

-as clear as a bell...

0:45:060:45:10

-..they retreat to the terraces

-to enjoy and to sing some more.

0:45:100:45:15

-# ..hymns and arias

0:45:150:45:19

-# Land of my fathers

0:45:190:45:23

-# Ar hyd y nos #

0:45:240:45:29

-But, despite one of two seconds

-of excitement during the game...

0:45:290:45:34

-..it was the same old story and the

-All Blacks beat Wales once again.

0:45:340:45:39

-In spite of the disappointment, it

-was a day to remember for the boys.

0:45:400:45:45

-And it will be a good night too,

-if Dafydd Post gets his way.

0:45:450:45:51

-I think we sang better

-than they played.

0:45:510:45:54

-No, fair play, they played well.

0:45:540:45:56

-But they didn't play well enough.

-No, they didn't play well.

0:45:560:46:00

-We sang better than they did,

-but they didn't sing, did they?

0:46:000:46:04

-After the fun of the Cardiff trip,

-it was back to Machynlleth...

0:46:080:46:12

-..and an informal invitation

-to sing...

0:46:130:46:15

-..at the switching on

-of the town's Christmas lights...

0:46:150:46:19

-..in the shadow of the famous clock.

0:46:190:46:22

-And that marks the end

-of a memorable year.

0:46:220:46:25

-Well, Aled, I've had a lovely time

-with the choir.

0:46:280:46:34

-How's it looking?

-Will the choir be touring Wales?

0:46:350:46:40

-We take everything as it comes.

0:46:400:46:44

-We've had lots of different

-opportunities.

0:46:440:46:47

-We hope to have more different

-experiences next year.

0:46:470:46:51

-We're looking forward to singing

-at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

0:46:510:46:55

-We're also looking forward

-to our trip to Canada.

0:46:550:46:58

-That's what we're working

-towards now.

0:46:580:47:01

-It's lovely to see a young choir

-like this doing so well.

0:47:010:47:05

-Congratulations. It's been lovely

-to meet you. Happy New Year!

0:47:050:47:09

-Yes, it's wonderful to see

-a group of young men...

0:47:100:47:13

-..proper country boys who get

-so much pleasure from singing.

0:47:130:47:19

-It's been a real pleasure for me

-to spend time with them...

0:47:190:47:23

-..and listen to their lovely sound.

0:47:230:47:25

-It's a sound to warm the cockles

-of your heart...

0:47:260:47:29

-..and some parts

-I will remember forever!

0:47:290:47:33

-It's only this week I've started

-to walk normally again.

0:47:330:47:37

-Thank goodness it hasn't snowed.

0:47:370:47:41

-I've brought the car

-to take you home!

0:47:410:47:44

-I'm parked in the White Lion

-car park.

0:47:440:47:46

-We can have a whisky then go home.

0:47:460:47:49

-I think I'd rather walk!

0:47:490:47:51

-Is there whisky?

0:47:510:47:52

-Is there whisky?

-

-Of course.

0:47:520:47:54

-S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.

0:48:180:48:20

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