Edwin ac Eirian Jones, Carrog Cefn Gwlad

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-# By Dee's deep river bank so fair

-# A fair maid sat lamenting #

-I'm also privileged

-to be on the banks of the Dee...

-..on a sunny July afternoon.

-I'm on my way

-to Carrog near Corwen...

-..to visit Ty Mawr Farm,

-the home of Edwin and Eirian Jones.

-Eirian hails from here.

-Both have retired from teaching...

-..and have come back to Carrog.

-I'm on my way, and I can't tell you

-how much I'm looking forward to it.

-Ty Mawr Farm echoes

-to the sound of the railway...

-..between the Dee

-and Llantysilio Mountain...

-..and a stone's throw

-from the village of Carrog.

-Although Edwin and Eirian

-now farm here at Ty Mawr...

-..Eisteddfod-goers know them better

-as Edwin Llwyfan and Eirian Carrog.

-The Carrog area is rich in history,

-especially that of Owain Glyndwr.

-Across the river is Carrog Uchaf,

-his former home.

-To learn more about the area...

-..my journey started

-in an unusual location for me.

-The weekly aerobics class

-at Carrog's community centre...

-..with Eirian Jones.

-Are you joining us this morning?

-Are you joining us this morning?

-

-Yes, if it's not too complicated.

-No, Dai, it really isn't.

-I didn't know she had legs.

-Warming up? I'm boiling!

-When do we have a sit-down?

-Not yet.

-The sit-down comes at the end.

-Last time.

-Good morning.

-Good morning!

-Well, Eirian, this certainly

-impacts on you physically.

-Do you feel better for it?

-Oh, certainly, yes.

-It also adds to the daily paces

-to keep you fit as well.

-It's great.

-As a group, I'm sure that we could

-carry on for about two hours.

-But this session is an hour.

-You have retired and come home.

-It's wonderful that the village

-where you grew up...

-..can offer you

-a happy and fulfilling life.

-That's what I missed

-after 38 years as a teacher.

-This community.

-I felt that I no longer knew

-this group of people.

-Now, I'm back among them.

-It's great to be here.

-They're characters,

-many of them having moved here.

-But they've blended into the area,

-socially in any case.

-It's my first visit to Carrog.

-It's lovely and sunny today.

-It's always like this in Carrog,

-Dai, summer and winter.

-No, actually, it isn't.

-Let's explain where we are.

-We're between Corwen and Llangollen.

-Corwen is about three miles away

-and it's seven to Llangollen.

-Then it's about ten miles to Ruthin.

-It's a lovely spot.

-What kept the village alive

-in the old days?

-Work, I'd say. Farming.

-I wouldn't say

-it's exceptionally good land...

-..apart from the meadows

-by the river.

-But there were quarries.

-The last quarry closed

-in the late '50s, early '60s.

-But if you could turn

-and look that way...

-I'm back in class!

-That's Penarth quarry.

-That's Penarth quarry.

-

-I see.

-But it was a brittle

-and dangerous slate.

-Up that way, beyond the tree,

-was Craig Susan quarry.

-Who Susan was, I don't know.

-But she must have been

-someone special.

-But the best quarry was over

-the ridge behind Glyndyfrdwy.

-That was a proper quarry.

-I think about a thousand men

-worked there.

-The chapels and the church

-must have been packed at that time.

-Oh, yes.

-I remember three chapels here

-during my lifetime.

-Only one remains,

-with about 30 members.

-From three chapels to 30 people.

-The times they are a-changing.

-The times they are a-changing.

-

-A big change, yes.

-Had we lived here

-just before 1400...

-..you would have heard Owain Glyndwr

-and his local army.

-This is where his fighters were.

-From here, just over the Dee...

-..he would set out on raids

-against Lord Grey of Ruthin.

-Over the hills, over Bryncoch...

-Down in the valley over there...

-..the community

-has erected a memorial to him.

-His prison was down in that area.

-They say that there was a ford

-across the Dee at that time.

-They used to bring prisoners

-across the river over that ford.

-It was a substantial prison.

-Is this your chapel, Eirian?

-Yes, but I'm not

-a denominationalist.

-But yes, this is where I worship.

-I've been a deacon for some years,

-like my father before me...

-..while my mother led the singing

-and played the organ.

-I also teach at Sunday school...

-..aided by Aerona,

-or maybe it's me who helps her.

-Like many others,

-you must think the world of it.

-Yes, Dai, but as I said,

-I'm not a denominationalist.

-I increasingly feel

-that we should become more united.

-Unlike his wife,

-Edwin has no farming background.

-But he has settled into farming

-back home at Ty Mawr.

-Your wife is the local girl,

-but where are you from?

-Yes, Ty Mawr is the wife's home.

-I'm originally

-from Penrhyndeudraeth.

-I moved to Mold,

-to Ysgol Maes Garmon, in 1975...

-..and got married here in 1981.

-I've been here ever since.

-And you taught

-alongside your wife...

-..who happened to be

-at the same school.

-She did, and we travelled

-in the same car every day.

-We did have the odd day...

-..when she was putting the world

-to rights all the way home...

-..while I just drove quietly.

-But we had a great time

-working together, to be honest.

-When you retired here,

-farming was new to you.

-Completely new. Totally new.

-I remember sitting

-in Ty Nant field over there...

-An ewe was giving birth,

-and the lamb was halfway out.

-I had no idea what to do.

-I sat there

-until Eirian's father came...

-..and pulled the lamb.

-Yes, I was that ignorant.

-But I must congratulate you.

-This farm is a pleasure to behold.

-Things are going pretty well.

-I'm very reliant

-on the farmhand, mind you.

-We've harvested the big bales.

-They're done,

-and if the weather holds...

-..we hope to get some spare bales.

-A couple of miles from Carrog

-is the historic town of Corwen.

-In the centre is a memorial

-of great local significance.

-This is quite a statue.

-Yes, and we're very proud

-of it locally.

-Do you remember the small one?

-I have some memory of it, yes.

-That was the butt of ridicule.

-But once this came,

-everyone has delighted in it.

-With the soldier's face,

-and the spurs...

-..driving the horse,

-it's so realistic.

-He's as alive today as he ever was.

-Another of Eirian's hobbies

-is bowls.

-As it so happens, the club

-is convenient for the town centre.

-You're lucky not to be playing them

-because they're exceptionally good.

-Then again, maybe you are too.

-Start with the thumb on this side.

-Is that OK?

-Is that OK?

-

-Yes.

-Well, you know as much as me.

-Well, you know as much as me.

-

-Is that the jack?

-Yes.

-That's going to the other side.

-That's going to the other side.

-

-Yes, once Glenys moves.

-We'll drive it that way.

-They're coming this way. Never mind.

-Right, Dai, I'll try to follow it.

-It probably won't if I want it to.

-Oh, Eirian, it isn't far!

-No, but it's too far.

-Was it meant to hit?

-It should be closer to the jack.

-It went a bit too far.

-It went a bit too far.

-

-What do I do now?

-Pick up one of those blue bowls.

-There you are.

-Now then, Dai, foot on the mat.

-The other foot

-as far forward as you can.

-Try to hit the jack.

-It should go along the ground, Dai.

-Having said that,

-it's closer than mine!

-Have another go at hitting it.

-Have another go at hitting it.

-

-No, it won't.

-It has to go along the ground.

-It has to go along the ground.

-

-Yes, Dai.

-I'll have to try this time.

-Yes, closer to the ground.

-Right foot on the mat.

-I don't get on with rules!

-That's much better, Dai.

-That's much better, Dai.

-

-Not enough Geronimo!

-You have a reading club here.

-You have a reading club here.

-

-Yes, that meets once a month.

-We try to prepare questions

-for each other...

-..and we have a great time

-discussing the books.

-Not just talking about

-what's going on in Corwen!

-We have a lot of fun there too.

-But you need a leader,

-and this is true of anywhere...

-..someone

-who's willing to drive forward.

-Yes, as long as that leader

-takes a step back sometimes...

-..in order to take people with them.

-A leading horse

-can break the straps.

-A leading horse

-must have some control as well.

-But I enjoyed working

-with young people in Mold.

-Holding activities for them,

-organizing plays and so on.

-Which school was it?

-Which school was it?

-

-Maes Garmon.

-While I have my health,

-I don't want to be inactive.

-On the outskirts of town

-is the Corwen Farmers Ltd site.

-Eirian's family

-has close ties with the society...

-..which has just

-marked its centenary.

-My father

-thought the world of this place.

-He thought the world of it,

-as did my grandfather before him...

-..because it served a wide area.

-If I can show you

-one of the centenary programmes...

-..this is what's said.

-"In 1991, RD Jones,

-Ty Mawr, Carrog...

-"..referred to his father...

-"..who was one of the founders

-of the cooperative society."

-RD Jones was my father.

-It then describes how the society

-has expanded over the years.

-But a little piece of my father

-and grandfather belongs here...

-..as is true

-for many other families.

-It was an extraordinary venture.

-Look at the goods here today.

-Every day that the place is open,

-these need to be shifted.

-They're doing a fair job of it.

-Let's be honest...

-..you won't buy locally

-unless prices are competitive.

-But it's further

-to transport goods here...

-..so it costs more

-to get them here.

-But the service you get here

-is the thing.

-It's more than a business.

-Often when I come here...

-..I'm not the first here

-or the last to leave.

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-Every year since 1991,

-Edwin and Eirian...

-..have kept Eisteddfod week

-clear of work at Ty Mawr.

-They go there to work,

-not just to enjoy the competitions.

-While Edwin is responsible

-for the Pavilion stage...

-..Eirian helps out

-in the office on the field.

-You make sure

-that goes to the main entrance.

-Do you remember

-what time the Gorsedd goes out?

-Now, eleven.

-Eleven, so they're on their way.

-The Gorsedd should be OK then.

-Well, Dai Jones!

-# In the mud and mire,

-oh, sire, you'll see me #

-I looked for you in the tunnel.

-We're in a cosy place.

-We're in a cosy place.

-

-Indeed you are.

-Surrounded by young co-workers.

-Surrounded by young co-workers.

-

-Oh, they're great, Dai.

-And there are more next door.

-The place is full of young people

-who work and give of their time.

-All I have to do

-is calm them down sometimes!

-Yes, yes, yes.

-What exactly do you do,

-apart from keeping order?

-I can see a map in your hand.

-This is one of those places

-where I couldn't list my duties.

-It depends

-what the next person brings.

-For example,

-it could involve the weather...

-..or a problem with parking...

-..or someone who's lost something

-and isn't sure where to go.

-We're here every day, all week.

-We're usually here from

-between eight and half past...

-..until about eight at night.

-A fine place

-to serve an apprenticeship.

-I hope they carry on.

-Where can I find Edwin?

-That way, Dai.

-That way, Dai.

-

-This way?

-Can Sophie Jones, Elin Fflur Jones

-and Glesni Rhys get ready, please?

-Edwin, you're very busy here today.

-It's Monday morning

-at the Eisteddfod.

-We're trying to organize

-the morning competitions.

-It's very busy...

-..with regards to giving information

-to everyone who works on the stage.

-I saw you with a stopwatch

-at the back.

-We try to run on time

-as closely as we can.

-The weather has caused

-a few problems today...

-..but on the whole,

-we try to run on time...

-..especially on Mondays,

-Wednesdays and Fridays...

-..because the Gorsedd is in.

-You must have seen some changes.

-You must have seen some changes.

-

-It's a lot more technical now.

-Many more people are involved

-with the work than when I started.

-But it all helps the Eisteddfod

-to run fairly smoothly.

-The Eisteddfod

-clearly appreciates...

-..Edwin and Eirian's contribution

-over the years.

-In 2009, they were both ordained

-into the Gorsedd's white robes...

-..with the Gorsedd names

-Edwin Llwyfan and Eirian Carrog.

-Once the Eisteddfod's over,

-there's no time to relax at Ty Mawr.

-It's time to gather the sheep

-from the mountain...

-..and Edwin is fortunate to be

-helped by the farmhand, Ryan Jones.

-Thank goodness for this

-or it would be a long walk.

-This is some view.

-What are we seeing, Edwin?

-Right below us is Carrog itself.

-That's Corwen in the distance...

-..then over towards Llangwm,

-up the valley.

-It's the middle of summer,

-so why are you gathering them?

-We're going to be

-weaning the lambs today.

-First, we gather the mountain.

-He's going up

-the heather mountain over there...

-..just to make sure

-that he's got them all down.

-He'll gather the ewes and lambs

-into this field...

-..then drive them down to the farm.

-It isn't the easiest terrain, is it?

-It takes a bit of work

-to gather the sheep.

-Yes, it does.

-Fortunately,

-it's an enclosed mountain.

-That's a big help

-when we gather the sheep.

-Ryan will usually do the job

-by himself, with two dogs.

-If Ryan isn't here, I work the dogs.

-They will work for me.

-They will work for me.

-

-There you are, there you are.

-Once sheep are accustomed to a dog,

-it's easier.

-Yes, that's right.

-As it's an enclosed flock,

-they also know their habitat.

-Once we open the gate,

-they know where to go.

-You bring bales up in winter.

-Yes, we carry big bales

-up here in winter.

-We also bring up feed as well.

-Of course, if there's snow,

-we gather them down to the valley.

-You're clearly up here regularly...

-..because the quad bike

-doesn't scare the sheep.

-We try to come up once a day

-to make sure everything's alright.

-That they have water and so on.

-We're fortunate that springs rise

-on the heather mountain.

-They keep the sheep in water

-for a long while.

-It's a nice change from teaching.

-You can now enjoy

-the pleasures of agriculture.

-If enjoy is the word, Dai!

-I often worry,

-when I buy rams or what have you...

-..whether I'm buying well,

-but they don't turn out too bad.

-I'd say you're doing

-a pretty good job.

-You're about to separate the lambs.

-You're about to separate the lambs.

-

-That's right.

-Ryan has gone up to the pen

-and he'll bring about 150 down.

-Do you separate

-the ewe and ram lambs?

-No, all together.

-We'll keep the lambs inside

-for two days or so.

-When it's cooler, we'll take

-the sheep back up the mountain.

-Good idea.

-Because they'll bleat a great deal

-for two days or so.

-Yes, they will.

-But I don't want them on the road

-looking for the ewes.

-You grew up on this farm, Eirian.

-I did indeed.

-And were you an only child?

-I was.

-You can see the difficulties

-that faced me personally...

-..and my parents.

-But if anyone

-was ever born to farm...

-..it was my father...

-..even though he could have done

-whatever he wanted to do.

-He loved politics and acting...

-..but he was especially keen

-on improving this farm's quality.

-When it was bought in 1953...

-..improving it was his objective...

-..especially the mountains.

-Were you always teachers in Wales?

-Were you always teachers in Wales?

-

-Yes.

-Edwin and I

-were both very fortunate...

-..not just with the school...

-..because 20 miles

-is no journey at all.

-But I could also take an interest

-and help on the farm.

-When Edwin came here,

-we tried to do a bit of both.

-Luckily, our parents

-and ourselves were good friends.

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