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0:00:10 > 0:00:12- # Remember
0:00:21 > 0:00:22- # Remember #
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- Good evening and welcome to Cofio...
0:00:29 > 0:00:34- ..where history comes alive - through archive footage.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- Tonight, we immerse ourselves - in the world of music...
0:00:38 > 0:00:43- ..as we listen to a unique voice who - was a member of a famous folk group.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- She's a singer - who put mid Wales on the map.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48- Linda Griffiths.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- As I said, - you come from mid Wales...
0:00:52 > 0:00:57- ..but you've lived in Ceredigion - since you were 18 years old.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- Do your roots still lie - in the soil of Montgomeryshire?
0:01:03 > 0:01:04- Yes, most definitely.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- I went to Aberystwyth University - in 1976...
0:01:08 > 0:01:12- ..and I haven't lived - in Montgomeryshire since then.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- People still think of me - as a Montgomeryshire lass.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- Few people realize - I live in Ceredigion.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- My accent is still strong too.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26- I'm still a Montgomeryshire lass - at heart.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- It was during the period - you lived in Montgomeryshire...
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- ..that Plethyn was formed.
0:01:33 > 0:01:38- Yes, Plethyn is a folk group - which was formed by accident.
0:01:38 > 0:01:44- A group of brothers, sisters, - cousins and neighbours...
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- ..would get together and sing.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- Everyone gradually drifted away.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- Some got married - and others lost interest.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- It ended up with four of us - performing at Pontrobert Hall...
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- ..me, my brother - Roy, - Jac from a neighbouring farm...
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- ..and Kath Penrhos, or as we now - know her, Kathy Gittins the artist.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- There were four of us - but we had no plans to form a group.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- We performed locally - and it just developed from there.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- We have a clip of Plethyn as a trio.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24- You, your brother, Roy - and Jac from the neighbouring farm.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- # Ifan went - through the back kitchen
0:02:28 > 0:02:30- # And quickly grabbed his hat
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- # Chased by Toss the sheepdog, - in his corduroy trousers
0:02:36 > 0:02:38- # The dear lads of Wales
0:02:38 > 0:02:40- # Wherever you may be
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- # Never go courting - straight from the pigsty
0:02:46 > 0:02:48- # Oh, happy now we are all, my boys!
0:02:49 > 0:02:50- # Happy now we are all!
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- # Here's hoping we all meet again - back in dear old Wales
0:02:56 > 0:02:58- # Happy now we are all, my boys!
0:02:59 > 0:03:00- # Happy now we are all!
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- # Here's hoping we all meet again - back in dear old Wales #
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- Was it exciting at the time - to be a member of a folk group?
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- It was an exciting time, - in some respects.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- It wasn't our intention - to form a group...
0:03:25 > 0:03:31- ..and even heading in the folk music - direction happened accidentally.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- It happened at an exciting time - for Welsh folk music, in the 1980s.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- Something sparked - a folk music revival.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- There were folk clubs and - folk evenings up and down Wales.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- Several folk groups - formed during that time.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- There was something quite cool - about being in a folk group.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- I wanted to do something - even more cool.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- I was never satisfied - to be labelled Linda Plethyn.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- I felt it was too old-fashioned - and nicey-nice for a young girl.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08- You have a strong musical background - especially in Plygain singing.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- Yes, I was raised - in the Plygain carolling tradition.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- It was an integral part - of every Christmas.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- It was as much a part of Christmas - as the turkey and the trimmings.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- I was certainly raised in the sound - of Plygain carol singing.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31- We weren't aware of it but Plethyn - was influenced by Plygain singing.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- For us, there was - only one way to harmonize...
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- ..and that was simple, - three-part Plygain harmonization.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43- That tradition has gained popularity - in recent times.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49- We now have a clip which takes - us back to a Plygain in 1966.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- # Let us sing - songs of praise for Jesus
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- # For his birth from the Virgin Mary
0:04:59 > 0:05:04- # God and man in Holy union
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- # In the manger lies today
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- # Oh, how lowly are his surroundings
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- # Our celebrated prince is he
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- # In swaddling He is wrapped today
0:05:22 > 0:05:27- # God as man and man as God
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- # Behold, angels and seraphs
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- # And Heaven's sacred cherubs
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- # All unite in harmony
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- # They sing a glorious song for Him
0:05:47 > 0:05:52- # Until the sound - of their sweet lauding
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- # Shakes the foundations of Hell
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- # The power of darkness did dissolve
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- # When Jesus Christ was born #
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- The unique sound of Parti'r Gad.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- The harmonies of Plygain carolling - create a unique sound.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- Yes, it's very simple harmonization.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- Seeing that clip - made me feel quite emotional.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- Parti'r Gad formed at the chapel - I attended as a child.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- Only one of those great characters - is still with us.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35- George Waunllys, Davy Ellis Pentre, - Wat Penparc and Thomas Llaithfwlch.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- I was familiar with all - those people as a child.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- As you saw there, - they sang in a relaxed manner.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47- They were quite casual.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- Plygain is a religious service. - It isn't a form of entertainment.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- Plygain is seeing a revival.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- Some areas are seeing a revival.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- We now have Plygain carolling - in Penrhyncoch, Ceredigion.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- Plygain is spreading - beyond its traditional areas...
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- ..thanks to Plygain carol books - published in recent times.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- Carols preserved within families - are now widely available.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- There hasn't been a revival - in Montgomeryshire...
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- ..because Plygain carolling - was never in decline.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- The tradition is, in fact, - as strong as ever.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- Parti'r Gad - has been resurrected in a way.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34- Yes, that's right.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- Roy and Barry - my brothers, - Jac who was in Plethyn...
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- ..and my cousin, Huw...
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- ..joined forces with Meirion, whose - father was in the original party.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- Gwyn Gwalchmai, who is the grandson - of Davy Ellis Pentre...
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- ..is also a member - of the reformed Parti'r Gad.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- The tradition is strong - and it's thriving.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- You made your name with Plethyn then - you forged a solo singing career.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- You were a part of that - musical phenomenon Dwylo Dros Y Mor.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- Yes, it was wonderful - to be a part of that.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- I was given a solo line to sing - which was a terrific honour.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- I was excited about it.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Here's the Dwylo Dros Y Mor video.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- # The rain beat down on the roof
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- # People on the street - scatter and fuss
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- # Staring at the sky, - everyone frowns
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- # We curse - and wish for sunny weather
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- # And in the sun we see a land... #
0:08:45 > 0:08:46- On Thursday night?
0:08:46 > 0:08:47- On Thursday night?- - Yes.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- Maybe have a few drinks.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- # Daybreak again - in the land of sun #
0:08:58 > 0:08:59- Shall I do those two lines?
0:09:00 > 0:09:01- Yes - the two final lines.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- # Withered plants - and dust for soil #
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Everything which can be said - has been said.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- The B almost an octave - above middle C.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- I'm meant to be - teaching the children.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- # Living for a day - is living for an age
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- # Just existing gets tougher - each day
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- # Sing to the heavens - with all your soul
0:09:31 > 0:09:35- # Whoa-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- # Sing with passion in our cry
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- # Whoa-oh, oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- # Sing and shout as one choir
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- # And reach your hands - across the sea
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- # And reach your hands - across the sea
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- # And reach your hands - across the sea #
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- That brought memories flooding back.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- It was a better song than - the English version, Feed The World.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- Yes, I thought so and I was chuffed - to be a part of it.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- Don't we all look young?
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- Everyone had big hair!
0:10:31 > 0:10:35- Well, everyone had hair - and there I was, in my tie!
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- How did it feel to be one - of many famous people involved?
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- Did being part of something so unique - give you a bond of togetherness?
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- It's always wonderful - when artists in Wales join forces.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- Seeing people - you haven't seen for ages...
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- ..means that a community - is formed instantly.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- It's also a lot of fun.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- Welsh artists have come together - on a few occasions since then...
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- ..but Dwylo Dros Y Mor - was the largest gathering.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12- We met in a snowy south Wales and - it was an unforgettable experience.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- They filmed behind the scenes too.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- It must have been - an innovative concept at the time.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Yes, and I felt like a superstar - being filmed leaving my car!
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- It was as though - Whitney Houston had arrived!
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- I wasn't aware of the cameras, - most of the time.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- After the break...
0:11:33 > 0:11:39- ..we'll hear about a remarkable man - who influenced your musical career.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- Join us again in two minutes.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- # Remember #
0:11:48 > 0:11:49- .
0:11:53 > 0:11:53- 888
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- 888- - 888
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- # Remember #
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Welcome back.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- I'm joined by singer, - Linda Griffiths.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09- Linda, let's talk about people who - influenced and shaped your career.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- Elfed Lewys was important to you.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Elfed Lewys was important to you.- - Yes, that's certainly true.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- I wouldn't be sitting here talking - to you if it wasn't for Elfed.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- He heard me sing at a YFC eisteddfod - when I was 14 years old.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- He decided I could be a folk singer - and he became my singing teacher.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- He took a real interest in me - and that gave me great confidence.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- He told me I had a good voice - and I should sing solos.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- That wasn't something - I had previously done.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- Here is Elfed Lewys - talking to Gwyn Erfyl...
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- ..in a documentary filmed in 1970.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- We return to Penllys, - past the gate which leads to Dolwar.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Llanfyllin is the nearest town.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- The secondary school - for the rural children is here.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10- Such towns are all quite similar - - anglicized and without character...
0:13:10 > 0:13:15- ..but including - a nucleus of staunch Welsh speakers.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- This is the area - in which we find Aelwyd Penllys.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- Its founder will tell us about it.
0:13:21 > 0:13:27- His name is Elfed Lewys - and he's a rather unusual minister.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- I asked him - how Aelwyd Penllys was established.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- A nucleus of people - in Penllys and Gad...
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- ..had a tradition - of holding small eisteddfodau.
0:13:39 > 0:13:45- Traditionally, the people of this - part of Wales are rather shy...
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- .. but they seem to flourish when - they step onto a stage to entertain.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55- Yes, a group of people joined us - about three years ago.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- Many of them had never even - taken part in local eisteddfodau.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- We then organized a noson lawen, - or an evening of entertainment.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- That grew and grew until we put on - a noson lawen in Carmarthen.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- # Siani and me in the covered wagon
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- # Fun at the May Day fair #
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- From where do they all come?
0:14:19 > 0:14:24- They come from Pontllogail, - Dolanog, Pontrobert...
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- ..Llanfihangel, Penllys and Gad.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- Have you reached - your full potential?
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- It depends - what is meant by full potential.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- Every rural area sees - an ebb and flow of young people.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- A group of people - will reach a peak together...
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- ..and then, - another group will replace them.
0:14:48 > 0:14:54- # And the enduring love #
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Elfed - was highly influential in your life.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- Yes, hearing Elfed's voice - brings back many memories for me.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- I have so many happy memories - of my time with Penllys.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- Elfed died far too young - and very suddenly.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- Like many other people...
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- ..I feel I never had - the opportunity to thank him.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- My debt to him is enormous.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- He filled me with confidence - and he told me I could do it.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- He did that for the youngsters - of the Penllys area.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- As we saw in that clip, - he was a unique character.
0:15:35 > 0:15:36- He had long hair.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- Ministers simply didn't have - long hair, in those days!
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- There was nobody like Elfed.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- He wore bright shirts.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45- He was a one-off.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- In Montgomeryshire, - there's a marked difference...
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- ..between the pre-Elfed period - and post-Elfed period.
0:15:54 > 0:15:59- He had a huge influence in Penllys - and Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- Just seeing him there - brought it all back to me.
0:16:04 > 0:16:05- I feel very emotional.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11- Next, we'll hear Elfed Lewys's lyrics - in the song Does Dim Dwr.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- # The village of Llanfihangel - has no water
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- # Has no water
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- # The farm, the shop and the school
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- # Have no water
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- # Should the children of the village
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- # Take a tumble at playtime
0:16:41 > 0:16:45- # They must wait until they get home
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- # To get some water
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- # To get some water
0:16:50 > 0:16:55- # To wash their dirty knees
0:16:55 > 0:17:00- # There is no water
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- # The people - of the city of Liverpool
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- # Must have water
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- # Must have water
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- # If they ran out, - there would be trouble
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- # If they had no water
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- # And so the village of Llanwddyn - was drowned
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- # Ten farms and eighteen crofts
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- # And the Welsh - were so grateful to them
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- # For taking their water
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- # For taking their water
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- # Although the village - of Llanfihangel
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- # Has no water #
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- Those words - were dripping with irony!
0:17:56 > 0:17:57- Yes.
0:17:57 > 0:18:02- The village of Llanfihangel is - around ten miles from Lake Vyrnwy...
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- ..but the water went to Liverpool.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- Llanfihangel was very late - getting a water supply.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- Elfed saw the irony - in the situation...
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- ..and he took his chance to write - those tongue-in-cheek lyrics.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21- He wrote them for Aelwyd Penllys - to a traditional Plygain tune.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Plethyn recorded the song later.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29- When Elfed moved to Pembrokeshire - from Montgomeryshire...
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- ..the people of Pembrokeshire - sang the same Plygain music...
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- ..with lyrics - written in the local dialect.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- Wherever Elfed went, - he liked to have fun...
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- ..and wrote about local events.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- You've now passed on the singing - tradition to your three daughters.
0:18:51 > 0:18:52- Yes, I have three girls.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- Mari is only 14 - and too young to sing with us...
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- ..but Lisa is 21 and Gwenno is 18.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- They've been singing harmony - with me recently.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07- They sang on my latest CD - and it was a lot of fun.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- I hope it's something - we'll continue to enjoy together.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- Do you cast aside the - mother and daughter relationship...
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- ..and turn it - into something more professional?
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- No, they tend - to point out my mistakes to me!
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- They're far more musical than me, - they know the theory but I don't.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- They tell me how it should be done.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- Teaching one's grandmother - to suck eggs, maybe!
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- We have a great relationship - so I'm very lucky in that sense.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- You requested the next clip.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- There are certain events - so memorable...
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- ..that a person remembers - where at that time.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- This is Edward H Dafis's - final farewell concert in Corwen.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- You know exactly where you were - because you were there!
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- # Cutie, cutie, - where are you going?
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- # Cutie, cutie, - can I be your friend?
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- # Happy, shapely, pretty baby! - You're game for anything
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- # Cutie, cutie, - what about me?
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- # Bap-bap! Shoobedo whap-whap!
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- # Cutie, cutie, - may I love you?
0:20:23 > 0:20:25- # Bap-bap! Shoobedo whap-whap!
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- # Happy, shapely, cute baby! - You're game for anything
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- # We can lie on my comfy sofa
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- # And make love all over the house
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- # Make love all over the house. - Yes, you and me #
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- Come on, cutie!
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- # We can lie on my comfy sofa
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- # And make love all over the house
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- # Make love all over the house. - Yes - you and me
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- # Cutie, cutie, - where are you going?
0:21:30 > 0:21:32- # Bap-bap! Shoobedo whap-whap!
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- # Cutie, cutie, - can I be your friend?
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- # Bap-bap! Shoobedo whap-whap!
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- # Happy, shapely, cute baby! - You're sweeter than honey #
0:22:08 > 0:22:13- You left Linda Plethyn at the door - and became Linda the teeny bopper!
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- I was worried you'd have footage - of me on someone's shoulders!
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- That brought back - some fantastic memories.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- They were my heroes - when I was a teenager.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- We followed them - all over the country.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- Edward H Dafis's gigs - were very special events.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- No-one can beat them.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- They were the Welsh supergroup.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- As you saw there, - everyone went wild when they played.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- What's great for me...
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- ..is that I got to know the lads - who were in the band...
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- ..and got a chance - to sing with them.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- It's been fantastic.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- I never imagined - I'd have the chance to do that.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- Linda, thank you for your company.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- That's all, until next time.
0:23:01 > 0:23:02- Goodnight.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- # Remember
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- # Remember #
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- S4C subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf