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0:00:28 > 0:00:29- Good morning.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33- I'm Nia Parry and I'm in - the Roath district of Cardiff.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35- Welcome to Adre.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- I'll spend the morning - in this house.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- Who lives there? Let's find out.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- For help to follow the programme, - use the website...
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- ..or download the Dal Ati app.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- There's a lot of art in this house, - with paintings on every wall.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- That tells us - we've come to meet an artist today.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- This is a sporran, which is part of - the Scottish traditional dress.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- The sporran is worn over the kilt.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- There are several other Scottish - items around the house.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- Is this person Scottish?
0:01:29 > 0:01:34- I've found a Welsh learners' book - by Helen Prosser and... well, me!
0:01:35 > 0:01:40- The person who lives here used this - to learn Welsh some years ago...
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- ..and she did all this artwork.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48- So, I've worked with her.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- The family which lives here - is really musical.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- They have a baby grand and - several other musical instruments.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- This woman - is married to a famous singer.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- Yes - this is the home - of the artist, Corrie Chiswell.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- She lives here - with Huw, her husband...
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- ..and their daughters, - Mari and Manon.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- I include things about Huw and I - in my paintings, of course...
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- ..but I'm not seeking to create an - autobiographical story in my work.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- Unfortunately for my family, - they're just like sitting ducks.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- Corrie, I'm excited - about interviewing you...
0:02:51 > 0:02:54- ..but I'm also - a little bit nervous...
0:02:54 > 0:02:58- ..because you're painting - a picture of me during our chat!
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- Please be kind! I'm here with you - all morning, don't forget!
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- This is a dangerous house - for visitors.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- I usually take out my sketch book.
0:03:10 > 0:03:11- Really?
0:03:12 > 0:03:16- It's fitting that we begin - by talking about your artwork.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- Tell me about your work.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25- I'm sitting in this room, and I - can see countless amazing paintings.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27- Did you paint them all?
0:03:27 > 0:03:28- Did you paint them all?- - Yes.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31- How would you describe your work?
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- How would you describe your work?- - I'd describe it as figurative art.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39- I like to draw inspiration - from books, fables and myths.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- Sometimes, I create a story...
0:03:44 > 0:03:47- ..around the person - who's sitting for me.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49- Narrative work, in a way.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54- Figurative art means you start - with a person or an object.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- Something quite concrete.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- You then build around it.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- Yes. I see the canvas as something - which gives me total freedom.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- I can do anything on it.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- You use your imagination...
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- ..and create anything.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- There are no rules when it comes to - what goes on a canvas.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- I start with something real - and take it wherever I like.
0:04:20 > 0:04:21- Do you use a lot of symbols?
0:04:21 > 0:04:23- Do you use a lot of symbols?- - Yes.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- I like objects - which can mean more than one thing.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- A key in a painting can mean - you're hiding something...
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- ..or you're very open.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- Objects can help build a story.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- Do you have a favourite painting?
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- Do you have a favourite painting?- - It changes all the time.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- My current work - is usually my favourite work.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- You forget about it - once you've finished it...
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- ..but I'm still - fond of a couple of my paintings.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- I'm creating a collection of work - to leave for my daughters.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04- Paintings with them as the subjects?
0:05:04 > 0:05:05- Paintings with them as the subjects?- - Yes, mostly.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- They're with me in the house all the - time, so I get them to sit for me.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- They've sat for countless paintings.
0:05:14 > 0:05:15- Poor things!
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- That's one way - to get children to sit quietly!
0:05:23 > 0:05:24- I met you years ago...
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- ..when I was writing a book - called Dosbarth Nos...
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- ..with Helen Prosser.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- You were learning Welsh at the time.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- You did all the artwork - in that book, didn't you?
0:05:37 > 0:05:38- We've worked together.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- Yes. It was good for my Welsh!
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- I read the text over and over again - to create the artwork.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- When did you start to learn Welsh?
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- When did you start to learn Welsh?- - Soon after arriving in Cardiff.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57- I did an Wlpan course - and an advanced course...
0:05:57 > 0:05:58- ..then I did an O Level.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- Do you speak Welsh, as a family?
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- Yes, we speak Welsh at home - most of the time.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- I speak Welsh to the children - all the time.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Was your experience - of learning Welsh a happy one?
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- I was quite nervous - about speaking Welsh.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21- The process of learning - in the classroom was great...
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- ..but when I went out and - tried to speak it, I was terrible.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- I felt extremely nervous - about speaking Welsh to people...
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- ..but everyone was very kind.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- I'm ready to see what you've done.
0:06:41 > 0:06:42- I'm ready to see what you've done.- - Oh, dear!
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- I'm nervous!
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- Oh, wow! She's beautiful.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- Well, you're beautiful.
0:06:55 > 0:06:56- Thank you very much.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- It's incredible.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- Let's snoop around the rest of the - house and see what's on the walls!
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- We're in the entrance hall.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- This is what you see - when you come in.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- It's wide, with a high ceiling - and I can see three floors.
0:07:20 > 0:07:21- It's a tall building.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- You can see right to the top - through the stairwell.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- Shall we start in this room?
0:07:30 > 0:07:31- Shall we start in this room?- - Yes.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- This is the living room - and the dining room.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- Do you all eat here every day?
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- We try but the children usually say - they've had a hard day...
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- ..and they want to eat - in front of the TV and the fire.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- It's nice - having a real fire in the winter.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- Tell me about that old dresser.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- The dresser comes from Huw's family.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- There are a couple of them - in the house.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- They just sit there, looking pretty!
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- They just sit there, looking pretty!- - They're works of art.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07- They're gorgeous.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09- Who's this?
0:08:10 > 0:08:11- That's Mari.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- Is that seaweed around her neck?
0:08:16 > 0:08:17- Is that seaweed around her neck?- - Yes.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- The picture is about global warming - and our children's future.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- Let's go to the music room.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30- Lovely.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- A baby grand, a guitar and a violin.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37- Nice.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43- How much time does Huw spend in here - writing music and rehearsing?
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- He spends most of his time - in his studio, on the top floor.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- How long does it take you to create - a painting like this one?
0:08:54 > 0:08:56- A couple of months.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Manon sat for that one, - which is called Cupid Sleeping.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- Are those family photographs?
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- Yes. That's Huw's dad's rugby team.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09- Yes. That's Huw's dad's rugby team.- - Ah.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- That's Huw's grandfather.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- Lovely. - Let's move on to the next room.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24- This is the kitchen.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Oh, nice.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- Wow! That's a big mirror.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- Wow! That's a big mirror.- - Yes, it's massive.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- I think it came from a dance studio.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- I don't dance in front of it - but the girls do!
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- That old cupboard - is part of the original house.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- Yes, but when we came here - there were wall units everywhere.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- All this was hidden - behind those modern cupboards.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- There was a built-in kitchen here - and it was really dark.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- You tore out the kitchen.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- Does Huw do much cooking?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- Sometimes, - but I do most of the cooking.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- Huw comes into the kitchen - to cook...
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- ..and he uses - every pot, pan and utensil in here.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- There's stuff spattered up the walls - but his food tastes good.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- OK, so it's worth it!
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- Also on the ground floor, - there's a lounge...
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- ..with more of Corrie's work - on the walls.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- What rooms do we have - here, on the first floor?
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- Four bedrooms, - one bathroom and a separate loo.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- I like that!
0:10:46 > 0:10:47- This is Manon's room.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- Yes, and we must all keep out!
0:10:52 > 0:10:53- What's that picture?
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- The island that my family - comes from originally.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- You can see - my old, family home there.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- We played on those rocks - when we were children.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- What's the name of that island?
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Tiree.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- The couple's studios - are on the second floor.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Huw writes music - and records songs in his studio.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- Corrie's studio is next door.
0:11:43 > 0:11:44- This is my studio.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- This is my studio.- - Wow! Where it all happens.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- This is where I hide every day.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- That's incredible.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- How long has it taken you?
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Around a month and a half, - working nine hours a day.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Just painting the lines - in the jumper must have taken weeks!
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- Yes - nearly a fortnight.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11- Tell me about the process.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- Is there a time - when you're working on a painting...
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- ..when you hate what you're doing - and you hate your subjects?
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- I experience that - with every painting.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- I'm happy, at first, - then it goes downhill.
0:12:27 > 0:12:28- It happens every time.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- I reach the point where I want to - throw it out of the window.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- But then, I climb back up again - and I'm happy.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38- It happens every time.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- How much time do you spend in here?
0:12:42 > 0:12:44- I take the children to school...
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- ..so I'm here by 9.15 every morning.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- I sometimes stop for lunch...
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- ..but if someone's sitting for me, - we just carry on all day.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- I'll stop around four o'clock.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00- The hours race by.
0:13:01 > 0:13:02- You love your work.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03- You love your work.- - Yes.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- Join me again in two minutes, - when I have a go at painting.
0:13:18 > 0:13:18- .
0:13:25 > 0:13:25- Subtitles
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- Welcome back - to Corrie Chiswell's lovely home.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39- We're in the garden.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- It's chilly, - but we have tea to warm us up.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- Corrie, - where were you born and bred?
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- I was born in Edinburgh - but we didn't stay there for long.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- I've lived - in several places in Scotland.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- First, I lived in the Borders - on my grandparents' farm.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- My mother remarried - and we moved to the Highlands.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- They ran a little hotel there.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18- My mother has since moved back - to the original family home...
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- ..which is just outside Oban.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- Before that, - my family lived in the Islands.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- How proud are you of your roots?
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- Are your Scottish roots - as important to you...
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- ..as they are for Welsh people?
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- Yes, they're very important - and I'll never lose the accent.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- I'll never be anything - other than a Scotswoman.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- It's important for the girls too.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- We go back home to Scotland - at least twice a year.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- They don't hear the old songs - we sang when I was growing up.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- They don't hear - the old stories and fables.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- It's very important to me - that they experience some of it...
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- ..when we go back home.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- Are there any Gaelic speakers - in the family?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- There were many but the last - fluent speaker was my grandmother.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- I did Gaelic at school - and I sang in the choir.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- But it just wasn't popular - at that time.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- Could you chat in Gaelic?
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- Could you chat in Gaelic?- - No.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- I could sing a verse of a song - or two but I won't do that now!
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- I know a bit of Gaelic.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- I know a few words but not much.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- Do you feel you've reclaimed - a bit of your heritage...
0:15:55 > 0:15:56- ..by learning Welsh?
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Absolutely, - and I'd love to learn Gaelic...
0:16:00 > 0:16:04- ..or at least have - something to do with the language.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- I'm sure learning Welsh helped me.
0:16:09 > 0:16:15- I feel less guilty about not - being able to speak my own language.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- Where is home?
0:16:19 > 0:16:20- Scotland or Wales?
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- Scotland.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- But it's difficult.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- I feel really passionate - about Wales.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- Wales is always my second team.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- I support them in the rugby.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Your second team!
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- My daughters are Welsh.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- I keep telling them - they're half-Scottish too!
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- They support Wales against Scotland!
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- Wales is their home, which means - Wales is also my home, in a way.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- We're back in the studio.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- I've borrowed - Corrie's painting shirt...
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- ..so I hope it inspires me.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- Give me a lesson.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- What shall I paint?
0:17:11 > 0:17:12- An apple.
0:17:13 > 0:17:14- We'll start there.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- First, decide where on the page - you want to put the apple.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- I can't believe - it's so hard to draw an apple.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- I wasn't good at art at school. - I was too busy talking!
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- You've drawn the outline, - so now we need a bit more detail...
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- ..before we put paint on the paper.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- We need to work out - where the stalk comes out.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54- Some sort of apple shape.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55- Some sort of apple shape.- - That's great.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- There's a lump here.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- The first thing - I try to teach new pupils...
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- ..is how to translate what you see - and put it on paper.
0:18:13 > 0:18:14- I'm impressed, Nia.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- You're easily pleased!
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- We're ready to paint.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- First, you'll paint a shadow - at the base of the apple.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- Get a feel - for the paint on the paper.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- Do you go backwards and forwards?
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- Yes. That's right.
0:18:45 > 0:18:51- Next, use a different brush - and move the paint across the paper.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- I hold three or four brushes - in my hand...
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- ..and use them for different things.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- Light is hitting the apple - from here.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- The dark shadow - is on this side of the apple.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- Start here and use more paint.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- It's alright to use brown first - and add to it.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- Yes. That's right.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- I think you need some Cadmium Red.
0:19:27 > 0:19:28- It's relaxing.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- I hope you can see how you - lose yourself when you paint.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- Yes, and you concentrate - on your subject and nothing else.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- Everything else - goes out of your head.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- It's great therapy.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- Try to straighten that out.
0:19:54 > 0:19:55- It looks a bit lumpy.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- It looks a bit lumpy.- - Hee-hee-hee!
0:20:00 > 0:20:01- That's better.
0:20:02 > 0:20:03- Yes.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- Lovely.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- That was very therapeutic - and I really enjoyed it.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- You're en excellent teacher.
0:20:13 > 0:20:14- You actually praised me!
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- You actually praised me!- - You were great. You're a natural.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- You think so?
0:20:19 > 0:20:20- You think so?- - Yes.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- I'm not so sure, but I enjoyed it. - Thank you.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34- I put this question to everyone.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- What three things - would you rescue from the house...
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- ..if you had to leave in a hurry?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- Not including the girls and Huw!
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- First, I'd rescue my fishing floats.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- They've been in my family for years.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- I think they came - from Japan or Norway originally.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- My family - comes from the Scottish Islands...
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- ..and my great-aunt left these to me - when she passed away.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- They have - huge sentimental value for me.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- Didn't I see that in a painting?
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Yes. The floats - feature in a few of my paintings.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- The pea in Princess And The Pea - is also a float.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- They turn up in my paintings.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- The fishing floats are also props.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42- The second thing is a collection - of books, including these.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- I adore my books - and I've read them several times.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- If I don't like a book, - I get rid of it..
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- ..but if I like a book, - I'll read it over and over again.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- You reread the same book?
0:21:58 > 0:21:59- You reread the same book?- - Yes, I do.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- They've travelled the world with me.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- When I moved - from Australia to Wales...
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- ..half the container - was full of books!
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- I adore my books - and they inspire my paintings.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- What's your third item?
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- My third item is all my brushes.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- Yes, of course.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- I should rescue a painting - but it's impossible to choose one.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- Every one of my paintings - is in the brushes, in a way.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- I keep them all. - I never throw away a brush.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- If you rescue the brushes, - you can recreate the paintings.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- The spirit of my work - is in the brushes.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- Thank you for the welcome, Corrie.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- It was like being in an art gallery.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59- It was like being in an art gallery.- - Thank you too.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- My thanks to Corrie Chiswell - for the warm welcome.
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- Join me next week to snoop around - the home of another famous face.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- Goodbye.
0:23:16 > 0:23:16- .
0:23:23 > 0:23:23- Subtitles
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- Hello! I'm Nia Parry - and today, I'm in Merthyr Tydfil.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- Join me, as I meet - some colourful local characters.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- Welcome to Milltir2.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- North of Merthyr Tydfil - are the Brecon Beacons...
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- ..where two rivers rise - - Taf Fawr and Taf Fechan.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- They join to form the River Taff - here, in Merthyr.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- The Taff flows down the valley - to Pontypridd...
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- ..then on to Cardiff - and out into the Severn estuary.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- Today, Merthyr Tydfil has - a population of around 30,000...
0:24:11 > 0:24:15- ..but back in 1851, - it was the biggest town in Wales...
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- ..with a population - of around 46,000.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20- Why?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- It boils down to two things - - coal and iron.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28- A host of famous people were - born and bred in Merthyr Tydfil.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33- Julien Macdonald and Laura Ashley, - from the fashion world...
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- ..the musician Joseph Parry...
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- ..and famous boxers Howard Winstone - and the amazing Johnny Owen.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46- Another famous local boy - is the actor, Richard Harrington.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- He plays DCI Tom Mathias - in the series, Hinterland.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- Here he is talking about his family - and his childhood...
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- ..on the Gurnos estate - and in Dowlais.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- For help to follow the programme, - use the website...
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- ..or download the Dal Ati app.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- Well, I was born here.
0:25:31 > 0:25:32- Whitebeam Close.
0:25:37 > 0:25:42- In 1975, my parents worked as nurses - in St Tydfil's Hospital in the town.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47- A new hospital was being built - here, on the Gurnos.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50- It's a remarkable place.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- Although I have no memories - of this place...
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- ..I feel I belong here.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- They speak about it with fondness.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- Gurnos is fantastic.
0:26:10 > 0:26:15- The people of Merthyr Tydfil - know the meaning of austerity.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21- There's not much here but - there's a spirit and I can feel it.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- As I said, I feel I belong here, - in a sense.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- And here's where it all began.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- It's quite emotional, really.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- In 1977, we moved from the Gurnos - to this spot in Dowlais.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55- It's located halfway - between Dowlais and Pant.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00- The street is called Pant Road - and I lived at number 7.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- The other street is called - Cross Ivor Terrace.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- This is where I played - and where all my friends lived.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- I remember there being - a real sense of community.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16- Everyone knew - everyone else's business.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19- It was great. It was so vibrant.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26- I can remember the neighbours - being real characters and very kind.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- I have really happy memories - of being here.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- Mam and Dad were really happy.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- At the time, it was just me, - Mam, Dad and my sister, Lynwen.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- She's three years younger than me.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51- A lot of people would visit.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- This gate was in constant use - during the day.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- Mam and Dad were nurses, so all - the hypochondriacs would call.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- I remember one story - about my father.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06- He liked to sunbathe and there - used to be a coal shed over there.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- He'd sunbathe on top of the roof.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- I remember playing football here - one day.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18- People were passing by and saying, - "Alright, Paul?"
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- And Dad, in his Speedos, - would say "alright" back.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26- But I remember hearing - this awful noise.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- It was Dad - falling through the roof.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31- He's never sunbathed since!
0:28:49 > 0:28:51- I remember the miners' strike.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- I remember - men crying on the street...
0:28:56 > 0:28:57- ..in 1984...
0:28:58 > 0:29:02- ..when the Guest Keen, the last - of the ironworks, closed down.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06- It was right there, - so it was very dusty.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- One day, the dust stopped.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- I remember - Johnny Owen's funeral too.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- The procession came past the house - in 1980.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23- I remember men crying - and Dad was crying too.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- The place is steeped in history - and people have gone through hell.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- But there's no room for misery - in Merthyr.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- You've got to get on with it.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49- When I think about this place...
0:29:50 > 0:29:52- ..I think - of how my life might have been.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- I don't know - where I would have ended up...
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- ..or what I would have been doing...
0:29:59 > 0:30:04- ..if Mam and Dad hadn't sent me - to a Welsh-medium school.
0:30:04 > 0:30:09- Maybe they regarded Welsh education - as a ticket out of this valley.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- In the end, - they might have been right.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- Rhydfelen had a fantastic - Drama department.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19- Drama came to my rescue.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- My mother's father, my grandfather, - Jack Jones...
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- ..who they used to call - John The Cottage...
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- ..came from Aberdare - and Welsh was his first language.
0:30:34 > 0:30:39- When I came into the world, - he spoke very little Welsh to me.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- If he wanted to tell me something - in secret...
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- ..he'd say it in Welsh.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- He used to say, - "Go and buy me some cigarettes."
0:30:53 > 0:30:55- Isn't that strange?
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- As a child, - I went to a Welsh-medium school...
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- ..but I'd come home - and speak English...
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- ..though my grandfather - lived with us and spoke Welsh.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- He'd speak Welsh to his friends - but not to us.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- I often had stones thrown at me.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- Boys called me Welsh Cake - for going to a Welsh-medium school.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24- The irony of it all - is that they were the same boys...
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- ..who'd be knocking on my door - half an hour later...
0:31:28 > 0:31:30- ..asking me - to play football with them.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- It's a lesson for us all, really.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40- They didn't feel - the Welsh language was inclusive.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44- That's the mentality of this place.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49- But nowadays, the Welsh language - is no longer considered exclusive.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- It's for everyone. - It's only a language!
0:32:05 > 0:32:10- One of the most important families - in this area in the 19th century...
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- ..was the Crawshay family.
0:32:12 > 0:32:17- They owned Cyfarthfa ironworks - and built Cyfarthfa Castle.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- Aled Sam and Greg Stevenson - visited the castle.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- We're outside - the famous Cyfarthfa Castle.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29- It looks like a folly.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- Yes, it's over the top!
0:32:33 > 0:32:37- It must be the most ostentatious - building in the Valleys!
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- It cost 30,000 to build this place - in 1825.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- It was very, very expensive!
0:32:44 > 0:32:50- They intentionally built 52 rooms, - one for every week of the year.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54- It boasts 365 windows - and a blind window for leap years!
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- That's where our journey begins.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16- From the shape of this room, - it's obvious we're in the tower.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- Yes, this is the Round Drawing Room.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23- We have the original floor plan, - so we know how this house was used.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28- I think they had too many rooms and - they didn't know how to use them!
0:33:28 > 0:33:32- At the end of this wing, - there's a drawing room.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34- You use drawing rooms after a meal.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37- This is another drawing room. - Why not?
0:33:38 > 0:33:40- Next door was a morning room.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44- You sat there in the morning, - to enjoy the sunshine.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- It's been decorated beautifully.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- It's been decorated beautifully.- - Yes, the wallpaper is fantastic.
0:33:51 > 0:33:56- The drapes are the work of - the Welsh designer, Cefyn Burgess.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- The window glazing bars - are very thin.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04- This was the height of fashion - in the early 19th century.
0:34:04 > 0:34:09- The plasterwork and the gilding - on the ceiling is perfect.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14- Yes, and that's an original, - French chandelier.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40- The Crawshay family - spent a fortune on the castle...
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- ..but the ironworks - had made them very wealthy.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49- The same wasn't true of the workers, - who had a terribly hard life.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- In the next clip, Aled and Greg - visit the old ironworks.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- On the opposite bank - of the River Taff...
0:35:04 > 0:35:09- ..is one of Merthyr's most arresting - and least familiar sights.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- I can't believe - you can drive through Merthyr...
0:35:25 > 0:35:29- ..and not know about - a huge construction, like this.
0:35:29 > 0:35:34- Who'd think you could hide - these massive blast furnaces?
0:35:35 > 0:35:39- Cyfarthfa was one of - the world's largest ironworks...
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- ..in the early 19th century.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- The industries in these new sheds - mask the old industry.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- Yes, and some industrial gems - still remain in this area.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- The Ynysfach Engine House - is still standing.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58- It's masked by modern buildings.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03- The old railway bridge is apparently - the world's oldest iron bridge.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- We're all familiar with the viaduct - you can see from the A470.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- The historical gems are here, - if you know where to look!
0:36:24 > 0:36:24- .
0:36:32 > 0:36:32- Subtitles
0:36:32 > 0:36:34- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- Today, we're in - the Merthyr Tydfil area.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44- Merthyr Tydfil - means the shrine of St Tydfil.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50- Tydfil's father was Brychan, the - fifth century king of Brycheiniog.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55- Saint Dwynwen, the patron saint - of lovers, was Tydfil's sister.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00- Legend has it that Tydfil was killed - by pagans in the year 480.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- A picture of Saint Tydfil - is the town's symbol.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- Most of the 400 Ysgol Gymraeg - Santes Tudful pupils...
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- ..come from - non-Welsh speaking homes.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- This is the Soar centre - in the middle of Merthyr.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- It's the home of the theatre - and a Welsh initiative.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28- I asked Lis McLean about the centre - and about Welsh life in the town.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- Hello, Lis. How are you?
0:37:34 > 0:37:35- Hello, Lis. How are you?- - Fine, thank you.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- Thank you for inviting me - to see this lovely centre.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45- Yes, it's home to Welsh language - organizations in the Merthyr area.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- They include Welsh For Adults, - the Urdd and Cylch Meithrin.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- Menter Iaith is also based here.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- We also now have a theatre - and a dance studio.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- What's your role here?
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- I'm the principal officer - at Menter Iaith...
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- ..and I run the centre.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- Some 8.9% of the population - speaks Welsh.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- That's shockingly low.
0:38:15 > 0:38:20- We try to attract former - Welsh-medium schools pupils here.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- When people leave Welsh education, - where do they go?
0:38:26 > 0:38:30- Menter Merthyr and the Soar centre - try to focus on creating work...
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- ..for former pupils - of Welsh-medium schools.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- Is a lack of confidence - to speak Welsh a factor here...
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- ..as it is in so many places - across Wales?
0:38:44 > 0:38:46- Yes. It's a huge problem.
0:38:46 > 0:38:51- If someone doesn't speak Welsh for - a few years after leaving school...
0:38:51 > 0:38:54- ..their confidence is shattered.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- That's what happened to me.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- I didn't speak Welsh for 17 years - after I left school...
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- ..but I decided - to come back to the language.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- I know how people feel.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- How many Welsh-medium schools - are there in the area?
0:39:10 > 0:39:13- Two junior schools - but no secondary schools.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- People travel to Rhydywaun, Hirwaun.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- It's a huge stumbling block.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23- People don't see the results - of Rhydywaun in Merthyr.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- Would it help to have a Welsh-medium - secondary school in Merthyr?
0:39:28 > 0:39:33- Yes, but getting children at - nursery age is our first priority.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38- We need a strategy to develop - Welsh-medium education in Merthyr.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43- There has to be an economic - advantage to speaking Welsh.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48- It's no longer enough just to have - places where we can speak Welsh...
0:39:49 > 0:39:51- ..although, of course, that helps.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- We need a purpose.
0:39:53 > 0:39:58- We must be able to put the Welsh - language to work in our communities.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02- What does the future hold - for the Welsh language in Merthyr?
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- I think we'll formulate - a strong strategy in Merthyr...
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- ..which brings together - all the partners.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15- Thank you, Lis. - Let's talk in the theatre later.
0:40:15 > 0:40:20- We filmed Kizzy Crawford in the - theatre talking about her style.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- Kizzy has a Welsh, English - and Bajan, or Barbadian, background.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- She sings acoustic jazz/soul music - in Welsh and English.
0:40:31 > 0:40:36- She's performed on television and - radio and played many festivals.
0:40:36 > 0:40:41- This year, she recorded the - song Golden Brown (Brown Euraidd).
0:40:42 > 0:40:47- Hello. I'm Kizzy Crawford - and here's what I'm wearing today.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- I'm a singer and I live in Merthyr.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Today, we're in Theatr Soar, - Merthyr.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- My mother keeps everything she buys.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08- We go around charity shops - and vintage shops together...
0:41:08 > 0:41:13- ..looking for vintage - and old-fashioned clothes.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- We then try to combine them - with new clothes.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24- My clothes reflect - the mood I'm in at that time.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26- They reflect who I am.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- I always make a real effort - with my clothes when I perform...
0:41:31 > 0:41:35- ..to make sure my clothes - and my music combine perfectly.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- I want my clothes - to reflect who I am.
0:41:43 > 0:41:44- This is a wool coat.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- I like the way it moves - and covers me when I move.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- It also has bell sleeves...
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- ..so it creates - quite an enchanting effect.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- My mother bought it - in a vintage shop in Oxford...
0:42:03 > 0:42:05- ..when she was a student.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- What I like about this coat - is it's really warm.
0:42:11 > 0:42:16- This jacket comes from Peacocks, - so it's quite new.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- I like the way - it goes with this skirt...
0:42:21 > 0:42:25- ..which reflects - my Welsh cultural heritage.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30- This material - was always appreciated...
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- ..because it was seen - as a thing of beauty in Wales.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- I like the way I'm wearing it, - as a skirt...
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- ..rather than a blanket or a jacket.
0:42:45 > 0:42:51- It then goes with this fabric - which is perhaps a bit newer.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- I'm wearing a corset which came - from a charity shop in Llandudno.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02- People rarely - wear a corset outside...
0:43:03 > 0:43:07- ..but I can wear it - because this coat keeps me warm.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14- This scarf doesn't look like - it would go with this outfit.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17- It looks quite traditional.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22- I like the way - it brings the outfit together.
0:43:27 > 0:43:33- I think accessories are a great way - to change the look of an outfit.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37- Accessories make an outfit complete.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40- That's why I always wear earrings.
0:43:41 > 0:43:47- I wear a nose ring because it brings - out my different characteristics.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- It helps create - my own unique look too.
0:43:55 > 0:44:00- My mother always tells me if I have - money to spend on an outfit...
0:44:01 > 0:44:03- ..to spend it on shoes or boots.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07- Good footwear - will keep you comfortable.
0:44:11 > 0:44:13- That's why I bought these boots.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18- I'll spend quite a lot of money - on boots and shoes.
0:44:20 > 0:44:24- I think my outfit is quite - enchanting and it stands out.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29- I want to stick to my own style.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32- I don't want to look - like everyone else.
0:44:34 > 0:44:36- I don't really follow fashion.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42- I'm Kizzy Crawford - and this is what I'm wearing today.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47- Kizzy, a young Merthyr woman - who has learned Welsh...
0:44:47 > 0:44:50- ..and uses the language - in her everyday life.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53- Coral Putman has also learned Welsh.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56- She comes from Reading originally...
0:44:56 > 0:45:00- ..but she now lives in Trelewis, - ten miles from Merthyr.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07- I'm Coral Putman - and I live in Trelewis.
0:45:09 > 0:45:13- I moved to Wales from Reading - around two years ago.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21- I decided to learn Welsh...
0:45:21 > 0:45:25- ..because I'm following - a degree course in Mathematics...
0:45:26 > 0:45:28- ..with the Open University.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36- I hope to become a teacher.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40- I'd like to teach maths - at a Welsh-medium school.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47- When I moved to Wales...
0:45:48 > 0:45:54- ..I had problems with pronunciation, - especially with the letter Ll.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04- I have two dogs, three cats...
0:46:05 > 0:46:06- ..and five rabbits.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10- And a duck!
0:46:11 > 0:46:15- I spend a lot of my time - tidying the house!
0:46:17 > 0:46:20- In my spare time, - I enjoy working in the garden.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25- I grow vegetables.
0:46:25 > 0:46:29- I love to knit - items of clothing for my family.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36- I also volunteer - at Taff Bargoed Park.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- There are a lot of Welsh books - at the Bedlinog Centre.
0:46:50 > 0:46:55- I enjoyed - reading Bethan Gwanas novels...
0:46:56 > 0:46:59- ..especially Blodwen Jones.
0:47:01 > 0:47:05- Blodwen Jones works in a library - in North Wales.
0:47:07 > 0:47:13- She's learning Welsh and - she's in love with her Welsh tutor.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19- It's really, really funny.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30- I'd like to keep learning Welsh - until I'm perfect.
0:47:33 > 0:47:38- Maybe, in ten years' time, - I could be a Welsh tutor.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:48:01 > 0:48:01- .