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0:00:16 > 0:00:21- Hello and welcome to Heno - on a glorious day in Llanelli.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25- I hope the sun has been shining - for you today too.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- Tonight, we hear from the author, - Luned Aaron...
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- ..who is one of five authors - shortlisted for a Tir na n-Og Award.
0:00:37 > 0:00:42- The Freemasons are celebrating - their 300th anniversary.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47- We're stepping behind the scenes - at this lodge in Swansea...
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- ..to learn about the society - and its traditions.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59- Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen has been given - a special piece of furniture...
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- ..once owned by the famous author, - Caradog Pritchard.
0:01:05 > 0:01:11- My guest is the presenter, - musician and actor, Martyn Geraint.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- Welcome to the programme.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17- Thank you.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24- You've got a busy week ahead of you.
0:01:32 > 0:01:38- Yes, but I'm in my shorts for the - sunshine.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- I'm going to be at the Bridgend - Taff-Ely Urdd National Eisteddfod.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- I've got the honour of being - the President for the Day...
0:01:48 > 0:01:54- ..at the Urdd Eisteddfod - next Thursday.
0:01:54 > 0:02:00- I've never been the president - before.
0:02:00 > 0:02:06- I can't be too silly.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- It's quite an honour for me.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18- I live in the area...
0:02:21 > 0:02:27- ..and have done a lot of work with - the Urdd...
0:02:29 > 0:02:35- ..and even worked in Llangrannog!
0:02:40 > 0:02:46- I've been helping with the - Urdd Eisteddfod since 1973.
0:02:46 > 0:02:52- I played the drums...
0:02:52 > 0:02:58- ..in the pavilion.
0:03:00 > 0:03:06- I've done something every year.
0:03:09 > 0:03:15- This is my first time for being - part of the preparations.
0:03:17 > 0:03:23- I've helped with the fund-raising.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- Last week, we walked from - Pontypridd...
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- ..to the site of the Maes.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35- It's an odd area.
0:03:40 > 0:03:46- It's great for the area.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- It's important to have - Welsh language events...
0:03:52 > 0:03:58- ..in the whole area.
0:04:08 > 0:04:14- I'm going to be at a special service - in Maesteg on Sunday.
0:04:17 > 0:04:23- There's also an app launch on - Tuesday.
0:04:24 > 0:04:30- I'm doing something every day.
0:04:30 > 0:04:36- We've got a special pageant too.
0:04:36 > 0:04:42- The Urdd Eisteddfod has helped my - career.
0:04:42 > 0:04:48- It's great for any performer.
0:04:55 > 0:05:01- I'm so grateful for all the - opportunities I've had!
0:05:02 > 0:05:08- I'm going somewhere tonight.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- It's all about the band, Ffenestri.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- On the day that Martyn - is President of the Day...
0:05:18 > 0:05:23- ..two Welsh authors will be honoured - with a Tir na n-Og Award.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29- Five authors reached the shortlist - and we're meeting them this week.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Tonight, it's the turn - of Luned Aaron.
0:05:45 > 0:05:51- I was delighted to have been - shortlisted for a Tir na n-Og Award.
0:05:55 > 0:06:01- I've always thought nature was great - for introducing the alphabet.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07- Children love nature and are - enchanted by everything around them.
0:06:08 > 0:06:14- It also married with my visual style - that includes a lot experimenting...
0:06:14 > 0:06:19- ..with paint and collage - and it all grew from there.
0:06:23 > 0:06:28- I wanted a playful, colourful book - that appealed to a young audience.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- I also wanted a book to help parents - and adults.
0:06:34 > 0:06:40- Parents read books to their children - that they enjoy.
0:06:48 > 0:06:54- I wanted an organic sketch book - that was at one with nature.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- There are tears in the pages and - the images float across the paper.
0:07:02 > 0:07:08- I wanted it to be modern so chose - a white background to the images.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- The cover - also appears to be very natural.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- Gwasg Carreg Gwalch and I felt - that it would suit the subject.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- I've written for stage, - radio and theatre...
0:07:28 > 0:07:33- ..but it's my first venture - into children's literature.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38- I suspect that being a mother - was my inspiration behind it.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- The ideas flow when I'm outdoors - on my bike so stop to note them.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- Some parents who lack confidence - in their Welsh...
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- ..have taken the book outdoors - with their children...
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- ..and learnt new words together - which is truly wonderful.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- It's so important to have original - books in the Welsh language.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- There's some lovely translations - of foreign literature...
0:08:13 > 0:08:19- ..but the visuals don't always - hit the mark with children in Wales.
0:08:19 > 0:08:25- I intentionally chose images that - children in Wales would recognize.
0:08:25 > 0:08:31- The subject means that it cannot be - translated which is very appealing.
0:08:40 > 0:08:46- Will you be taking part - in that ceremony, Martyn?
0:08:48 > 0:08:54- Yes, I'm going to be there.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- I'll wear a suit, I think!
0:09:00 > 0:09:05- Those who plan to relax - over the Bank Holiday weekend...
0:09:05 > 0:09:11- ..will have a very different weekend - to Sian Williams from Porthmadog.
0:09:17 > 0:09:23- I've been part of the Aberglaslyn - Mountain Rescue Team for five years.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- I enjoy running so can run to raise - money and awareness of our work.
0:09:29 > 0:09:35- The aim is to run around the border - of our team's catchment area...
0:09:37 > 0:09:42- I've never done anything like it - but am going to do my best.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- You never know what to expect - when you get a call.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54- You could be on a cliff, in a river - or searching for a missing person.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- We meet every Monday night - for various development sessions.
0:10:00 > 0:10:06- We're proud of Sian for undertaking - her challenge and wish her luck.
0:10:08 > 0:10:14- I'm fortunate to be supported on - the challenge by the Hebog Runners.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- I'd be very grateful - for any support you can give me.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- You can donate money - via the Charity Choice website...
0:10:24 > 0:10:30- ..and the link is on the Aberglaslyn - Mountain Rescue Team Facebook page.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- I'm very excited about - this challenge - I think!
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- Good luck to Sian.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- We'll hear about more challenges - later in the programme.
0:10:44 > 0:10:50- One group cycles from the National - Botanic Garden to Kew Gardens...
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- ..on bikes they have made themselves - out of bamboo.
0:10:55 > 0:11:00- Poppy Jones and her father will - take part in the Swansea Triathlon.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- Poppy suffers from cerebral palsy - but is a determined young lady.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- After the break...
0:11:09 > 0:11:15- ..we view a piece of furniture that - is on loan to Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- Rhodri Davies - visits the Swansea Masonic Hall.
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0:11:30 > 0:11:32- Subtitles
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- Welcome back to Llanelli - where the sun is still shining.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Cycling has gripped the nation...
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- ..but two men from Carmarthenshire - have gone the extra mile.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- They will cycle from the National - Botanic Garden to Kew Gardens...
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- ..on bikes they built themselves - out of bamboo!
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- We've built our own bikes - out of bamboo...
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- ..to cycle from the National - Botanic Garden to Kew Gardens.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- We'll stay overnight in Chippenham - and cycle to Kew on Friday.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22- The building work took four months - after hours of finding parts.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- They had a lot of planning meetings - in the pub...
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- ..but it's taken months - to build them.
0:12:31 > 0:12:37- I don't think anyone has done this - two-day-ride on a piece of bamboo!
0:12:37 > 0:12:39- That's one problem.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Day one is easy - as we know where we're going...
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- ..but the second day of entering a - busy London could be problematic.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- I'm just happy that they built - working bikes that are road-worthy.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- They'll do it - and arrive before Kew closes.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- The British Heart Foundation - does a tremendous amount of work.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- Everyone's aware of the benefits - in terms of research.
0:13:11 > 0:13:17- It provides support for families and - patients living with heart disease.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- The main aim is to raise - as much money as we can...
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- ..and raise awareness - of the British Heart Foundation.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- I've got a family history - of heart attacks.
0:13:30 > 0:13:36- We're trying to raise more money - for the British Heart Foundation.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- Good luck to them.
0:13:40 > 0:13:46- There's 500,000 members in Wales, - England, Scotland and Ireland...
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- ..and six million in the world.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54- Freemasons are a part of our lives - but are also deemed secretive.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- This year, the society - marks its 300th anniversary.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- Rhodri was invited to the Swansea - Masonic Hall to learn some secrets!
0:14:07 > 0:14:13- The Freemasons have been thought of - as a secret society for centuries...
0:14:13 > 0:14:19- ..but as they celebrate 300 years, - they are opening their doors.
0:14:22 > 0:14:28- A friend asked me about it and I had - an idea but we're always learning.
0:14:29 > 0:14:34- There are still things that I don't - know which makes it interesting.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- When a new member is accepted...
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- ..we emphasize that - we show love to our fellow man...
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- ..to help those less fortunate - than ourselves...
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- ..and truth - in that we have faith in God.
0:14:53 > 0:14:59- Religion and politics and two things - that are banned from conversation.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- These topics are the cause - of the world's biggest problems.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- It's part of our social history - and one lodge dates back 250 years.
0:15:11 > 0:15:17- Some lodges - feature lords and baronets.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- It's surprising to see my name - amongst these dignitaries.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- Those rumoured to have been - Freemasons...
0:15:27 > 0:15:33- ..include Oscar Wilde, Rudyard - Kipling, the Duke of Wellington...
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- ..Winston Churchill, various members - of the Royal Family...
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- ..and American Presidents - including George Washington...
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- ..the two Roosevelts, - Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54- All those would have had to learn - about some unique symbols...
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- ..and some unusual rituals.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- Can you explain the eye above you?
0:16:02 > 0:16:08- The eye reminds us that God keeps - an account of what we do each day...
0:16:08 > 0:16:13- ..and we will have to answer to them - at the end of our life.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- The raising of trousers.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- Yes, it shows you're a free man - without chains around your feet...
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- ..hence the title of a Freemason.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- What about revealing your chest?
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- It's proof that you're not a woman.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- Handshakes.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- It shows that I'm not carrying - a weapon and can be trusted.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- Driving without due care - and attention.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- A lot of people in the police - would happily give me a ticket!
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- The image of a noose - around your neck.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- The placing of the noose - around the neck...
0:16:58 > 0:17:04- ..shows that he trusts us - about his future.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- He can trust the society - to look after him in any situation.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- Helping those in trouble - is one of their basic principles.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- Last year - in both England and Wales...
0:17:20 > 0:17:25- ..charities received 15 million.
0:17:25 > 0:17:31- About 4.8 million went to charities - that are not linked with the masons.
0:17:32 > 0:17:38- Those include Tenovus, Alzheimer's - and hospices across Wales.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- The series on Sky shows how the - society attracts younger members...
0:17:46 > 0:17:50- ..creating interest - without causing suspicion.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- Matthew has established - a new singing lodge in Cardiff.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- People from other lodges - invite me to sing...
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- ..and it's a bridge - into the real world.
0:18:03 > 0:18:09- Let's hope the next 300 years are - as successful as the last 300 years.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15- We do close ranks but have decided - that we shouldn't be ashamed.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17- Can I ask if you have fun?
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- I don't know if it's fun - but I enjoy it.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- If everyone lived - to the principles of the society...
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- ..then the world - would be safer, more peaceful...
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- ..and a happier place to live.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49- This weekend, a number of people - partake in a host of challenges.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- On Sunday, twelve-year-old - Poppy Jones and her father, Rob...
0:18:55 > 0:19:00- ..will do the Swansea Triathlon - for the Carmarthen charity, Cerebra.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- They will swim for 750 metres, - cycle for 20km and run for 5km...
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- ..but face an added challenge.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- Poppy has cerebral palsy so Rob - has to pull or push her around.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- They'll use equipment designed - by the Cerebra Innovation Centre...
0:19:22 > 0:19:27- ..which is a partnership between - Trinity Saint David and the charity.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- Last year, - the chair and boat were yellow.
0:19:32 > 0:19:37- This year's boat is in Poppy's - new favourite colour of orange.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- Good luck to Poppy - and her father, Rob.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- Today, Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen received - a very special piece of furniture.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- It's the writing desk of a former - pupil and famous local author.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- The novelist, Caradog Pritchard - sat at this very desk...
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- ..to pen the best novel in the - Welsh language - Un Nos Ola Leuad.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- It's found a new home - at Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen.
0:20:14 > 0:20:20- Nobody is as delighted of this fact - than the headteacher, Alun Llwyd.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- The offer came - as a bolt out of the blue...
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- ..to have anything associated - with the novel, Un Nos Ola Leuad.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35- Caradog's daughter, Mari Pritchard - said we could borrow the desk.
0:20:36 > 0:20:41- It's a part of the area's most - important piece of literature...
0:20:41 > 0:20:47- ..by the most famous author in - the vicinity who was a former pupil.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52- We were delighted to borrow the desk - and welcome it here.
0:20:52 > 0:20:58- Mari Pritchard's delighted that Alun - stated that it's being borrowed!
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- The desk came from my mother's home - in London to my Oxford home.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- I remember when it arrived - at our home in London.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- Dad would write at it before - going to work as a journalist...
0:21:14 > 0:21:19- ..and we could move into the lounge - where the desk sat.
0:21:19 > 0:21:25- I realized the desk was important to - the young, Welsh authors of today...
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- ..so this is where it should be.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- This desk saw Un Nos Ola Leuad.
0:21:32 > 0:21:38- Yes, it's important to Bethesda - and the school that influenced Dad.
0:21:40 > 0:21:45- It's interesting to see all the - translations of Un Nos Ola Leuad.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- It's proof of the magnitude - of the novel.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- Yes, it was first translated - into English by Menna Gallie...
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- ..but has been translated - into a dozen other languages...
0:22:00 > 0:22:06- ..including a second translation - into English by Philip Mitchell.
0:22:06 > 0:22:12- It was recently translated into - Polish so I don't know what's next!
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- It's been classed the best novel - in the Welsh language.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- Nobody will argue with that!
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- Wil Parry is a sixth former - who has studied the novel.
0:22:27 > 0:22:33- Yes, it's wonderful for me to see - the desk after studying the novel.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- I know most of the places - named in Un Nos Ola Leuad.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- You'll feel a sense of pride - whenever you enter the school...
0:22:43 > 0:22:49- ..and see the desk where Caradog - Pritchard wrote Un Nos Ola Leuad.
0:22:49 > 0:22:55- Yes, but even if I hadn't seen the - desk, I'll never forget the novel.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- It's a wonderful book for the area - and Wales as a whole.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Martyn Geraint has been - my studio guest this evening.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12- You've got a busy time next week - at the Urdd Eisteddfod.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- It's the Bridgend Taff-Ely Urdd - National Eisteddfod next week.
0:23:18 > 0:23:24- I'm the President of the Day at - the Urdd Eisteddfod next Thursday.
0:23:24 > 0:23:30- Earlier, you touched on a possible - reunion of the band, Y Ffenestri.
0:23:34 > 0:23:40- Yes, we have a gig in Caernarfon.
0:23:42 > 0:23:48- I'm going to a rehearsal tonight.
0:23:49 > 0:23:55- I've got a few events before doing - that gig.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05- I've got a lot to do before - I do anything with Y Ffenestri!
0:24:06 > 0:24:11- It's something different.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- Good luck next week.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16- Thank you, Martyn.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- Heno returns tomorrow at 7.00pm.
0:24:20 > 0:24:25- Daf joins the youngsters of Bridgend - to welcome the Urdd Eisteddfod.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31- Gerallt is in Bryngwran to hear - about the new Madam Wen Festival.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- Glesni Fflur and Gethin Fon - join Rhodri and me in the studio.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00- .