0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:01 > 0:00:06- In 1989, a series of films - were shown on S4C...
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- ..portraying Wales - through the eyes of five children.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- We had so many opportunities - as children.
0:00:14 > 0:00:18- We enjoyed socializing. - I'm still the same!
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- The children - have now flown the nest.
0:00:23 > 0:00:28- For the first time in many years, - they get to watch their film again.
0:00:29 > 0:00:30- The village looks the same.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- The old factories have gone, - the people are different.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- The houses and streets are still - here. The atmosphere's the same.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- Have the dreams faded - now they're 40-year-old adults?
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- It hasn't turned out the way - I thought. That's what life is like.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- This is the story of the children - of Fy Nghymru I. Where did they go?
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- The '80s. A decade - of revolution across the world.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- In Wales, this was the decade of the - start of S4C, the miners' strike...
0:01:25 > 0:01:26- ..and Thatcher.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- The decade of big hair, - huge phones and the Web.
0:01:31 > 0:01:37- But what was it like to be a child - in Wales in 1989?
0:01:38 > 0:01:43- My name is Robin Davies. I'm - first out of school every afternoon.
0:01:43 > 0:01:44- I rush to get home.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- One of the five filmed - for the series was Robin Davies...
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- ..a ten-year-old farmer's son - from Denbighshire.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- I live on a farm - above the village of Gwyddelwern.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01- Cefn Maenllwyd - is the name of the farm.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- Robin was in his final year - at Ysgol Gynradd Gwyddelwern...
0:02:07 > 0:02:10- ..when he came to the attention - of the Fy Nghymru I producers.
0:02:10 > 0:02:11- Where's Dad?
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- Where's Dad?- - He's not home. He's gone to Ruthin.
0:02:14 > 0:02:15- He'll be back soon.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20- I knew it was an experience - that wouldn't come round again.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- In 1989, this was my world.
0:02:25 > 0:02:31- I wasn't aware of anything else - that was going on in the world.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34- What went on here - was all that mattered.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40- Here I am today, - back in the same position, almost!
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- The past - has come back to visit Robin.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- He will get to watch the film - for the first time in 30 years.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- In 1989, - only one thing was on his mind.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57- I love farm work.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02- I can't wait until I'm old enough to - leave school to be a proper farmer.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04- Another one here.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- Come this side so I can go over.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09- Slowly does it.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- Robin was out - when he was still in nappies.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- He did everything with us.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- Robin liked being outside, - not in the house.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- We just let him get on with it.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- I've learnt most of what I know - about farming...
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- ..from watching my father.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34- I can't drive tractors yet. - It's against the law.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- I'll have to wait until I'm 13.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- I'm only 11 now.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- He liked school.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- But when he went to secondary - school, he preferred to stay home.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- He was allowed to stay home - back then.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- He couldn't do that now - - we'd both be in jail.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- I'm not too keen on schoolwork.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00- All that writing.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- I like to work with my hands.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- Robin's home - is still in the family.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- It remains a busy occupation.
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- Having stuck to his ambition - of being a farmer...
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- ..Robin now lives with his own - family two minutes down the road.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- The question of Robin staying home - never reared its head.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- It was just automatic.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35- Have you closed them all?
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- Have you closed them all?- - There's one left.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- I think Mam and Dad - bought the farm in 1972.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- They've worked very hard - to get where they are.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- It's taken time - for things to be to their liking...
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- ..and to be able to afford things.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- They've lived quite frugally...
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- ..but they wouldn't have done it - any other way.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- They were happy - working on the farm every day.
0:05:07 > 0:05:13- It's important to me - that I carry that on.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- The process of filming - the original programme...
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- ..brought excitement - to Cefn Maenllwyd.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- They were here - for three weeks off and on.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- They had fun doing it.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- They wanted retakes.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- I think I made five pots of tea - when we were sat at the table!
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- I remember Cyril talking - with a biscuit in his mouth...
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- ..and no-one understood him!
0:05:47 > 0:05:52- Cyril, Robin's father, might not - have wanted to star in the film...
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- ..but performing to the camera - came naturally...
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- ..to the taxi driver - who picked Robin up from school.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04- Aron Roberts. - I never knew anyone like him.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09- Aron Roberts and I sing - if we're feeling happy.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- # You're without any thick clothes #
0:06:16 > 0:06:21- I don't know where he got those - songs. No-one else has heard them.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- It's funny the way things happen.
0:06:26 > 0:06:27- I married Carys.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- Carys is Aron's granddaughter.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- He was unique.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- He always wore overalls and a cap.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- He often smelled of petrol - when we were in the taxi...
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- ..having probably - been fixing a car beforehand.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49- I remember the day of the filming, - he was speeding.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- We had to shoot the part where - the taxi arrived at the farmyard...
0:06:54 > 0:06:55- ..three times!
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- Aron was happy to turn round - and drive back down the road.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- The second and third takes - were just the same.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- In the end, they gave up - and the original shots were used!
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- Filming was also a new experience - for Robin's brother and sister...
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- ..Huw and Enireth.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- I remember them coming over to film.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- It took over our lives for a time.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- Even Huw and Bapsen - help out occasionally...
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- ..though they don't enjoy the work.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- They'll probably leave - Cefn Maenllwyd as soon as they can.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- Less than a year later, - that's exactly what Huw did.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- He started on an academic career...
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- ..which eventually led him - to the ministry.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- ..from everlasting to everlasting.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Let all the people say, "Amen!"
0:08:01 > 0:08:02- Hallelujah.
0:08:02 > 0:08:08- I'm now a minister in Mold - and the surrounding area.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13- I live here with Nan, my wife...
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- ..and Robin, Miriam and Obed.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- Thank you, Lord, - for each other's company.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22- Thank you for a nice day.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- Your blessings to us always, - for which we are thankful.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27- Amen.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30- Thank you.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- We had a very nice upbringing - in Cefn Maenllwyd...
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- ..on the hills above Gwyddelwern.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- It was away from any noise - in the middle of nowhere.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- Our neighbours lived far away! - You could be as noisy as you wished.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- We had to provide - our own entertainment.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56- It was a stable environment...
0:08:56 > 0:09:02- ..and was a big help to us all, - to me especially.
0:09:02 > 0:09:03- How many are there now?
0:09:03 > 0:09:04- How many are there now?- - 32.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- When we filmed the original film, - I was about 17 years old.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- My brother - was still in primary school...
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- ..and I was in the middle - of my A levels.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- We got plenty of support.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- We had responsibilities on the farm.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- We'd muck out - the cowshed and stable.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- Then we'd be told...
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- .."It's time - for you to do your homework."
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- Then I'd go.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- My brother would stay and carry on.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- I'm grateful - that I was given opportunities...
0:09:44 > 0:09:49- ..to do what I was good at - and enjoyed doing.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54- They saw that my brother - was at home on the farm.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- Robin enjoyed it.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- We're different in that way.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- But what happened to their sister? - Where did Enireth go?
0:10:09 > 0:10:14- I think Mam and Dad - hoped I'd stay at home...
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- ..and marry a farmer.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- I don't think they thought - I'd go as far.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27- And who'll join Robin - as he watches the film once more?
0:10:27 > 0:10:28- .
0:10:34 > 0:10:34- Subtitles
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Robin Davies was ten years old - when he was portrayed on film.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- Thirty years later, he's going - to watch that film once more.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- But has Robin fulfilled his - ambitions now he's 40 years old?
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- Robin has followed his father - into the business.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- As well as running the farm...
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- ..he transports straw and grass - from England to North Wales.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- As our farm is reasonably small...
0:11:14 > 0:11:20- ..it's not big enough - to sustain two families.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25- So, Dad started to do some work - driving lorries.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- I've never worked away. - I've always worked at home.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- I said in the original film...
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- ..that I wanted to live - in Cefn Maenllwyd.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- I didn't want to move away ever.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- I live about a mile down the road - but I go to Cefn Maenllwyd daily...
0:11:48 > 0:11:53- ..with Mam and Dad and on the farm - with the animals and the dogs.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- I'm very glad about that.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- I'm very lucky - to be able to work in my home patch.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07- How are you, Bapsen?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- But his sister Enireth - decided to leave.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- I never thought - when we filmed the film...
0:12:14 > 0:12:19- ..that within two years, aged 17, - I'd be living alone in Cardiff.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21- Come on.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23- Come on.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- Enireth left after being - offered a job in Cardiff.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- Today, she runs a project - managing company in the capital.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40- I remember Dad, more than anyone, - was quite upset about me leaving.
0:12:40 > 0:12:46- I think Mam and Dad - hoped I'd stay at home...
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- ..live nearby and marry a farmer.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- Not to stray far from home.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- I don't think they thought - I'd go as far as Cardiff...
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- ..at such a young age too.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- But they let me go - at 17 years old.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- I remember them - taking me in the white Peugeot.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- I only had a bagful of clothes - in the back of the car.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- Life in Cardiff is totally different - to life at home on the farm.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- There's a lot of work available...
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- ..and lots of people - from every country you can think of.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- Lots of shops, - lots of places to eat.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- It's a very nice city.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39- I love living here.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- But does watching the film...
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- ..make her long for her brother - and her childhood on the farm?
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- I haven't seen the film - since it came out.
0:13:51 > 0:13:57- I don't think I wanted to be - on television much at the time.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- I was happy being in the background.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- I was glad that the focus - was on Robin.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- He's still a character.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- We're great friends. - We speak a lot on the phone.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- Robin, Carys and little Nedw - have been here a few times.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- Robin is like a fish out of water - when he comes to the city.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26- "What am I supposed to do sat - indoors? There's no work for me.
0:14:27 > 0:14:28- "What can I do outside?"
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- Work is ingrained in him.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- Outside is where he likes to be.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- Robin spends his days - on the farm or on the road.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- His daily life is quite different - to that of his brother and sister.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- Yes, their lives are very different - to ours on the farm.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51- They get more holidays than me.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- I wouldn't swap places though.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- Today, Robin's taking a break - from work...
0:15:02 > 0:15:07- ..and is returning to his old school - to watch the film once more.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- I haven't seen the film - since I was in school.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- I'm looking forward - to see the film.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- It'll bring back memories.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- There'll be things - I'd have forgotten about.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29- Someone else has returned - to watch the film with him.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33- Hello!
0:15:33 > 0:15:35- Robin! How are you?
0:15:35 > 0:15:37- Robin! How are you?- - Fine, thank you. How are you?
0:15:37 > 0:15:39- Do you remember being here?
0:15:39 > 0:15:40- Do you remember being here?- - Yes, I do.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- That's where you were sat. - Do you remember?
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- Llinos Mary Jones, - his former teacher, has returned.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- There's a lot to reminisce about.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- Robin, what's wrong?
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- One of the cows isn't well.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- What's wrong?
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- After she gave birth, - she couldn't get up.
0:16:00 > 0:16:01- Don't worry.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Do your work and I'm sure she'll be - better by the time you get home.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12- Well, Robin was - a proper rural character.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- Farming was his world.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- He'd tell me about farming - and the animals.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- He'd talk about the cattle, what Dad - was doing, what Mam was doing...
0:16:23 > 0:16:24- ..almost every day.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- Some animals on the farm - aren't needed.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29- Moles!
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- Look at the soil on your hands.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41- I get 10p from Mam or Dad - for every mole I catch.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- I set a lot of traps.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45- I did too.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- Thankfully, Jemima's on her feet.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- She's going to be alright.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- You didn't want to come to school.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- There's nowhere else - like Cefn Maenllwyd.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- I hope I'll be here - for the rest of my life.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- Well, it was very nice - watching that.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- I didn't remember much at all. - Did you?
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- No, not everything.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- We all look a bit older.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Yes, a little!
0:17:40 > 0:17:41- Yes.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43- It was very natural.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44- It was very natural.- - Yes.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- A real slice of countryside life.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- That's how you were in school.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- I really enjoyed it - - more than I thought I would.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- Mam and Dad's hair has gone greyer.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- I'd better be careful what I say!
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- We still help each other.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- When we're doing a job at home, - the three of us still pitch in.
0:18:11 > 0:18:17- We still have a cup of tea - and a chat around the table.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- That hasn't changed.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- We talk about what needs to be done - in the afternoon or in coming days.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- That hasn't changed.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- When I go home, it's still the same.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- You drive up the road - and see the large white house.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48- The garage is still there.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- The clothes line - is in exactly the same spot.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- It's like stepping back in time...
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- ..to when I used to live there - as a little girl.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- Mam and Dad are still the same.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- They haven't changed a bit - over the years.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- They work just as hard - as they did when they were 21.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- That worries me - as they're getting older.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- I don't want them - working as hard as they are.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22- But you won't change them either.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- It's what they want to do.
0:19:24 > 0:19:25- It's what they like to do.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- It's their life.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Dad loves being able - to go out every morning...
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- ..and say, "I own this."
0:19:42 > 0:19:46- They look after their possessions - so carefully.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- Dad has his implements and tractors.
0:19:51 > 0:19:57- The tractors that we had when - we were children are still there.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- We haven't changed much - to be honest.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05- We're always busy, - lots of comings and goings.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- Not much has changed, - apart from us getting older.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- I'd like to semi-retire.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- It's hard to let go of the oars.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- We've been blessed.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25- It's dripping.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- It's nice though.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- I don't know - what the future of the farm will be.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- Robin has Nedw now.
0:20:40 > 0:20:45- We hope he'll farm Cefn Maenllwyd - after Mam and Dad...
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- ..to keep it going.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- Cefn Maenllwyd - was a very happy time.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- Being on the farm and living there.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01- My home - will always be Cefn Maenllwyd.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- We had a very happy childhood here, - my brother, sister and me.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- They used to go - on summer holidays...
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- ..to stay with our grandparents - or my father's sister.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- I didn't want to go. - I liked staying at home.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Is it heavy? Yes?
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- What makes you feel at home?
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- Being content - with what you have at home.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- Give the bag to Taid.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- Put the bucket back!
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- When I was ten years old - on the programme...
0:21:50 > 0:21:54- ..I had one ambition - and it's the same one today.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- Coming home to farm - with my parents.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- I helped them, then took on - more responsibility as I got older.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- It's worked out well.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- I've been able to realize my dream.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- Nobody's tried - to get me to do something else.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- Something - I wouldn't have wanted to do.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- I'm very glad I was given - the opportunity to stay home...
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- ..in my home patch.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28- Yes.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- There's a third generation - on the farm now, Nedw.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40- I'm glad we've had a son.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- I hope I can teach him - a lot of things, as well as Taid.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- Taid loves it. - He follows Taid everywhere.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- I'm sure he'll learn very quickly.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- He's showing an interest already - at two years old.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- It would be great to think...
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- ..that he'd like to take over - the farm when his time comes.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Was the film - an accurate portrayal of me?
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- Yes, it was. Everything was natural.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- It was a programme about me - wanting to stay home to farm.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- It's what I wanted - and what I've done.
0:23:22 > 0:23:28- If it's in your heart, - it'll work out in the end.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:23:52 > 0:23:52- .