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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:03 > 0:00:05- Throughout the series...
0:00:05 > 0:00:09- ..we've seen the way - traditional funerals are changing.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14- In this episode, we take a look - at the future of undertaking.
0:00:44 > 0:00:49- Cerdin Price is one of the - many local businessmen in Lampeter.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- He's an undertaker.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59- "Wyn sorts out my hair, Sharon sorts - out my clothes, I polish my shoes."
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- Wyn has been cutting my hair - ever since I was a child.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- He looks remarkably well - for his age!
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- There's no lady in his life, - you see.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- He's like a ram - that doesn't chase sheep.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19- He's a fine figure of a man!
0:01:24 > 0:01:29- You have to take pride in your - appearance. Wyn sorts out my hair.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- Sharon sorts out my clothes - and I polish my shoes.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35- I'm sorted from head to toe then.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39- For someone who spends - so much time with the dead...
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- ..being amongst the living - is a breath of fresh air.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- I've plenty occupying my mind - throughout the day.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- It's nice - talking about something different.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- You went on a nice holiday, - didn't you, Wyn?
0:01:53 > 0:01:57- I went to Bruges in Belgium. - It was very nice.
0:01:57 > 0:01:59- On his birthday.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- Lois is playing football tonight.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- There'll be plenty of shouting - in Llanybydder.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08- I enjoy it.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- I take the animals out - first thing in the morning...
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- ..and last thing at night.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- Cerdin is the second of - three generations of undertakers.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27- His son, Rhys, is considering - an apprenticeship in London.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- "The first to fly the nest - - it'll be difficult."
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- I've just received - my A level results.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45- I was pleased. I had an A and - a B in business and a C in Welsh.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- I'd like to go to London - and see how things are done there.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- I'd like to pick up ideas - and bring them back.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- The fact it's a family business - means a lot to me.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- I want it to develop - and continue even after I'm gone!
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- Undertaking is in the blood...
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- ..as Rhys's mother, Sharon, - can testify.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- He always had a shovel in his hand - from when he was a boy.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- He'd dig holes with his brother - and sister and bury things.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- He had a keen interest - right from the very beginning.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- People would come to the door...
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- ..and whether he knew them or not, - he'd ask, "Bury or cremate?"
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- Considering he suffers - with glandular fever...
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- ..is he ready for the big city?
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- I think Rhys is mature enough - to go to London.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- He hasn't been - in the best of health recently...
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- ..and I'll worry about him.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- He's the first to fly the nest - and it'll be difficult.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- Before he leaves for London, - his grandfather, Gwilym...
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- ..wants to present him - with a timely gift.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- You work hard for me, so Mam-gu - and I want you to have this.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- It was a present - on my 50th birthday.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15- Put it on.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- There you go.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- In Port Talbot, - Gareth Jenkins and his staff...
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- ..are industrious funeral directors.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- "Bodies can be heavy...
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- "..so it's important to keep fit - and keep the back strong."
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- Exercise is important to me. - It helps me unwind after work.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- It's an occupational hazard - for undertakers...
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- ..to suffer back pain.
0:04:52 > 0:04:58- We carry bodies down stairs, out - of hospitals and up off the floor.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- It's important to stay strong...
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- ..so that I can carry out my duties.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- Hours spent at the gym - help Gareth...
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- ..to deal with the most - difficult elements of his job.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18- I've got the forms. We've just come - back from the hospital for the baby.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- It's difficult. A baby has died.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- It's a repeat - of what happened last year.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- It's incredibly difficult - for the family.
0:05:29 > 0:05:35- You don't know what to say - when someone loses two babies.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37- It's tragic.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- I have to submit the form - before 10 o'clock...
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- ..otherwise - I'll have to cancel the funeral.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- It's important that the - information submitted is correct.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- When it goes back to the coroner's - officer, if something's wrong...
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- ..the funeral doesn't go ahead.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- That's been submitted, - although we're 10 minutes late.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- I can phone the family now...
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- ..and tell them - it's OK for tomorrow.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- Dorian Harries - embalms the bodies of the dead.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- He is also a member - of Blake Emergency Services.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- "Phone numbers were written - on their legs and arms...
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- "..but they couldn't - contact anyone."
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- The worst situation - he has had to deal with...
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- ..was the discovery in Dover of - 58 bodies in a container from China.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- They were found in June 1999...
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- ..and it was January 2000 - by the time I dealt with the bodies.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- We looked after the bodies - for a week.
0:07:05 > 0:07:10- Interpol were back and forth, making - sure the documentation was correct.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- Contact numbers - written on legs and arms...
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- ..related to those they had to alert - once they arrived in the country.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- But unfortunately - they couldn't contact anyone.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- Back at home, there is no time to - reflect on the job's difficulties.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- Pizza and ice cream is a must!
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- The wife'll have something to say. - I can't close the drawer!
0:07:47 > 0:07:48- That's it.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Carmarthen's best pizza.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57- I'm not usually here to make dinner. - I finish early three nights a month.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- I already have two calls for - tomorrow, as well as the other four.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- I'm up to six bodies already.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- And it's only 6.40pm.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- I have a busy day - ahead of me tomorrow.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- "But it was raining. - 'Oh, no,' said..."
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- Following years of - specialized training in America...
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- ..what's the next step for Dorian?
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- I'll continue to work with Blake's - and facial reconstruction.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- I'm trying - to specialize in that field.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- I learn a lot in America that I can - implement in my everyday work here.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- That's me, that's Dadi.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- That's Iestyn and that's Mami.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- "It's much quieter in Lampeter - and easier to sleep."
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- Rhys is meeting members of the - Association of Funeral Directors...
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- ..hoping one of them, possibly - the Royal Family's undertaker...
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- ..will offer him an apprenticeship.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- It's a bit different from home. - There are people everywhere.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- It's different from Lampeter. - People are zoned out.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- They hurry - to wherever they're going.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- I think - it'll be an eye opener for him...
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- ..to see the volume of work they do.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- They're a different type of people.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- I'll see the way - they operate from day to day...
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- ..and what they do differently.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- The places - we're going to visit today...
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- ..are in the best areas of London - and are private businesses.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45- They know their communities.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- Cribbs is London's oldest - and busiest funeral directors...
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- ..as owner, John Harries, explains.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- Our running costs, - forget petrol and insurance...
0:10:01 > 0:10:06- ..keeping these on the road costs us - 5,000 a month, over a grand a week.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- It's a lot of African/Caribbean work - which you won't see in your area.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14- That absorbs our day.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- I can send a fleet of motors out all - day and they've done one funeral.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- Totally different ball game to you.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- These are zinc liners. - We do a lot of export.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- We've got agents - in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37- People are getting so much bigger. - That was one we had made recently.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- We've had six bariatric fridges put - in here. People of 30 stone plus.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- Talk about an eye opener!
0:10:45 > 0:10:51- Cribbs' fridges store bodies - that have been there for two years.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- African families - don't turn up in ones and twos...
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- ..they turn up - in twenties, forties, hundreds.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- What looks a big reception area - at times is small.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- Coming here today - has been hugely beneficial.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- I've seen so many things - I wouldn't see at home.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- The cars John keeps here...
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- ..have to be looked after - - every car has its own driver.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- The fact they keep bodies here - for up to two years is astounding.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- I've never heard of that before.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- I didn't know it was possible - to keep them for that long.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- It was amazing to see. - It's been really good.
0:11:38 > 0:11:39- .
0:11:42 > 0:11:42- Subtitles
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- "In Turkey, - they think I'm a film director."
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- In Port Talbot, the funeral home...
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- ..is part of - Gareth Jenkins's family home.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- It can be frustrating at times.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- I'm going home now. Home.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- Right, I'm going to work now.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- Sometimes when you're at home, it - doesn't feel like you're at home.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- Sometimes you're at work - and you want to be at home.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- It can be difficult. That's why I'm - looking forward to going on holiday.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- In Muslim countries like Turkey, the - role of funeral director is unusual.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- I told them - I was a funeral director...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- ..and most of them - think I'm a film director.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- I say, "No, I'm not a film director, - funeral director."
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- But they still don't understand..
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- ..so I show them photographs - to explain my job.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- While he's away, his staff - will see to the needs of the dead.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57- Thanks for calling.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- I'm sure they'll be fine - for a fortnight.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- I've asked for their permission. - I've left them before.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- I know everything will be fine here.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Right, I'm ready to go.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- It's important to look the part. - What do you think, boys?
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- I like it. Very nice.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- It looks very comfortable.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- I'm ready.
0:13:32 > 0:13:38- "I offer a chance to see them for - the last time, the closing chapter."
0:13:42 > 0:13:44- One of Dorian Harries's - specialties...
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- ..is the facial reconstruction...
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- ..of those - who've died in horrific accidents.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- The body of a young boy - is due to arrive.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- He must practise his craft.
0:13:56 > 0:14:02- This is the first time for him - to use specialist wax from America.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- For someone who's been - disfigured in an accident...
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- ..I'd transfer a photograph to graph - paper to work out the symmetry.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- I'm trying to cut the wax...
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- ..so that it blends in.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- It's different from any other wax - I've used. It's easier.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- I'm holding a torch to look for - any shadows in the wax.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- If there are any shadows, - it means there's a dip.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- There we go. - I'm pleased with this wax.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- If you look carefully, - you'll see brush marks.
0:14:45 > 0:14:51- I'm stippling it now - to get rid of the brushstrokes.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- Once he has dried the face...
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- ..and applied make-up - to the new skin...
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- ..Dorian will have an idea - of the efficiency of the new wax.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- The wax isn't taking.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- I think this wax takes time to dry.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- There's still water present, - which is why it's not taking.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- It's making me angry.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- I'm a bit of a perfectionist...
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- ..and I'm unhappy with the wax.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- I'm going to take it all off again.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- The work is painstaking but Dorian - believes it's hugely worthwhile.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- It gives a person the chance - to see someone for the last time.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- If that person - is killed unexpectedly...
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- ..they want to see the body.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- It's like - the closing chapter of a book.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- Have you ever worked on - someone you knew?
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- Yes. Yes, I have.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- You try to do your best.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- Yes, you do your best.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- Following the excitement - of visiting the Cribbs' firm...
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- ..Rhys Price visits another - of his grandfather's friends.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- "Funerals used to be simple. - Families ask for more and more now."
0:16:25 > 0:16:26- Rhys. Hello.
0:16:26 > 0:16:27- Rhys. Hello.- - Mr Leverton.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- Gwilym's grandson. Please call me - Clive. You're very welcome.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- Clive Leverton - shows him around the old building.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- We have the facility for two coffins - but if a coffin is there...
0:16:40 > 0:16:45- ..we close the curtains here so - the family are not seeing anything.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- The Leverton company - is a very old business.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- For generations, its undertakers - have conducted funerals...
0:16:55 > 0:17:00- ..for some of the most - famous people in the British Isles.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- How many funerals - do you do on average a day then?
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- We do around about - 1,000 adult funerals a year.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13- When I started many years ago, I - conducted 12 funerals in one day...
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- ..at Golders Green Crematorium.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- Things - were much simpler in those days.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- Clive has many viewing rooms here.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- I think it's a good idea.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- If more than one family - wants to see the body...
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- As he said, - funerals used to be simple...
0:17:34 > 0:17:36- ..but families - want more and more now.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- This is the family tree.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- John Leverton - came up from north Devon in 1789.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- That's his son, his son, his son.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- After getting to know one another, - Clive has some good news for Rhys.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- I've had a chat with my co-directors - and we'd like you to join us.
0:17:56 > 0:17:57- Unanimous decision?
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- Unanimous decision?- - Unanimous, definitely.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- When can you start?
0:18:02 > 0:18:04- I'll start tomorrow if you want.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- I'll start tomorrow if you want.- - How will they manage without you?
0:18:06 > 0:18:07- I don't know.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- I don't know.- - Gwilym will have to work extra hard.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- It's about time!
0:18:19 > 0:18:25- Levertons' is a member of SAIF, an - association of funeral directors...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- ..co-founded by Gwilym Price.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- It's for small companies so that - they're treated fairly and justly...
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- ..which is important to everyone.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- Cheers!
0:18:43 > 0:18:49- "I've decided to change my life - and I'm feeling very happy."
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- During his holiday in Turkey, Gareth - suffered a serious back injury.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- During his time in hospital, - he took stock of his life.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- He made a life-changing decision.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- He made a life-changing decision.- - Come on, Ospreys, let's get started!
0:19:06 > 0:19:07- Start the season here!
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- I was in my hospital bed, - thinking...
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- ..this could be a heart attack, - a stroke or even cancer.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- I hope this is something - I can overcome.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- I have to change my life.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- Come on, Ospreys!
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- You don't realize - until something happens to you...
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- ..the extent of what you do and how - much funerals take it out of you.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- It's taxing - emotionally and psychologically.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- When I go to bed...
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- ..I go to sleep but I know - the phone could ring at any time.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- During my time in Turkey...
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- ..I hadn't slept that well in years.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- Something must be wrong somewhere.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- I can't lift any more, - so no more call-outs.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- The staff can take over.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- They're younger than me - and they can deal with it.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- I've started to change my life.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- It's taken - something like an accident...
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- ..to make me realize - I've made the right decision.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- Rhys is looking forward - to his apprenticeship in London...
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- ..once he has fully recovered - from glandular fever.
0:20:26 > 0:20:32- I'm going to enjoy the next - three or four months at home...
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- ..but I'm also looking forward - to working in London.
0:20:36 > 0:20:42- I'd like to see a bit of the world - now that I have the opportunity.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- I'm fortunate that Tad-cu and Dad...
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- ..have put their all - into the business.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- It's a springboard for me - to continue the family business.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- Good girl!
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- Go with her! Come on!
0:20:58 > 0:21:00- Good girl!
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- Cerdin, who lives among death...
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- ..fully appreciates life - more than most.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- In the next 10 years...
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- ..Rhys ought to take his time and - not push things, then go from there.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- Give it a shot!
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- I'm happy I can get up - in the morning and sleep at night.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- But last night, I'd gone to bed - and I was called out.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- But there you go, - you have to do your job.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- You have to be there for people.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- Good girl! Come on!
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- Family is what's important to me.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- Children are - the most precious things in life.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- Come on, Charlotte! Come on, - Charlotte! Go on, go with her!
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- I'm starting to lose my voice - because I tend to shout.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- It's a tension reliever. - I let off steam.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- Yay!
0:22:00 > 0:22:01- Good girls!
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- It's the end - of another long and busy day...
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- ..for Dorian.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- You have to - live your life to the full.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- You never know - what's around the corner.
0:22:19 > 0:22:25- What awaits him tomorrow, the day - after and the day after that?
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- Looking after bodies is fascinating.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- It's so far removed - from anything else.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- I don't know what to do.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- I'm undecided.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- After a lifetime - of serving the dead...
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- ..Gwilym Price's sympathy for - the living is no less heartfelt.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00- I've encountered - some very sad things in life.
0:23:00 > 0:23:05- I could mention lots of situations - I never want to experience again.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- Some people - have lost lots of loved ones.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- You have to take time off.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- You have to - close the door sometimes.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- I'm fortunate I can help people - in my line of work.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- I enjoy - that aspect of the job very much.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36- In my opinion, the purpose of life - is to help others.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- To me, that's incredibly important.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00- .