0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Death is the final act for us all.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- But for some, - death is a way of life.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12- A means of upholding a tradition, - supporting a family...
0:00:13 > 0:00:14- ..and forging a business.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- Dealing with - and handling uncomfortable issues...
0:00:19 > 0:00:22- ..with sympathy and a smile.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- Helping us - depart this world with dignity.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- Let us escort you - to the world beyond the curtain...
0:00:29 > 0:00:31- ..and the closed door.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34- The world of the living - among the dead.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- The world of Traed Lan.
0:00:41 > 0:00:42- Subtitles
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- In Amlwch on Anglesey, - Arwel Hughes and his brother Ieuan...
0:01:06 > 0:01:11- ..run a business that was founded - by their grandfather, John Hughes.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- Here we are in the garage.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20- It was renovated from an old yard.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- We needed a more suitable area - to keep the hearse.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- The bodies are brought to this room.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- We bring them in here - to wash and dress them.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36- This is where - we prepare the coffins.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38- We have - a range of different coffins.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- This is a veneer coffin - - the grain continues symmetrically.
0:01:43 > 0:01:49- With a solid wood coffin like this, - notice the thickness of the oak.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- This is how my grandfather - and father would have made them.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- Until the age of 16 or 17...
0:01:57 > 0:01:59- ..this is how I made them too.
0:01:59 > 0:02:05- I still have the skills but the task - is too time consuming nowadays.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- This device is the most useful tool - in the business.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11- My father gave me a challenge.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- He wanted me to invent a way - of bringing the coffins down below.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- He said, "Build a lift," - and I said, "I will."
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- One person can handle - the work upstairs...
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- ..and transfer the coffin downstairs - to continue the work.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- In addition to the peace - of the chapel of rest...
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- ..Arwel has another business - to occupy his busy life.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- The noisy and vibrant MAD.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- I've been interested in music - since the age of nine.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- I asked my parents - for a set of disco lights.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- It was the age of the old 45s, - when you had to lift the stylus.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- I really got into it.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- This is one of the rooms - where the equipment is kept.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- Tommy's busy cleaning the desks.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12- I built up the business.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- I started - with football awards evenings...
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- ..and school discos.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- I had the final lesson off - to go home and fetch the gear.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- The school paid me - to run the disco. Fantastic!
0:03:25 > 0:03:30- For those of you who remember the - 1980s, the mirror ball was the best!
0:03:31 > 0:03:36- I invested the money in lighting - and sound equipment and built it up.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42- Whatever the size and scale - of the event, the power is all here.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- These boxes are full.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- I employ four or five boys, - who are close friends.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- They get on with it while I - just dip in and out of the office.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- In an hour, I'll have to get changed - and conduct another funeral.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- MAD may take Arwel to - wide ranging areas of expertise...
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- ..but in spite of this, - he remains true to his roots.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- The fact I'm from Anglesey - means the world to me.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- The island's residents know us.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- We're the fifth generation - of undertakers.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- The sound business - is over ten years old.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- I can't see me ever leaving here.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- In Port Talbot, South Wales...
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- ..Gareth Jenkins is one - of the area's leading undertakers.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- "Time to dye my hair - - maybe orange to go with the drive!"
0:04:41 > 0:04:42- It's the start of a new term.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- That's how I look at it. - The summer's approaching.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49- We're painting the front.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- We're laying a new drive.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- Lots of cars come and go - and we've taken up the old drive.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- I have to keep it looking nice.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- We've been so busy - since Christmas...
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- ..I had to hire more staff - to work night shifts.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- We interviewed people...
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- ..and we found a man - who'll be starting next month.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- As I said, - it feels like a fresh start.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- The sun's beginning to shine.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- It's time to dye my hair.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- I haven't decided on a colour yet.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- I think I'll go for orange - to match the drive.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- But the drive isn't the only part - of Gareth's business...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- ..that has to keep up - with fashion trends.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- At the beginning of the year...
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- ..we supplied - ten different coffins in one week.
0:05:51 > 0:05:57- Wicker, banana leaf and cardboard. - We've had several colourful coffins.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- I've noticed a great change - this year.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- The man we're burying today...
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- ..was a big fan of F1, - especially Ferrari.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- We wrote his name on the Ferrari - and it looks as if he's driving it.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- The family's pleased about that.
0:06:34 > 0:06:39- Ron's on the grid now - to start his final journey.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- It looks excellent. - I'm pleased with that.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- In Pontyberem - in the Gwendraeth Valley...
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- ..the former coal-mining area - of West Wales...
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- ..is OG Harries's - family-run business.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- Owner Hefin Williams...
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- ..has risen - earlier than usual today...
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- ..because the body for burial - is slightly larger than average.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- The family phoned yesterday.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- They wanted to view the body - at lunchtime today...
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- ..so I've had to order - an unusually large coffin.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- I have to go to Treorchy - this morning to pick up the coffin.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44- I'd never allow a family to see - the deceased without a coffin.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- I think it's disrespectful.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- Bodies are getting bigger nowadays.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- We have to be prepared - to take every size.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- The Rhondda Valley - was once a coal-mining valley.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- Nowadays, eight out of ten coffins - in the south come from Treorchy.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- All our coffins are handmade.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- We're currently producing - about 75-80 coffins a week.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- And we're too cheap!
0:08:19 > 0:08:20- Good morning.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- Thanks for doing it so quick. - There's a difference in size.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- There's no time for a chat.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34- Hefin has to hurry back - to prepare for the family's visit.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38- But this isn't the only remarkable - coffin carried today.
0:08:44 > 0:08:49- "Billy has been - to more funerals than me."
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- Behind the hard exterior - of the steel industry...
0:08:55 > 0:09:01- ..lie close-knit communities and - colourful characters in Port Talbot.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- One of them - is about to bid his final farewell.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- He's called Billy Cynan.
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- Everyone knows him. He's one - of the village's characters.
0:09:13 > 0:09:18- Billy goes to every funeral - I arrange. He knows everyone.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- He has thousands - of hymn sheets at home.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- He's been to more funerals than me.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- I'm a professional mourner.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- I like going to show my respect.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- I've just heard that he's not well. - He's in hospital.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- I think he was - the first JCB driver in the area.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46- That's what he did all his life.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- He wants a JCB instead of a hearse.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- My father would be landed with that - because that is my father.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- He drove one for 40 years...
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- ..so why can't he go out in style - and have a JCB as his hearse?
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- He's not very well. - He's in hospital.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Before Billy has departed...
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- ..Gareth's ensuring - that his final wish will be granted.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- I want a JCB going from his house - down to the crematorium...
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- ..with the coffin in the bucket.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- No, no, it's not a wind-up.
0:10:20 > 0:10:21- Yes.
0:10:22 > 0:10:28- People may think we're crazy, mind. - I'll be in a bucket of a JCB.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- Goodbye.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- And so long.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37- .
0:10:38 > 0:10:38- Subtitles
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- "My father taught me that timing - is crucial to an undertaker."
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- Sunshine breaks through - winter storms on Anglesey.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- One must cross the Menai Strait - to the crematorium.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- Due to heavy traffic, - Arwel just about makes it in time.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- The adrenalin is still pumping...
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- ..as he ensures - the journey's final stages...
0:11:12 > 0:11:16- ..are carried out - with dignity and punctuality.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- While the service is taking place, - they're in the chapel...
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- ..and we get to relax - and take five minutes in here.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- If there are drivers - or crematorium staff...
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- ..we can tell them - what's happening next.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- It's hard when the doors are closed - and we can't hear the service.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- All we have - is a small hole in the wall.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44- We have to peep through it to see - how the service is progressing.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- My father taught me...
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- ..that timing is vital - to all undertakers.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Funerals should run like clockwork.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- The crematorium - is neutral ground, as it were.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- Anyone can lead a secular service...
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- ..but I like - to have a clergyman present.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- We work in tandem, - making sure it all runs smoothly.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- Today's clergyman - is quite a colourful character.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- He used to act - in Amlwch's pantomimes.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- That's how I got to know him.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- I did the sound and lighting - and he was the pantomime dame!
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- A new storm is brewing on Anglesey.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Another funeral - is about to take place...
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- ..and Ieuan, Arwel's brother, - is concerned about the bridges.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- Have you crossed the bridge yet?
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- Yeah, I've just crossed the bridge.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- Britannia Bridge - remains open at the moment.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- Arwel's second funeral...
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- ..takes him - to a cold and wet cemetery.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- I can't believe - the weather's like this again.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- We wanted sunshine today.
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- It's a difficult day anyway - but bad weather never helps.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- They're all going - for a warm cup of tea now.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- It was a hasty cuppa - as the wind picked up again...
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- ..forcing everyone - to rush back to the mainland.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- They only just make it.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- We're used to working - in wind, rain, snow and ice.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- I've never had a week where the - weather has affected my job as much.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28- I couldn't believe it today.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- They closed the bridges.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- I received a text saying - the family had arrived back home.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- I'm happy about that - - the only happy thing about today.
0:13:40 > 0:13:46- "This is the final favour - I can do for Billy."
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- Before his days as a JCB driver - and professional mourner...
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- ..Billy Cynan was a soldier.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- He has since fought - his final battle.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- Hello there.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- Don't trip over.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. - Everybody OK?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- Removing the dead body - is never easy.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- It's even more difficult seeing - a loved one leave their home...
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- ..for the very last time.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- It's worse now the body's been - removed and he's no longer there.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- That's when it'll hit her, I'm sure.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- I'm not looking forward to being - in a funeral without Billy.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- It's going to be very strange.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- As well as the JCB...
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- ..it was Billy's wish to be dressed - in the British Legion uniform.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Gareth prepares his old friend...
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- ..for the family's - last goodbye this afternoon.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- Lots of people say, - "Is there anything I can do?"...
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- ..but often - there's nothing they can do.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- For me, this is the final favour - I can do for him.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- I'm happy to do it for Billy.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- We go back years.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- He used to say he was like - Jake the Peg without this.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- I also have to put - a packet of smokes in his pocket.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51- There you are, Billy. - You look smart now.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Gareth's attention to detail...
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- ..is of comfort to the family - in their grief...
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- ..although there is one minor detail - bothering daughter Trudy.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- Are you giving him his quiff? - Bring it more forward.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- Like that. - Quiff it up like that, is it?
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- Dad, you've never had - so much attention.
0:16:33 > 0:16:39- "No service. No minister. Nothing. - Just us and the coffin."
0:16:40 > 0:16:45- Here in Pontyberem, Hefin is - the fifth generation in the business.
0:16:45 > 0:16:51- A business where the deceased, - not the family, is the customer.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- This person didn't want a funeral.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- As you can see, - the coffin is made of cardboard.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- He didn't want any fuss.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- He had friends but no-one's coming. - That was the person's wish.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- There'll be no service, no minister. - no vicar, nothing.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- Just the four of us and the coffin.
0:17:17 > 0:17:22- We arrange more and more funerals - nowadays with no-one in attendance.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- The day of the funeral - is difficult for the family.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- Some people don't want their family - to go through that pain.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52- On Anglesey, attention to detail - is vital to undertaker Arwel Hughes.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- There's no margin for error - at the cemetery.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- That's fine. The coffin's quite tall - and the lads have dug it as I asked.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- They'll come here, tidy it up - and lay the green mats down...
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- ..and we're ready - to hold the funeral service.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- I'm sure - every undertaker is paranoid...
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- ..and wants to make sure - everything's in order.
0:18:17 > 0:18:18- There is only one chance.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- With everything - in order at the cemetery...
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- ..the undertaker - arranges a very different event.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- "This is what I'll do until I die."
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- Today, Arwel the undertaker is - Arwel the sound and lighting man...
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- ..as he helps turn the Anglesey Show - shed into the Can i Gymru studio.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- They need a way backstage.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- At 9 o'clock on Monday morning, - this room was completely bare.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- It was only four walls - and the floor.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- They've asked me to do pyrotechnics.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- I've never done it - live on television...
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- ..so when you see it going off...
0:19:05 > 0:19:08- ..think of me sweating backstage!
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- I'm sure I'll be bald - by the end of the week.
0:19:11 > 0:19:12- MOBILE RINGS
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- In the middle of it all...
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- ..a phone call turns the sound and - lighting man back to an undertaker.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- Let me go through it.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- The funeral is tomorrow - and the family is worried.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- We've had a hard week with them.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- They don't understand - what our work entails.
0:19:31 > 0:19:36- She was worried that I hadn't booked - an organist and printed the sheets.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- I'm ready. All the paperwork is in.
0:19:39 > 0:19:45- Whether it's a burial or cremation - or sound and lighting...
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- ..organizing is what I do - on a daily basis.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- # My heart is calling for you #
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- The business is important to me...
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- ..but it's my own - so I can switch it off on a whim.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- The undertaking business - is family-run.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- Reputation is important to me.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- There's no doubt that's what - I want to do until I die.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14- Billy Cynan was a JCB driver.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- His dying wish was to be - escorted to the crematorium...
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- ..in a JCB bucket.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- Much depends on what Gareth, the - undertaker, discovers this morning.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- If that's what the family wants...
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- ..I'm more than happy to do it.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37- It's something different. We don't - do something like this every day.
0:20:37 > 0:20:42- It'll be interesting - to see how it turns out.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47- But we won't do it unless we're sure - it can all go like clockwork.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- If you could just open it up.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- What I don't want - is the coffin falling out.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- We'll have to secure it in place.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- A coffin - won't look right inside the bucket.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- We need some sort of platform...
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- ..within the bucket.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- The strapping of it...
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- ..would it be OK to strap - over the top and around again?
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- Yeah, you'd be fine.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27- The bucket is the right colour, - unlike the machine.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- That's what Billy drove - all his life.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- He drove one of these every day. - I think it's a fitting end.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- "It's a matter of pride. - This person has had his wish."
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- In Pontyberem, - Hefin Williams and his team...
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- ..prepare for a funeral...
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- ..that would have been - particularly unusual years ago.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- It's a frequent occurrence nowadays.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- A funeral - befitting the deceased's wishes...
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- ..that isn't a funeral.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- No hearse.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- We're transporting the coffin - in this car.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- We show the same respect - as if it were a regular funeral.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- Everybody deserves - the same level of respect.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- A very simple farewell.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- It's sad in one respect...
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- ..but I'm proud that the person - has had his wish granted...
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- ..like every other funeral.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- The deceased has been given - a quiet, dignified farewell.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- In the next episode...
0:23:11 > 0:23:16- ..how does Gareth fulfil - the wish of his old friend Billy?
0:23:16 > 0:23:19- It's a shame Billy can't see this.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- Would you pay 100,000 - for a car with a sole purpose?
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- You can't go shopping in a hearse!
0:23:26 > 0:23:30- What is the best treatment for a body - that has handled too many corpses?
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50- .