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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.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- In the Lampeter area, Gwilym Price, - his son Cerdin and grandson Rhys...
0:01:06 > 0:01:11- ..are funeral directors in the town - and surrounding regions.
0:01:13 > 0:01:19- "It's alright for Rhys. - He goes to the gym.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- When we go to the homes...
0:01:22 > 0:01:26- ..we have to - carry the bodies down the stairs.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- We contort our bodies and sometimes - our backs and pelvis dislocate.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36- It happens now and then - and I have to visit the osteopath.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- I'm just going to put my hand here.
0:01:44 > 0:01:45- HE GROANS
0:01:46 > 0:01:48- It's bad there today, Kate.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- It's incredibly tight...
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- ..but at least Kate can release it.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02- Popping pills just numbs the pain, - it doesn't release it.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- If I left it and didn't - have treatment, it would worsen.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- Rhys is young enough. - He goes to the gym.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- I don't go to the gym or anything.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16- It's part and parcel of the work.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- I lift weight as part of my job.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- There we go.
0:02:21 > 0:02:22- That went back, Kate.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24- That went back, Kate.- - Was that just noise or pain?
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- No, it went back. It clicked.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- I just try to relax and go with it.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- There's no point - going against what Kate's doing.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- Tradition is important - to the Price family business.
0:02:46 > 0:02:52- But the young blood has gradually - but surely been altering things.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- We've bought blankets - for all the vehicles.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- It stops the cars - from getting dusty.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- We can wash the cars and put - the covers straight over them...
0:03:07 > 0:03:09- ..ready for the next funeral.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- It was Rhys' idea - to have the tropical fish.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17- We've a fish tank now.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22- They're nice to look at. - They're a distraction for people.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- Lots of people - sit there and watch them swim.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- Rhys thought we should - introduce books of condolence...
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- ..for mourners to sign.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- So we sell those now.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- I think it's a good idea.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- It's a way for people - to leave the family a message...
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- ..or write down - what they remember about the person.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- It's something nice for the family - to look at after the funeral.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- It's something to cherish.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- But despite - Rhys' enthusiasm and new ideas...
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- ..the family is also facing - some difficult times.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- We've been very busy.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- The family's dealing with illness, - which has put us under more strain.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- Rhys has been unwell - with glandular fever...
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- ..and my father's been receiving - cancer treatment in Swansea.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- We're not sure what's happening - with that at the moment.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- It's difficult when someone's ill.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- It puts everyone - under more pressure.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- Tad-cu has cancer, so the business - is under a bit of strain.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- He still comes to a few funerals - with me in the hearse.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- He's quite positive - so we have to stay positive too.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- Gareth Jenkins is a funeral director - from Cymmer Afan, Port Talbot.
0:04:59 > 0:05:06- "Craig is like a son to me and today - he's like a child on Christmas day."
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- Gareth's father - was a carpenter and builder.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- He only wore a suit for funerals.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15- These days - he wears a suit every day.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- It's important we look smart.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- Every year, usually in summer...
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- ..we buy new suits - and new coats for the winter.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- Ladies and gentlemen, - Mr Phillip Williams.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- It's like - Are You Being Served? here!
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- Remember, Phillip, - we haven't discussed prices yet.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- I know that.
0:05:45 > 0:05:46- I know that.- - I'm sweating!
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- Gareth measures up the deceased...
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- ..while Phillip's job - is to measure up the living.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- They always tend to grow.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- Some of them have grown. - Talk of the devil!
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- Hello, Craig, how are you?
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- Gareth has a slight problem.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- His coat tails.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- I need Velcro to hold it down.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- It it's windy, - it blows over my head.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- I look like - one of those old photographs.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- I'm like this. Smile!
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- Craig Perfect - has a good reason to smile.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- Today, the new sign - is an indication...
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- ..that he has become - part of the family.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47- Since I don't have children, - I have to think about the future.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Craig is like a son to me.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- I think now's the right time - to make Craig a partner.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- He deserves it. - He's worked very hard.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- He's been a big help to me.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06- I hope it'll mean I'll be able - to take things a bit easier now...
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- ..and relax a bit more - while Craig takes up the slack.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- They're putting up the new sign.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- Craig's been like a child - on Christmas Day today.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- He's excited - to see his name on the building.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- The sign looks nice.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- I feel very happy. I'm grateful to - Gareth for bringing me in like this.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- I look forward - to a happy future together.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- What he doesn't know...
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- ..since he hasn't read the small - print and he can't speak Welsh...
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- ..but he'll have to work harder, - he won't be eligible for holidays...
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- ..and he'll be working - for less money.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- All you have to do is smile for me.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- There were go, that was - our agreement caught on camera.
0:07:58 > 0:08:04- "We're lucky to be here today - but we're on call again tonight."
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- For three days every alternate year - in Stoneleigh...
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- ..it is funeral directors, - not farmers, who occupy the site.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- At the National Funeral Exhibition - there are striking features...
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- ..alongside - the latest technology and fashions.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- From suits and coffins - to vehicles and gadgets.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- Among the visitors is this - motley cru from the Wild West.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- Among them - are the Prices from Lampeter.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Gwilym's meeting old friends...
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- ..while Rhys and Cerdin are here - to see what's new on the market.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- We're seeing new ideas, meeting - old faces and learning new things.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- We're lucky we can be here today.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- The family's - taking care of business back home.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- We're here for the day but we we're - back on call when we get back home.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- I'm not looking forward - to this evening.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04- It was Gwilym's birthday last night - but we stuck to tea and cake.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- With his back as it is, Cerdin - has been drawn to this gadget...
0:09:08 > 0:09:12- ..which can lift - a dead weight of 50 stone.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- It's a very good gadget.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- It reduces strain on the back.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- We all complain of backache - after a day of lifting.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- This facilitates the work.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- It's a very good gadget to have...
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- ..if there are - no pall-bearers at a cemetery.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Attracting a lot of the attention...
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- ..was the digital autopsy stand.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- The only way of establishing - the cause of sudden death...
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- ..is by opening up the body.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- The company claims this scanner - can diagnose without intervention.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- I think it's a good idea if families - prefer not to have a post-mortem.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- It's less stressful for them...
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- ..and it's less work - for embalmers too.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- They don't have to - cut the arteries...
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- ..so the embalmer - has more to work with.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- A seasoned exhibitor - and family friend of the Prices...
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- ..is Clive Leverton, the - Royal Family's funeral director.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- Rhys will soon spend - several weeks in London...
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- ..to experience - the latest developments...
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- ..such as this electric hearse - devised by Clive himself.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- It's something - which hasn't been done before.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- Because it's in London...
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- ..Clive doesn't have to pay tax - or congestion charges.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- There are zero emissions, - so it makes sense.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- You're coming up to London soon...
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- ..so when you're up, - you have a spin round.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- I'll have a test drive.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44- The future.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45- The future.- - Indeed.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- One of the West Wales clan...
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- ..spends his time on the forecourt - among the cars and hearses.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- Nice.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- This is Matthew Jones...
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- ..known as - Matthew Marw to his friends.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- Despite his nickname, - Matthew isn't an undertaker.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- His job is to transport the dead - and the mourners...
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- ..in his fleet - of luxurious vehicles.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- "I wash a lot of cars - but my hands are soft!"
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- My grandfather was a carpenter - and an undertaker years ago.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- I remember him - making coffins in his shed...
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- ..and my interest - started from there.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- I bought the business in October - 2009. We've grown since then.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- I'd say there are - 30 funeral directors on our books.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- A few of them - use us twice a year...
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- ..while others use us - four or five times a week.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49- I've seven employees. Some have been - doing this much longer than I have.
0:11:49 > 0:11:54- You have to be polite and you have - to help the funeral director...
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- ..with the flowers and the coffin.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- It requires more than just driving.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04- This is - the funeral director's shop window.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- We wash the cars after - every funeral, ready for the next.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- They're polished every six weeks.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- One is polished each week - since there are six cars.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- From start to finish, it takes - about an hour and a quarter.
0:12:19 > 0:12:25- That's washing it, drying it, - hoovering and cleaning the windows.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- It takes a full day to clean the - entire fleet but my hands are soft!
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- Matthew's here - on business, not pleasure.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- Since image is the key to success, - he has to spend to accumulate.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- I might change one or two cars - but there are six in all.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- I can't - change them all at the same time.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- I'll see if I can do a deal.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- It's vital the cars look good.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- That's what people see - on the day of the funeral.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- They're large cars. A lot of money's - been spent on converting them.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- You don't need any more leg room.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- Take these Jaguars...
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- ..I think they cost around 125,000.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16- I think the Volvos are about - 90,000, which is a lot of money...
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- ..but hopefully - the business pays for the car.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- It has one sole purpose. - You can't go to Tesco in a hearse!
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- It's designed for just one job.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- The chequebook is at hand - if the price is right.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- We'll see what the reps have to say - and take it from there.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- We'll do a deal, depending on - how ruthless he's prepared to be.
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0:13:49 > 0:13:49- Subtitles
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- "Billy'll be - looking down on this and laughing!"
0:14:05 > 0:14:11- In Port Talbot, Gareth Jenkins is - about to fulfil an unusual promise.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- Billy Cynon was a JCB driver - for most of his life.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- That's nice, isn't it?
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- To honour his wishes...
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- ..Billy will be transported - to the crematorium in a JCB.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- He was a colourful character.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- The valley's - a poorer place now he's gone.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- He went to every funeral - to show his respect.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- He was a member - of the British Legion for 60 years.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- He was very proud of that fact.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- Before we get to the crematorium...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- ..we'll transfer the coffin - to the JCB.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- It'll hopefully take five minutes. - We've practised it.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- He loved the JCB.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- He enjoyed driving it.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- Billy starts his journey - to Coychurch Crematorium...
0:15:02 > 0:15:04- ..in a traditional hearse.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- Once off the motorway...
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- ..his final wishes - for his funeral are granted.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15- OK, gentlemen?
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- He'd love this. Absolutely love it.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31- We'll put the flag on - when we're in the crematorium.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- We don't want it flying away.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- I just told his daughter - Trudy-Anne...
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- ..that it's a pity Billy can't - see this because he'd enjoy it.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- Dorian Harries is an embalmer...
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- ..who works in the undertakers' - back room in the west.
0:16:10 > 0:16:16- He ensures the dead look as good as - they can for loved ones and friends.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- The National Funeral Exhibition - is a key event for the industry.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- Dorian has recently been on holiday - and reaching here has been a rush.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- I got back about half past four and - was picked up at six this morning.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- I try to get here every two years.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41- Three or four stands - sell embalming equipment.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- I'm here to see what's new.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- A couple of new products. - One is a 5% arterial fluid.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- I use this company's products - on a daily basis.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57- It's an American company and I've - been dealing with them for 20 years.
0:16:57 > 0:17:03- It's nice to see what's new on the - market and hopefully strike a deal.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- Part of the deal...
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- ..will include - this innocent-looking powder.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- But it's a very special powder.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- It's a powder - which absorbs bodily fluid.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- After a body has had a post-mortem, - water and blood escapes.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- I'll take 40 tubs of these - and 40 tubs of those.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24- Good man. Excellent.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- There's a dent in my finances - but I must do a good job.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- If I'm called to Aberystwyth - for a job...
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- ..I can't afford the time...
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- ..to go back there and - correct a body if it's not right.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- I give 100% in everything I do.
0:17:41 > 0:17:46- Having struck a deal, Dorian joins - his fellow Welshmen at the dummies.
0:17:47 > 0:17:53- All the varied colours represent the - different pallid shades of death.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- Dorian is an expert in re-modelling - and shading the faces of the dead.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- I'm an old hand at this.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- It's nice being able to practise...
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- ..but doing it on skin - is different because skin moves.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- But it's obvious - that not everyone...
0:18:13 > 0:18:17- ..has the same aptitude - as the professional embalmer.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- It's the first time I've done this.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- That one's been on holidays with - Dorian in Tenerife. He's sunburnt!
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- Weeks after Stoneleigh...
0:18:33 > 0:18:38- ..Matthew Jones - is feeling excited in Carmarthen.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43- Today we're travelling to Wigan - to drop off one of these hearses...
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- ..and pick up - two hearses and one limousine.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- They're brand new cars, so it's - an exciting time for us here.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- The cars will be used right away - because we've a busy day tomorrow.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- I'll get back later, wash them - and out they go tomorrow.
0:19:02 > 0:19:09- "It's interesting seeing a new - and expensive car being gutted."
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- At the factory in Wigan...
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- ..they split brand new luxurious - and expensive cars in two.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- It's the beginning - of a remarkable process...
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- ..to convert them - into hearses or funeral vehicles.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- When one goes out the door, polished - and ready, another comes in?
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- As well as halving them...
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- ..they completely gut the vehicles - before extending them.
0:19:36 > 0:19:42- The extended prop shaft goes on, the - extended fuel pipes, brake pipes.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- The vehicle's new body and - everything needed for its revival...
0:19:48 > 0:19:50- ..is manufactured here - at this factory.
0:19:51 > 0:19:56- It's been interesting seeing how - an expensive car is stripped back...
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- ..and the interior ripped out - to make a stretch limousine.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- They add an extra metre to it. - It's very interesting.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- I think - they produce about 100 a year.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- That's a lot of cars - and a lot of money.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- Matthew was a businessman when - he arrived, but now he's a child...
0:20:17 > 0:20:18- ..in his favourite toyshop.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- ..in his favourite toyshop.- - Instead of leaving finger marks...
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- ..all you do is press this button.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- They do look fantastic - when they hit the road.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- Thank you very much.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- Having seen all there is to see...
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- ..the key moment has arrived.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- We're going to drive away the cars.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- Malcolm's going to take my money...
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- ..and we're driving them home.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51- I'll have to stop on the way - to contemplate what I've done!
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- After the spending in Wigan, - Matthew and his new cars...
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- ..are on their way home.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- Tomorrow, - this trinity will be central...
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- ..in the funerals of West Wales.
0:21:11 > 0:21:17- "The Last Post gets me every time."
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- The JCB brings Billy Cynon's body - to the crematorium's gates...
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- ..in line with the script - of the director, Gareth Jenkins.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55- Billy Cynon.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- The only sadness is that Billy - isn't here to see it himself.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- He would've wanted to be driving it - instead of riding in it!
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- The Lord is my shepherd, - I shall not want.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- For the final scene, - the director has ensured...
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- ..that old soldier Billy - becomes the centre of attention.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- # The Last Post #
0:22:30 > 0:22:34- When the Last Post - was being played...
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- ..it got me right here.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- It always makes me tearful.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- But I had to keep it together.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- It was nice seeing everyone - laying poppies on the coffin.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- That was nice. - I'm happy it all went to plan.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- I'm having a cup of coffee and - sandwiches before my next funeral.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- I have to get a move on.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- Next time...
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- ..do you think you could stomach - a day in the life of an embalmer?
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- The body's cold.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15- Would you want your ashes - embedded in the skin of a loved one?
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- And what has Gareth - come to see in Prague?
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- That's not to look out, - it's to see in!
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:41 > 0:23:41- .