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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.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07- Funeral director Gareth Jenkins - lives in Baglan near Port Talbot.
0:01:08 > 0:01:14- The Afan Valley native is visiting - the Czech Republic capital, Prague.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16- There we go.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- Driving a car in Prague...
0:01:19 > 0:01:20- Sorry!
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- ..is a bit different - from driving in Port Talbot.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- There are no trams in Port Talbot.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- We're driving on the other side - of the road. Sorry, tourist!
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- The sat nav is Czechoslovakian.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- I don't know where to go.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- With or without - the aid of the sat nav...
0:01:42 > 0:01:47- ..Gareth is heading towards an area - world famous for its fine crystal.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50- CZECHOSLOVAKIAN SAT NAV
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- But the company he's visiting - specializes in encasing ashes...
0:01:57 > 0:01:59- ..in crystal.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- In Gareth's case, the ashes - of Wayne Davies from Port Talbot.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11- The driving's a worry but is he - worried how they're coping at home?
0:02:11 > 0:02:16- I'm not at all worried. I haven't - thought about it, to be honest.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- I'm enjoying driving out here.
0:02:18 > 0:02:24- The sun's out. I'm looking forward - to the drive into the countryside.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27- But as the journey progresses...
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- ..Gareth is reminded that this - countryside is a little different.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- It's a little bit like Wales - because the road is dreadful.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- I'm sure the sat nav's sent me the - wrong way. We're on a dirt track.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- This can't be right.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- It's like the RAC Rally here!
0:02:48 > 0:02:50- Crikey!
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- Matthew Simms works for - Green Willow Funerals in Cardiff.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- The company offers impartial - assistance with burial arrangements.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- The profits - go towards the work of the YMCA.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- This is one of - our offices in Cardiff.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16- We pick up the car from here in - the morning and visit the families.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21- In addition to arranging funerals - and doing all the background work...
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- ..Matthew's familiar - with the city's concert hall...
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- ..because he's also - a professional tenor.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- I'm either on stage singing...
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- ..or walking in front of the hearse.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- Both jobs - require a lot of preparation.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- Many people - choose not to sing in funerals...
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- ..so the singing - tends to call a bit flat.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48- When someone at the back gives - the singing a bit of a boost...
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- ..people are inspired to join in - and raise the roof.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- OPERATIC ARIA
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- APPLAUSE
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- "I don't usually - like climbing ladders."
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- It's a new type of funeral for me.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27- I'll be riding in a coach - led by two black horses.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- If you attend a funeral in the south - led by a horse-drawn hearse...
0:04:32 > 0:04:37- ..it's possible that this gentlemen, - coachmaster Mark Evans...
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- ..will be holding the reins.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- This is a Marston drawn hearse.
0:04:42 > 0:04:49- The most well-known are Marston of - Birmingham and Dottridge of London.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52- This one was built - at the beginning of WWI in 1914.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- On the way to the cemetery...
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- ..a brass band will play, so - hopefully the horses will behave.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- Traffic isn't a problem. - The horses are used to everything.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- A band won't affect them.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- A traditional hearse - is used to transport the coffin...
0:05:14 > 0:05:20- ..before the horse-drawn hearse - takes over the responsibility.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- I'm looking forward to the ride - but I'm also a little nervous.
0:05:28 > 0:05:29- OK, Mark?
0:05:33 > 0:05:34- Thank you.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- I don't usually like climbing - ladders and things like that...
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- ..but it'll be fine.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- Aidi Hickey - lives in Llanrug near Caernarfon.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- She's a mother - who wants to become an undertaker.
0:06:06 > 0:06:13- "A child's death is what concerns - me the most. Where do you start?"
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- Aidi moved to Wales nine years ago.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- A former careers' therapist..
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- ..she helped people - back to work after illness.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- Now her children are at school...
0:06:27 > 0:06:31- ..she works as a carer, - looking after people once again.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- She's also decided - to embark on a new challenge.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- Caring for the dead.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- I've been to many funerals - over the past two years...
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- ..and they didn't focus - on the deceased.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- They were just all the same.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- I thought, 'Surely it's possible - to do it differently.'
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- In the midst of it all...
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- ..a cousin of mine died suddenly.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- I said, "I think I can do this."
0:07:04 > 0:07:09- My brother and husband - went down to London to fetch him...
0:07:09 > 0:07:13- ..and drove him back home - where we tended to him ourselves.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- The funeral was lovely. I thought, - 'I've done one, I can do another.'
0:07:21 > 0:07:27- Her personal experience prompted her - desire to become a funeral director.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- Her intention has been made public.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- What's this I've heard about you?
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- Are you chancing a new venture?
0:07:36 > 0:07:37- You've heard then?
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- You've heard then?- - Yes.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- When I tell people - what I want to do...
0:07:42 > 0:07:44- ..they think it's morbid.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- But I don't think - it's morbid at all.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- It'll be good. - We'll have everything in Llanrug.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- A butcher's, a hairdresser's...
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- I hope I won't need your services!
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- Well, I'm here whenever you need me.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- I think it's important...
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- ..to have memorable funerals.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10- To spend time with the family - and reminisce about the deceased...
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- ..so that everything - is centred around them.
0:08:14 > 0:08:20- Aidi's long-term goal is to turn - this garage into a chapel of rest.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25- Husband Gwion is keen - to become her business partner.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30- Here we are.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- That room - is where we'll prepare the body...
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- ..and this room - will be the chapel of rest.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- It'll be homely and plain - with vases of flowers.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- Great. Ideal.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- I my head, I think I'll be better - with people than him.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- So I'll take care - of that side of things...
0:08:51 > 0:08:56- ..and Gwion will concentrate - more on the arrangements...
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- ..and the actual funeral day itself.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- The thing - I'm most worried about...
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- ..is the death of a child.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Where do you start?
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- You can't imagine - what it must be like.
0:09:15 > 0:09:20- There's a lot of work to be done - before launching the business...
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- ..including deciding on a name.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- How about this effort from Gwion?
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- "The Burial Business."
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- I like the sound of that.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- It does exactly - what it says on the tin!
0:09:32 > 0:09:34- That's right, it does.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- There are other suggestions too...
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- ..but none - that obviously stand out for her.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55- "Doing something different stays - in the memory for a long time."
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- # "When The Saints Go Marching In" - by James Milton Black #
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- In Barry, the jazz band...
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- ..sets a celebratory tone, - fulfilling the wishes of the family.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- The jazz band was good - - we were walking in front...
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- ..and tapping our feet - at the same time.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- But as they arrive at the church...
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- ..the traditional jazz - is replaced by quiet reverence...
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- ..despite this funeral's - less-customary format.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- It's been a good day. - The family was very happy.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- Doing something different - stays in the memory.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- It was a nice family to deal with.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- I wouldn't - change a thing about today...
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- ..and I'm sure family would agree.
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0:11:33 > 0:11:33- Subtitles
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0:11:40 > 0:11:42- Despite losing his way...
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- ..Gareth has reached - the town of Novy Bor...
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- ..the Czech crystal capital.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Hello, Gareth. - Nice to see you again.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- After a long journey, - he's pleased to see Dalibor...
0:11:56 > 0:12:02- ..owner of Memory Crystal, a company - which encases ashes in its designs.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- The pair first met - at a funeral exhibition in England.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- The purpose of Gareth's visit is to - ensure that his client's ashes...
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- ..aren't mixed with - strangers' ashes.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- We engrave the special code - on the bottom of every product.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- There is a very strict process - so we are not able to mix.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- There's no way - they could get mixed up.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- Having witnessed - the careful registration...
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- ..Gareth entrusts Wayne Davies' - ashes in Dalibor's care.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- I've brought Wayne from Wales.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- I'll take you home again tomorrow, - Wayne, in crystal.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- OK, Gareth, let's start - to produce the crystal for you.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- For a crystal heart...
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- ..Wayne's ashes are added - to the first layer of glass.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Next, it's turned...
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- ..and heated for a second time...
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- ..before it's wrapped - in pure gold leaf.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13- It's turned again...
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- ..and heated a third time...
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- ..before the shape emerges.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- I can see - the heart taking shape now.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- The heart develops organically.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- You know - it's the only one in the world.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- He's placing it in the oven - to reduce the heat gradually.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44- There's a nice atmosphere here.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- It's a family business - and they live here too.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- I feel like they're - going to look after the remains.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54- Keep it turning?
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- Keep it turning?- - Keep turning, yes.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- Before he leaves, - Gareth gets the opportunity...
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- ..to create - his own unique piece of crystal.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- Much to his surprise, - a little miracle happens.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- Well, well. Fascinating.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- I'm pleased with that.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- That's a good job. Really nice.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Having risen to Dalibor's challenge, - Gareth sets a challenge of his own.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- Llanfair...
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- ..pwllgwyngyllgogery...
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- ..chwyrndrobwll...
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- ..llantysilio...
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- ..gogogoch.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36- ..gogogoch.- - Excellent!
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- You can keep that. - Put it on your fridge.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- It will be here forever!
0:14:43 > 0:14:48- While the craftsmen finish their - work, Gareth returns to the hotel.
0:14:52 > 0:14:58- "I'd like to be buried - somewhere exactly like this."
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- In Gwynedd, Aidi Hickey, who - wants to be a funeral director...
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- ..has come - to a forest near Pwllheli...
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- ..to meet Bella, - a lady who arranges funerals...
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- ..at this peaceful site.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- Hi. Hi, kids.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- We've got lots of people - with chainsaws, just making it safe.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- The idea - of being buried among the trees...
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- ..aptly complements the less-uniform - service Aidi is hoping to provide.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- I sometimes come here - to help her maintain the site.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- My children asked about the place, - so I brought them here.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- It was beautiful and quiet.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- Butterflies were flying around - and birds were singing.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- Bella's reason - for coming up with this place...
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- ..is the same reason as I want - to become a funeral director.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- I want - to do something more personal.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11- Gwen Pritchard Jones helps - with the forest's maintenance work.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- She has already considered...
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- ..what the majority of us - will have to consider.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- I've considered my own burial - and chosen this forest in Boduan.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- I've chosen a resting place...
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- ..that'll be ready for me one day.
0:16:29 > 0:16:35- For the past five years, I've been - helping Bella to run this forest.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- Around 84 people - are already buried here.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- Pets are buried here too.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- A special resting place - has been set aside...
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- ..for the burial of infants.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Among the infants buried here - is Arron...
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- ..Llinos Hughes' baby.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- This special grave - is very dear to her.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- We had trouble - finding a suitable place.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- Dad came home from work...
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- ..having heard about this place - and we came here the following day.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- I fell in love with this place.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- I couldn't think of - a better resting place.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- On the day of his funeral...
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- ..as he was lowered - into the ground...
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- ..the trees above swayed in the - breeze and a leaf fell on him...
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- ..and a leaf fell on me, - and I still have it to this day.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- I think he's saying, - "I like it here, Mam."
0:17:51 > 0:17:56- As Aidi and Gwion start planning - an alternative funeral service...
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- ..the possibilities - for this burial ground excite them.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- I'd like to buried - in somewhere exactly like this.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- It's just so lovely.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- I hope Boduan will work with us too.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- I hope the people - who use our services...
0:18:16 > 0:18:22- ..will want to use - this forest too, and vice versa.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- For Aidi and Gwion...
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- ..their journey is just beginning.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- Will they sustain a living - in the world of the dead?
0:18:38 > 0:18:43- "The sea and I don't get along."
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Matthew Simms - from Green Willow Funerals...
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- ..has an earlier than usual start - today in order to catch the tide.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56- Ashes scattered at sea.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01- Due to the ebb and flow of - the tide, we have to get up early.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- The sea and I - don't get along, to be honest.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- I'll be as green - as Green Willow Funerals today!
0:19:14 > 0:19:18- Green Willow was founded as an - extension of Cardiff YMCA's work...
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- ..assisting the poor - and people in need.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- They will scatter the ashes - of a homeless person at sea today...
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- ..to fulfil his last request.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- Good morning. - Don't drop him before it's ready.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- Poor thing! Matthew - wasn't cut out to be a sailor.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- They're trying - to put a life jacket around me...
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- ..if it's big enough.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- We'll find out in a minute.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- Like a glove! - I'm a mere slip of a thing!
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- We've got to do it up now, Matt.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- Maybe not!
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- The homeless person's remains aren't - the only ashes to be scattered.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- Frank was a crewmember of - this vessel for more than 20 years.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- He was a close friend - of John the captain.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- Psalm 23. "The Lord - is my shepherd. I shall not want.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- "He makes me lie down..."
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- Words aren't always necessary - whilst scattering the ashes...
0:20:34 > 0:20:39- ..but the crew wants to bid farewell - with respect and dignity.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- Go forth in peace. - In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- "I hope to see my pilot's face."
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- A few heartfelt words from John...
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- ..before Frank's ashes - are committed to the sea.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- It's always sad - when a person dies...
0:21:05 > 0:21:10- ..but I'm glad we've fulfilled - their wishes after they've departed.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- Frank will be at one with the sea...
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- ..and his spirit - will ebb and flow with the tide.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- Cheers, Frank! All the best, mate.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- It's Gareth's last day - in the Czech Republic.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40- His friend Dalibor is adding the - finishing touches to the crystal.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- Hello? Dalibor?
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- Hello? Dalibor?- - Good morning, Gareth.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- Gareth's masterpiece awaits him.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49- It looks good.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- It looks good.- - It's perfect. You can take it home.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- But the crystal heart with Wayne - Davies' ashes encased inside...
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- ..is not yet complete.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04- The edges where the heart - was gripped must first be smoothed.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- Next, the surface - must be completely smooth.
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- I think this is about the fifth - process the heart has been through.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- Lastly, - the all-important polishing.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22- This is the final process...
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- ..to create Wayne's heart.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- He's been on a long journey.
0:22:30 > 0:22:36- There it is - Wayne's ashes have - been crystallised for an eternity.
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- Gareth is so impressed, he takes - home samples to show his customers.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- I've enjoyed the trip. - I've learnt a lot.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- Wayne and I have had a great time.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- He's now immortalized in crystal...
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- ..and it's made me decide...
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- ..that I'd like my remains - to go up in a rocket...
0:23:05 > 0:23:12- ..and some of them to be encased - in Dalibor's crystal for eternity.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- Next time, while it's - easy-does-it for the father...
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- It adds character. - Nothing much goes wrong.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- ..how does the son cope - in the fast lane?
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- I'll have lost my accent!
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- Having taken your last breath, - is your coffin on standby?
0:23:34 > 0:23:38- I'm quite proud of myself. - I don't know what people will say.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:57 > 0:23:57- .