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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.
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0:01:01 > 0:01:04- A family of undertakers - in the Lampeter area...
0:01:05 > 0:01:09- ..has been serving the community - for more than 60 years.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14- Gwilym Price, his son, Cerdin, - and his son, Rhys.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- "The world goes on around me - but my focus is the task at hand."
0:01:23 > 0:01:26- What does Cerdin Price do - in his spare time?
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- He restores old tractors...
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- ..with the help of his sons, - Rhodri and Rhys.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- Hold this, Rhys. - I'm having some difficulty here.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41- This is tricky, lads.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45- Then again, perhaps the boys - aren't much help after all.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48- This is an old one, lads.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50- No, it's not.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- It's cracked.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- It's been painted and given - new tyres, so we're pleased with it.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- It has character - and things rarely go wrong with it.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- I painted it myself with this spray.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- You have to go - back and forth evenly.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- It's therapeutic. - It focuses the mind.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- The world goes on around me - but my focus is this.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- It's just me and the task at hand.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- I'm pleased with it.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- But Cerdin's attention - will be diverted for a while.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- Rhys is about to leave for - a month's work experience in London.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- OK, ta-ta, bach. Enjoy yourself.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- Look after yourself.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- "The body's shown - in a bed rather than a coffin."
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- Undertaker Garry Lloyd Jones - has offices in Colwyn Bay...
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- ..Blaenau Ffestiniog - and here in Llanrwst.
0:03:20 > 0:03:26- The premises, which are in a prime - location, went on sale 15 years ago.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- I wanted somewhere comfortable...
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- ..for people - to visit their loved ones.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- The bodies are shown in a bed - rather than a coffin.
0:03:40 > 0:03:41- We like to alter the room...
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- ..and tailor it for the deceased.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47- One of the departed raced pigeons...
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- ..so we hung - pictures of pigeons on the wall.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- Next week is the funeral - of Mr Griffiths, a Llanrwst local.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- It's fitting to hang a painting - of Llanrwst bridge on the wall.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- It was painted by Finchett, - a Llanrwst artist...
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- ..whose work - Mr Griffiths used to collect.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- A stone's throw - from the chapel of rest...
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- ..is a restaurant, - also owned by Garry.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19- Take a booking - for a funeral tea next Wednesday.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- For a dozen people. - Just sandwiches and bara brith.
0:04:26 > 0:04:31- Joe is a full-time undertaker and - he also works as a handyman here.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Janyl sometimes does funeral work.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- Both their wives - work here in the evenings.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- We're all one big family.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46- Garry is hoping to open an antiques - shop above the restaurant...
0:04:47 > 0:04:50- ..selling a variety of old clocks.
0:04:50 > 0:04:56- Understandably, the passing of time - is a central theme for undertakers.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- I collect these clocks.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- They're very special to me.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- They're company, aren't they?
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- Having one at home provides company.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- I could sit - and watch the clock for hours.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25- "I'll have lost the accent - by the time I get home."
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- Rhys is on work experience - in London with Cribb's...
0:05:29 > 0:05:34- ..one of the city's largest and - oldest independent undertakers...
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- ..founded more than 130 years ago.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- Today, the family business - arranges up to 10 funerals a day.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- Rhys is used to arranging funerals - but perhaps not on this scale.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- There are around 15 vehicles here.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- At 8.00am, they're all washed - and ready for the day.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- Everybody gets stuck in and we have - a laugh while we're washing them.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01- Time flies.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04- The windows? Yes.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- I've already been here a week.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- Their daily work is varied.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Muslim funerals, Jewish funerals.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- You might get a hearse and nine - limos full to the brim with flowers.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- Being part of it - is great experience.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- Do you play golf on the weekend?
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- I'm starting to pick up the accent.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- I'll have lost my accent - by the time I get home!
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- Now dressed in his suit, - Rhys is at the mortuary...
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- ..to tend to the first two bodies.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- More await him as the day goes on.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- Six-four?
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- With room for more than - 50 bodies in the fridge...
0:06:46 > 0:06:48- ..all these doors are confusing.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- It's not there.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- With as many - as 10 bodies arriving daily...
0:06:59 > 0:07:04- ..the company has devised - its own system to abide by.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- We have a measuring stick - to measure the body...
0:07:07 > 0:07:12- ..so that the coffin makers - can build the correct-sized coffin.
0:07:12 > 0:07:18- The measurements are recorded. - We operate a similar system at home.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20- If there are rings and so on...
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- ..everything is logged in a book - to prevent any comebacks on us.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27- It's important.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- The second body - is dealt with in the same way.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- The van is called out urgently - to pick up the next body.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- Cribb's behind-the-scenes team - must respond immediately.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- The family wants to - view the body in five minutes.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- We're getting things ready.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- There are stretchers - in all the other viewing rooms.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- We need to get - this man ready to be viewed.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- Aided by the trainees...
0:08:10 > 0:08:15- ..the staff works quickly to get the - body to the viewing room on time.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- The family's unexpected visit - has created a stir.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- But, as is plain to see, - Rhys' maturity comes to the fore.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- I deal with things like this every - day. We're here to help the family.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- It's not a problem. It only took us - 10 minutes to get everything ready.
0:08:45 > 0:08:52- "I want to be remembered - as a happy person."
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- Kay Bailey works at the National - Botanic Gardens in Carmarthenshire.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- She's a mother of three - and a grandmother of five.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- This garden is a wonderful place - in which to work.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- We're able to wander around freely.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- It's a special place - for all who work here.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- When my mother died - nine years ago...
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- ..the way she wished to be buried - wasn't carried through.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- I feel very guilty about that.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- That's when I decided...
0:09:29 > 0:09:34- ..to arrange my own funeral and - make my own coffin out of wicker.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- In Ogmore-by-Sea - in the Vale of Glamorgan...
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- ..it's possible - not only to buy wicker produce...
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- ..but to be taught how to weave too.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50- I love natural products.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- When I die, I want to be buried.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57- OK?
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- Twice backwards, twice forwards.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- I have to concentrate - to remember which way I'm going.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- I want people to remember me for me.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- An independent person - who does everything for herself...
0:10:14 > 0:10:15- ..and in charge.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- This can be very dangerous.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- I have three sons...
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- ..and I want to make things - easy for them when the time comes.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- That's why - I decided to make my own coffin.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- To tell you the truth, - it's very therapeutic.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- I regard it - as making my bed for the last time.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- We all have to die some day.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46- Personally, I think being able - to organize it yourself is great.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- I want them to remember me...
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- ..on that sad day as a happy person.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- That's all, really.
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0:11:07 > 0:11:07- Subtitles
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- Lampeter local Rhys Price - is on work experience in London...
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- ..with two firms of undertakers.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- "You have to do the little things - as well as the big things."
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- Levertons may be a smaller company - than Cribb's but it's much older.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- It was founded by Clive Leverton's - great-great-great-great-grandfather.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- This is a bill - which dates back to 1862...
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- ..70 years before Tad-cu was born.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- This busy company has the kudos...
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- ..of being the - Royal Family's official undertakers.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01- But a young trainee - has a lowly status.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- I do all the cleaning at home, - as you know.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- Now I'm in London, - I have to do it here too!
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- There are lots of jobs - that need doing.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20- You do the small things - as well as the big things.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- But while undertaking - the cleaning work and serving tea...
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- ..Rhys also has a chance to chat.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31- How long have you been in Levertons?
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- How long have you been in Levertons?- - Just over 10 years now.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- Carmel Clinton's family has - a long association with Levertons.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- She has a close connection.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- I've lived above the shop in - Camden Town for just over 20 years.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- Some people find it quite daunting - but I don't, certainly.
0:12:56 > 0:13:01- It's nice seeing another - young person in the profession...
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- ..and unusually, a woman.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- We're more traditional - in rural areas.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- But it's nice seeing some - traditions change for the better.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- It's a traditional hearse which - follows Carmel's dignified lead.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- But at the - National Funeral Exhibition...
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- ..Clive Leverton exhibited his - own invention, an electric hearse.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- Rhys will drive it - for the first time today.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- It uses new technology.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- It doesn't make any noise...
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- ..so I'll have to be - vigilant of pedestrians...
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- ..because they won't hear the car.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- It's strange driving a car - that doesn't make any noise.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- People are unaware - that it's a hearse.
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- Seeing the coffin is a strange - sight. Some people take photographs.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- Its range is limited.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- It does about 100 miles.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- It's a good invention for London - but not so much for us.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- I'd prefer - a nice little Bentley like that one.
0:14:45 > 0:14:51- "There are two in the grave already - and hopefully room for four."
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- In the Conwy Valley, as well - as his three funeral services...
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- ..Garry Lloyd Jones owns a handful - of other companies besides.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- He's also the mayor of Llanrwst - and helps lay the headstones.
0:15:08 > 0:15:13- When I started the business - in Llanrwst almost 15 years ago...
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- ..I dug graves every day.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- I put in a lot of effort - to get the business off the ground.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- I like laying headstones. - I've always had a hands-on approach.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31- Garry has grown accustomed - to death in his life.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- I had lots of pets as a child.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- Each time one of them died, I held - a funeral in the back garden.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- My family - had to attend the funeral...
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- ..no matter if it was a slow-worm, - a bird or whatever.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- A burial's taking place - on Tuesday...
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- ..so we're removing the stone...
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- ..to reopen the grave.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01- We're also reopening another grave - in which two are already buried.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- Hopefully there's room for four.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- I'm a perfectionist - when it comes to funerals.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- When the family tells me - it was beautiful and fantastic...
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- ..that's enough for me - - that's all I want to hear.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- Many graves in this cemetery contain - four members of the same family.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- The first one goes in - at a depth of six feet...
0:16:28 > 0:16:33- ..and there's a five-inch gap - between the first and second coffin.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- Then, 18 inches of earth - on top of the last coffin.
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- As a grave digger and the owner - of three funeral businesses...
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- ..Garry Lloyd Jones - is used to dealing with death.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- But how does death affect him?
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- If someone dies at 90, - he's had a good innings.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- But I hate having to bury a child.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- It's not right, is it?
0:17:05 > 0:17:11- You never look forward to a child's - funeral once it's been arranged.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- It's quite a day for Kay Bailey - back in Ogmore-by-Sea.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- She's about to pick up her wicker - coffin she has helped create...
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- ..for her own funeral.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- I haven't seen it completed, - so I'm excited about that.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- I'll be able to take it home - with me, so I'm very excited.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43- "I don't know - what people are going to say."
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- Wow!
0:17:46 > 0:17:51- Wow! I can't believe - I've created something like this.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- It's brilliant.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- All that hard work.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- All that hard work.- - And sore thumbs!
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Really great.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- What a way to go, yeah?
0:18:03 > 0:18:08- But is there room - for a large coffin in a small car?
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- I've measured it.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- With a bit of help, - Kay's car turns into a hearse.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- It fits. Great. - I can take it home now.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- I'm proud of myself but I - don't know what people will say.
0:18:35 > 0:18:41- It's not morbid. It's something - more people should consider.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- I made it myself. There might be - other things I have to arrange.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- But I hope - there's plenty of time for that!
0:19:02 > 0:19:07- "So many things are going on here, - it's on a different level."
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- Back at - Cribb's headquarters in London...
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- ..Rhys is preparing a coffin - for a long journey overseas.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- Hi, Jack. Fay's just asked me - to come over and do a zinc liner.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- Cheers, mate.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- This is destined - for the Caribbean today.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- I'm just marking - where the screws are going to go.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- It is his colleagues' duty - to prepare the coffins.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49- It's not just wood, cardboard - and wicker that are used...
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- ..but this American casket...
0:19:55 > 0:19:57- ..and this coffin.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- It's an oak coffin - lined with zinc...
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- ..for transportation overseas.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- By law, no air should get in or out.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- You can see there are - red markings on these fridge doors.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- They're all going overseas.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- They can be stored - from a month up to a year.
0:20:20 > 0:20:26- Rhys' help is needed - behind the scenes once again.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- A couple of things. - Louisa, washing and dressing.
0:20:30 > 0:20:31- Could you give her a hand?
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- Could you give her a hand?- - This morning?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Now. She needs a hand.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- It's traditional Ghanaian. - It'll be good for you.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- After a change of clothing...
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- ..he must prepare a body - that will be viewed by the family...
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- ..before being transported - in an oak and zinc coffin to Ghana.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- In Ghana, - the first step is to wash the body.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- His colleague, Louisa, adds cleanser - and perfume to the water.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- She's well accustomed - to the tradition.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- A tradition - that makes perfect sense to Rhys.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- As babies, their mothers - wash them and care for them.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25- They leave this world the same way - they came into it. It's symbolic.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- With his month not yet over...
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- ..the experience - has already widened his horizons.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- So many things go on here - and so many people work here...
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- ..it's on a different level - on account of the population.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- It has to be.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- Can you do a tie? - I prefer a big knot.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- I don't know if I can do a big knot.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- I'll try.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- Like back home, - you have one chance to do it right.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- They put in the effort here - to do things right.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23- It's nice being able to say - you did one last thing for them.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- It feels good - being able to help someone.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- It'll be nice for them to see him. - He looks like he's asleep.
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- In the next episode, - back in Wales...
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- ..is Rhys ready to take the reins?
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- Seeing my grandson - do what I did many moons ago.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- Did you know that - fingerprints can be immortalised?
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- The departed's last touch.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- How does a van driver - become a hearse driver?
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- I've always wanted - to drive a hearse.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:27 > 0:23:27- .