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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.
0:01:03 > 0:01:10- "This is the last thing - they can do for their mother."
0:01:12 > 0:01:14- Every death is a loss...
0:01:14 > 0:01:17- ..but the death of a mother - is a loss beyond words...
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- ..especially when she's - in the prime of her life.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- Knowing she was about to die...
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- ..Janet Carling - set about arranging her own funeral.
0:01:29 > 0:01:35- Hefin Williams, owner of OG Harries - Pontyberem, is the undertaker.
0:01:36 > 0:01:41- He feels it's his duty to fulfil - the young mother's wishes.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- There's a traditional heart, as - opposed to the asymmetrical heart.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- The family - has commissioned jewellery...
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- ..with imprints of her fingerprints.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- It's a new thing - - we introduced it three years ago.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- It's the departed's final touch...
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- ..so it's a very personal keepsake - for the family.
0:02:08 > 0:02:14- Natalie Powell uses pliable - silver clay and rolls it out...
0:02:14 > 0:02:16- ..to create the shape...
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- ..before taking Janet's prints.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- To cater for - the number of charms required...
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- ..Natalie will - repeat this tender process 10 times.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- Primarily, I work with the living, - but this has come about now...
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- ..where I'm taking prints - of the deceased on a regular basis.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- Back at her workshop...
0:02:39 > 0:02:44- ..the silver will be heated - and turned into pieces of jewellery.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- I enjoy making them...
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- ..and bringing them back to - the families to treasure for ever.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- It was Janet's wish - to have a white wicker coffin.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- Her children are decorating it.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- This is the last thing they can do - for their mother. It's personal.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- They'll always remember this.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- It's nice seeing sisters - decorate their mother's coffin.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29- Gwilym, Cerdin and Rhys Price...
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- ..are undertakers - in the Lampeter area of Ceredigion.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38- Rhys has been in London broadening - his horizons on work experience.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- It's the eve of - his final day's work in the capital.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- It was Rhys's decision to gain - work experience away from home.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- He's coped well with - the intense nature of the job...
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- ..but the hustle and bustle - still astounds him.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- By the time - some people finish work...
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- ..others - are starting their working day.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- It never stops. Night-time is noisy.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- It's a different world.
0:04:11 > 0:04:17- I miss being with my family and - the familiar routine of my job...
0:04:19 > 0:04:24- ..but I have to leave home in order - to learn and observe other methods.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- It's given me new ideas.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- You don't fully appreciate - what you have at home...
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- ..until you sample life elsewhere - and then return to it.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- "I never would've seen - a set-up like this at home."
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- He's spent most - of his month away with Cribbs...
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- ..London's largest - independent undertakers.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- If you help Archie with the greys. - We're out to Levertons' today.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- He's out there with the greys. - Alright, mate.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- A horse-drawn hearse is usually - hired on demand in Lampeter...
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- ..but to meet - the high demand in London...
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- ..Cribbs have their own stables - outside the city.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13- Wrap it around once like that.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- Go like that - and just wrap it around.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19- Got you. Cheers, mate.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24- We have horses back home...
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- ..but we're not up to this standard.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- It's a regular outing - for these horses today.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- They are leading three funerals...
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- ..along with the rest - of the company's horses.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- They have around 15 horses here.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- Every horse - is out more or less every day.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- They have three - purpose-built lorries.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- You can't help but be impressed - with everything here.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- I'm enjoying myself.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- One minute I'm dressing someone - in the mortuary...
0:06:07 > 0:06:11- ..and the next, I'm driving a Jag - or up here at the stables.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- There's so much variety here.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- I'd never see - a set-up like this at home.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- Cribbs' headquarters - are in east London.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- The lorry has arrived - and the hearse is being prepared.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- Rhys has also arrived - to continue the all-important work.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48- I might have more of a role - than this to play at home...
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- ..but my approach is still the same - - I still have to be responsible.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- It's good. - I enjoy working with horses.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- They're dignified creatures.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- I like the procession and the noise.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- They're beyond compare.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- Here we are.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- The young 20-year-old's - final funeral in London.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22- Is he tempted by the city?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- Is he tempted by the city?- - I've enjoyed my time here...
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- ..and I've picked up - a lot of new ideas...
0:07:27 > 0:07:32- ..but I'm better suited to - life in the country than the city.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- My heart's at home - and that's where I enjoy being.
0:07:40 > 0:07:46- In Lleyn, Ifan Hughes and - his daughter Nia are undertakers...
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- ..among other things.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- "Repairing lorries is my job. - Then I bought a hearse."
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- In Llanaelhaearn, - Ifan's working day...
0:07:58 > 0:08:04- ..begins bright and early - with a milk round and a paper round.
0:08:04 > 0:08:10- I try to set off somewhere - around 4.30am. I get up at 4.15am.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- By the time I've finished - the milk and paper rounds...
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- ..it's around 7.00am-7.30am.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- That's a good start to the day.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- There used to be - a newsagent's in the village...
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- ..but it closed down, - so I took over the newspapers...
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- ..to keep the place alive...
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- ..and to keep in contact - with the residents.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- Hello. Here you go. A red one.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Great. Thank you. Bye.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- It's a long day - but I enjoy every minute of it.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- After delivering the milk and - papers, he begins repairing lorries.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- Every opportunity I get, - I'm in the garage.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- I'm at my happiest there.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- Repairing lorries is my job.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- Main beam. Dip.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- Then I bought a hearse.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- I've always wanted a hearse.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- I used to hire out the hearse, - and my services...
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- ..to different undertakers.
0:09:34 > 0:09:40- When those businesses ceased, that's - when I became an undertaker myself.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- Ifan has almost 15 years experience - as a funeral director...
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- ..aided by his daughter Nia.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- We wash the bodies, if required...
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- ..and dress those - whose relatives ask us to do so.
0:10:10 > 0:10:15- We hire the services of an embalmer, - who comes to us, if required.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- We check - and double check everything.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29- It's important things go smoothly - and perfectly for the family.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- Funeral duty is much lighter work.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- Everything to do with lorries - is heavy.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- It's become - the focus of our business.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- I'd like to do more funerals. I'm - getting older and it's lighter work.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- It's important - in a small community...
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- ..that we're here - for those who need us.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01- For all kinds of things - - milk, newspapers...
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- ..vehicle repairs and burials!
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0:11:11 > 0:11:11- Subtitles
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:17 > 0:11:22- In Carmarthenshire, - a disciple of Hare Krishna...
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- ..is about to lead - his first funeral service.
0:11:27 > 0:11:33- "The person isn't dead, - he's moved on to something else."
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- My name's Steve Phillips.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- I come from Glanamman - in the Amman Valley.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- I'm now a Hare Krishna devotee.
0:11:48 > 0:11:53- I can remember being in the shower - and thinking to myself...
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- ..'What's out there? - What are we doing here?'
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- Two weeks later - I was in a Hare Krishna temple.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- A friend of his has died.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- Steve has offered to lead a service - in the crematorium.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- I spent two years at the temple.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- But now I'm required - to lead a funeral service.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- I'm performing the duties - of a minister...
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- ..but I want to do it differently.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- I lost my father when I was 13.
0:12:25 > 0:12:31- Nobody ever explained to me - what happens after this life.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- The person isn't dead, - he's moved on to something else.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- I want to help people...
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- ..get an idea of that.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- During the three days - leading up to the funeral...
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- ..Steve will contemplate how - he's going to fulfil his intention.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- It was windy and wet - the day of Janet Carling's funeral.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- It was a gloomy day in all respects.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- The funeral has to go ahead, - regardless of the weather.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18- We're lucky - it's a cremation not a burial.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- That helps us.
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- As the young mother is carried - to her final resting place...
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- ..her husband - gets his first glimpse...
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- ..of the jewellery - with her fingerprints.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- That is super special.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- That's fantastic.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- Though the jewellery is the family's - idea, the funeral arrangements...
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- ..have been orchestrated - by Janet herself.
0:13:55 > 0:14:01- "It's the first time I've seen - pall-bearers wearing fur coats."
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- It's difficult for the family - when a relative dies.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- Lots of people - don't know where to start.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- When the deceased - arranges his/her own funeral...
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- ..as meticulously as Janet...
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- ..it's a big help for the family.
0:14:24 > 0:14:30- It's the first time I've seen - pall-bearers wearing fur coats.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- That'll stay in my mind - for a long time to come.
0:14:34 > 0:14:40- May I thank you for all the sympathy - you've shown the family...
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- ..Ian, Fern and Fay...
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- ..during their recent bereavement.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- It's been of comfort to them.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- For her immediate family, the final - farewell is the most poignant.
0:14:55 > 0:15:01- Everybody is touched when Janet's - own voice echoes through the chapel.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- GENTLE SOLO
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- Every funeral is sad...
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- ..but today's funeral - was particularly sad...
0:15:16 > 0:15:18- ..because the deceased was so young.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- SINGS IN SPANISH
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- The funeral went well.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- It was exactly - as Janet had planned.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- That gives me personal satisfaction.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- "What the caterpillar - perceives as the end...
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- "..to the butterfly, - it's purely the beginning."
0:15:59 > 0:16:00- Let me show you around the chapel.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Let me show you around the chapel.- - Brilliant. Thank you.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- The big day - has arrived for Steve Phillips.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- He will experience the tension - between pride and duty...
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- ..that's an integral part - of every funeral.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- I'm a little nervous now, - to be honest.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- I'm excited too...
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- ..because I'm close - to Julie and the family.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- I knew them for a while - before Keith's death.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- I think everything will be OK. At - least I hope, with God's blessing.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39- HE CHANTS
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- The funeral procession arrives...
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- ..and the moving memorial service - is completely in his hands.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- There's a popular Buddhist saying.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- What the caterpillar - perceives as the end...
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- ..to the butterfly, - it's purely the beginning.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- It sounds comical, really...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- ..to say - that a funeral went well...
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- ..but the family was happy, everyone - said it was a lovely service.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- Some said, - "The best service I've ever seen."
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Hare Krishna.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- Krishna, Krishna.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Hare, Hare.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27- Hare Rama.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40- "I don't like having time off work."
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- In the Gwendraeth Valley, picking up - the children from school...
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- ..prepares Hefin - for an unusual occurrence...
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- ..if he finishes everything in time.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- I'm finishing off the paperwork - because we're going on holiday.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- It's our first holiday...
0:17:59 > 0:18:01- ..for a number of years.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- I'm making sure everything's - in order and all the bills are paid.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- It'll be nice to get away.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- We haven't gone away for a while. - It'll be interesting with two.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- I don't like having time off work...
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- ..but I can't let - the wife and children go alone.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- I have to go.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- Are you OK?
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- For most, - a holiday means a respite...
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- ..from the demands - of everyday life...
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- ..but that's not the case for Hefin.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- My phone will still be on 24/7...
0:18:41 > 0:18:46- ..because if there's any problem, - I'm on the other end of the phone.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51- Because it's his own business, - he can't switch off. He never has.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- Aaah!!
0:18:57 > 0:18:58- Is there a bogeyman in there?
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- Is there a bogeyman in there?- - Jack in the box!
0:19:00 > 0:19:06- I have to look forward because - there's more to life than work.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Alright, then. - We're ready to go now, Mami.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- We're ready to go.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19- "I'm very proud - of my grandson today."
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Back at the Prices' in Lampeter...
0:19:24 > 0:19:29- ..it's a big day for Rhys, - the youngest member of the business.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- Gwilym usually accompanies the - driver of a horse-drawn hearse...
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- ..but today, for the first time, - Rhys has the privilege.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- Have you got your gloves and hat?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- Have you got your gloves and hat?- - Yes.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46- I think it's an honour - to do a funeral like this.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- You worry more about it - because it's out of the ordinary...
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- ..but I'm glad I'm doing it - and I'll be glad when it's over.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- It'll be an eye opener for Rhys...
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- ..to lead - a horse-drawn carriage today.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- OK, Rhys?
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- Take the trolley away.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- For Rhys, the third generation - in the business...
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- ..today's a sign that he's - one step closer to taking the reins.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- But his father Cerdin - is reluctant to step aside just yet.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- Put the flowers the right way.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- They're upside down.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- That's it.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- I still need to tell him - these things, you see.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- On the outskirts of Llanddewi-Brefi, - the horse-drawn hearse awaits.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- Push it forwards. - There you go. Good.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- With the wicker coffin - safely in the hearse...
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- ..father and grandfather - are bursting with pride...
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- ..as Rhys - prepares to take the reins.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- He's taken on the responsibility.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- Gwilym used to lead the horse-drawn - hearse but Rhys is more agile.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- It gives Gwilym a chance - to relax a bit more.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Seeing my grandson do - what I did many moons ago.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- I'm proud of the fact - he's been privileged to do it.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- It's Rhys's first time - with his top hat, see.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- Right, you come back with me. - Back with me, back with me.
0:21:53 > 0:21:54- Good. Down.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- On the day of the funeral, the - undertaker has a big responsibility.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- Today, his father and grandfather - have supported him.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17- Some day Rhys will - shoulder the responsibility himself.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- Rhys? Tell him to wait by the gate. - He's fetching the little children.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- Alright then, we'll go quietly.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- It all went well. - There were no problems.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- We're fortunate - in this part of the world...
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- ..that everybody pulls together.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- It's all about teamwork.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- We'll go gently together.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- Wonderful. - I thought it was very dignified.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- I'm happy.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- Now it's windy, - we'll be glad to have a cup of tea.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07- That's his first funeral - with a horse-drawn hearse.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- Once I've crossed Jordan, - he'll know what to do!
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:38 > 0:23:38- .