0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:07 > 0:00:12- 'Llangyndeyrn - West Wales'
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- A Welsh valley - faces death by drowning.
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- Wales is the land of song - but it will be the land of water.
0:00:25 > 0:00:30- The word they use for the scheme - to flood their valley is vandalism.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- A cruel act of oppression.
0:00:34 > 0:00:40- We decided to fight this scheme - and fight it to the bitter end.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Unless we can farm, - we cannot make a living.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- We hear nothing of this campaign.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- This is the valley - of Gwendraeth Fach.
0:00:55 > 0:01:00- The valley that has declared war - against bureaucracy, the law...
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- ..and war against - the town authorities at Swansea.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- There was something protecting - every gate.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- Giving up wasn't an option.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22- The battle of Llangyndeyrn - was more important than Tryweryn.
0:01:33 > 0:01:40- 'The Battle of Llangyndeyrn'
0:01:53 > 0:01:55- That's where I lived.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- We lived in the school house.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10- If you turn to the right, you'll see - where I spent a lot of my time...
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- ..walking to the farms.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19- I loved the place.
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- Oh, a lamb.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- The farms were very exotic.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- They were completely different.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- I was 13 - at the time of this campaign.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- Llangyndeyrn is only three miles - away from Llandyfaelog...
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- ..but people don't know about it.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- You need to turn left - into the village to get there.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- You could go another way.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- The flooding of a valley - is something very emotional...
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- ..especially in Wales.
0:03:07 > 0:03:13- A tiny village faced the might - of the English government.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- They challenged these powers.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22- I'm quite excited - about meeting the people...
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- ..who were part of the campaign.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- I want to know - what drove these people.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- I can see the church tower.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38- Llangyndeyrn. We're here!
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- Welcome to Llangyndeyrn.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- I wonder what I'll learn - whilst I'm here.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- This is the Gwendraeth Valley in - Carmarthen, 22 miles from Swansea.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54- It's fertile, farming land.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- The ground has been tilled by - the same families for generations.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- The words to describe the scheme - to flood their valley...
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- ..include vandalism - and a cruel act of oppression.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12- I don't know anything - about this story.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- If I want to know what happened...
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- ..I'll have to speak to the people - who were involved in the campaign.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- Some of those people - still live in the village.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- Huw Williams from Pant-teg Farm - is one of them.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30- I'll speak to him...
0:04:30 > 0:04:35- ..to see what he knows about this - forgotten part of Welsh history.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48- Welcome to Pant-teg Farm. - It's nice to meet you.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- How long have you been farming here?
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- I'm the fifth generation to - farm here and my son is the sixth.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- How did you hear about the plans - to flood the valley?
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- It was over 50 years ago - and I was about 25 years old.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- I was working on the farm - with my parents.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- We'd just finished milking when - David Smith, the local shopkeeper...
0:05:13 > 0:05:15- ..delivered the Western Mail.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- Something caught my eye - on the front page.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- It was a bold, black print.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- "A Welsh valley - faces death by drowning."
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- It was a hard-hitting headline.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- "A Welsh valley - faces death by drowning."
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- Without reading any further...
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- ..I pitied the people - who were to be drowned.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- I read further - and couldn't believe my eyes.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- The Swansea Corporation - was looking for more water...
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- ..for the people and industries - of Swansea.
0:05:50 > 0:05:56- One of the favoured options was to - flood the Gwendraeth Fach Valley...
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- ..from Llangyndeyrn - all the way to Porthyrhyd.
0:06:00 > 0:06:01- You read it in the newspaper.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- You read it in the newspaper.- - Yes, that's right.
0:06:03 > 0:06:09- It was the first I'd heard about it - and I couldn't believe it.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- Pant-teg - was in the middle of it all.
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- It meant the house, the buildings - and land would be flooded.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- Swansea had seven or eight proposals - put before it...
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- ..by consulting engineers.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- The one which appealed most...
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- ..was one which led through - the least expenditure line.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- It was to build a reservoir - in the Gwendraeth Valley...
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- ..to provide - twelve million gallons a day...
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- ..augmented by - pumping from the River Towy...
0:06:47 > 0:06:52- ..so it became semi-self-financing - as we went along.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- I still have the newspaper.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- I still have the newspaper.- - You kept it.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- This is what you saw that morning.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- This is what you saw that morning.- - Yes, this is the article.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- "A Welsh valley - faces death by drowning."
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- I was shocked.
0:07:06 > 0:07:07- What's this?
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- What's this?- - It's their plan.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Pant-teg would be - in the deepest part.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17- This entire area up to Porthyrhyd - would be flooded.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- All of it.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- They didn't have the courtesy - to tell you about these plans.
0:07:23 > 0:07:24- We heard nothing.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- We heard nothing.- - It's appalling.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- The newspaper describes it - as another Tryweryn.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- How do you see the future?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- My livelihood and future - will be under water.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- It will be difficult - to find another Pant-teg.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- It's impossible to find - any place that's like home.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46- How did you react to this?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- After we heard the news...
0:07:48 > 0:07:54- ..the first step was to form - a committee within the village.
0:07:55 > 0:07:56- You formed a committee.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- You formed a committee.- - Yes, straight away.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- It was a defence committee.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- Councillor William Thomas - was its chairman...
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- ..and Reverend W M Rees - was the secretary.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- Both men were very determined - and neither would give in.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- They kept us together.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- These men - had totally different characters.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- William Thomas enjoyed life.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- He liked a cigar - and drank whisky but not to excess.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- Rev W M Rees was the opposite - and abstained from alcohol.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34- We all reached a decision - in that very first meeting...
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- ..that we would fight this scheme - to the bitter end.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42- It was the start of the battle - to save Gwendraeth Fach.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Are you going to use force?
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- Well, erm... - within the law, of course.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- I assure you - we will stick to our land...
0:08:51 > 0:08:56- ..like a captain sticks to - a sinking ship to the bitter end.
0:08:56 > 0:09:02- I was going to lose my livelihood - so I had nothing left to lose.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- It was more than that.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10- It was your history, - your culture and your community.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15- Personally, I would have lost - 50 years of happiness.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- I've had the pleasure of passing - this on to the next generation.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28- We used to keep sheep - but sheep didn't interest me...
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- ..so I increased the size - of our dairy herd.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- We're going to meet Alun.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40- Alun?
0:09:41 > 0:09:42- Come here for a minute.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44- Hello.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46- Hello, how are you?
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- Hello, how are you?- - Very good, thanks.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- They had small Fergies when - I was a child but this one is huge.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Stop the tractor for a moment.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- You run the farm these days.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- You run the farm these days.- - I try!
0:10:06 > 0:10:10- I understand you have a herd - of 200 dairy cows.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11- Do you enjoy it?
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- Do you enjoy it?- - Yes, I do.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- You must be glad - that they didn't flood the valley.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- Yes, or I don't know - what I'd have done.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20- No, exactly.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- No, exactly.- - We'd be on the dole.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- This is the valley - they planned to flood.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- It stretches - as far as you can see...
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- ..and up to Porthyrhyd - which is in the distance.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- They planned to flood - over 1,000 acres.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- Over seven farms would lose their - livelihood because of the flooding.
0:10:48 > 0:10:54- Many other farms would lose - a proportion of their land...
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- ..which meant a fall - in their annual income.
0:10:58 > 0:11:04- They would flood excellent farming - land and ruin people's lives...
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- ..and destroy - a close-knit Welsh community.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- There were plans to extend the bank - that's behind us.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- It would stretch all around here.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- It would be 80-feet-tall, - so it was quite high.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- It stretched over here.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- Let me show you.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- It would come along here and - I suspect this would be raised...
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- ..but it would be extended - to that house...
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- ..and meet the bank - on the other side.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- This entire area would be flooded.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- How do you stick together - over a length of time?
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- What was needed for it to succeed?
0:12:03 > 0:12:03- .
0:12:04 > 0:12:04- Subtitles
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- I am W M Rees, the Baptist minister - of this village...
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- ..and I'm secretary - of the defence committee.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- I am heart and soul - against this project...
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- ..believing it is sheer vandalism - and pure Hitlerism.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- The dam will tower - 80 feet above the village...
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- ..and some people will never see - the sunshine during the whole year.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- We are heart and soul against this - and will fight to the bitter end.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- We will fight and fight and fight.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- In order to understand how - this community saved its valley...
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- ..I must leave Llangyndeyrn - and head to the coast...
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- ..to learn more about the leader - who kept everyone in order.
0:13:09 > 0:13:15- We'll start with that because I - really want to know more about him.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- He was from Aberdare - and one of six children.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- He was raised in a religious, - Welsh-speaking home...
0:13:33 > 0:13:39- ..and witnessed a lot of suffering - and poverty within his family.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- Do you remember your father's - appearance and the clothes he wore?
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- He was a relatively short man...
0:13:47 > 0:13:53- ..who dressed smartly on a Sunday - in a black suit, collar and tie.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- As soon as the service finished - and he was at home...
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- ..the collar came off, he'd roll up - his sleeves and go into the garden.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- Was your father's upbringing - in Aberdare in a mining community...
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- ..a good foundation - for his role in the campaign?
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- I think it helped him to realise...
0:14:16 > 0:14:21- ..that the working class - suffered a lot of discrimination.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- I'm sure this prompted him to act...
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- ..and support the weaker classes - of society.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- My father - had nothing materialistic to lose.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- He fought for the things - you can't see or touch.
0:14:39 > 0:14:45- We feel that this cause has not - had the same support as Tryweryn.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- The damage would be a thousand times - worse than Tryweryn...
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- ..in terms of homes, - farmhouses, land and the community.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- The English stole Tryweryn...
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- ..but the Welsh are here - in a true civil war.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- Tell me how you learnt - of this story.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- A case of artefacts - came into my possession.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- The case contained items - associated with Llangyndeyrn.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- I went to his little cabin - at the bottom of the garden...
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- ..and found a green file in the case - about Llangyndeyrn.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- It was a story - that my father had written.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- I think he's a hero.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- These are the artefacts - and that's W M.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- I only heard his sister - calling him William.
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- His name was William Mervyn - but everyone called him W M.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- Where is your father?
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- He's easy to spot because he wore - a long coat and a trilby hat.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- All the farmers - wore a flat cap...
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- ..but my father is the one - in the trilby.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- This is a letter - from Saunders Lewis...
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- ..thanking him for the story - about the battle.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02- It was written in 1965.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- "Thank you for your letter - detailing your successful campaign."
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- This is what Saunders had to say.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15- "I'm disappointed - the president of Plaid Cymru...
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- "..an alderman - in your local council...
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- "..was not at the head - of your campaign."
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- Gwynfor was a town councillor - in Carmarthen...
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- ..and he wanted - to join the campaign.
0:16:28 > 0:16:34- My father wrote a note stating - Gwynfor was willing to join them...
0:16:34 > 0:16:39- ..but the defence committee didn't - want this to be a political battle.
0:16:39 > 0:16:45- The committee made a decision that - this was not a political campaign...
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- ..that involved - the different parties.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- What about this poster?
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- What about this poster?- - It's a poster from the campaign.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58- This one is in English - but there were others in Welsh too.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- "Hands Off Llangyndeyrn!"
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- There's a story behind this one.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- Those in the mining region - of the Gwendraeth Fawr Valley...
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- ..had little sympathy - for the people of Llangyndeyrn...
0:17:12 > 0:17:18- ..so the defence committee - held a public meeting in Pontyates.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- I wish I'd been - at that public meeting.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- I'm sure your father - was a great speaker.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- He was amazing...
0:17:26 > 0:17:31- ..but the residents of the village - were also excellent speakers.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- They had a lot of support - from the miners in Pontyates.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- He could relate to them...
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- ..because he was the son - of a former miner from Aberdare...
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- ..and was genuine in the way - he presented his argument.
0:17:47 > 0:17:48- This is the file I found.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51- The Battle of Llangyndeyrn...
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- ..by W M Rees, secretary - of the defence committee.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59- Have you learnt anything new from - the notes he made on these pages?
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- Water had to be pumped in - for the purpose of...
0:18:06 > 0:18:07- He had excellent handwriting.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- He had excellent handwriting.- - Yes, it's neat and very detailed.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16- "Huw Williams, Pant-teg, - saw the value of good soil..."
0:18:16 > 0:18:22- He quotes people and has recorded - the minutes of the various meetings.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- It's written in a literary style.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- "It was a cold Tuesday...
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- "..and the drizzle fell as I pointed - my camera towards Allt y Cadno."
0:18:31 > 0:18:33- It's like a novel.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- Why didn't he get this published?
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- My father fell ill...
0:18:38 > 0:18:43- ..and he died soon after - so it never came to light.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- It's so detailed.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- I think he was a very special man.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54- I understand that you aim - to complete your father's work.
0:18:54 > 0:19:00- After reading the script, I knew - I had to do something with it.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- I set about editting it...
0:19:04 > 0:19:09- ..and I've also had to make - a few additions.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14- It's been a real pleasure - for me to do it.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- Did you feel nostalgic?
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- Did you feel nostalgic?- - Yes, and it was quite emotional.
0:19:29 > 0:19:35- It's a large village and I suspect - there are many are holiday homes.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- Another farmer - involved in the campaign...
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- ..was Arwyn Richards - from Llandre Farm.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- The farm - is in the heart of the village.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- I'm going to speak to him - to see what he remembers.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- I feel very bitter indeed.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14- Why do you feel so bitter?
0:20:14 > 0:20:20- Well, because there are other places - where this dam could be made...
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- ..with far less loss - to agricultural land.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- Surveyors have been on your land. - What will you do about them?
0:20:30 > 0:20:36- It has been pointed out that - they must have the right authority.
0:20:36 > 0:20:42- If they haven't got that authority - to show us, we will oppose them.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- Giving up was not an option.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- I'm sure you've heard people say - they fight for king and country.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- This paled into insignificance...
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- ..when you're fighting for your home - and livelihood.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- It led to a public enquiry.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09- Swansea didn't want to have - the public enquiry in the hall.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- They knew emotions would run high - and it worked in our favour.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- The children - marched through the village.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- The people from Swansea arrived - but the doors were locked.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- They could enter after the children - had finished marching and singing.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- They sang Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- It was very patriotic - but not political.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Yes, it was very patriotic.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- You were Welsh and proud to show it.
0:21:38 > 0:21:39- You were Welsh and proud to show it.- - Yes, that's right.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Swansea wasn't very well-prepared...
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- ..but we had all the figures.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- They showed our losses in terms of - agricultural produce such as milk.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- We faced massive losses - if they flooded our valley.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02- It would cover 600 acres - because it was so shallow.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- We argued that there wouldn't be a - lot of water and it would be dirty.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- What did Swansea do next?
0:22:11 > 0:22:16- We knew they would do everything - in their power to get a survey...
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- ..and make every effort - to secure the survey.
0:22:20 > 0:22:26- They took us to court in Carmarthen - and got a warrant to enter the land.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- A gentleman came to see us on behalf - of the Swansea Corporation.
0:22:34 > 0:22:39- He served the warrants explaining - that they could enter our land.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- He was dubbed Jones Bach y Dwr.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- This man, Jones Bach y Dwr, - came to serve the warrants.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- He knocked the door, - but we didn't answer.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- He pushed it through the letter box - but we pushed it back.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- This happened four times.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- He wasn't meant - to serve that warrant.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- Did it frighten you - that you faced going to jail?
0:23:07 > 0:23:08- No, not at all.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14- The committee had a plan in place - that dealt with arrests.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- It wasn't possible - for everyone to go to prison.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- You were very tied - if you ran a farm.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- If you had two people on a farm...
0:23:25 > 0:23:30- ..you could choose which person - would be arrested.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- It didn't discourage us.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38- We had enough faith - that this was a just battle.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- We would fight to the bitter end.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- We would stop them entering - but the law was on their side.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- That was the clever thing about it.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- It was like an MI5 story.
0:23:55 > 0:24:00- Swansea discussed their plans - about Llangyndeyrn in the morning...
0:24:00 > 0:24:05- ..but we knew them and spoke about - them that night in the Church Hall.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07- How did you know their plans?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- How did you know their plans?- - We had a spy in their camp!
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- Was it an important weapon - in winning the battle?
0:24:15 > 0:24:16- Could you have won without it?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- Could you have won without it?- - I don't know, but it helped.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- It all helped because it meant - that we knew their plans.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26- Were you afraid?
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- It's a good question.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- Were you afraid?
0:24:30 > 0:24:34- Well... no, I wasn't.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- It's all about being in a crowd.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- When you're together, - you share each other's power.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59- What do you do when someone plans - to flood your valley...
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- ..and what does the establishment do - when it's challenged?
0:25:07 > 0:25:07- .
0:25:09 > 0:25:09- Subtitles
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- Swansea had the weight of the law - behind them...
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- ..so their officers - could turn up at any moment.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- How would the villagers - know that they were coming?
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- I'm meeting someone - who knows the answer.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- One day soon, - when the church bell rings...
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- ..it won't be to call the villagers - to worship.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49- Instead, it will be to call - the farmers to their barricades.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- This is the valley - of Gwendraeth Fach.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- The valley that has declared war.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- War against bureaucracy, - war against the law...
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- ..and war against - the town authorities at Swansea.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- My grandfather, Jack Smith...
0:26:06 > 0:26:10- ..was responsible for ringing - the bell to warn people...
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- ..that the Swansea officers - were on their way to the village.
0:26:14 > 0:26:19- Can you show me where - he rang the bell in the church?
0:26:20 > 0:26:25- He would run from the corner shop as - fast as his feet would carry him...
0:26:25 > 0:26:30- ..and dart into the church - using his own key.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- Yes, and he'd run to the ropes - to ring the bell.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36- This is where he would come.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- Will you show me - what your grandfather did?
0:26:41 > 0:26:43- BELL TOLLS
0:26:46 > 0:26:48- Do you need a strong arm for that?
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- Yes, and it's been years - since I've done this.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56- That was the signal to warn people - about the Swansea officers...
0:26:56 > 0:27:00- ..and to call the residents - to the village square.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04- Yes, they all gathered - on the village square.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- Do you know how long - the bell was rung?
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- I'm not entirely sure - to be honest with you.
0:27:12 > 0:27:17- It had to be rung for a while - to ensure everyone heard it.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- Did he feel irreverent - by doing this...
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- ..or did supporting this cause - form part of his faith?
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- Yes, I would think so.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32- This was a time before - the invention of the mobile phone...
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- ..so this was their only means - to communicate.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- Swansea didn't know - why the bell was being rung.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- How old were you - during this campaign?
0:27:42 > 0:27:44- I was six years old.
0:27:44 > 0:27:49- Were the children - protected from this threat...
0:27:49 > 0:27:53- ..or did your parents - discuss the campaign with you?
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- They were honest.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- I don't think they tried - to hide anything from us.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- OK, it's this one and that one. - Do I need to go any higher?
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- No, just give a quick tug.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- No, just give a quick tug.- - Oh, goodness me.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11- Oh... I don't stand a chance.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- Is something happening?
0:28:13 > 0:28:14- This one is coming.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18- I'll go a little higher up - with the other one.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20- That's it.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21- That's it.- - Oh, that's it.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- Goodness me, - you need to be strong to do this.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- I wouldn't stand a chance - if I had to warn them.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31- You've got to use your whole body.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33- BELL TOLLS
0:28:33 > 0:28:34- It's quite a task.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37- I can't do any more.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39- Dear me.
0:28:39 > 0:28:45- I take my hat off to Jack Smith - and to you too, Chris.
0:28:45 > 0:28:46- This is the man himself.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- This is the man himself.- - Yes, at his shop.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51- He sold a bit of everything.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53- He sold a bit of everything.- - Yes, we sold all sorts.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- My grandfather stocked everything - the farmers needed.
0:28:57 > 0:29:02- This photograph - can be seen in many places.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04- It's a wonderful photograph.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- The watchman is in the tower - with the valley in the background.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- Where is he standing?
0:29:10 > 0:29:15- He's on top of the tower - and looking up the valley.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28- BELL TOLLS
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Ringing the bell - certainly drew attention.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23- What sort of relationship did - the community have with the press?
0:30:24 > 0:30:28- I want to know how they used - the media to promote their cause.
0:30:36 > 0:30:37- Do you want me to go behind?
0:30:37 > 0:30:41- Do you want me to go behind?- - Yes, behind.
0:30:42 > 0:30:43- OK?
0:30:49 > 0:30:49- Hello?
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- Hello?- - How are you, Sharon?
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- I'm fine, thank you. - It's good to see you.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57- Yes, I haven't seen you - in a long time.
0:30:58 > 0:30:59- It's been quite a while.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01- Here we are in Llangyndeyrn.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- I was only a young reporter - at the time...
0:31:05 > 0:31:10- ..in training in Carmarthen and - with the Evening Post in Swansea.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15- I have to mention that because - Swansea wanted to flood this area.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20- I suspect some of the people, - who have become dear friends...
0:31:20 > 0:31:24- ..were rather suspicious of - Sulwyn Thomas and the Evening Post.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- They were quite sly when it came - to passing on any information.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34- They knew about PR before the term - had even been invented!
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- One afternoon, the bell was ringing - and they were on their way.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42- We raced down to the village - at 100mph!
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- I was on tenterhooks about - when we would receive the call.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50- It was quite a stressful time - for the reporters.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56- You had Swansea, a large anglicised - town, yet to gain city status...
0:31:57 > 0:32:01- ..fighting a close-knit Welsh - community in the Gwendraeth Valley.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- It was an area - awash with Welsh villages.
0:32:04 > 0:32:10- The locals felt under threat - from these outsiders.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- They lived - very different ways of life.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- They were from different cultures.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20- However, they had - the right connections...
0:32:21 > 0:32:25- ..and were determined - that their campaign would succeed.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30- They fed snippets of information - to the press...
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- ..so their story - stayed in the headlines.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- Success was their only goal.
0:32:41 > 0:32:47- I think this was the biggest story - that I covered...
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- ..during my time in Carmarthen - in the 1960s.
0:32:51 > 0:32:56- These kind of stories didn't break - in West Wales every day.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- It's quite amazing...
0:32:59 > 0:33:04- ..that there was this outcry in - such a tranquil, peaceful village.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- They had this gut instinct.
0:33:14 > 0:33:19- They knew how to use the media - to promote their cause.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- The big story was that they would - not be allowed through the gates.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- The church bell rang...
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- ..if there was a hint - that someone was on their way...
0:33:34 > 0:33:36- ..from Pontyberem or Crwbin.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- People knew if there was a stranger - in their midst...
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- ..and would warn the others.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- They knew it was over for them - if the machinery entered the fields.
0:33:51 > 0:33:56- I didn't get the impression - that this battle resembled Tryweryn.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00- These farmers thought the world - of their land.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- They lived on the land - and for the land.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- They could lose that land - and a community would be destroyed.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- Where do you get the desire - to defend your land?
0:34:23 > 0:34:27- The Welsh are viewed as a nation - who get a rough deal.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32- This story is completely different.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- Is that why it's forgotten?
0:34:35 > 0:34:37- These people stood firm.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39- What would Swansea do next?
0:34:48 > 0:34:48- .
0:34:52 > 0:34:52- Subtitles
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- There's Pant-teg Farm, - Llandre Farm...
0:35:00 > 0:35:04- ..and Glan-yr-Ynys Farm - is around the corner.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- Glan-yr-Ynys - saw the climax of the battle.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- It was the home of William Thomas, - chairman of the defence committee.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- His family still live there.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- How strong - do you feel about this?
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- I'll be losing somewhere - in the region of 80 acres...
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- ..with other farmers as well.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- They'll be losing - a great many acres.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39- It is after all our business.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42- Unless we can farm, - we cannot make a living.
0:35:43 > 0:35:44- We're entitled to a living.
0:35:45 > 0:35:46- Your father was Dewi...
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- ..and your grandfather was - William Thomas, one of the leaders.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- This was the site of - a major incident of the campaign.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57- Can you show me the gate - where it all happened?
0:35:57 > 0:35:59- It's at the top of the lane.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04- It's the gate on the lane - that leads directly to the farm.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10- The gate was already locked.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12- Did it have a lock and chain?
0:36:12 > 0:36:14- Did it have a lock and chain?- - Yes, it did.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16- Every gate was locked.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- Something protected every gate.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- They had been blocked - with old machines...
0:36:23 > 0:36:28- ..and tractors - that were no longer in use.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- Were they moved especially - to stop the Swansea officials?
0:36:33 > 0:36:34- They had been there a while.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39- Your father was standing here - and they came up this road.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- There were lorries - and a lot of people.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- What were they planning to do?
0:36:46 > 0:36:48- They wanted to inspect the land.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54- They needed a survey to see if the - land was suitable for a reservoir.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59- The defence committee decided they - would not comply with their demands.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- Mr Richard Lillicrap - arrived with the warrant...
0:37:04 > 0:37:06- ..but my father refused.
0:37:06 > 0:37:11- My father asked, "Do you mind - if I have time to read the warrant?"
0:37:11 > 0:37:16- It meant the villagers - had some time to get here.
0:37:16 > 0:37:22- They were ready to be arrested on - that morning and be taken to prison.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- They had chosen the people - who would be arrested.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- It all got a bit heated...
0:37:28 > 0:37:33- ..and that's when Lillicrap decided - that it was best for him to leave.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35- By this time...
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- ..tempers were beginning to run high - in various places...
0:37:40 > 0:37:45- ..and I was getting concerned - about the safety of my own workmen.
0:37:45 > 0:37:51- They allowed some of the Swansea - officials into the large field.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55- They could walk down the field - but it was a token gesture.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00- After the disturbance, the Swansea - officials decided to leave.
0:38:01 > 0:38:06- Richard Lillicrap said, "We're - leaving now, but we will be back"...
0:38:07 > 0:38:08- ..but they never came back.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13- The villagers were very worried - for about 18 months...
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- ..and wondered - if it would happen again.
0:38:16 > 0:38:21- Once again, they read an article - in the Western Mail...
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- ..about the corporation's plans to - develop Llyn Brianne at Rhandirmwyn.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29- The defence committee had suggested - this site at the very start.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33- We feel that there are alternatives.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35- What sort of alternatives?
0:38:35 > 0:38:39- Where there is no need - to take good agricultural land....
0:38:40 > 0:38:45- ..and there won't be any need - to cause any disruption...
0:38:46 > 0:38:47- ..to homes and families.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- They said this site - was unsuitable...
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- ..but had found a better location.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- They were excellent leaders.
0:38:56 > 0:39:01- William Thomas had ties with the - countryside council in Carmarthen.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- Do you remember your grandfather?
0:39:04 > 0:39:05- Do you remember your grandfather?- - Yes, I remember him well.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08- Everyone smiles - when talking about him.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13- David's the eldest son and he was - very close to our grandfather.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- He was quite a character.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- I would love it - if all the Welsh...
0:39:19 > 0:39:24- ..both in Wales and those spread - across the world would join us.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30- I appeal to them - for their support in this battle.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- He liked the odd whisky - and enjoyed his cigars.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- Yes, Wills Whiffs.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43- They celebrated with a service - of thanksgiving in the village...
0:39:44 > 0:39:45- ..and a party.
0:39:45 > 0:39:51- If they hadn't put up such a fight - and won their battle...
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- ..we wouldn't be - standing here today.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- Glan-yr-Ynys Farm would not exist.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- These are some - of the original placards...
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- ..that were scattered - around the village.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15- "Support the protectors - of Llangyndeyrn."
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- It's quite emotional.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22- We've kept these from the 1960s.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- What do these signs mean to you?
0:40:27 > 0:40:29- They speak for themselves.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- My father kept them - and we've still got them.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35- It was an important event - at the time.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- These are the only signs - that remain.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- They've been in our shed - for 50 years.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46- The handwriting is different - on each of them.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47- They're our past.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26- The Gwendraeth Fach Valley - would've looked like this.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29- Under water.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- It's so quiet, - apart from a few birds.
0:41:40 > 0:41:46- I left Llangyndeyrn and came here, - to North-East Carmarthenshire.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48- It's a stark contrast.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- The landscape - is completely different.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55- The soil is a different colour, - it's stony and wild.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00- The farmers didn't have - any expertise in engineering.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06- The defence committee - were not technically adept...
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- ..and yet, - they looked into this scheme.
0:42:10 > 0:42:15- It shows initiative - and intelligence.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- It's amazing.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23- They didn't simply oppose the scheme - in their own valley...
0:42:23 > 0:42:27- ..but offered a better alternative.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- And they were right.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33- They used facts to fight facts.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- It fills me with confidence...
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- ..and shows what Welsh communities - can achieve.
0:43:03 > 0:43:08- What about the other valley - that was flooded, namely Tryweryn?
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- An old friend planted a bomb there - 50 years ago.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16- How does he view Llangyndeyrn - and Tryweryn today?
0:43:41 > 0:43:45- Hello, how are you? - Who do we have here?
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- This is Roy. Come and see Roy.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50- This is where Roy has his food.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52- This is where Roy has his food.- - Hello, Roy.
0:43:55 > 0:43:58- Did you know about - the events in Llangyndeyrn?
0:43:59 > 0:44:01- Yes, I knew all about it.
0:44:01 > 0:44:06- I was 23 and had far too many things - on my plate at the time...
0:44:06 > 0:44:09- ..but followed the story - of Llangyndeyrn.
0:44:09 > 0:44:14- Why do we remember Tryweryn - but have forgotten Llangyndeyrn?
0:44:15 > 0:44:20- Tryweryn was more dramatic but - I don't know why people remember it.
0:44:20 > 0:44:25- Are the Welsh too eager - to brush things under the carpet...
0:44:25 > 0:44:30- ..if it doesn't meet with the - approval of the Welsh movements?
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- This event didn't involve - a major group.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37- It was a community - acting for their own good.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41- And wow... it's an incredible story.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45- I'm glad Cymdeithas Yr Iaith - didn't get involved.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- The people of Llangyndeyrn - made that stand.
0:44:49 > 0:44:53- An external group would have - changed the nature of the battle.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58- It's a shame we didn't use - the same tactics in Tryweryn...
0:44:58 > 0:45:01- ..as they did in Llangyndeyrn.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03- It was a visual protest.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06- This was not the case for us.
0:45:06 > 0:45:10- These were normal people - who were willing to take a risk.
0:45:10 > 0:45:12- It was still dramatic.
0:45:12 > 0:45:17- I remember the farmers - standing side by side...
0:45:18 > 0:45:20- ..and clinging to that gate.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23- This is our heritage.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27- This story should inspire us.
0:45:27 > 0:45:32- Their stance - was more important than Tryweryn.
0:45:32 > 0:45:36- They didn't operate - as individuals.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- They operated as a community.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44- They supported one another - and used non-violent protests.
0:45:44 > 0:45:49- The battle of Llangyndeyrn - was more important than Tryweryn.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54- It was one of the most - important events of the century...
0:45:55 > 0:45:57- ..in terms of Welsh nationalism.
0:45:57 > 0:46:02- We should paint 'Cofiwch - Llangyndeyrn' on the roadside.
0:46:03 > 0:46:05- Yes, it is what they deserve.
0:46:24 > 0:46:30- After spending time in this valley - and learning about its history...
0:46:30 > 0:46:32- ..I've grown to love it.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35- I love the people and all they did.
0:46:35 > 0:46:38- I can't believe what they did.
0:46:38 > 0:46:42- When I was a child - living three miles away...
0:46:42 > 0:46:47- ..I wish my parents had taken me - to the public meetings...
0:46:47 > 0:46:53- ..to hear W M Rees, William Thomas, - Arwyn Llandre and Huw Pant-teg.
0:46:53 > 0:46:58- I hope everyone hears this story - from now on...
0:46:59 > 0:47:02- ..and remembers Llangyndeyrn...
0:47:02 > 0:47:08- ..and the important messages - that are found within this story.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11- If we stand up - for what we believe...
0:47:11 > 0:47:16- ..we can overcome - all sorts of powers...
0:47:16 > 0:47:19- ..that appear to be - totally invincible.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21- Anything is possible.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25- This is such an inspirational story.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28- It's so inspirational.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:48:04 > 0:48:05- .