0:00:00 > 0:00:00- 888
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:06 > 0:00:10- "Magnificent towns and cities - which lie beneath the sea
0:00:10 > 0:00:14- "Listened to the peal of bells - at dusk in harmony
0:00:14 > 0:00:18- "Through negligent abandon - by a watchman on the site
0:00:19 > 0:00:23- "The bells of Cantre'r Gwaelod - were silenced one dark night"
0:01:04 > 0:01:06- This is Aberarth beach.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- This is the beautiful beach - of my childhood.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12- I spent many hours here.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- In truth, - maybe I spent years on this beach.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- It has so many historic connections.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- Ever time I hear - the Cantre'r Gwaelod poem...
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- ..it's like a key - unlocking my Aberarth.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33- The Aberarth I've carried with me, - in my imagination and my heart...
0:01:33 > 0:01:35- ..over the years.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- This is where we'd spend - our summer holidays as children.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- The school holidays. - We'd spend our days here.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- Shrimping. Prawning.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- If we were ambitious, - we'd go lobstering.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- We'd search for periwinkles.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- I remember we'd come down - as families from the village.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- We'd sit on the beach - under the sweltering sun.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- There was a plentiful supply of wood - to build a bonfire.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- We'd boil a kettle and families - would gather together for a picnic.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15- It was a social beach.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- People would flock here.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- Looking back at our upbringing - with Mam and Dad...
0:02:33 > 0:02:37- ..Dad was often away from home - working as a ship's carpenter.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- As you know, in those days...
0:02:42 > 0:02:47- ..you could be at sea for anything - between a year and 18 months.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51- I remember when Hywel was born, - Dad was away.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- Hywel was ten months old before Dad - saw him for the first time.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- Myf, we spent a lot of time - in this little chapel.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- You started playing the organ - when you were nine.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05- You played here - for over half a century.
0:03:06 > 0:03:07- What's your earliest memory?
0:03:08 > 0:03:11- I remember you being baptized there.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15- Reverend Haydn Lewis - was the minister that day.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- He was born in Aberaeron.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20- A chief bard.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- Mam had told him - that she was terribly nervous.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- "Don't worry," he said, - "I think I'm more nervous than you."
0:03:28 > 0:03:30- It was his first baptism.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- I had a winner right from the start!
0:03:33 > 0:03:34- I had a winner right from the start!- - He started off well.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37- He had a heavyweight, anyway!
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- How much did I weigh - when I was baptized?
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- You were ten pounds at birth.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- I don't know how much you weighed - when you were baptized.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- That was my brains.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54- I have a clear recollection - of people singing around the piano.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- I can remember one night - - I must have been quite young.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- We were in our pyjamas - on a Saturday night...
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- ..after having a bath - ready for Sunday.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- You were playing the piano...
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- ..you, me and Ken, of course - - our elder brother.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- We were singing Duw Wyr Yr Adfyd. - Do you remember that?
0:04:15 > 0:04:16- I remember that clearly.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- I remember that clearly.- - After the bath!
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- After our weekly scrubbing.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- I remember that clearly.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- Later, Alice was born.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- You know how we loved singing. - She ended up playing the organ too.
0:04:33 > 0:04:39- We're aware now that this little - chapel is likely to close soon.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- It's the last connection - to our village...
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- ..to our generation - and the people who lived around us.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- It's that sort of culture - that left its stamp on us.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53- It's ending here.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- I find that very hard to accept.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- No-one can change the situation - - it carries on regardless.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- Huckleberry Finn - had the Mississippi.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- The people of New York - have the Brooklyn Bridge.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- In Aberarth, we have the River Arth - and the footbridge.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- That's enough.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- The river level is high this morning.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- What I remember - are the wonderful summers...
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- ..when the river level was low.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- We'd go down to "swmpo" fish.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- In other parts of Wales, - they call it tickling fish...
0:05:58 > 0:06:00- ..but "swmpo" was our word...
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- ..and we'd paddle - when the river was low.
0:06:03 > 0:06:09- As well as that, we'd snare the fish - from the riverbank.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- A hazel rod with plenty of whip.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- Tie an umbrella steel to the rod.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- Get some horse hair from - the McLaren brothers in Bryn Dewi.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21- We'd make a snare out of the hair.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- We'd tie the snare - to the umbrella steel.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- We'd open it up, put one end through - and you could snare from the bank.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- When you saw the snare - in front of its nose...
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- ..the fish would get restless - and you'd back off.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- Finally, you'd get the snare - behind its gills.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- A 2lb sewin could be caught - in that way.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- The Mississippi - has nothing on the Arth.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- Tegwyn, it's been 60 years since - I first stood on Banc-y-Darren.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- Aberarth's first match...
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- ..in the Aberystwyth and District - Junior League.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- We played Trefeurig.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- We won 7-0.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- I was 14.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- I remember the date - - 25th September, 1948.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- You were slightly younger.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- Were you here for the match?
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- Certainly. I don't think I've missed - any match played on this pitch.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- There's no reason - to think I wasn't here.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- They've all - been telescoped together now.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Certainly, I was here.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- Saturday would become - a very social day.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- It wasn't just about the match.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- I lived down in the village, - in the valley.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- A bus would ferry us to Aberystwyth - if we wanted to go...
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- ..on Saturdays and Mondays.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- Apart from that, we were isolated.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- We didn't have a car - - hardly anyone had a car.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- Suddenly, a team was formed...
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- ..and every other Saturday, - we'd visit some esoteric places.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- Pontrhydfendigaid, - Ponthrhydygroes and Llanilar!
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- We would visit these towns - with the football team.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- Without the football team...
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- ..I wouldn't have known - so much about the county.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- I remember one match - - I think we played Goginan.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- It was a fine day. We were playing - with the old leather ball.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- Our winger was racing - down the wing...
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- ..but the fullback - reached the ball before him...
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- ..and kicked it with some force.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- Think of a cannonball - in the Crimean War.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- It hit our winger - in his nether regions...
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- ..and he went down like - a ton of bricks, writhing in pain.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- Dai, the trainer, - ran on to the pitch in a shot.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08- All he had was a sponge.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- What was he going to do with that?
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- He was tending to this poor dab - on the ground with his sponge.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- I remember our winger - pleading with Dai...
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- .."Dear God, Dai, - don't play with them, count them!"
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- We had so many stories like that...
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- I remember after the war ended...
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- ..a lot of singers, - most singers in Ceredigion...
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- ..would come to our house - to rehearse before the eisteddfodau.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- My sister, Myf, - was a very good accompanist.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- I listened to these singers - singing their solos.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- I remember standing - on a huge rock near Craig Ddu...
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- ..trying to sing Brad Dynrafon - like Wat Mynachdy Bach.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- # On Dynrafon rock - above the waves #
0:10:17 > 0:10:18- I still remember it today.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- I would come here to sing the solos - that I loved so much.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- At the same time, - or slightly earlier...
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- ..when I was in the sixth form - in Aberaeron...
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- ..after speaking Welsh - for over 15 years...
0:10:37 > 0:10:43- ..suddenly I realized - how splendid a language it was.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- In the sixth form, - I read the poems of T Gwynn Jones...
0:10:47 > 0:10:49- ..mesmerized by Ymadawiad Arthur.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- Reading Gwenallt's Ysgubau'r Awen.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- Learning all the sonnets in a night.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- I was greatly influenced - by T H Parry-Williams's poetry.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- I'd come down here - and walk along the beach.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- I'd learn the poems...
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- ..and recite them loudly - as I walked.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- If people would have heard me, - I'd have been locked up.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- To me, this place echoes that time.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- The seagulls flying above me...
0:11:20 > 0:11:26- ..would screech, I believed, - their appreciation and applause.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Out there, in the depths...
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- ..seals would raise their nostrils - to the sky in wonder.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33- Even to this day...
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- ..I'm sure that's the most - cultured audience I've ever had.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40- The seagulls and the seals...
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- ..on this stretch of beach - that leads to Craig Ddu.
0:11:45 > 0:11:46- .
0:11:50 > 0:11:50- 888
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- 888- - 888
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- Aberystwyth University
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- Fifty-five years have passed - since I attended this college...
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- ..back in the autumn of 1953.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- I was a fresh-faced, innocent student - from Llanddewi, Aberarth.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- My digs were in Myrddin, - in Rheidol Terrace.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- Near the harbour, near the sea. - I had to be near the sea.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- The first few weeks - were rather strange.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- I wouldn't say - it was "hiraeth" - a deep longing.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- That sounds too intense but I had a - feeling I wasn't in the right place.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- I used to go down to the station...
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- ..just to see a Crosville bus - with the word Aberaeron on it...
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- ..just to know - there was a bus to Aberarth.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- Soon, I started playing soccer - for the college team.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- That changed things completely.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- Since then, I have a special place - in my heart for Crosville buses.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- Blaengarw - Bridgend
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- This is Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg - Cwm Garw nowadays
0:13:22 > 0:13:25- It's the old Garw Grammar School.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- This is where I started teaching - back in 1959.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- My wife, Aerona, and her brother, - David, were pupils here.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Aerona was born - just up the avenue behind me.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40- It's strange to think...
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- ..that there are 250 Welsh speakers - in the school now.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- During the time I taught - in Garw Grammar School...
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- ..I only taught six children - who could speak Welsh.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- There was not need to question - the nationality of Garw children...
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- ..Welsh speaking or not.
0:13:58 > 0:14:03- They were Welsh in terms - of their instinct and nature.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- There were many strong characters - here among the staff and children.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- I was so happy here.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- I'm so glad I lived - in a South Wales Valley...
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- ..during the heyday - of the coal industry.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- 1959.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- An old friend from college, - a year older than me...
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- ..started teaching in Bridgend.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- Moc - William Morgan Rogers.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- We'd meet up.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- I lodged in Bryn Llidiard - with Betty and Bill Parry.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- We'd meet up during the week - in the Six Bells and play darts.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- This was a lovely old pub.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- If I had Bill Gates's money...
0:15:02 > 0:15:08- ..I'd buy a pub in every - Welsh village from north to south.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- I'd make sure - they were run by Welsh people.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- Most of the time, - I'd hope for Welsh speakers...
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- ..but I would never close the door - on non-Welsh speakers.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- There'd be a dartboard in the bar, - an old piano...
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- ..and nothing else.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- I'm a great believer - in singing in pubs.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- Creating such pubs across Wales...
0:15:35 > 0:15:40- ..would create centres for - lively socializing and relaxation.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- A good pub - creates a good atmosphere.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- A person goes home - on better terms with himself...
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- ..believing he lives - in a better world.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- This is your old chapel. - This is where you were raised.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- The Tabernacle Chapel in Blaengarw.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- Here, if you can remember, - is where we got married.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13- I bet you don't remember the date.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- I had to tell you earlier.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- 26th July, 1960.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- Well done.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- People said - it was an unusual wedding.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- The bride turned up - a full hour before the groom...
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- ..in case she missed the match!
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- I think that's true.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- There was no minister here - at the time.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42- Reverend Wyndham Rees - from Bethania Independent Chapel...
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- ..was the minister - on our wedding day.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- That was a sure sign - it could become a tempestuous union.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- We were uniting - a Methodist and a Baptist.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- It's lasted to this day.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- We are proud of one connection - we have with the chapel.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- It's a connection that continues.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- The organ that was once played - in this chapel is now owned by Huw.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- It's up in London.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- It's played in his home there.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- No.24 Bryn Llidiard.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- This is where we started - our married life...
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- ..back in 1960.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42- We lived here when Huw was born...
0:17:43 > 0:17:45- ..down in the hospital - in Bridgend...
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- ..on the 18th of August 1961.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- Here, in this house, - if you happen to remember...
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- ..Meinir was born - on the 8th of September 1963.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- You must remember that. - I thought so.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- We were very happy in Bryn Llidiard.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18- Aerona and I, Huw and Meinir - moved to Llangennech in 1965.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- We came down one Sunday afternoon - from the outskirts of Bridgend.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- We had friends who'd lived - opposite us and moved down here.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- We went down to visit them.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- I was about to start working - in Swansea University...
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- ..in the old - Extra-Mural Studies Department.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- I knew I had to find a home - somewhere in this area.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- We came here - and we've been here ever since.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- As far as I'm concerned, - I don't think we'll ever leave.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- I'm a village man. I'd be at a loss - in a town let alone a city.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59- I'm a village man.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- I like nosy people, people - who want to know all about you.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- Part of the fun - of living in a village...
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- ..is spreading a rumour - early in the morning...
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- ..and by dusk, it's become an epic.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- God knows what will have happened - or who will be in the story.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- It's so entertaining.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- One thing surprised me...
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- ..as a man who had no interest - in horses whatsoever.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- I would go down - on a Saturday morning...
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- ..to the Old Bridge Inn for a pint.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- The bar would resemble - a Quakers' meeting.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- Not a word was spoken.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- Everyone reading their papers - - studying the form.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- A bookies had opened - across the road.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- If you had something to say, - you'd have to whisper.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- I remember one of the experts, one - of the lads who understood horses...
0:19:55 > 0:20:00- ..my old friend Raymond, - he'd bring a Timeform with him.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- A book with a shiny black cover...
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- ..and the word Timeform - in white on the cover.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- That book recorded everything - anyone needed to know about horses...
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- ..including the latest form.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- They called that book...
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- ..Llyfr y Datguddiad - the Book - of Revelation!
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Llangennech was a lively place...
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- ..hosting various events - and activities.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- It's not as lively now - as it once was. So much has changed.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- The story is the same across Wales.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- The sense of community - is slowly dying.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- People don't meet socially. - The culture has changed so much.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49- Creating village spirit - is a huge challenge nowadays.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- I had the chance - to see it in action.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- When I worked in the - Extra-Mural Department in Swansea...
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- ..I organized classes - in Llanelli and Swansea...
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- ..but I also went down - to the Gwendraeth Valley.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- I went up the Swansea Valley, - to places such as Cwmllynfell.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- The community spirit could be seen - in all its glory there.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- I look back at that time...
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- ..and feel privileged that I was - able to organize those meetings.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- The work spanned - a quarter of a century.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- They all turned to him like a lion - and the lion was quick on the draw.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- He's not a man of the ivory tower.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- Yes, he spends long hours...
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- ..studying and writing...
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- ..put people see the benefit...
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- ..because he's so willing - to contribute by lecturing.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- He visits all sorts of societies - such as Merched y Wawr...
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- ..and small church groups - in remote locations.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- I ask him sometimes, "Why do you - do that in the depths of winter?"
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- "I enjoy it," he replies, - "They deserve it."
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- They benefit from his contribution.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- You could enter - the Palace of Eros...
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- ..to see Fatima belly dancing.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- That's what they should have - in eisteddfodau.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- He's an accomplished lecturer.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- I'm hoping he'll pay me - for saying this!
0:22:30 > 0:22:36- He's the best lecturer we have - in Wales at the present time.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- You're compelled to listen to him. - He has so much enthusiasm.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- His interpretation is convincing.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- He can express himself - so easily and eloquently.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55- The English aren't our problem - in terms of the Welsh language.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- We are the problem. Us, up here.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- It's a psychological problem.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- Why do we lack confidence? - We can speak two languages.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- Think back to that period...
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- He's a giant of a man.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- He's also unique - in the way he talks.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- I had a cancer scare in 1970.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- Well, how old was I in 1970?
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- 1970 - I was 36.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Huw and Meinir were still young...
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- ..during that time.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- I didn't take illness seriously - at that age.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- I was very healthy.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- I was enjoying life.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50- I was still playing football.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- I liked to think I was still young.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- Then, suddenly, I came - face to face with that word.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- It was nothing more - than a word to me.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- The word cancer...
0:24:04 > 0:24:09- ..suddenly it became a reality - of flesh and blood and mind.
0:24:11 > 0:24:12- I was lucky.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- Aerona knew far more than me - about these matters.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- She understands.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22- She can discuss issues wisely.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- I didn't want to know.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28- When the doctors and surgeons - spoke to me, I didn't want to know.
0:24:28 > 0:24:29- "I know it's there.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- "I have every faith - in your ability to get rid of it.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37- "The only thing that matters to me - is helping you with your work.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- "I don't want to know - anything else."
0:24:40 > 0:24:44- In reality, I was just being a - coward. I was hiding behind Aerona.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- And then, one way or another...
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- ..I came through it.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00- .
0:25:04 > 0:25:04- 888
0:25:04 > 0:25:06- 888- - 888
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- I moved to the Welsh Department - in Swansea University...
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- ..in the 1988-89 term.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24- It was no different to what I'd - been doing with my evening classes.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29- One tried to ignite some interest - and hoped to get a response.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- I also wanted them to read - and appreciate Welsh literature.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38- I remember Hywel Teifi Edwards - walking in...
0:25:38 > 0:25:42- ..and the presence he had, - the charisma...
0:25:43 > 0:25:47- ..almost an aura around him...
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- ..it sounds dramatic - but that's how it felt at the time.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55- He started to speak and - he didn't have any notes with him.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- I always remember that.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- He'd never arrive carrying a file - or pieces of paper.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- It didn't mean he hadn't prepared - but it all came from the heart.
0:26:05 > 0:26:11- The theatre was full of students - at 9.00am on Friday morning.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- I'm sure Thursday night - was student night in Ritzy's.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20- It was quite an achievement - to get so many students there.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- It felt as though he was performing - for us.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28- Hywel is one of the people - who has a special licence...
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- ..in the way he does - and says things.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34- No-one else - would dare do it like him.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39- He can put his closest friends - in their place.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42- I know that from experience.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46- When he disagrees, he disagrees...
0:26:46 > 0:26:51- ..to such an extent, - he sometimes makes me feel...
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- ..that I have no right - to argue my case.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- He has such strong views - on certain matters.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- Once he's raised his glasses - to his forehead...
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- ..and looked you straight in the - eye, you know you've crossed him.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- To be honest, - I'm not sure what to say...
0:27:09 > 0:27:11- ..in response to that.
0:27:12 > 0:27:18- I've never thought of myself - as someone who's so outspoken.
0:27:18 > 0:27:23- If he thinks his view is right, - he sticks to his guns.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- I don't suppose - that's such a bad thing.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- You could never accuse him - of agreeing with the consensus.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36- I'm naturally impatient - and I accept that.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40- I'm impossibly impatient at times.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45- That might make some people think - that I'm some kind of steamroller.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- I would accept that.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- If I have something to say - and I really want to say it...
0:27:52 > 0:27:54- ..there's no need to mince words...
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- ..or beat around the bush.
0:27:58 > 0:28:03- In other words, it's better to be - as clear and concise as you can...
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- ..so that everyone understands.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- It works in reverse too. I'd expect - an equally clear and concise answer.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- Sometimes, - he can be very sharp-tongued...
0:28:13 > 0:28:18- ..but he's also a man with - a lot of kindness and a big heart.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22- If there was a suitable Welsh word - for "softie"...
0:28:22 > 0:28:25- ..that's the word I'd use for Hywel.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- Deep down, he's a real softie.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- All in all, I'd describe myself...
0:28:31 > 0:28:36- ..as someone who takes - great care in what he says.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40- At least that's what I think.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- He's the same when he's writing.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48- He expresses his views - about the world and its ways.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54- Sometimes, maybe I make statements...
0:28:54 > 0:28:59- ..that are likely - to rattle a few cages...
0:28:59 > 0:29:01- ..or at least illicit a response.
0:29:02 > 0:29:03- In contemporary Wales...
0:29:04 > 0:29:09- ..no-one has any idea who or how - many people read what is written.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- To be honest, it might be better...
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- ..if we didn't know the answer - to that question.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- We'll just continue writing - in the hope...
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- ..that there is an audience - out there...
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- ..and that the audience will, - some day, grow.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29- I don't see anything wrong - with expressing one's views.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- If someone says something - that's misleading...
0:29:33 > 0:29:38- ..he lives in the hope that someone - will stand up and disagree with him.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- What is culture, after all? - It's a knot of tensions.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47- Culture is worthless - without tension and debate...
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- ..and people being over-critical - when expressing their views.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- I support that.
0:29:55 > 0:29:56- In 1988...
0:29:56 > 0:30:01- ..Barddas published an anthology - of 19th-century Welsh poetry.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- Bobi Jones was its editor.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- I reviewed it for Barn.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- I didn't think the anthology - was a fair reflection...
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- ..of the way I saw - 19th-century Welsh poetry.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21- There was a lively debate - in subsequent editions of Barn.
0:30:21 > 0:30:26- Bobi Jones is a fighter, - he's a strong believer.
0:30:26 > 0:30:31- He's a fundamentalist - - he has a very clear viewpoint.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- I often dismiss his views but I'm - glad he's ready to express them.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40- People like that - illicit a response within a culture.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- They can excite people - and rouse them into action.
0:30:44 > 0:30:45- I enjoyed that very much.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- I think both of us have followed - the National Eisteddfod...
0:30:59 > 0:31:01- ..for nigh on 60 years.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- I'd like to highlight one thing.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- Having had a keen interest - in the Eisteddfod for many years...
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- ..and then become - a member of the Gorsedd...
0:31:11 > 0:31:15- ..it dawned on me how indebted - we are to the Gorsedd of Bards.
0:31:15 > 0:31:21- That's the establishment - that proclaimed way back in 1888...
0:31:21 > 0:31:26- ..that the official language - of the Eisteddfod was Welsh.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- It came at a time - when Welsh was frowned upon.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32- The Gorsedd secured the Welshness - of the Eisteddfod.
0:31:32 > 0:31:37- However much people poke fun - at the Gorsedd...
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- ..and some are very cynical of it...
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- ..and deride it - at every opportunity...
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- ..we owe them a debt of gratitude.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52- The contemporary Eisteddfod is - extremely indebted to the Gorsedd.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54- That's true enough.
0:31:55 > 0:32:01- During that time, people were - ashamed of the Gorsedd of Bards.
0:32:01 > 0:32:08- It was believed that the Gorsedd - made Welsh people a laughing stock.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- Those old boys stuck to their guns.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- Brits such as Sir John Morris Jones - attacked the institution...
0:32:15 > 0:32:20- ..even though he was prepared - to stand on the Eisteddfod stage.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- These people were proud - of their Welsh heritage.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- They didn't care who mocked them.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31- People mock the Eisteddfod - but they still enjoy the ceremonies.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36- There isn't a legitimate culture - without some kind of ceremony.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48- I remember asking Gwenallt - if I could so some research.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- I wanted to research - the life of Emrys ap Iwan.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54- He replied, "No."
0:32:54 > 0:32:59- He asked me a question and he knew - the answer before asking it.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- "Can you speak French?"
0:33:01 > 0:33:05- As if everyone from Aberarth - could speak French.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- I said, "No, not a word, Gwenallt.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- "I never attended a French lesson - in Aberaeron, not one."
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- "Oh, well, - if you can't speak French...
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- "..you can't research - Emrys ap Iwan."
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- Before I knew what was happening...
0:33:22 > 0:33:28- ..he'd asked me to research the life - of William Williams, Creuddynfab.
0:33:28 > 0:33:33- William Williams Creuddynfab - had been appointed...
0:33:33 > 0:33:38- ..as the first paid secretary - of the National Eisteddfod...
0:33:38 > 0:33:43- ..during the first ten years - of the Eisteddfod...
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- ..between Llangollen 1858 - and Ruthin 1868.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- I started researching that period.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54- I knew nothing of the early period - of the National Eisteddfod.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59- I soon found out that very few - people knew anything about it.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- The National Eisteddfod - unlocked that period for me...
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- ..certain aspects of Wales - during the Victorian Age.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- I knew nothing of them previously.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- It was a very exciting period.
0:34:13 > 0:34:18- I was surprised to learn - how quickly the Eisteddfod...
0:34:18 > 0:34:22- ..turned into an institution - to anglicize Wales.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26- I recall the life - of David Davies, Llandinam.
0:34:26 > 0:34:31- He didn't speak a lot of English - but he'd amassed a large fortune.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33- He came down from Llandinam...
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- ..to the Eisteddfod stage - in Aberystwyth in 1865.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39- The pavilion was full of Cardis.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- How many of those - could speak English?
0:34:43 > 0:34:48- He said, "If you want to eat brown - bread for the rest of your life...
0:34:48 > 0:34:50- "..speak Welsh.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- "If you want to eat white bread, - speak English!"
0:34:54 > 0:35:00- He takes stock of the Welsh psyche - during that period...
0:35:00 > 0:35:06- ..and shows how we have inherited - the Victorian attitudes of the time.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- Not all of them - are positive attitudes.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14- That's when it all started.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18- From that interest, the first - substantial volume was published...
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- ..Gwyl Gwalia - the history - of the National Eisteddfod...
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- ..during the golden age of Victoria.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27- By the time it was published...
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- ..in terms of Welsh life - in the Victorian Age, I was hooked.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- There are two buildings, - built during the Victorian Age...
0:35:51 > 0:35:53- ..two iconic buildings.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- I would have loved - to have performed in both.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01- One was the Crystal Palace, built - for the Great Exhibition in 1851.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- It burnt down so I have no hope - of performing there.
0:36:05 > 0:36:06- This is the second one.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09- In my imagination, - I've sung here many times.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14- This is the first time - I've set foot in this building.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17- It's like reaching - an English Valhalla.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- You have sung here.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- What can you tell me - about that experience?
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- I'd dreamt of performing here - for years.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29- I'd seen it so many times - on the television.
0:36:29 > 0:36:35- The first time I was here, - I realized how vast it actually was.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- Coming here as a solo artist...
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- ..I was in a small room at the back - with no light.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- I walked under the seats - and out onto the stage.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- It opens up in front of you.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- It's like walking out - into the Coliseum.
0:36:52 > 0:36:57- The audience were all around me. - It was a remarkable experience.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- The father of the tenors, - metaphorically speaking...
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- ..the father of the tenors in Wales - is Robert Rees, Eos Morlais.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- He performed here in 1887.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12- This is where the National - Eisteddfod was held in 1887...
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- ..to commemorate - Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18- It was held here.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23- There's a wonderful story - - the Prince of Wales turned up.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27- Everything was ready for him. - There were 12 harps on stage.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31- Pencerdd Gwalia was in charge. - A choir was in attendance.
0:37:32 > 0:37:37- Robert Rees, Eos Morlais, - sang God Bless The Prince Of Wales.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41- This majestic venue - was packed to the rafters.
0:37:41 > 0:37:46- Eos Morlais and the choir finished - the song and everyone sat down.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50- Eos stood once more - to sing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- Someone had neglected - to tell the Prince what to do.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56- He didn't understand.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01- According to the story, - he stood to sing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- From that moment onwards...
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- ..Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau - was adopted as the National Anthem.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14- # Gwlad, gwlad
0:38:14 > 0:38:21- # Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad #
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- LOUD CHEER
0:38:49 > 0:38:51- I've arrived.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- Temple of the Arsenal.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- I've been an Arsenal fan - for 60 years. Sixty years!
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- Dear me.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- Marvellous.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13- Marvellous.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19- This is slightly better - than Trefeurig's pitch.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- The initial interest - came from the author of this book.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30- Wally Barnes, Arsenal and Wales - captain. Here's his autobiography.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- Captain of Wales.
0:39:32 > 0:39:37- He captained Wales in 1948.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- That's when my love affair started.
0:39:40 > 0:39:45- I think it's true - for anyone who supports a club.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48- Every time - I see Arsenal on the box...
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- ..I'll imagine being here in the - changing rooms before they come out.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55- Fantastic.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59- Incredible.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- I think of the Aberarth team - back in the day.
0:40:05 > 0:40:06- At the end of the 1940s.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11- If you were lucky, you'd get - a cold bath after the match.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- I had the same love for the game.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- I loved it as much then as I do now.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19- It meant just as much to us.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23- It's so wonderful - when you can visit places like this.
0:40:23 > 0:40:29- This is the pinnacle - of a man's love for the game.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31- Excellent.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33- I'm a very lucky man today.
0:40:34 > 0:40:35- Very lucky.
0:40:37 > 0:40:38- Yes.
0:40:41 > 0:40:42- .
0:40:44 > 0:40:44- 888
0:40:44 > 0:40:46- 888- - 888
0:40:59 > 0:41:02- I've walked along this path - many times, over to Bynea.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05- Hundreds of times by now.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- Every time I walk along here...
0:41:08 > 0:41:13- ..I feel so glad that we moved - to live in Llangennech.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- When I'm surrounded - by this natural beauty...
0:41:17 > 0:41:21- ..which is often - taken for granted...
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- ..I sometimes stop to ponder - and think about my life here...
0:41:25 > 0:41:30- ..and how my roots have been planted - in such a beautiful world.
0:41:31 > 0:41:36- To me, as a Welshman, it awakens - a sense of responsibility.
0:41:36 > 0:41:42- I had the privilege of doing - some work on a local level...
0:41:42 > 0:41:44- ..as a councillor some years ago.
0:41:45 > 0:41:49- Everyone can do a little - - everyone has a contribution to make.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- In a village, - one comes to realize that.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58- Then I was dragged in - - I can't remember which year it was.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03- I stood for Parliament in Llanelli.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08- A that time, there was - an old stereotype in Llanelli.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13- They didn't count Labour's votes, - they weighed them.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17- The main election - was the one fought in 1987.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22- To cut a long story short, - I stood for election.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26- A by-election was due and - the campaign would be quite short.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- The campaign continued - for three years.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- By the time it ended...
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- ..I was six inches shorter - than I was at the start.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38- I tramped through every nook - and cranny in Carmarthenshire.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41- When the General Election - was held in 1987...
0:42:41 > 0:42:45- ..Plaid Cymru was swamped - in the raging battle...
0:42:45 > 0:42:47- ..between Labour and Thatcherism.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- Rod Richards represented - Thatcherism - an excellent choice.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- Alan Williams represented Labour.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58- I think Alan - recorded the highest vote...
0:42:58 > 0:43:02- ..in the history - of the Carmarthen constituency.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06- He galloped past the winning post.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10- Rod Richards, - representing the Tories, was second.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12- I was third, covered in bruises.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15- They're still on my back today.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18- Instinctively, - I don't like losing...
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- ..but more than anything else...
0:43:21 > 0:43:25- ..I didn't want to lose the election - for Plaid Cymru...
0:43:25 > 0:43:29- ..and for what the party - represented for Wales.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32- I remember telling him...
0:43:32 > 0:43:35- ..however wonderful it would be...
0:43:35 > 0:43:38- ..for him to win the seat - for Plaid Cymru...
0:43:39 > 0:43:41- ..I was hoping he'd lose.
0:43:43 > 0:43:49- I felt it would be such a waste - of his knowledge and talent...
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- ..if he became - a Member of Parliament.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56- You have to remember - that during this period...
0:43:56 > 0:44:00- ..the Welsh lived - under the shadow of the Blue Books.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02- So I returned...
0:44:02 > 0:44:07- ..to something I feel - is just as important as politics.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12- I returned to telling people - about their history as a nation.
0:44:13 > 0:44:15- They weren't published - by the press...
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- ..they were published - by the British Government...
0:44:20 > 0:44:22- ..the world's largest Empire.
0:44:22 > 0:44:26- The report was published - within the blue imperial covers.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29- The Treachery of the Blue Books.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32- I don't think any nation can be...
0:44:32 > 0:44:37- ..psychologically and culturally - healthy unless it knows its story.
0:44:37 > 0:44:43- We realized, "Well, if the English - look down their noses at us..."
0:44:43 > 0:44:47- Do you recall - how Lord Tonypandy would bleat...
0:44:47 > 0:44:50- .."What will they think of us?"
0:44:51 > 0:44:53- That's not the question.
0:44:53 > 0:44:57- For any nation that wants - a long and healthy life...
0:44:57 > 0:45:00- ..what do we think of ourselves - is the question.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04- Learning about our literature...
0:45:04 > 0:45:06- ..as far as I'm concerned...
0:45:06 > 0:45:10- ..has a huge part to play - in our response to that question.
0:45:14 > 0:45:20- I think it was Dafydd Rowlands - who struck a definitive chord...
0:45:20 > 0:45:23- ..when he paid tribute - to Hywel once.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27- He compared Hywel - to the River Teifi.
0:45:27 > 0:45:31- It's a smooth river - that flows lyrically and gently.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35- Suddenly, - it reaches a certain point...
0:45:35 > 0:45:38- ..where it becomes - agitated and excited...
0:45:38 > 0:45:42- ..and a danger to - the feeble coracles on the surface.
0:45:42 > 0:45:45- I think it's a great description - of Hywel.
0:45:45 > 0:45:48- He can be smooth and lyrical...
0:45:49 > 0:45:53- ..but can sometimes be a danger - to the coracles that cross his path.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58- It drives me wild - when I listen to Welsh people...
0:45:58 > 0:46:01- ..who care little - about the language.
0:46:01 > 0:46:03- They don't value it at all.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07- Not just their own language, - but language full-stop.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09- That bothers me greatly.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12- We're living through a period...
0:46:12 > 0:46:16- ..when language and expression - are being devalued.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20- Language is the most amazing - of man's creations...
0:46:20 > 0:46:23- ..created with the help of women!
0:46:23 > 0:46:26- There is nothing without language.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31- I refuse to forecast the future.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35- I remember a quote by Gwenallt.
0:46:35 > 0:46:39- I've repeated it many times - when addressing societies.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41- It was a wise adage.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- I asked him, "What do you think - will happen to the Welsh language?"
0:46:47 > 0:46:50- He stayed silent for a while - as he walked around.
0:46:50 > 0:46:52- Finally, he replied...
0:46:55 > 0:46:57- .."It doesn't bode well."
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- Then, like a shot, he added...
0:47:00 > 0:47:06- .."But there you are, it's not - our job to predict its future.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10- "It's our job to live its future."
0:47:12 > 0:47:14- I've never forgotten that.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17- It's as sound a piece of advice - as any other.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23- Who knows how the human race - will develop.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27- The only thing one can do - during his time on earth...
0:47:28 > 0:47:32- ..is hope he can present or convey - some sort of appreciation...
0:47:32 > 0:47:36- ..of the culture that created him...
0:47:36 > 0:47:40- ..and why he believes - that culture deserves to exist.
0:47:41 > 0:47:45- It doesn't deserve to exist - unless it's ready to adapt.
0:47:46 > 0:47:47- It can't stand still.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50- That's not the same - as surrendering it.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56- I'm entirely convinced - that people don't die away.
0:47:57 > 0:47:58- I'm a firm believer in that.
0:47:58 > 0:48:03- Wars are lost, a nation can be - trampled by their enemy for a time.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06- They can be oppressed, - they can suffer...
0:48:06 > 0:48:11- ..but a nation doesn't die - until they surrender their history.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14- Once they surrender their history...
0:48:14 > 0:48:20- ..believing they can live - within someone else's history...
0:48:20 > 0:48:24- ..once that happens, - it becomes assimilated.
0:48:26 > 0:48:30- That's why the idea of keeping - the history of Welsh alive...
0:48:30 > 0:48:33- ..and getting people interested - in its history...
0:48:33 > 0:48:36- ..to me, - it's the most important idea of all.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41- Like that. I won't say any more - or I'll start to cry.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52- I'm a village man - and I'll die a village man.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54- I was born in a seaside village.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59- That's where I came from.
0:49:00 > 0:49:01- For better or worse.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06- That's where my roots are.
0:49:06 > 0:49:08- Aberarth is an old, old village.
0:49:10 > 0:49:12- It's been a Welsh village...
0:49:13 > 0:49:15- ..for centuries.
0:49:15 > 0:49:20- It's difficult trying to come - to terms with that, I must admit.
0:49:21 > 0:49:25- I'd be surprised if the chapel - survived into next year.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28- I don't see any future for it - at the moment.
0:49:28 > 0:49:34- If it closes, the heart of the old - village will have been ripped out.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38- There will be nothing left there - - only houses.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44- There's a part of me here today...
0:49:44 > 0:49:47- ..that wants to do something - as foolish and futile...
0:49:48 > 0:49:50- ..as protest against time.
0:49:50 > 0:49:53- That's the type of feeling - I have inside me today...
0:49:53 > 0:49:56- ..as yesterday is returned to me - in all its glory.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00- You can look out to the sea - and see the waves crashing in.
0:50:01 > 0:50:03- You remember the old saying...
0:50:03 > 0:50:06- ..the tide comes in - and the tide goes out.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09- They're just words, a stereotype.
0:50:09 > 0:50:12- Sitting here today, - those words ring true.
0:50:12 > 0:50:16- That's precisely what life is - - the tide coming and going out.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20- It takes away some things - you wish you could keep.
0:50:20 > 0:50:26- Here, today, the tide has brought in - many things which are very pleasant.
0:50:26 > 0:50:30- I suppose that I should be grateful - to that tide.
0:50:30 > 0:50:35- I should thank the tide for reminding - me today...
0:50:35 > 0:50:38- ..of things that are very much alive.
0:50:43 > 0:50:48- "Ring out, bells of my childhood, - deep beneath the sea
0:50:48 > 0:50:51- "The peal of bells awakens - fond memories for me
0:50:52 > 0:50:57- "On starry nights, along the shore
0:50:57 > 0:51:02- "The bells of Cantre'r Gwaelod - ring out for evermore"
0:51:30 > 0:51:32- S4C Subtitles by Simian 04 Cyf.
0:51:32 > 0:51:33- .