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0:00:40 > 0:00:43- Here we are in Park Square.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- I was born and raised in number 24.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- It was from here - that I would set out...
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- ..to the vestry - of Maenofferen Chapel...
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- ..where everything took place.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- In a way, this place - was a second home to me back then.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18- The old chapel, which was - the other side, has long gone.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- Everything important happened here.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- It was at Sunday school - that we practised our reading.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- The Band of Hope, - as we used to call it.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- We held plays, concerts.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- I practised recitation and sung...
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- ..or rather I tried to sing!
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- I've never had much of a voice...
0:01:39 > 0:01:46- ..but I thought I was very good at - singing cerdd dant, for some reason.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51- It was here that I started - learning literature by heart.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- The County Exam was held here - and I enjoyed it.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- "It's the night of the County Exam.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09- "We, the Sunday School and Band of - Hope children, are in the vestry...
0:02:09 > 0:02:14- "..waiting for Mr Edwards, the - minister, to open the envelope...
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- "..where the questions are kept."
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- I started writing - an autobiography entitled Hi a Fi.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- I make regular references - to the vestry...
0:02:25 > 0:02:30- ..albeit - with a dose of poetic licence.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- I can't say - I enjoyed chapel services.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- The seats were hard.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- I was a restless creature, - by nature...
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- ..and I couldn't sit still.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- But vestry life - was completely different.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- I suppose you could call it a club.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- At the Band of Hope...
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- ..we were given unpunctuated texts - to correct and topics to discuss.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- We were learning - without realizing it.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05- It was completely natural.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- My interest in writing - developed from that.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- My love of words.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- This is my first composition.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19- My first foray - into creative writing.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- I wrote verses.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- According to Mam and Dad...
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- ..I'd have these visions - after going to bed.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- Instead of shouting down - for a drink...
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- ..I'd ask them - to bring me a paper and pencil.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- I wrote three verses - to Mam, Dad and Nain.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39- "I like my dear Nain
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- "She's a true friend to me
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- "No other old lady
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- "Is as lovely as she."
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- These are the first verses I wrote.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54- That's when - my love of writing began.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- I don't think - anyone knew I wrote poetry...
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- ..apart from Dad and Mam.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- School wasn't interested.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- There was - little focus on anything else...
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- ..other than reading and writing.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- Certainly not creative writing.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- Looking back, it's nice being able - to say I did it of my own volition.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- However, the support I received - at home was very important.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- This newspaper clipping - says I won first prize...
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- ..in the U12 recitation competition - at the Urdd Eisteddfod.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40- I've no recollection at all - of the piece I recited.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44- I have a poor memory - for things like that, anyway.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- There are more here.
0:04:47 > 0:04:53- This is me, on the back of my bike, - outside our home in Blaenau.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- I was fond of that bike. - It was an old one.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- It must've been fourth-hand.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- The brake didn't work very well.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- When I went downhill, I had to shout - at anyone who was at the bottom!
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- I was an only child...
0:05:09 > 0:05:11- ..but never a lonely child.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- I spent a lot of time with friends - but I also liked my own company...
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- ..which is when I embraced writing.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- I'm happy to spend - several hours by myself...
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- ..doing the things I enjoy doing.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- On a day like today...
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- ..Blaenau looks beautiful - in the sunshine...
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- ..though people claim - that it always rains here.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- It's a very special place.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- It's unique.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- Having been born and raised here...
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- ..the place becomes a part of you.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- Years ago, I wrote - a series of penillion telyn...
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- ..for the Prose Medal - at the Pantyfedwen Eisteddfod.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14- My roots are planted in the stone
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- Heedless in my travels
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- Wherever I went afterwards
0:06:19 > 0:06:23- The stone had to come with me.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- That's what happens.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- It's certainly true - of Blaenau and me.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- I rarely left Blaenau as a child.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- I'd go on Sunday school trips - to Southport and Liverpool.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- But I would also - take trips by myself...
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- ..to Garreg Fawr Farm - in the old Caernarvonshire.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- I'd come here by bus.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- I'd take the bus - from Blaenau to Porthmadog...
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- ..and then get on - the Whiteways of Waunfawr bus...
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- ..which took me - past the chapel in Betws Garmon.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- This is Llyn Cwellyn.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- Kate Roberts refers to it as Llyn - Llyncwe after swapping the letters.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- I remember taking - a copy of Beano with me on the bus.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- That's what I'd do.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- Going on the bus - was an exciting experience for me.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- This is where I'd alight.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- I'd walk along this path - through the cemetery...
0:07:36 > 0:07:41- ..and uphill through the fields - and Garreg Fawr comes into view.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- I'd bring a small suitcase...
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- ..and stay a week or two.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- It was always summer, of course, - and it was always sunny.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- Uncle Tom, my mother's brother, - and Auntie Annie lived here...
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- ..when I came for the holidays.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Uncle Tom taught people to recite.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- Recitation must run in the family. - He also wrote poetry.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- Everyone knew of Tom Garreg Fawr.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Auntie Annie was always busy.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- She was as busy as a bee - around the farm.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- I thought - I was helping them back then...
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- ..but I doubt I was much help.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- I helped Auntie Annie churn - and helped Uncle Tom in the field.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- I'm sure I was - more of a hindrance than a help!
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- But it made me feel very grown up.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- I must've been responsible - to come by myself.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- I remember - collecting blackberries and nuts.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- I knew where all the nuts were - at Garreg Fawr.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- Spot, the sheepdog, - was very special.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- Spot had lost his teeth...
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- ..and the reason for that...
0:09:04 > 0:09:09- ..was because children would - throw him stones instead of a ball.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- The stones ruined his teeth.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- A swing used to hang from that tree. - I think Uncle Tom set it up.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- That takes me back.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- At the bottom - was a small waterfall...
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- ..where we'd wash in the morning - before they had a bathroom.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- The water was refreshingly cold, - which certainly woke you up.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- The village's children - would come and play here.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- We played in that tower - in the distance.
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- Uncle Tom christened it Castell Y - Mwgwd Du (The Black Mask Castle)...
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- ..which sent a shiver - down your spine.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- Over there, in the distance...
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- ..was a barn.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- We played in there and would hang - from ropes tied to the bales.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- We couldn't care less about rats.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- It was only years later...
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- ..that I found out that the barn - was the former farmhouse.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- No-one had ever told me.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- It's currently in St Fagans.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- The family and I - have been to St Fagans...
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- ..to see - the old Garreg Fawr farmhouse.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- It was hard to believe...
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- ..it was the same building.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- It looked nothing like it, - but I was filled with pride...
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- ..knowing that someone - had rebuilt it brick by brick...
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- ..and that it belonged - to the family.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- My next taste of freedom...
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- ..came when I left home - to go to university in Bangor.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- I knew back then - that I wanted to be a writer.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- I decided to write a novel - which became Brynhyfryd.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- I entered it - in the open novel competition...
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- ..at the Caernarfon Eisteddfod...
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- ..which was akin to the - Daniel Owen Memorial Prize nowadays.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- I won first prize.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- Islwyn Ffowc Elis - was the adjudicator.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- He took me to Gwasg Gomer...
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- ..and arranged for the novel - to be published that Christmas.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- That was - a wonderful experience for me.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- I'm indebted to Islwyn...
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- ..for being so gracious.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- As an author himself...
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- ..he took me to publishing house - and helped me on my way.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56- I was touched by that.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Being here today - feels very odd, to be honest.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- It's changed a great deal.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- Childhood visits were lovely. - I looked forward to coming here.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- I've very happy memories - of Garreg Fawr.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- It was a very important place for me - at one time in my life.
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0:12:57 > 0:12:59- Though I love travelling...
0:12:59 > 0:13:05- ..I'm happiest at Lluest, - my home in Dolwyddelan...
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- ..especially when I'm sitting - at my desk in the study.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- This is where I meditate, - daydream and write.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- I can't imagine life - without writing.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- It's as simple as that.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- I have my own method of writing.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- Before starting a new chapter - or a certain part...
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- ..I'll write it down on a piece - of paper, so I have a copy of it...
0:13:35 > 0:13:40- ..because I like the feeling of - having a biro between my fingers...
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- ..and that connection to the paper.
0:13:43 > 0:13:49- Once I've done that, then I'll - continue the work on the computer.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- I work at certain hours of the day.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- But I still work - late into the night...
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- ..and jot ideas down on paper...
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- ..otherwise - I'll have forgotten them by morning.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- My mind races faster - than I can write...
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- ..which often means - that by morning...
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- ..I can't read my own handwriting - and the ideas I've written down!
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- But I get many of my ideas at night.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- My mind still races, - regardless of what time it is.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- I'm interested in people.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- The way they think, what they do...
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- ..and what they say.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Everyone's so different.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Human nature - provides a wealth of material.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- That's the most important thing - for me.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- I'm not that interested...
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- ..in describing - a person's outward appearance.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- I'd prefer to portray a person - through dialogue.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Writing for television...
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- ..is right up my street, - in that sense.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- It all happened - after one phone call.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- I was asked to adapt - Mis o Fehefin for television.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- It was turned into a series - called Minafon.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23- I have to admit, I loved hearing - my words come to life on screen.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26- A few of them had it down to a tee.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- They delivered the words precisely - as I'd intended them to be said.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- You're a fine one to talk about - deceiving people.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- You've thrown dust in people's eyes - with your biblical verses.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- Watch what you're saying.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- I've heard about you, Hannah.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- You've had - your fair share of knocks...
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- ..before he opened your eyes, - as you say.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- You'd best keep your mouth shut...
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- ..before others - get to hear about it.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- People like Elen Roger - were exceptional.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- She embodied - the character of Hannah Mary.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- John Ogwen.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- Sue Roderick.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- Beryl Williams was a great actress. - I thought a lot of her.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- You'd be better off - reading your Bible...
0:16:15 > 0:16:16- ..than going to that thieves' den.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17- ..than going to that thieves' den.- - Where's that?
0:16:17 > 0:16:18- The bingo.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- The bingo.- - What do you know about the place?
0:16:21 > 0:16:22- Nothing.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- Why don't you come with us? - It'll open your eyes.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- No fear! "Thou shalt not give him - thy money upon usury."
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- Use-what?
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- Usury!
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Gambling. Taking a punt.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- What do you mean, taking a punt?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- You need - your wits about you for bingo.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- When writing dialogue, everyone - has their own way of speaking.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- Different people - have their own rhythm and metre.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- Nobody speaks exactly the same...
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- ..though it may sound like they do.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- There are minor variations...
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- ..and it's those - that you have to expose in dialogue.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- The most important thing - in dialogue...
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- ..is that you know your characters.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- Once you get to know them well...
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- ..you know how they would speak.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24- It's instinctive when you've - been writing for a long time.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- You know your characters inside out.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35- I rarely think about it...
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- ..but when I look at it, - I feel proud.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46- These are the two medals I won - at the Pantyfedwen Eisteddfod.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- I'm very fond of the crown, - which I won...
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- ..at the Lampeter Eisteddfod.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- The silver chair is from - the Pantyfedwen Eisteddfod...
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- ..which I won - for my penillion telyn.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- Small trophies - and miniature chairs...
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- ..along with two larger chairs - from the Llanrwst eisteddfodau.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- This is the Barry Eisteddfod.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- And there's dear old Cynan.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- What a character!
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- The three adjudicators - were all in agreement this time.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- Did it come as a shock to you?
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- Yes, it did. A lovely shock.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- When the adjudicators all agree, - it makes it even more special.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- You won't be able - to enter this competition again.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51- No, this is the last time.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- No, this is the last time.- - Will you compete at all?
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- Probably not. - Not at the moment, anyway.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58- Thank you very much.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- Competing has given me - such a thrill.
0:19:01 > 0:19:02- Every time.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05- Winning is wonderful, of course.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11- But the main reason for competing - was to receive a fair adjudication.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- I like entering under a pseudonym.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19- Competing has also boosted - my confidence.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- When I didn't know which way to go - and how I was going to do it....
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- ..winning at the eisteddfod - gave me confidence to continue.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- I've never seen this.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- This was the National Eisteddfod's - Drama Medal at Carmarthen.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- Good grief!
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- ..the chairperson of the - Mr Wilbert Lloyd Roberts committee.
0:20:02 > 0:20:08- Winning the crown at the Swansea - Eisteddfod was very satisfying.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- There's no feeling like it, - in terms of competing and so on.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- That's nice!
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- The winner is...
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- ..Eigra Lewis Roberts - from Dolwyddelan.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- I remember feeling very nervous.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- I was afraid of smiling too much - in case I looked silly!
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- My friend told me I looked as if - I was about to cry at any minute.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- Thanks for the compliment!
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- I miss it dreadfully.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- Competing gave me - such a wonderful thrill.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- I really do miss it, - but you reach a point...
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- ..when you have to - give up certain things.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- Shout above responding shout.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- Is there peace?
0:20:58 > 0:20:59- Peace!
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- I have to admit, - that was quite an experience.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- This is my caravan.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- It's like an extension of Lluest.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28- I don't like staying in hotels - because I like doing my own thing.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- I like to get up when I want.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- A caravan suits that purpose.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- It gives you a chance - to read a pile of books.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- That's just what we enjoy.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- We've been to every corner - of Wales, England and Scotland...
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- ..and we've travelled - all over southern Ireland.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- Llew worked for - the county council in Blaenau.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- I went there once - to enquire about arrangements...
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- ..and Llew happened to be there.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- I didn't know him. We were at school - together but not in the same year.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- Our relationship - blossomed from there.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18- We're on the same wavelength.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- Williams Parry writes...
0:22:21 > 0:22:27- .."Wandering in its peace, alone, - or with a kindred spirit".
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- I believe - that Llew and I are soul mates.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- It's been lovely - visiting Maenofferen vestry...
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- ..and Garreg Fawr, - where I spent my holidays.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- Reminiscing is nice at times...
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- ..though I'm not - overly keen on doing it.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- I tend not to look back...
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- ..on what has been.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- I live for today and tomorrow.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:23:30 > 0:23:30- .