Eigra Lewis Roberts ‹ Cyfres 4

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

Eigra Lewis Roberts 3 Lle

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