0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles
0:00:01 > 0:00:03- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:04 > 0:00:07- The Valleys - have always been my home.
0:00:08 > 0:00:13- Each valley with its industrial - scars and colourful characters...
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- ..have left - a lasting impression on me.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- Over the coming weeks...
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- ..I'll revisit the Valleys...
0:00:24 > 0:00:28- ..and meet characters - who are naturally welcoming.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- Why not jump on board my ride?
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- I'm shifting gear - and heading for the horizon!
0:00:48 > 0:00:49- The Rhondda.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- During the 19th and 20th century...
0:00:53 > 0:00:58- ..it was the most famous valley - in Wales and the world for its coal.
0:00:58 > 0:01:04- The Rhondda Valley transported - almost ten million tonnes of coal...
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- ..to the docks at Barry, - Cardiff and Swansea...
0:01:08 > 0:01:11- ..to be exported across the globe.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- The work attracted people - from all over.
0:01:16 > 0:01:17- During the 1920s...
0:01:18 > 0:01:21- ..some 120,000 people - lived in the Rhondda.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- Today's population - is a mere 70,000.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- My journey commences - above Rhondda Fawr.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- It's one of the most stunning scenes - in the Valleys.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- I travel from Rhigos - towards Treherbert...
0:01:49 > 0:01:53- ..and arrive at Blaencwm - which is steeped in history.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- This is historic, Leanne.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- How far does it go back - and when was the tunnel built?
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- It was built in 1885.
0:02:04 > 0:02:10- Its purpose was to transport coal - from Blaengwynfi to Swansea Docks.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- They met in the middle and - were inches away from each other.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- It was just like - the Eurotunnel and amazing.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- When we travel through there...
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- ..use a prodding stick - in case of any tracks.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- I don't want anybody - getting down in there.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- Since its closure in 1968, - nobody has entered this tunnel.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- The Rhondda Tunnel Society - and local residents...
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- ..are campaigning to reopen it.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46- A company has been commissioned - to carefully examine its safety.
0:02:46 > 0:02:52- Mine Rescue Service are surveying - the condition of the tunnel.
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- Once you discover it's safe, - you'll travel two miles through it.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- Yes, and two miles back - to the shaft.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- This tunnel has been closed - for almost 50 years.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07- What are you expecting to find?
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- We're aware that water is dripping - through the roof of the tunnel...
0:03:12 > 0:03:18- ..and there are areas where bricks - have fallen on the track bed.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- You're searching for any bricks.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- We'll find any fallen bricks - and try to make it safe.
0:03:26 > 0:03:32- The project will be funded by the - Welsh Government and public bodies.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- The aim is to reopen the tunnel as - a cycle route to attract tourists.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- It will create jobs and tourism.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- It will attract people - and promote cycling.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- I can't wait to cycle through - the tunnel with my own family.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- It will be fantastic.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- There's already a track - on the other side.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02- Yes, and if everything goes to plan - it will extend towards Pontypridd.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07- You can cycle to Ponty through the - tunnel without meeting any traffic.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- If you follow a line - down from those three trees...
0:04:13 > 0:04:18- ..you'll find the opening - of the tunnel to Blaengwynfi.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- Tunnels are wondrous places - with caves and tales.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27- There's a story of a man who missed - the last train back to Blaengwynfi.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- He worked in Blaenrhondda and drank - at the New Inn pub in Treherbert.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- He was also seeing someone.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- His only way home was to scale - the mountain or take a shortcut.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- He decided to walk - through the tunnel.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- Suddenly, he slipped - and fell over the track.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- He searched for his keys - on the ground...
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- ..and without realizing, - he had turned back on himself.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- When he exited the tunnel, - he realized what he had done.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- He decided to sleep there - and wash in river...
0:05:03 > 0:05:08- ..before working the early shift - at the nearby Fernhill Colliery.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- Boys will be boys.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- Once beer and passion takes over, - it can get a bit messy.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- We've all been there - so we can certainly sympathize.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- The Rhondda remains awash - with rows of terraced houses...
0:05:32 > 0:05:38- ..that once housed workers who moved - here in the 19th and 20th century.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- Sera Evans and her family - live in Ton Pentre.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- She has strong roots in this area.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- Traditionally, the groom moves - to where the bride lives...
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- ..but you've done the opposite.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- You moved here - as Gareth is from Ton Pentre.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- It's only a few miles away.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- My heart is in Cwmparc - which is only two miles away.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- We lived in Treorchy for a while...
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- ..but we wanted a larger property.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21- Treorchy is a popular area - so larger properties are expensive.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- Therefore, - we moved to Ton Pentre.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- Treorchy isn't as far as Madeira. - It's only around the corner.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- It was natural for you to stay - in this area when you got married.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- I felt I had to come back - and live here.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- I moved away to university - in Oxford...
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- ..and I just had to come back.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- I'm the sort of character...
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- ..who likes to feel - part of a community.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- When I go shopping in Treorchy...
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- ..it takes me an hour - to walk down the street.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00- I bump into so many people - that I know.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- I'm also a local councillor...
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- ..so people ask if I can fix - the pavement outside their house!
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- I think it's great and I love it.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- I'm from the Amman Valley - and it differs to the Cynon Valley.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- It's also in the Valleys - and a neighbourly place.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- Are the Valleys - still sociable today?
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- I think times have changed - following an influx of outsiders.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- I disagree with you.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- I think people...
0:07:31 > 0:07:36- I'll go out to the back garden - to play with my children...
0:07:36 > 0:07:41- ..and chat to my neighbour, Alison - about what we did at the weekend.
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- She asks me when are they - collecting the garden waste.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51- We discuss the other residents - and any local events.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- Having a sense of community - is important...
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- ..and I think - it's still very much alive.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- What about the next generation?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- Gruff and Caio - are sitting over there.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10- Would you like them to study - elsewhere but come back here?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- Hopefully, they'll return here.
0:08:14 > 0:08:20- Unfortunately, when I speak to - other school children in the area...
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- ..many of them - are eager to move away.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- But hopefully if they move away...
0:08:26 > 0:08:32- ..they'll long for the community or - the place where they were born...
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- ..and they might want to return - just like I did.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- You can't force them to do it but - it would be great if they came back.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- The town of Treorchy - lies at the heart of the Rhondda.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53- The Park and Dare Hall - is a local iconic building.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- It remains a hive of activity - throughout the year.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- They opened it back in 1913.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- The miners funded the building.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- They worked at the nearby - Park and Dare Colliery.
0:09:07 > 0:09:13- All the miners donated a penny - from each pound of their wages.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18- The Park and Dare Hall - is recognized as a theatre today.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- It's similar to buildings - in other places...
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- ..that were also funded by miners.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- Yes, they included institutes - and similar buildings.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- One part of the theatre - had a billiard hall...
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- ..and there was a library.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- It entertained the community.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44- It was more than just a theatre - and acted like a mini university.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- Some of the miners - missed out on an education...
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- ..but they were able - to study at the library.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57- Yes, some miners didn't - have a chance to learn.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- They left school at a young age - to work underground.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- But some of them were aware - of Sophocles and Freud...
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- ..having learnt about them - at the library here.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- I know a miner who worked - underground for 25 years.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- He returned to education - and eventually became a lecturer.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- There was a chance to leave - the coal mines behind.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- This theatre is a wonderful place.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31- You can also imagine the type of - vibrancy in the town of Treorchy.
0:10:32 > 0:10:37- It was a focal point with shops, - chapels, schools and also a theatre.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- It was an important place - for local people.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- The charming theatre - continues to attract audiences.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- The place is packed - when the entire community is here.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- Without the community, - we wouldn't be here.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- They always enjoy our musicals - and support our cinema.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- It's a famous and iconic building.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- Do you sense the history - of this place when you work here?
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- Yes, I always sense it.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- I love this job and the building - as I'm a local lad from Treherbert.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- But the building's history is unique - and that's why I enjoy working here.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33- The building is home to one - of the finest choirs in Wales...
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- ..namely - the Treorchy Male Voice Choir.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- The choir also flies the flag - for the Valleys.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- One and...
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- # A little saucepan - is boiling on the fire
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- # A big saucepan - is boiling on the floor
0:11:50 > 0:11:56- # And the cat - has scratched little Johnny #
0:11:57 > 0:11:58- Are you a tenor?
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- Are you a tenor?- - No, I'm a baritone.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- You've got connections - with this area.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Yes, my family live in Llwynypia.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- Did you attend Cymmer School?
0:12:09 > 0:12:10- Did you attend Cymmer School?- - Yes, I did.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- You've got a slight - Northwalian accent.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- At school, we had a lesson - that taught us to roll our 'Rs.'
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- This has stuck with me - since I left school.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- Do you enjoy the singing - or is it more than that?
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- It's a lot more than that.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- You get to sing to strangers.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- It's a delight to see them...
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- ..stand up and applaud - at the end of the concert.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- It's quite moving.
0:12:41 > 0:12:47- I hope you continue singing - and never catch a cold!
0:12:47 > 0:12:48- Hopefully, I won't.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- # A big saucepan - is boiling on the floor
0:12:51 > 0:12:58- # And the cat - has scratched little Johnny #
0:12:58 > 0:12:58- .
0:12:59 > 0:12:59- Subtitles
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- # Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau # - Tich Gwilym
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- "Wales forever. - Welcome to the Valleys."
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- This is Y Bwlch - and it boasts some amazing views.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- Pen Y Fan is over there - and England is beyond it.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- On a clear day, you can see - The Channel, Somerset and Africa!
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- Cwmparc is below us - and Treorchy is further on.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- You turn left for Treherbert - and Blaenrhondda...
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- ..and then south - for Tonypandy and Llwynypia.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- # Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau # - Tich Gwilym
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- Tich Gwilym or Robert Gwilliam - was born in Llwynypia...
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- ..on 10 September 1950.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- He was an acclaimed guitarist.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- He was known as - the Hendrix of the Valleys...
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- ..due to his version - of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau...
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- ..with Geraint Jarman - and The Cynghaneddwyr.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- My next stop is 73 Bailey Street - in Ton Pentre.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- It was the home of the first heroine - in the Valleys in the 20th century.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- It's Elizabeth Andrews.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- Bailey Street, Ton Pentre - is a significant place...
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- ..in the history of the Valleys.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35- There's also a Blue Plaque - that commemorates Elizabeth Andrews.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Yes, that's right. - It's at number 73.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44- Elizabeth Andrews moved to the house - after marrying Thomas Andrews...
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- ..who was a founder - of the Labour Party in the Rhondda.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- They moved here - before the outbreak of World War I.
0:14:53 > 0:14:59- She was obviously intelligent, - an academic and quite special.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- Elizabeth joined the Labour Party - at a young age...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..and was a socialist campaigner.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- She helped struggling women - in the Valleys...
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- ..and sympathized - with their situation.
0:15:16 > 0:15:22- Coal miners appointed her to present - evidence to the Sankey Commission...
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- ..after the First World War.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- This was the Royal Commission - on the Coal Industry.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- She represented women...
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- ..by highlighting - the housing situation...
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- ..the lack of facilities...
0:15:41 > 0:15:46- ..and the need for baths - or showers in collieries.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- Elizabeth also spearheaded - a campaign...
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- ..to establish nursery schools.
0:15:54 > 0:15:59- She wanted to shape a better world - for the younger generation.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- She was classed as a heroine...
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- ..as she was among the first - to champion women's rights...
0:16:07 > 0:16:11- ..and became a prominent - political figure in the Valleys.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- There are two roads in life - and the same applies to the Rhondda.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- This bustling gateway - leads to the Rhondda Valley.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29- The village of Porth is busy - due to the fork in the road.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34- You take a right for Tylorstown, - Ferndale and Maerdy...
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- ..or turn left for Treorchy, - Tonypandy, Treherbert...
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- ..and Blaenrhondda.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- Rhondda Fawr is to my right - and Rhondda Fach is on the left.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- The Penrhys Estate sits on a hilltop - between both valleys.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- Over the years, - it's gained a poor reputation...
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- ..for being one of the most - deprived areas in the valley.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- But the situation is improving - thanks to the Penrhys Partnership.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Sharon Rees has lived - and worked here for 23 years...
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- ..and witnessed - massive changes on the estate.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- What is the essence - of the partnership...
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- ..and who are its members?
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- It's an ecumenical church - supported by eight denominations.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- This is quite unusual.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- The Partnership has made an impact - on this close-knit community.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- It's a challenge - but we do our utmost...
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- ..to demonstrate to people that - Penrhys is a great place to live.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- Last year, - we needed to raise funds...
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- ..to replace a rusty - church roof that leaked.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- I thought we'd have to close it...
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- ..but the community - were set against it...
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- ..so we started to fund-raise.
0:18:11 > 0:18:15- Penrhys Partnership - liaises with local schools.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- The children attend a weekly - prayer service at St Mary's Church.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- Many of them take advantage of - the Partnership's Homework Club.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28- Good afternoon, children.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- Good afternoon, children.- - Good afternoon, Sharon.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36- Good afternoon, Arfon.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- Good afternoon, friends.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Our evening Homework Club - is held twice a week.
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- We liaise with teachers - for suitable work for the children.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- School was different in my day.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- They're all working hard here.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- It reminds me of my time - as a headmaster.
0:18:58 > 0:19:03- We taught in small, intimate groups - on tables that resemble cafe tables.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08- Everyone's very quiet but - it might be because of our presence.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- He's answered each one correctly.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- Penrhys boasts - a successful football club.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- The local lads - are fierce competitors.
0:19:23 > 0:19:29- The boys train on the 3G pitch - on the outskirts of Tylorstown.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- We're part of the Glan Ely League...
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- ..and play every Monday night.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- The boys play football...
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- ..whilst Michael and I - act as their chauffeurs.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- Thanks for the invite and welcome.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50- We all have a perception - of certain places...
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- ..be it in Wales or the Valleys.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- I'm concerned that residents - to the south of Tongwynlais...
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- ..don't know their neighbours - further north.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- You're just a gap.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- The people and weather both change.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- The residents up here - are unique and friendly.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Yes, they're special.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24- My trip to the Rhondda wouldn't be - complete without a visit to Maerdy.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- It's also known as Little Moscow.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- Maerdy is unique due to its title.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- Yes, definitely - as it's known as Little Moscow.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- This place - was a political powerhouse...
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- ..following the 1926 General Strike.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- It's was quite a volatile place.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- The coal miners who worked here - and many from the local lodge...
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- ..belonged to - Britain's Communist Party.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- Maerdy was given a Marxist brand.
0:20:59 > 0:21:05- A century later, people still - refer to Maerdy as Little Moscow.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- I think the authorities in London - were slightly perturbed.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15- People revolted against - the way they were treated...
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- ..as we witnessed - in France and Russia.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- This logic started - to make its way to Wales.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26- Yes, definitely.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- During the Strike, the miners in - Maerdy didn't cross the picket line.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- They didn't return to work - before the end of the Strike.
0:21:36 > 0:21:41- It signified the power of the lodge - and general consensus among locals.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- The South Wales Valleys...
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- ..were more than just towns - built for the coal industry.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- It boasted a rich culture - of brass brands and male choirs.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- I think the people who live here - are extraordinary.
0:21:56 > 0:22:02- I don't think I'll ever - meet anyone else like them.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- This is highest point - of the Valleys.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- They claim the Urals of Russia - is the next highest peak from here!
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- I visit here once a year - between Christmas and New Year...
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- ..and drink whisky with my friend.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34- We enjoyed a tipple together and - now his ashes are scattered here.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- I pour a glass for myself - and Rhydwen Williams.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- He was a writer, poet - and Baptist minister.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- His voice was like hot chocolate - that charmed both men and women.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- He would call my wife - on her birthday...
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- ..and say, "I'll raise my glass - to a special lady...
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- "..on her special day."
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- He left Elaine feeling like - she was on cloud nine.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- Cheers to him and to you.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:31 > 0:23:31- .