0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 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!
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- The Cynon Valley lies between - the Rhondda and Merthyr.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- It's home to Aberdare - and Mountain Ash.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- The coal industry has left its scars - on this outskirts of this valley...
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- ..with Ynysowen and Aberfan - being the worst affected areas.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09- My journey commences up the road, - along an old drovers route.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- I pass St Cynog's Church...
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- ..and head to the Lamb Hotel - in Penderyn.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- This is a historic place, Phil.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21- How old is it?
0:01:22 > 0:01:27- There's been a pub in this village - for over 400 years.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28- Really?
0:01:28 > 0:01:29- Really?- - Yes.
0:01:29 > 0:01:35- There are references of an inn - on this site dating back to 1620.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38- We have a Blue Plaque - on the exterior of the pub.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- It commemorates a historical event - that occurred here.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- Lewis 'The Huntsman', - or Lewis Lewis...
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- ..was with his comrades in Merthyr.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- Events unfolded - and a riot broke out.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- It's believed that Lewis - was seized and escorted here.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04- Yes, he was caught in a forest - between here and Ystradfellte.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- It was late in the night...
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- ..and they didn't want - to take him back to Merthyr...
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- ..in case they were ambushed.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- Therefore, he was incarcerated...
0:02:18 > 0:02:20- ..in the cellar beneath us.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23- As you walk down the steps...
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- ..you can feel a chill - that sends shivers down your spine.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- It makes you feel uncomfortable.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- There's are lights here now...
0:02:32 > 0:02:36- ..but Lewis was thrown - into a dark, cold cellar...
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- ..and left to face - an uncertain future.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- What would be his fate?
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- Would he be sent back to Merthyr - or Cardiff?
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- Fortunately, - Lewis escaped execution...
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- ..and was extradited - to the other side of the world.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- He never returned, - but his life was spared.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- Another local attraction is one of - the world's smallest distilleries.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- Penderyn Whisky - was founded 15 years ago.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- It exports - the golden tipple worldwide.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- The earliest record for whisky - distillation occurred in Wales.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- But the Welsh - weren't natural entrepreneurs...
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- ..so the custom reached - Ireland and Scotland...
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- ..in the same way as stout.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- At the turn of the last century, - there was a distillery at Frongoch.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- But it closed - due to a lack of funds...
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- ..and pressures of the - Welsh Revival led by Evan Roberts.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- They preached against rugby - and drinking alcohol.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- I was almost a director - of this company.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- My accountant said - "Welsh whisky? You must be mad!
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- "On a risk factor of one to ten, - it's a twelve!"
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- I've regretted it ever since.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- This isn't a jalopy - but definitely a Ferrari.
0:04:19 > 0:04:25- The distillery was the aspiration of - three gentlemen at a pub in Hirwaun.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- But it didn't evolve overnight.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- There are several regulations - in the process of making whisky.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- The whisky - has to mature in an oak cask.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- Maturation takes three years.
0:04:39 > 0:04:40- And a day.
0:04:40 > 0:04:41- And a day.- - Yes.
0:04:41 > 0:04:47- We transfer the whisky - from a bourbon cask...
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- ..to an old wine cask...
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- ..such as bourbon, - Madeira, port or sherry.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- It enriches the flavour.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03- This is the original - Madeira single malt whisky.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08- The whiskies are presented - in a specially designed package.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- Yes, they are.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- It's unique.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- Yes, we employ a Welsh designer - from Barry who is based in London.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- He's a board member who also designs - the bottles, packaging and branding.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24- It's a powerful brand.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30- This worldwide brand - hasn't forgotten its roots...
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- .and this is reflected - in their produce.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- There are buttons and levers - everywhere but I won't touch them!
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- Take us through the process.
0:05:43 > 0:05:44- Where do you start?
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- The initial stage - is similar to brewing.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52- We produce a barley wash - or a strong beer that's 8% alcohol.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56- First, we grind the barley...
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- ..then place it in a mash tun - and add some water.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- The barley releases a sugar.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- We drain off the liquid and - it goes into a fermentation tank.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- The yeast ferments for three days...
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- ..and the sugar - is converted into alcohol.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- It's like a brewery.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- The final step in the process is - that the spirit is stored in casks.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26- The company has developed.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- We sell in France and Germany...
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- ..across Europe, - America and the Middle East.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- It's exciting how we've evolved.
0:06:37 > 0:06:43- This place is fantastic and raises - your spirits in more ways than one!
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- The Cynon Valley - is proud of its Welsh character...
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- ..but the number of people - speaking Welsh has fallen.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- It's inspired one gentleman - to return to the area.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- It's an impressive looking school - from the main road.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- How big is it?
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- We teach around 1,000 pupils - but the school is expanding.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- There are more children - in our local primary schools.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- It seems that more people - have returned to the Valleys.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- Mountain Ash Comprehensive - isn't a Welsh-medium school.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38- No, it's an English school.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- As a supporter - of the Welsh language...
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- ..isn't it natural for you to work - as a headmaster in a Welsh school?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- I'm often asked this question.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55- I've been involved in teaching - second-language Welsh for years.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- I feel comfortable - in this type of school...
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- ..and it also inspires me.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- I want to teach Welsh - as a second-language...
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- ..and foster - a Welsh ethos in the school.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- I've tried to implement this - from the onset.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- Great.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Well done, boys! Carry on.
0:08:22 > 0:08:28- Huw is active in the community and - coaches football to under elevens.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- There are three coaches - and fifteen players.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- The team is named after this pub, - The Llwyncelyn Inn.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- It's a bilingual establishment - with a Welsh-speaking landlord.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- It acts as our base.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- What position do you play, Emyr?
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- What position do you play, Emyr?- - I'm a midfielder.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51- You've got two jobs.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- You move forward, back - as well as defend.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- What position are you, Dafs?
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- What position are you, Dafs?- - I'm a right-winger.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- This is your father, Dave.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- You've moved to this area.
0:09:05 > 0:09:06- Where do your origins lie?
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- I'm from the Conwy Valley - and met my wife at university here.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12- Do you like it here?
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- Do you like it here?- - Yes, we're happy here.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- Do you coach the team in Welsh?
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- Yes, they attend Welsh schools - and are all friends.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- How many children do you coach?
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- How many children do you coach?- - There's a dozen to fifteen.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- Yes, fifteen.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- It's great to chat with you.
0:09:29 > 0:09:30- It's great to chat with you.- - Thank you.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- Have you been to Greece at all?
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- Down the road in Aberdare...
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- ..another tutor - actively promotes the language.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- But her roots lie further afield.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50- How do you say, - "more friendly than"?
0:09:51 > 0:09:54- Are you from the capital of Iran?
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Yes, I was born in Tehran.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02- I was raised in Tehran - until we moved when I was ten.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07- I couldn't speak English - when we moved to Cambridge.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- Did your interest in Welsh derive - from your background in languages?
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- When we decided to move - to Aberdare...
0:10:17 > 0:10:23- ..both of us were eager - to learn the Welsh language.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- In my opinion, if I moved to Russia - I'd learn Russian...
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- ..so it seemed like - a natural step to take.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- I do share an interest - in languages...
0:10:36 > 0:10:42- ..but I also wanted - to feel part of both cultures.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- You speak perfect Welsh.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- It's so good - that it puts me to shame!
0:10:48 > 0:10:49- It really does.
0:10:54 > 0:10:54- .
0:10:56 > 0:10:56- Subtitles
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- We're in the Cynon Valley - and this is the River Cynon.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- The locals aren't ostentatious - as you can see from the iron bridge.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- There are longer iron bridges in - the world, but this is the oldest.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- It was constructed in 1811 - at the Abernant Ironworks...
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- ..to carry iron from Llwydcoed.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- Freight trams ran across this bridge - and were unloaded onto canal boats.
0:11:32 > 0:11:38- They set sail for Abercynon, the - Glamorganshire Canal and to Cardiff.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- This bridge is short, - old and willing.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- It's just like me!
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- Trecynon has certainly changed.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- It's beautiful.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- Hidden on an industrial estate - between Aberdare and Mountain Ash...
0:12:11 > 0:12:16- ..stands a huge building that - fills a vast area like a hangar.
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- This enormous shed stores - the lavish costumes and sets...
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- ..for The Royal Opera House in Londo
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- The paraphernalia in the building - is worth a small fortune.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39- The props tour the world for - the Royal Opera House's productions.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- Where are these items sent?
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- Where are these items sent?- - Everywhere.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- They're sent to Australia, - the United States and Spain.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- Wherever. Russia.
0:12:52 > 0:12:53- And back and forth to London.
0:12:53 > 0:12:54- And back and forth to London.- - Yes.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- We arrive and might have received - an email from Sarasota...
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- ..requesting a set - for an Alice In Wonderland ballet.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09- It's removed from storage, cleaned, - assembled and packed into boxes.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- We send it to the performances - in Sarasota, Madrid or France...
0:13:15 > 0:13:16- ..or anywhere else.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- Nobody's listening, so can you - tell me if you get cheap tickets?
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- Yes, they're free. Hush!
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- The costumes usually tour the world - with the performances.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Today, - the performance has come home.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- It's exactly 150 years...
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- ..since the Mimosa set sail - for The Colony in Patagonia.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- Many passengers were from the Cynon - Valley, Mountain Ash and Aberdare.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, - National Theatre Wales and S4C...
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- ..have collaborated - for a special drama.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- "Sweetly, to fill our mind."
0:14:01 > 0:14:06- You're the creative spirit - behind this project, Marc.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Why choose this building?
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- It wasn't the building - but the location...
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- ..as 66 of the original pioneers - came from Mountain Ash or Aberdare.
0:14:17 > 0:14:22- It's a huge amount when you think - the Mimosa only had 153 passengers.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- We wanted a chapel but needed - somewhere with a lot more space.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- We almost gave up looking...
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- ..until we drove past - the Royal Opera House sign.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35- It happened like that.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- Sian, the producer and me - knocked the door and that was it.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- It's flying the flag for the area - as many locals don't know it's here.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- I think the Royal Opera House...
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- ..realizes that it needs - to work at this relationship.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53- It needs to open its doors.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- They have supported us because it - means that locals can come here...
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- ..to see our drama - and admire the location.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- The crew is local - and part of this production.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- I felt that it was important for us - to gain local support for the show.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26- It's interesting how valley folk - in their close communities...
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- ..naturally support each other - and share a history.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- As I travel to the Taff Valley...
0:15:33 > 0:15:39- ..there are echoes of a period that - united the valley with the world.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- I was the director of the daily - television programme called Heddiw.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- I was in the office at 10.00am - discussing the day's programme...
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- ..that aired in the afternoon.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- But we received a phone call...
0:15:54 > 0:15:59- ..and I darted over to Aberfan.
0:16:01 > 0:16:06- I vividly recall - the unsettling silence.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- Everything was still and quiet.
0:16:10 > 0:16:16- The nearby colliery - had come to a complete standstill.
0:16:16 > 0:16:22- I couldn't see the school - but suddenly spotted a large mound.
0:16:22 > 0:16:27- You could only see men - tunnelling through the debris...
0:16:27 > 0:16:32- ..with picks, shovels - and even their hands.
0:16:33 > 0:16:39- An outside broadcast unit - arrived at the scene...
0:16:39 > 0:16:45- ..and was able to get - a signal back to Cardiff.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- Owen Edwards - arrived shortly after me.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- Mr S O Davies, you've been a MP - for Merthyr Tydfil for 30 years.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- Have you witnessed - anything like this before?
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- I've never seen anything like it - in this country.
0:17:03 > 0:17:08- During the week, we asked ourselves - "what are we going to say?"
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- What was there to say?
0:17:10 > 0:17:15- These were children - and it was completely unexpected.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- I remember Owen was able - to compose a few words...
0:17:20 > 0:17:25- ..that referred to the children - rather than the disaster.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30- Do you know how many of your Sunday - School children have been lost?
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- I haven't counted yet - but I'll know by tomorrow.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40- In the afternoon, - a host of reporters arrived.
0:17:40 > 0:17:46- There were representatives from - America, Japan and other places.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- From a journalistic point of view...
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- ..I was just breaking - into television reporting.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58- But following the tragedy...
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- ..I decided that - I wasn't cut out for the role.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- I don't think - that I was objective enough.
0:18:10 > 0:18:11- Throughout the week...
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- ..I just wanted to grab a shovel - and do something...
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- ..instead of standing there - and reporting about it.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- I'll never forget - seeing a long line of fathers...
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- ..standing outside - Bethania Chapel...
0:18:30 > 0:18:36- ..waiting to go inside - to identify their children...
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- ..who were laid out in the chapel.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- It's the saddest thing - I've ever witnessed...
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- ..and it will haunt me - for the rest of my life.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- At 4.00pm on that Friday, - I received a message.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- My second child had been born...
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- ..in a hospital in Cardiff.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06- I set off towards Cardiff...
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- ..whilst reeking of coal dust.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I held my second-born in my arms.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Her birthday...
0:19:19 > 0:19:24- Siwan's birthday - is more than just a celebration.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27- Yes, it is.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- It's a remembrance.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- And that's...
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Can we do this again?
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- To commemorate the tragedy...
0:19:46 > 0:19:50- ..a memorial garden was opened - on the site of Pantglas School.
0:19:50 > 0:19:56- The garden's design replicates - the classroom layout from 1966.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Geoff Edwards - was one of the final survivors...
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- ..and the horrific memories - continue to haunt him today.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- This is the sight of the school.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- This is where Pantglas School was...
0:20:11 > 0:20:16- ..and where it was destroyed - on 21 October 1966.
0:20:16 > 0:20:21- The green areas - represent the classrooms.
0:20:22 > 0:20:23- And this classroom here?
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- This was Standard 2 - which was the class I was in.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- We came in and registered.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- I went to the windows on - the far side nearest to the tip...
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- ..and picked up - Herge's Adventures of Tin-Tin.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- I walked back - through the corridor of desks...
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- ..and sat down for Maths, - our first lesson of the day.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51- Next, we saw the lights - swinging from one side to the other.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55- It was a Victorian school - with high ceilings.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- Then, I remember waking up - covered in all this material.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- My right leg was in the radiator...
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- ..and there was a girl - on my left shoulder.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- I was trapped with - a desk against my stomach.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- From the hall here...
0:21:13 > 0:21:18- ..the fire brigade broke into - the classroom via the windows.
0:21:19 > 0:21:24- They came in - and spotted my white hair...
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- ..and started to dig around me.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- The roof had fallen through - and you could see the sky.
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- There were shouts and screams - that became less and less.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- I was fortunate as I had a pocket - of air around me and could breathe.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49- Had I been changing my library book - when the tip came down...
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- ..I wouldn't be here today - giving you this interview.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- # Sleep, my child
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- # Upon my bosom
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- # Warm and cosy
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- # It will prove #
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- "There is an ancient legend - told about Hamelin town
0:22:19 > 0:22:24- "A mysterious piper visited - in a brightly coloured gown
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- "The children were enchanted - by the tune the piper played
0:22:29 > 0:22:34- "They followed him up a mountain - where he locked them all inside
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- "Hamelin's homes were silent
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- "Parents grieved - and cried in melancholy
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- "Mourning every day and night
0:22:43 > 0:22:49- "No smiles, no carefree laughter - of happy children in play
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- "Favourite toys lie still
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- "No footsteps heard running away
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- "A tragic tale of a generation lost
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- "The sweet, innocent children
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- "Of Hamelin long ago
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- "Today lie in Aber-fan."
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- # Smile quietly
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- # In my bosom
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- # On the angels
0:23:18 > 0:23:28- # White yonder #
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- In memory of Geraint Stanley Jones - 1936 - 2015
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:52 > 0:23:53- .