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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!
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- My journey around - the Valleys continues...
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- ..and so does the stunning scenery.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- I'm heading east - towards the Rhymney Valley.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- Gelligaer is one of - the highest peaks in the valley.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- It's famed for its beauty - and tranquillity.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04- I also visit the popular towns - of Tredegar and Ystrad Mynach.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- We commence on the outskirts - of the valley...
0:01:09 > 0:01:13- ..at the famous town - of Merthyr Tydfil.
0:01:17 > 0:01:23- Cyfarthfa was home to the Crawshays - who reigned over the iron industry.
0:01:23 > 0:01:28- Robert Crawshay - built his ironworks into an empire.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33- Nelson once visited to see where the - cannons for HMS Victory were made.
0:01:33 > 0:01:39- Richard shouted down to - his workers to welcome Nelson.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44- Robert passed his empire - to William Crawshay I.
0:01:44 > 0:01:50- He wasn't bothered about it so fled - to London and left it to his son.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- His son was William II - and he built this castle.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- The impressive mansion overlooked - the pandemonium of the ironworks.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- Despite the pandemonium...
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- ..the business continued to thrive - and the family reaped its rewards...
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- ..and they enjoyed success - on a global scale.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17- When Robert Crawshay acquired the - business in the late 19th century...
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- ..the iron industry had expanded - and prospered in other regions.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- This posed a huge threat - to the family.
0:02:27 > 0:02:33- During that period, Robert fell ill - and the business suffered.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40- The illness made him impatient, - deaf and partially blind...
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- ..and he was hostile - towards his staff and family.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- Robert didn't leave his fortune - to the grandchildren...
0:02:49 > 0:02:52- ..as he disapproved - of his daughter's husband.
0:02:52 > 0:02:58- I'm sure he regretted it as his - epitaph reads, "God, forgive me."
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- It's thought - that he's buried face down...
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- ..to prevent - his evil soul from escaping.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- His gravestone is a giant slab...
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- ..which makes it more difficult - to exhume and abuse his corpse.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26- I couldn't leave Merthyr - without meeting one of the locals...
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- ..who has made sacrifices - for the Welsh language.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35- Jamie Bevan has been the chairman - of Cymdeithas yr Iaith for a year.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- He's passionate about sustaining - the language in his area.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- I returned to the Welsh language - about ten years ago.
0:03:44 > 0:03:50- I went to Ysgol Rhydfelen school - but we didn't speak Welsh at home.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52- I left school...
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- ..and unfortunately - like many young people...
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- ..I didn't use - the Welsh language for a long time.
0:04:00 > 0:04:06- But a decade ago, I experienced - some sort of conversion...
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- ..and since then I was...
0:04:10 > 0:04:15- Living through the medium of Welsh - doesn't come naturally in Merthyr.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18- It isn't that simple.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24- You have to find this community - and learn how to network.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- By visiting Welsh bookshops - and the Welsh centre in Merthyr...
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- ..I became socially involved - with Cymdeithas Yr Iaith.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38- It was a chance to meet others - who spoke the Welsh language.
0:04:39 > 0:04:45- His passion and love for Welsh - is reflected in his musical career.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- Jamie has composed many songs - about the valley and its people.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- # Johnny Bach Pentips - used to dress up in a skirt
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- # His mother worried about him - but his father thought he was dim
0:04:59 > 0:05:04- # Johnny told his father, - "Don't think that I'm a fool."
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- # "One day, you'll see - that I'm a trendsetter!"
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- # I've never seen anything like it #
0:05:13 > 0:05:17- Many of my songs feature - local characters from Merthyr...
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- ..and the free spirits - found in the pubs.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- Johnny Bach Pentips - was a local character.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- He worked as a bin man - during the day...
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- ..and in the evening - and at weekends...
0:05:33 > 0:05:39- ..he entertained punters as a - drag artist in working men's clubs.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41- The song is based on him.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- He'd go to work on a Monday morning - and was still wearing nail varnish!
0:05:47 > 0:05:51- I feel it's important - that we record...
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- ..and keep these characters - alive in our memories.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- # Johnny Bach Pentips in a skirt
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- # Johnny Bach Pentips in a skirt #
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- You've courageously campaigned for - the Welsh language and went to jail.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12- Tell us more about it.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- I was sent to prison...
0:06:15 > 0:06:20- ..as part of the campaign - to protect the future of S4C.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- The reason why I went to jail...
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- ..was a court order that I received - in the English language.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32- But I refused to answer them - in English...
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- ..and was jailed - for refusing to pay a fine.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- I was locked up - for less than a month.
0:06:40 > 0:06:47- It was a profound experience - but an honour to make this stand.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- I felt I was in the right.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- "Following 18 days imprisonment...
0:06:53 > 0:06:57- "..Jamie Bevan received - a warm welcome home to Merthyr.
0:06:57 > 0:07:03- "But in that time, he was stunned by - the attitudes of prison officials...
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- "..when he requested - bilingual services."
0:07:08 > 0:07:10- How were you treated in prison?
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- When I entered the prison...
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- ..I refused to complete - any English correspondence.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- It was quite a challenge...
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- ..as you don't get anything - in prison unless you sign for it.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- You didn't have access - to the library and gym.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- I couldn't choose my meals - or have any visitors...
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- ..so I didn't see my family - for the first two weeks.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41- In the end, when the commissioner - appeared on the television...
0:07:41 > 0:07:46- ..with the chief of prisons - to say the situation was sorted...
0:07:47 > 0:07:53- ..I still refused - to sign my release form.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- The form - was still printed in English...
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- ..so they could have kept me - locked up for longer!
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- You made an important stand - on behalf of the Welsh language...
0:08:07 > 0:08:08- ..but was it all worth it?
0:08:09 > 0:08:11- Yes, it was definitely worth it.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16- I don't know if it made a difference - because I haven't been back to jail.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- Not yet, anyway!
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- However, I'm quite confident...
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- ..that my actions and the way - I dealt with the situation...
0:08:26 > 0:08:32- ..has inspired other individuals - to make a stand in their own way.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Everyone has a duty.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- Welsh and non-Welsh speakers - in Wales...
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- ..need to make their own stand - on behalf of the Welsh language.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- That could be going to prison...
0:08:46 > 0:08:52- ..speaking Welsh to their children - or to the Welsh learner next door.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- Everyone's got a role to play.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- It's important that we take - advantage of every opportunity.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- Before leaving Merthyr - for the Rhymney Valley...
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- ..there's one thing - I've always wanted to do.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- The Old Town Hall - is a historic building...
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- ..but has had a new lease of life - as the Redhouse.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- It has an amazing history.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- There's a mosaic design - of a red dragon downstairs...
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- ..that was installed before - it became the symbol of Wales.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- Doulton provided the wall tiles - before it became Royal Doulton.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44- On this balcony, Keir Hardie gave - his speech as the first Labour MP.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- He represented the Merthyr - and Aberdare constituencies.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- What can I say from here?
0:09:51 > 0:09:57- Follow me, my friends, for the - future is bright and wonderful.
0:09:57 > 0:09:57- .
0:10:00 > 0:10:00- Subtitles
0:10:00 > 0:10:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- I'm making my way - to the Rhymney Valley.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- As I admire the scenic landscape - towards Gelligaer Mountain...
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- ..it's incredible to think that it - was dominated by heavy industries.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- Today, it's become an attraction - for the most ardent of ramblers.
0:10:29 > 0:10:35- I've visited many places in the - Valleys and met a lot of people.
0:10:35 > 0:10:41- Most of them are natives - but this gentleman seems to be lost.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- You're from North Wales, Aled.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- You're from North Wales, Aled.- - Yes, I am.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- You're more than welcome here...
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- ..but North Wales boasts plenty - of places to enjoy, admire and walk.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- What brought you to South Wales?
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- I moved to Cardiff - for work purposes.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- When did you discover the Valleys?
0:11:01 > 0:11:07- I always enjoyed walking - when I lived in North and Mid Wales.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- When I moved to South Wales, - I was looking for places to walk.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13- Like many Northwalians...
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- ..I thought the Valleys - was an industrial and dreary place.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- But I've roamed the area and it's - quite rural like North-East Wales.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- You're writing about the Valleys.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- It's a book about - walking tours in the Valleys.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36- There are a lot of tours, so do you - meet many walkers along the way?
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- I encounter a lot of locals - and dog walkers.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- They're familiar with the locality - unlike the outsiders.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- The thing that makes the Valleys - an unique place to walk...
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- ..compared to Snowdonia - and less populated places...
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- ..is that history - is entwined in the landscape.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- I'm not aware of any other - mountainous area...
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- ..where people - live at the heart of it.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- The past cohabits - with the mountains...
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- ..the scenery and wildlife.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13- We're standing here...
0:12:14 > 0:12:20- ..but the best spot to appreciate - the scenery is from that hilltop.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25- That's Carn Bugail which is - home to a Bronze Age cairn.
0:12:25 > 0:12:31- People have buried their dead - and lived there for 4,000 years.
0:12:31 > 0:12:32- That's it.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- Let's follow their footsteps.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- We set off - in the afternoon sunshine.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51- It was also a chance for Aled - to teach me more about the Valleys.
0:12:51 > 0:12:57- How do you choose which tour - is worthy of a place in the book?
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- For the book, - I was looking for tours...
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- ..that combined alluring - views and landscapes...
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- ..with a historical presence.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- Do you have a favourite tour?
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- There are five combined tours...
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- ..that create one long route - from Ebbw Vale to Maesteg...
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- ..and uses train stations - as places to start and finish.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Out of them all, - this tour is a favourite.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- It's an original concept.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34- People often trek up and down the - Valleys but this tour crosses them.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35- Thank you.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- I only stopped to catch my breathe!
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- I'm not as young - and agile as Aled...
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- ..but we didn't need to travel far - to admire the glorious views...
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- ..and soak up the local history.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- What's the story - behind this stone, Aled?
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- Does it point to Brecon - to direct Romans in the fog?
0:14:00 > 0:14:06- This stone is one of many historical - attractions on the Gelligaer summit.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- Some think it's a burial stone - from the sixth century...
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- ..belonging to a nobleman - from the post-Roman period.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- It's positioned like many other - ancient stones on the roadside.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- I know that you walk for enjoyment.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29- I'd like to join you, but I've got - a doctor's note that says I can't!
0:14:34 > 0:14:40- Maesycwmmer, at the foot the valley - is a regular haunt of Bethan Davies.
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- She lives and works in London - but her heart belongs to this area.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- She comes home - as often as possible.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55- You're home, Bethan.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- Is it a relaxing break - or some sort of therapy?
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- I come here to relax.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- I try to come home to see - Mam and Dad once a month...
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- ..but sometimes - it's once every six weeks.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09- Do you?
0:15:09 > 0:15:10- Do you?- - Yes, I do.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- You're a local girl.
0:15:12 > 0:15:18- Yes, I lived in Maesycwmmer until - I turned 18 and went to university.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- You crossed Offa's Dyke - with London in your sights.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24- Yes, that's right.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- I studied journalism...
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- ..and worked in the world - of television in Wales...
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- ..but felt the need - to make that leap and go to London.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- What attracted you to London?
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- Was it a new job - or that you should be there?
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- I think that's what it was for me.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50- At the moment, the main focus - of my work is on London.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- Does your line of PR work - cover a wide canvas?
0:15:54 > 0:16:00- Does it focus on a specific area - or certain profession?
0:16:00 > 0:16:06- My agency works across the board...
0:16:06 > 0:16:11- ..but I've always preferred to work - in certain fields...
0:16:11 > 0:16:16- ..such as education, - health and the Third Sector.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- I've also worked with charities...
0:16:20 > 0:16:26- ..including the British Red Cross - and Save The Children.
0:16:26 > 0:16:32- I'm in the process of doing business - with two important charities.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- I'm excited about this prospect.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- Does Wales have potential - for the future?
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- Do you also think - there's potential in the Valleys?
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- Yes, I think so.
0:16:45 > 0:16:51- When I'm not in Wales - and am asked about my background...
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- ..I tell them - that I'm from the Rhymney Valley.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- I lived in Cardiff for a while - but the Rhymney Valley is my home.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- I love the Valleys...
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- ..and it's got a wealth - of wonderful history.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12- There's a lot of negativity - about the Valleys...
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- ..but its people are wonderful.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- You could argue that - there is a lack of employment...
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- ..so people can't fulfil - their potential.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- There's currently - a shortage of work here.
0:17:26 > 0:17:32- Would you return to the Valleys to - make an impact and fuel the cause?
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Yes, I think so - but there needs to be...
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- I think before doing that...
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- I'm not ready to come home yet...
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- ..but I think Westminster - needs to show more commitment.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49- The Welsh government - needs to show more commitment too...
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- ..and prove that it can have - a stronger voice on issues.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59- We need experienced individuals - like yourself to come back here.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- A car is a sophisticated - piece of machinery...
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- ..but it can't manoeuvre - unless you set it buttons!
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- Maybe.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- There we go. Good luck to you.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13- There we go. Good luck to you.- - Thank you.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- I can't leave Tredegar...
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- ..without hearing the most famous - band in the Valleys and the world.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- The band attracts - musicians from all over.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- You need skill to play with - one of the best bands in the world.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- Yes, and it takes - a lot of commitment.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- We rehearse at least twice a week.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- We also compete and hold concerts.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- As you said, - we're one of the best in the world.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- You've enjoyed a lot of success - over the years.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01- Yes, and the biggest event - is the British Open Championship.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- We've won it twice.
0:19:04 > 0:19:05- You've got the mat to prove it.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07- You've got the mat to prove it.- - Yes, that's the mat.
0:19:09 > 0:19:15- The band appeared in and recorded - the score for a big screen film...
0:19:15 > 0:19:21- ..that was based on - the Miners' Strike of 1984.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- # As we go marching, marching
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- # We battle too for men
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- # For they are women's children
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- # And we mother them again
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- # Our lives shall not be sweated
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- # From birth until life closes
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- # Hearts starve as well as bodies
0:19:47 > 0:19:54- # Give us bread, but give us roses
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- # As we come marching #
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- The band was invited - to play on the soundtrack...
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- ..and appear in the film, Pride.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- You worked with them for a while.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- You worked with them for a while.- - Yes, it was a couple of days.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- There was a full day - of recording in Banwen...
0:20:16 > 0:20:21- ..and we also went to film - for an entire day on London Bridge.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- We also spent a day - at the studios in London.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- The band's success - is set to continue...
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- ..and it boasts many young members.
0:20:41 > 0:20:47- South Wales is fortunate to possess - brass bands like Tredegar and Cory.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- But I chose this band - because it's the best!
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- How do you fit it all in - with your studies?
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- It can be difficult at times.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- You have to plan your week - in advance.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- On Sunday evening, you have to plan - for rehearsals and concerts...
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- ..and organize - your studies for college.
0:21:12 > 0:21:18- You work out which evening is best - for each task so it all gets done.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- It requires a lot of discipline.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- How many times a week - do you rehearse?
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- We rehearse twice a week - for two hours.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- It can be difficult...
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- ..but I enjoy playing in the band - so much that it's all worth it.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- I was going to ask what instrument - you play but it's obvious!
0:21:45 > 0:21:46- Yes, percussion.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48- You're new to this band.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Yes, I joined the band in January.
0:21:52 > 0:21:58- I did some concerts but officially - signed up to the band last week.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- There are family ties to the band.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- My parents play with a different - band and were members of this band.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- There's always been a link.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- Are they jealous that - you're in the world's best band?
0:22:11 > 0:22:12- They are very proud.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- There's one thing - when you play percussion.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- If you strike a wrong note - on your drum...
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- ..you can hear it - in the next country!
0:22:24 > 0:22:25- No pressure!
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- I'm sure that has never happened.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- No, well.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- I can't really comment.
0:22:32 > 0:22:38- I try to hit all the right notes - but it can happen on any instrument.
0:22:38 > 0:22:44- I arrived tonight and was able to - pick up on the atmosphere in here.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- Is everyone friendly?
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- Yes, everyone is so friendly.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- It's important in a band of this - quality to have that friendship.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- Everyone gets on with each other.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- It produces a better - and neater quality to the sound.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- I really enjoy it here.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05- Good luck to you.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06- Good luck to you.- - Thank you.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- Congratulations and well done - on getting this role so quickly.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:43 > 0:23:43- .