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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- Afon Lwyd or the Eastern Valley - is not as well-known...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- ..as the Rhondda Valley, - the Cynon Valley or Rhymney.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- It's home to Blaenavon, - Abersychan and Pontypool.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- It's a busy place that's full - of interesting characters.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- I start at the top of the valley...
0:01:00 > 0:01:05- ..in the biggest industrial region - in the 18th and 19th centuries.
0:01:05 > 0:01:11- First, I stop at a brewery that - originated in a different valley.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- We're going back to an era when it - was safer to drink beer than water.
0:01:20 > 0:01:21- This place has quite a story.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- This place has quite a story.- - Yes, and it stems back many years.
0:01:24 > 0:01:25- How far back?
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- It's linked - with the iron industry...
0:01:29 > 0:01:35- ..and the opening - of a local ironworks in about 1802.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37- The workers had a terrible thirst.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43- The water was unsafe so they needed - something to quench their thirst.
0:01:43 > 0:01:44- The area was rife with cholera.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46- The area was rife with cholera.- - That's right.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51- It's quite possible that any man - who worked near the furnaces...
0:01:51 > 0:01:56- ..drank over a gallon of beer - in a day.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- It was fairly weak compared - to the strong beers of today.
0:02:00 > 0:02:06- The Rhymney Brewery was opened - in 1838 by the actual ironmasters...
0:02:07 > 0:02:13- ..who opened a brewery - to produce beer for their workers.
0:02:13 > 0:02:19- It was managed by Andrew Buchan - so it was the Andrew Buchan Brewery.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- It was a relatively large company.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- At one point, - it was the largest in Wales.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- Over 700 pubs and hotels...
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- ..were linked with the brewery.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- In the 20th century, the company - became associated with Whitbread.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- Yes, that was at some point - during the 1960s.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- In the end...
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- ..I think the brewery - finally closed in about 1978...
0:02:48 > 0:02:53- ..and Whitbread - stopped brewing beer in Rhymney.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58- It spelt the end of the brewery - and it closed.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- Thankfully, in 2004...
0:03:01 > 0:03:06- ..the Evans family - got the rights to use the name.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- They opened a new Rhymney Brewery - in Merthyr...
0:03:11 > 0:03:13- ..which now sits in Blaenavon.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- It's lovely to see the development - of this brewery, Eifion.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- It takes you back to a bygone era.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- Blaenavon is now classed...
0:03:30 > 0:03:33- ..as a World Heritage Site.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- It's a large and unique site.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- It's a large and unique site.- - Yes, it is.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- The Big Pit National Coal Museum - is outside the window...
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- ..but there's more to see.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49- The best way to see the area - in all its glory is on foot.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52- You can follow the old tramways...
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- ..the old railways and the canals.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- It's the best way to see - the Blaenavon World Heritage Site.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- The French actor, - Gerard Depardieu...
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- ..said that wine - is the Mozart of the mouth.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- If that's true, then beer is the - brass band of the rest of my body!
0:04:15 > 0:04:16- Cheers!
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- It's your round.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- Before venturing down the valley - to Garndiffaith...
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- ..no visit to Blaenavon - is complete...
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- ..without stopping at the ironworks - in the World Heritage Site.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- The ironworks was built in 1788...
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- ..and played an important part - in the Industrial Revolution.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47- It's the best example - of an ironworks in the world.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- Recent investment helped - to refurbish the workers' cottages.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- It's a great addition to the site.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- This is Stack Square.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- You'd be right in thinking that the - cottages are from the 18th century.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11- People lived in these cottages - until about 1971.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- The refurbishments - takes us through the decades.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19- We start with the 1920s and - pass the shed to reach the 1930s.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- The toilet was similar.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- You had no secrets and people heard - you change your mind at 20 paces!
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- There's the 1940s and 1950s.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- It got a bit excessive - as they moved into the 1960s.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36- The council said the site was - inadequate with no running water...
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- ..so the residents were moved - to homes in the town itself.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- A stone's throw - from the main road...
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- ..the Garndiffaith Viaduct sits - proudly at the heart of the valley.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55- It conjures up fond memories for - Sara Robinson who was raised nearby.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- Does returning - send shivers down your spine?
0:05:59 > 0:06:00- Yes, it does.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- It's really lovely to be back.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- I've lived in the city - for so many years...
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- ..and I'd forgotten - how green it all is...
0:06:10 > 0:06:15- ..and the beauty of the landscape.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- I'm sure you came here - to pick blackberries.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- Yes, I'd come here with Dat-cu...
0:06:21 > 0:06:25- ..and Nain used them - to make pies in the afternoon.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- I've walked along this viaduct - on many occasions.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- You left Garndiffaith - and went out into the world...
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- ..and your first step - was to get a job in the media.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- Yes, I spent five years - working in the media...
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- ..but decided to make the move - into Public Relations...
0:06:46 > 0:06:52- ..and have been running my own - business in Cardiff for four years.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- Those are massive steps to take...
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- ..but you didn't follow - the usual route...
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- ..of doing A levels - or going to university.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- Mam is still very angry.
0:07:03 > 0:07:08- I left school when I was 17 so I - don't know if she's forgiven me yet!
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- I had a hankering to go out - into the world and start working.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- Working and standing on her own two - feet has always been important...
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- ..and after starting the company - four years ago...
0:07:22 > 0:07:27- ..it has grown rapidly and Sara now - represents many well-known brands.
0:07:27 > 0:07:32- It's a relatively young business - but it has to move with the times.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- Sadly, less people - read newspapers...
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- ..and there's been - an explosion in social media...
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- ..in terms of the number of users...
0:07:43 > 0:07:49- ..and the way it can influence - the decision making process.
0:07:49 > 0:07:55- Social media is important in the way - people buy items or visit places.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- Companies need the support - and the expertise...
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- ..to take advantage of this field.
0:08:02 > 0:08:03- You need to be creative.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Do you wake in the - middle of the night with an idea...
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- ..and have to record it - or jot it down on pen and paper?
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- I do use my iPhone - to record any of my ideas.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- I get ideas - in the strangest of places.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- It could be when I'm out running - or cycling.
0:08:25 > 0:08:31- The ideas don't come if I sit down - and have to come up with something.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- It doesn't work like that - as there's too much pressure.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- I find that I tend to get an idea...
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- ..when I'm not thinking - too hard about the problem.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- I'm a massive fan of finding - some time in busy period...
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- ..to go for a walk or a run.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- You were talking about - going for a bike ride.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- We're on the Garndiffaith Viaduct.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- If you were - to return to your roots...
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- ..you could have an encyclopaedia - of ideas by the other side.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09- I don't know how anyone - can come here and not be inspired.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- I think - that would almost be impossible.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25- The Pontypool Indoor Market is in - a building that dates back to 1894.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- It's an important site - for the town's residents...
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- ..and owned by the - Torfaen Borough County Council.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- The market received - an investment of over 2 million.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- This refurbishment project attracted - new shoppers to the market.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- My beard is part of my identity.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- It's older than my son and he's 40!
0:09:53 > 0:09:58- I got rid of it for a week ten years - ago but the wife didn't like it...
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- ..but it's back and on trend too.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- I'm told that a beard on a man - is very fashionable at the moment.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- Yes, it's very fashionable - for men and boys to have beards now.
0:10:09 > 0:10:10- But I don't know why!
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- You're a barber, not a hairdresser.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- You're a barber, not a hairdresser.- - Yes, we only serve men here.
0:10:15 > 0:10:15- Is that right?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- Is that right?- - Yes.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- I don't know many female barbers - so are barbers more popular now?
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- Pontypool - has 15 hairdressing salons...
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- ..and about ten barbers - that are solely for men.
0:10:31 > 0:10:32- Do you do everything?
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- Some barbers trim your beard - whilst others don't touch it.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- Some will use a razor - for the face and the neck area...
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- ..but we only use the clippers.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- The new trend - is to have a thick head of hair...
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- ..and the sides are very short.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- They don't have any hair - on the sides.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- They are like the rednecks - from America.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- It's like a thick mohawk.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- Yes, that's a good way - of putting it.
0:11:05 > 0:11:06- A thick mohawk.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- But I don't want a mohawk.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Are you sure? I can do it.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- Are you sure? I can do it.- - No, but thank you for the offer.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- Do you remember the lads in the pubs - on a Friday and Saturday night...
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- ..selling cockles from a basket?
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- There's a gap in the market - so it's high time they came back.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- No market is complete - without a butcher.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- It's the oldest stand in the market.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- This man's family - sold meat here 50 years ago.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- What's the big seller? - Is it Sunday lunch?
0:11:40 > 0:11:45- We sell a lot of sausage - and a lot of joints for the weekend.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- Do people still use these stalls?
0:11:48 > 0:11:53- They come at times like Christmas - or when they have visitors.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- People are busy these days.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- The supermarkets take a bigger grip - due of the time involved.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03- We've still got - our regular customers.
0:12:04 > 0:12:05- It looks lovely.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- Thank you very much.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13- .
0:12:14 > 0:12:14- Subtitles
0:12:14 > 0:12:15- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- # Now I'll tell you all a story
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- # About some lads I know
0:12:21 > 0:12:26- # Who are known throughout the - Valleys as the Pontypool front row
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- # It's got a little chorus
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- # And that chorus you all know
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- # So tell me, are you ready?
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Yes!
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- # Up and under here we go! #
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- During the 1970s and 1980s...
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- ..the rugby club in Pontypool - was a popular haunt.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- It sits cosily in the beautiful park - in Pontypool.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- The club attracted swarming crowds - to see Ray Prosser and his team.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- In that golden age, it was a very - familiar place for two friends.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- Gareth Davies swings it to Murphy.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- This is Roger Lane - and he shifts it to Gerald Davies.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- Davies is not tackling and - can still play the ball and scores!
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- This pitch was known as - the field of dreams.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- It was the Coliseum where - the gladiators went into battle.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- I'm talking about rugby.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- The local godfather - was Clive Rowlands.
0:13:27 > 0:13:27- How are you?
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- How are you?- - I'm very well.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- This winger was the exocet - for all his teams.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34- It's Gerald Davies.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36- Thank you for being here.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- We're concentrating - on a specific game.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- The Cardiff v Pontypool matches - were always important.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- They were important for Cardiff - but simple for us!
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- It's Andy Grey.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- Mike Watkins - plays it to Gerald Davies.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- He may reach the flag - for a hat-trick.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- The story goes that Cardiff - only got the ball four times.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- You got that ball four times - and scored four tries.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05- Is that true?
0:14:05 > 0:14:10- Yes, I remember the four tries - but can't remember anything else!
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- They were incredible tries.
0:14:13 > 0:14:19- Only a player of Gerald's calibre - could have scored those tries.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- I thought that Pontypool - was winning that game easily.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- I don't know - how much truth is in it.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- There's a famous saying by the - Hollywood director, John Ford.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- "If there's a choice between - fact and legend, print the legend!"
0:14:35 > 0:14:41- I think I got the ball more than - that but that's how the legend goes.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- Pontypool has always - had some amazing supporters.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- It was a pleasure - for me to come here...
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- ..as a player from West Wales.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Playing for that team - was like sitting on a comfy sofa.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- Don't say such things.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- Pontypool - had some excellent full-backs...
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- ..and an outside-half - called Benny Jones.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- It was a strong - and disciplined team.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- They knew how to play.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- They were very successful - under Ray Prosser.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- He had been here for 20 years.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- People complained about - Pontypool's style of rugby...
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- ..but they were successful.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- As the captain of Cardiff, - I didn't want to complain...
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- ..but to prove that another - 15-man game could be played.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- I always felt this way but they were - important matches at the time.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- Gerald Davies makes it four.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- And in all his amazing career...
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- ..can even he have had - a greater game of rugby?
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- I want to talk about myth or fact.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- You claim to have created - this exocet.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- You moved him from the centre - to the wing.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57- Is that true?
0:15:58 > 0:15:59- I've never said that.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- He said it.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- This place attracted massive crowds.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- What's been - the pitch record for fans?
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- It's different - when compared with club matches.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- I've played many times - in front of a crowd of 15,000.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- If you're talking about - the games against the All Blacks...
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- ..it was about 30,000.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- The hillside would be packed and - it didn't have trees in those days.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- What's the record for this field?
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- What's the record for this field?- - It's 100,000.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- It was for a man - walking along a tightrope.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- It was a circus, not a rugby match.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38- It was a circus, not a rugby match.- - No, a circus.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- We were all looking to the sky - and hoping that he wouldn't fall.
0:16:43 > 0:16:49- I think it's one of the prettiest - parks in the world to play rugby.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- I remember coming here once - and sitting beside a lady.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- She was from Coventry.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- "Why have you come here?" I asked.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03- She'd heard about the park - and the autumnal colours...
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- ..that she had - to see it for herself.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- I thought she'd said, - "I've come to see Clive play!"
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- Pontypool Park - is near Pontymoile Marina.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- It's part of the Monmouthshire and - Brecon Canal that dates from 1814.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32- The canal was constructed - to transport coal and iron.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- It's beautiful on a sunny day...
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- ..and become - a popular tourist attraction.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- I can see why too!
0:17:41 > 0:17:45- I've got one last stop to make - lower down the valley.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- This is Penallta Colliery.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- This takes me back - to when I was a rugby referee.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- My blood was pumping - and my sinews worked!
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- I'd often come here as the - Penallta rugby club played nearby.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- We'd go back to the Pithead Baths - to wash after a match.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- In a cold winter, the water was - freezing and every man was equal!
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- But that isn't why I'm here.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- I'm here for a special reason - and it's over there.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26- Ysgol Gymraeg Penalltau is one - of the newest schools in the area.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- In the last six years, it's expanded - and going from strength to strength.
0:18:34 > 0:18:35- Miss Woods.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37- I've got to call you "miss."
0:18:37 > 0:18:38- I've got to call you "miss."- - Yes, indeed.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- This is Ysgol Gymraeg Penalltau - but it's in Penallta.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- Yes, Penallta near Ystrad Mynach.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- This takes me back to my days - as a teacher and headmaster.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51- This is a new school.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- Yes, it's been open - for about five years.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57- How many pupils do you have?
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- There's 184 children.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- How many were there at the start?
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- How many were there at the start?- - We had nine on the first day.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- The school has grown a lot - in five years.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- It's been an exciting time.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- You're the head teacher - of this Welsh-medium school...
0:19:13 > 0:19:18- ..but you started speaking Welsh - relatively late in your life.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- I went to an English primary school.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- In my last year, - which was the old Standard 4...
0:19:25 > 0:19:30- ..three of us had the chance - to learn to speak Welsh...
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- ..with the actress, Eirlys Britton.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39- We learnt the language very quickly - and transferred to Ysgol Rhydfelen.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- You progressed very quickly.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- You were a teen when you knew your - future was in the Welsh language.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- Yes, and at Heol y Celyn School...
0:19:51 > 0:19:56- ..we were encouraged to speak Welsh - and keep the language alive.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- That has stayed with me.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- I entered education so I could - give children similar opportunities.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- They are from - all corners of the area...
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- ..from Gelligaer, Ystrad Mynach - and even Tir-y-Berth.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- They are from - an array of backgrounds.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- Some speak Welsh with one parent...
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- ..whilst others - don't have a Welsh-speaking parent.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- It warmed my heart to see that the - Penallta Colliery is still standing.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- We sit in the shadows - of the colliery.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- It's part of the area's history.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- The children need to know - where they have come from...
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- ..and the reasons behind - the state of our community.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46- They need to know about the problems - that arose in the area...
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- ..but also that an area - can develop...
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- ..and re-establish itself.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- That is what we have here.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- The colliery closed in 1991...
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- ..but a community - is establishing itself...
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- ..and has a new essence.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- Just like - many other people I've met...
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- ..Andrea has remained on home soil.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- She feels strongly that her children - should have the same upbringing.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- You're a head teacher at Penallta - but live in Nelson.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- You could say - that this is your stomping ground.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- This your family.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- Yes, this is my daughter, Lowri - and my son, Rhys.
0:21:33 > 0:21:34- How long have you lived here?
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- How long have you lived here?- - It's been over 20 years.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- I first came here - when I started a family.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- I've stayed here - and made my home in the area.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- It's important - to stay in the Valleys.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48- Yes, definitely.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- I understand the area - and its people...
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- ..and feel very much at home here.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- When you left university...
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- ..did you know - that you wanted to be a teacher?
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- I wanted to teach since I was seven - and the same is true for Lowri.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- I did try to fight it for a while.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- It's part of our nature.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- Did you try to resist - the urge to teach, Lowri?
0:22:16 > 0:22:21- I didn't want to do it because - I could see it was a lot of work...
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- ..but it became obvious - that it was what I wanted.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- So you're in the business too.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- So you're in the business too.- - Yes, I am.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Do you know where your future lies, - Rhys?
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- There is a bit of pressure on me - to become a teacher...
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- ..but I'd like to enter - the police force.
0:22:42 > 0:22:43- Oh, well done.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- I know you don't mind me saying - that you're a single mother.
0:22:48 > 0:22:53- I suspect it's been difficult but - the days have certainly been busy.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- It hasn't been easy.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- It can be difficult to have - to do everything by yourself.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- I'm lucky because they are good - but don't tell them that!
0:23:04 > 0:23:05- They are good.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- No, she's done a great job.
0:23:07 > 0:23:08- No, she's done a great job.- - Most of the time!
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- I think I've done a good job of it.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- Thank you for your time, - the tea and warm welcome.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Good luck to you all in the future.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- Good luck to you all in the future.- - Thank you very much.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:47 > 0:23:47- .