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0:00:26 > 0:00:29- # Search the whole of Wales
0:00:29 > 0:00:35- # For the place - where the cuckoo sings her song.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- # If you receive - a heartfelt welcome
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- # Don't worry - that's Anglesey.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- # Fly northwards - towards Brynsiencyn,
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- # Don't hesitate by the tower.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- # When you see Lake Traffwll
0:00:55 > 0:01:01- # Make your nest - in Glandwr garden. #
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- I'm still known as Margaret Bryn - in Anglesey and Caernarfonshire.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11- Margaret Brynsiencyn, of course.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- I've been fortunate - to sing all over the world.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20- I was born in my Grandmother's - house, 'Arwel', in Brynsiencyn.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- The villagers all know me - as Margaret Arwel.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- Margaret Bryn was my stage name.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34- Our home was in the middle - of the village - 2, Terfyn Terrace.
0:01:36 > 0:01:37- It was lovely there.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- The view from the upstairs window - was magnificent.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47- We could see across Menai Straits, - the mountains, Caernarfon castle.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53- # That's where - the world is blue and green,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- # There's dazzling white snow - on the mountain tops.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- # That's where - the stream and sea meet,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09- # Where an eagle flies - over the hill. #
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- I was more or less an only child.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- My two brothers were - much older than me.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21- My eldest brother - lived with Nain in Arwel.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- My other brother and I - lived in Terfyn Terrace.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- Nain, my father's mother, - came from Bodfari, Denbighshire.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- She came from a family - of church-goers in Denbighshire.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36- My father was a churchman.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- One brother attended - church with my father.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- My eldest brother and I - went to chapel with Mam.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- I'd occasionally go to church - with my father and elder brother.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53- I preferred the church service - when I was a child...
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- ..because of being involved - in the act of worship.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- You didn't just sit there, - listening to a lengthy sermon.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05- # Morning has broken, - like the first morning,
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- # The blackbird sings - a song from the hedge.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- # Thanks for the morning,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- # Thanks for the music,
0:03:23 > 0:03:29- # Thanks for being a part - of such a wonderful world. #
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- My father worked in the quarry.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- At 4.00am, he and a handful - of quarrymen from the village...
0:03:41 > 0:03:45- ..walked from - Brynsiencyn to Moel-y-Don ferry.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48- They sailed across the river.
0:03:48 > 0:03:54- They would walk to Llanberis - to the quarry in all weathers.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- And that was the pattern - on their homeward journey.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- # A 10-year-old lad - walked to work one morning,
0:04:03 > 0:04:08- # Many years ago.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- # Hope flashed in his blue eyes,
0:04:13 > 0:04:19- # Lighting his young eyes - with hope for the future. #
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- My father had a lovely tenor voice.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- He had a very soft voice.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30- He led a singing group.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Mam played the piano, - my brothers sang.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- I was too young to go with them!
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- Perhaps that's where it came from.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- I thought to myself, - 'I'll do the same one day!'
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- They were happy times, - because singing filled the house.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- Anglesey - has countless minor eisteddfodau.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59- Concerts are held - all over the island.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- That's where Margaret started out.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- What's so marvellous about her...
0:05:08 > 0:05:13- ..is the way she's carried it - with her every step of the way.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- She's ventured down other paths.
0:05:16 > 0:05:23- But the core - is in her Anglesey roots.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- This is Dr John Williams' chapel, - Horeb, in Brynsiencyn.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- It was the focal point - of my life for years.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- We lived for the chapel - because everything happened here.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- For as long as I can remember, - Mam was a chapel organist.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- When I was about 14, - we sat next to the deacon's bench.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- Uncle William led the singing.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- If an organist failed - to turn up on a Sunday morning...
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- ..he would beckon to me, - and I'd run to the organ.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- I'd make a point of praying - the organist wouldn't turn up...
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- ..just so I could play the organ.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15- I was one of the chapel organists - for a long time.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18- ORGAN MUSIC
0:06:43 > 0:06:49- I remember my first performance, - at Bryn infants' school.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- My class performed 'The Hen - and Her Chicks.' I was the hen.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- The other pupils were the chicks, - who were on their knees.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- I sang as I rummaged for food. - I remember one verse.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- # If I can reach the field of corn,
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- # You can shelter under my warm - wing. I'll keep you safe there. #
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- All the chicks clucked behind me!
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- I'm sure all my Brynsiencyn - friends remember that.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- We loved it! - I was dressed as a hen, too.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- From Brynsiencyn, I went to - Beaumaris secondary school.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- I was fortunate again, - because of a teacher...
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- ..who didn't teach Music as - a subject, but gave singing lessons.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- Mr William Bacon - was a brilliant musician.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- He formed a group - of classical musicians.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- We used to broadcast - from the BBC in Bangor.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- I was one of three altos.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- There were 3 middle voices, - 3 sopranos, and instrumentalists.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- I was rather disappointed - in Beaumaris.
0:08:00 > 0:08:06- Music wasn't studied - as an 'O' or 'A' level subject.
0:08:06 > 0:08:11- Mam and I went to the village - county councillor, Willy Jones Post.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- He went to Llangefni to meet - with the Education Committee.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- They said we'd have to pay seven - shillings and sixpence a lesson.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- I was already having - singing and piano lessons.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- There was no way - we could afford any more.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- I couldn't take 'O' level music.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- The following year, the headmaster's - son was sitting his 'O' levels.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- And Music appeared - on the school syllabus.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- Three of us sat 'O' level music.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- I had to cram a five year - course into one year.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- It was quite easy - if you sang and played the piano.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- I studied Music - as my main subject in college.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- # I'm weak and tired,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- # Lost in the world,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- # 'Til I can come home day. #
0:09:12 > 0:09:17- From the age of 13, my life - seemed to be one long journey.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- I lived on the buses - - I think I kept Crossville going!
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- I would go to Bangor for lessons - with Mrs Sykes Jones.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- I caught the school bus - to Menai Bridge.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35- I'd catch another bus to Bangor, - and yet another to Penrhos.
0:09:35 > 0:09:40- Fair play to her, she'd make sure - there was tea on the table for me.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- I'd have a cuppa - and then half an hour of singing...
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- ..before catching the bus - back to Bangor.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- If I didn't reach Bangor by 6.30pm, - I'd miss the bus.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- I would have to wait 'til 9.30pm.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- I wouldn't arrive back home - 'til 10.00pm.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- When I was 16, - I went to Mr Bradwen Jones.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- The brilliant composer - lived in Holyhead.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- I caught the school bus - to Menai Bridge.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- But it was an hour's journey - on another bus to Holyhead...
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- ..for my 30-minute singing lesson.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21- I always missed the 6.30pm bus, - and was never back 'til 10pm.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26- I did that from when I was 13 - 'til I married at 22.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- I was constantly on the road - to singing lessons during the week.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- The weekends - - and occasionally midweek...
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- ..meant further journeys - to eisteddfodau or concerts.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- Bless her, - Mam came with me everywhere.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- We didn't miss a single eisteddfod. - I always enjoyed the eisteddfodau.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- Fortunately, I won most of the time.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- Charles Williams was the compere - at Llannerch-y-medd eisteddfod.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Hywel Gwynfryn, Trefor Selway, - Stuart Jones were there...
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- ..all winning - their various competitions.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- I won five first prizes.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- I had a go at everything because - that meant more prize money.
0:11:12 > 0:11:18- That night - I was about 20 - - I won a total of 9.
0:11:20 > 0:11:26- Charles Williams said I'd won - more than he earned in a month.
0:11:27 > 0:11:33- The money paid for singing lessons, - clothes and sheet music.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38- We had a hard time of it - financially.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- My father had tuberculosis.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- He went to Llangwyfan Sanatorium - for quite a while.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- Financial reasons prevented me...
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- ..from attending - College of Music in Manchester.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- I had been accepted when I was 16.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Anglesey Education Committee - refused to give me a grant.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- They said I'd be eligible - when I was 18.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- I suppose that was fair.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- It was either a 4-year, - or 6-year course.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- I desperately needed money - when I was 18.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- I was accepted - to Bangor Normal College.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- I'd always wanted to be a teacher.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- It wasn't a great hardship - - I was quite happy to go to Bangor.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- But I remember - the headmistress saying...
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- ..I was there to be a teacher, - not a singer.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- I was constantly performing - in concerts and eisteddfodau...
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- ..or recording at the BBC in Bangor.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- I was often taking part - in college productions, too.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- I tried to keep everyone happy. - But I was destined to be a teacher.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- 888
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- After leaving college, - I got a teaching post in Anglesey.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- I returned to Beaumaris - junior school.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- It was a relatively new school.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- The view of the Menai Straits - and the mountains was wonderful.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- I taught 20 children.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- Two were Welsh speakers.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- I was surprised that I, - as a Welsh speaker...
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- ..was sent to an English medium - school.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- I think they wanted me - to concentrate on the language...
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- ..as well as music.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- The highlight - of my competitive career...
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- ..was winning the Blue Riband at - Swansea National Eisteddfod, 1964.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- The same year...
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- ..I won the under-25 soprano solo - at Llangollen Eisteddfod...
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- ..and the same competition - at the Urdd National Eisteddfod.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- It was a competitive grand slam!
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- And I got married that year! - All in all, it was quite a year.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- I was teaching in Beaumaris - and still keeping up the singing.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- I found it hard to cope with - constantly being on the road.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28- We decided to move - to Cardiff for my work.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- When I started singing - professionally on TV...
0:14:33 > 0:14:38- ..one of the first series - was called 'OS GWELWCH YN DDA.'
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- The renowned Rae Jenkins conducted - the BBC Welsh orchestra.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- I was also being booked - to perform popular music.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- I remember singing on a satirical - series called 'STIWDIO B'.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- That's where the Ifas y Tryc - character first appeared.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- I only sang one song, and took part - in occasional sketches with them.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- Because it was a new, - satirical series...
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- ..the press were highly critical.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- My parents were furious - that I sang in the series.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- "We've paid all this money - for singing lessons...
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- "..just so you sing this rubbish!" - That's what they said.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- After the first series, I refused - to take part in the second.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- Mari Griffith took my place.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31- I appeared on a series - called 'BE NESA?'
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- It was another - light entertainment series.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38- I just sang on the series. - It was Ryan's first series, too.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- We sang a duet - from 'The Merry Widow' together.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Light entertainment - became my bread and butter.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- Phyllis and Mered wondered...
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- ..if I still hankered - after a classical career.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- But Light-Ent - suited my family commitments.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- I'd married young and was a mother.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- If I'd entered a different world...
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- ..pursuing a career in opera...
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- ..would have meant - being away from home.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- I think had Margaret chosen opera...
0:16:18 > 0:16:22- ..she would have been - the Kiri Te Kanawa of Wales.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- She had - and still has - the- voice.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- She has the beauty and charm.
0:16:33 > 0:16:40- She chose to follow - the trail of a popular singer.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- # I may as well tell the truth,
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- # You're the gentlest man - in the world.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- # You've already had two,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- # I'll give you another fifteen.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- # In a word - - and that's the truth. #
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- In my opinion, - she did more for Wales...
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- ..by following that trail...
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- ..than had she chosen - to be an opera singer.
0:17:19 > 0:17:24- She's given popular music - a certain class.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- That's important.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- There's a difference between - popular and classical singing.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- You mustn't abuse your voice - by singing popular music.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- If I had done that, I certainly - wouldn't still have a voice today.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- By the 1970s, I'd appeared - on hundreds of TV programmes.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- I was offered my own series.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- Cilla Black, Lulu, and Dusty - Springfield had their own series.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- But I was the first Welsh woman. - That was a thrill.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- Recordings of those early programmes - have been destroyed.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- It would be lovely - to look back at them.
0:18:07 > 0:18:13- # There is no tomorrow.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16- # Love me now,
0:18:17 > 0:18:18- # Love me now,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- # Love me now.
0:18:23 > 0:18:29- # My love knows no boundaries,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- # It's as big as the world, - as deep as the ocean,
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- # As strong as the current.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- # By now, I can see it all clearly,
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- # You're a fact,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- # Not a foolish dream,
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- # You are real. #
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- During this time, - I attended auditions in London.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- I had a show in Bournemouth, - a panto in Birmingham.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- It was one of the three most - important pantos in Britain.
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- A London agent who represented - Tom Jones contacted me.
0:19:23 > 0:19:30- He was looking for someone to play - the leading lady in the musical...
0:19:30 > 0:19:36- ..'Rose Marie.' I was with - the musical for six months.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- I did a few pantomimes - in Cardiff's New Theatre.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- I sang to the armed forces - in Belize and Cyprus.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- # My little darling,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59- # The gentle pipes are calling.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- # The lovely notes
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- # Drift over hillsides, - bushes and valleys.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- # The summer's gone,
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- # The roses have all died.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- # You are going
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- # Leaving me behind. #
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- I know what you're thinking.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- 'Doesn't she look good?'
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- 'How old is she now? - She must be at least 72!'
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- I don't- try- to look young.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- There's nothing worse than mutton - dressed as lamb. I'd hate that.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- I don't do anything. I'm overweight.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- My friends have wonderful figures.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- I know I'd look better if I was - slimmer and looked after myself.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- I don't. I enjoy eating out!
0:21:18 > 0:21:24- # There is a balm
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- # For every broken heart.
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- # There is a balm
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- # To heal a saddened soul. #
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- The series received - a great deal of praise.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- But more recently, - they've been criticised.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- I accept that - good or bad.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- I've been - in this business for years.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- I'm still working, - and still enjoying it.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- # My horned sheep - has a thick woollen fleece. #
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- People think that because - I'm a serious singer...
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- ..I don't enjoy a joke.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- To the contrary - - I love doing comedy.
0:22:22 > 0:22:23- I can't swim.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- Mrs Williams. Have you dipped them?
0:22:29 > 0:22:30- Yes!
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- Stay for tea.
0:22:34 > 0:22:35- I have to go.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37- Oh!
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- You know me, lads! - I just dip and go.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- I think what I enjoyed most - of all in front of an audience...
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- ..were the National - Eisteddfod concerts.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- I first sang solo there - when I was 14.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- I've done numerous concerts - since then.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- Nothing can beat - that feeling of being on stage.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- It's a fantastic experience.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11- # And then, through the darkness,
0:23:12 > 0:23:17- # I see your face.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- # Remembering the romance,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- # My eyes close,
0:23:25 > 0:23:30- # When the night is long. #
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- Thank you very much.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- S4C Subtitles by- GWEAD
0:24:05 > 0:24:06