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0:00:01 > 0:00:03- I've come home - to the area I was raised.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06- I'm on the hills - of the Vale of Clwyd.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10- Down there is Ruthin and - further up the valley is Denbigh.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- A couple of miles beyond that - is the village of Henllan...
0:00:15 > 0:00:16- ..where I was raised.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- It's an area - of outstanding natural beauty...
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- ..and one which delights - in its warm and friendly community.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26- Welcome - to Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57- Tonight, we'll visit - two different communities.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- The community spirit - of Ruthin's drama festival...
0:01:00 > 0:01:05- ..and the good work done by - Llanfair church in Penrhys, Rhondda.
0:01:07 > 0:01:08- Community.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- People coming together - to enjoy themselves, socialize...
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- ..and offer assistance - and support...
0:01:15 > 0:01:16- ..is what we have tonight.
0:01:17 > 0:01:18- We start the programme...
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- ..by joining the congregation of the - Tabernacle chapel here in Ruthin.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- Conducting the choral singing...
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- ..is the composer who's - made his home here, Robat Arwyn.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04- Local history and stories - from the area are important to us.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Drama and music - are also close to my heart.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- Here, in Bethania chapel, - for over 70 years...
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- ..a drama festival has been held - every February half-term.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- The chapel members obviously - work very hard to organize it.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- Over six busy nights, - many plays are performed.
0:04:27 > 0:04:28- Three on each night.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30- Hello, Gruff.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31- Hello, Gruff.- - How are you?
0:04:31 > 0:04:32- Fine, thanks. How's it going?
0:04:32 > 0:04:33- Fine, thanks. How's it going?- - Not bad.
0:04:33 > 0:04:34- Welcome to Bethania.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35- Welcome to Bethania.- - Thank you.
0:04:36 > 0:04:37- Are you the caretaker?
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- Are you the caretaker?- - Yes, sort of.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- You have a busy week ahead.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- Yes. People are very good - at helping out, fair play.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- Long plays - have been here since the 1920s...
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- ..almost a century ago.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- After a break during World War II...
0:04:53 > 0:04:58- ..the short plays began - in the late 1940s and early 1950s...
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- ..thanks to diligent people - like Elen Roger Jones.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07- Gruff, this festival has been going - for decades. What's the secret?
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- Local interest.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- It's not easy to choose six plays. - We have two plays by young people.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- It's good. - It breeds confidence in children.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- We're very fortunate.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- They want to carry on until - they go to university or get a job.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- Over 100 people are part of it.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29- Most of them are members here.
0:05:29 > 0:05:35- There are the actors, people - preparing refreshments, leaders.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- It brings people together.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- Iwan Vaughan Evans is a deacon - and leads the singing in Bethania.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48- He's acted in the plays - for over 30 years.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- He now casts and produces.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- You obviously derive pleasure - from doing the work.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58- What's the value of holding - the drama festival at Bethania?
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- Its main value - is that it brings people together.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- Through socializing, - chatting, having fun...
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- ..and creating something together, - it brings us closer together...
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- ..and creates a healthy community.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- It's a cross-section.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- People get to know each other.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- In a chapel community, - people live far away.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- We come together and many of us - haven't performed onstage before.
0:06:26 > 0:06:32- We get to know one another and it - makes for a closer-knit community.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- How many rehearsals - have there been this week?
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- It's been very busy. We devote five - or six weeks to the event.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- In the week before, - it's nose to the grindstone.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47- It's gone very well.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48- Is there a rehearsal today?
0:06:48 > 0:06:49- Is there a rehearsal today?- - Yes.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50- Can I come for a sneak peek?
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- Can I come for a sneak peek?- - Of course.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- How are you, Mr Parry?
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- Not bad. I feel lonely.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- I miss Marged terribly.
0:07:02 > 0:07:03- Why do you take part?
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- Why do you take part?- - I like taking part with friends.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- It's a laugh to do it every year.
0:07:07 > 0:07:13- The plays bring people together - and make them smile.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- Why don't you come over to our house - for a chat?
0:07:17 > 0:07:18- Why do you enjoy it?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- Why do you enjoy it?- - Being with a group of friends helps.
0:07:21 > 0:07:27- Ruthin is a very good place - for friends to come together.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- A drama festival at the chapel - is a good thing.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- What would you like, Mr Parry? - Tea, scone, bara brith?
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- I don't fancy anything - but I have to try.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- So, a weak cup of tea - and bara brith, please.
0:07:44 > 0:07:45- OK.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- We'll see how the performances - went later.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- Up until the Protestant Reformation - in the 16th century...
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- ..Penrhys was a well-known - pilgrimage site...
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- ..as this memorial demonstrates.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- It is situated in the valleys of - the Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20- Today, the area is very active.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- The church - is a central part of the community.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- At its height, the black gold - of the South Wales Valleys...
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- ..was sold worldwide.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- Nowadays, with the mines closed...
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- ..the community has witnessed - real poverty.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Llanfair church is situated in - the middle of the Penrhys estate.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- It's more than just a church.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- It's a community centre - with a charity shop, cafe...
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- ..and rooms - that are home to various activities.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57- I've come to meet Sharon Rees, an - education worker in the community.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Llanfair - has been here for over 26 years now.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- Llanfair is unique. - It's at the heart of the community.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- Eight denominations came together - to form Llanfair.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- That is unique.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- It's happened - in a very special area.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- Yes. It's a deprived area.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- It has a lot of problems - but it's a close-knit community too.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- The impression I get is it's - a church but also a special project.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- Yes. It's a missionary project.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- People from different countries - have been here over the years.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Miara from Madagascar - is a volunteer.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- His wife Rebecca is a missionary. - She comes from Mizoram in India.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- They have two daughters - who attend the local school.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- They're a part of the community.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- They've been with us - for seven years.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52- Good morning.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Good morning.- - Good morning, teachers.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- Good morning, friends.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02- Pupils from Penrhys Primary School - come to Llanfair church on Mondays.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- They get to act and sing.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- They have a great time.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- # All through the night #
0:12:11 > 0:12:15- I love singing because it's fun.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- I like acting with my friends.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- A homework club - and Welsh lessons are held here.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- I was given the opportunity - to help the learners.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37- Hi, I'm Ryland.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38- Hi, I'm Ryland.- - Hi, I'm Miara.
0:12:38 > 0:12:39- Where do you come from?
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- Where do you come from?- - I come from Madagascar.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- I'm learning Welsh.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47- Do you live in Penrhys?
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- I live upstairs in Llanfair!
0:12:51 > 0:12:52- Here?
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Great. Excellent.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- The church's charity shop thrives - due to the kindness of volunteers...
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- ..who work in the name - of Jesus Christ.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- Some come from afar, - like Margaret Davies.
0:13:06 > 0:13:06- Hi, I'm Ryland.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Hi, I'm Ryland.- - Hello. Nice to meet you.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- You too. What do you have here?
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- Clothes - for the boutique in Llanfair.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16- I've come up from Cardiff.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- I've brought clothes - from Minny Street chapel.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22- Would you like a helping hand?
0:13:22 > 0:13:23- Would you like a helping hand?- - Please.
0:13:24 > 0:13:25- Can you manage?
0:13:25 > 0:13:26- Can you manage?- - Yes.
0:13:27 > 0:13:28- I'll close it.
0:13:28 > 0:13:29- There we are.
0:13:30 > 0:13:31- Do you come up every month?
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- Do you come up every month?- - Every two months.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34- They sell everything.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35- They sell everything.- - Yes.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- The shop generates income - for this close-knit community.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- The kindness of other communities - is very much appreciated.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- We hope the church will still serve - the community for years to come.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- It won't be easy - three years ago, - the church almost closed...
0:13:55 > 0:13:56- ..as we needed a new roof.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- We had to raise money - and that's what we did.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- The people in the community - said the church couldn't close.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- They were very supportive - and still are.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13- The strength of people through - the church keeping this place going.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14- Yes.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- Llanfair church - has been an inspiration to me.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- I've never seen - a more modern church.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- A church for the 21st century.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30- A church that goes out to the - community and makes a difference.
0:14:30 > 0:14:31- Wonderful.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35- Back in Ruthin...
0:14:36 > 0:14:40- ..a central part of the close-knit - community is Ysgol Pen Barras.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- They've been successful - in many choral competitions...
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- ..locally and nationally.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50- # Lord, see us coming
0:14:50 > 0:14:55- # Before you to give praise
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- # After refreshing sleep
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- # We may sit a laden tables
0:15:03 > 0:15:09- # Make us true - to our country and our language
0:15:09 > 0:15:14- # In our play and in our work
0:15:14 > 0:15:19- # Forgive us our faults
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- # For the sake of dear Jesus
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- # For the sake of dear Jesus
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- # Thank you - for the sun and its warmth
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- # And for fire as winter approaches
0:15:51 > 0:15:57- # For our parents - and everyone who helps us every day
0:15:58 > 0:16:03- # Make us loyal - to our country and our language
0:16:03 > 0:16:09- # In our play and in our work
0:16:09 > 0:16:14- # Forgive us our faults
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- # For the sake of dear Jesus
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- # For the sake
0:16:23 > 0:16:29- # Of dear Jesus #
0:16:35 > 0:16:36- It's Friday night.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40- There's another evening of plays - to come here in Bethania.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- I'm looking forward to witness - the community spirit here.
0:16:47 > 0:16:48- Say something else apart from sorry.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49- Say something else apart from sorry.- - Sorry.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- Goodness me! You're like a parrot - who can only say one word.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- Are you three sisters?
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- Three sisters!
0:16:58 > 0:16:59- Three sisters!- - Who are the parrots now?
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- Eirlys, - you've played a very important role.
0:17:05 > 0:17:06- You wrote some of the plays.
0:17:06 > 0:17:07- You wrote some of the plays.- - Yes.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- I wrote for the adults - for about four years.
0:17:12 > 0:17:18- The chapel committee decided they - wanted to focus more on the youth.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- As I was a Sunday school teacher for - children from secondary schools...
0:17:23 > 0:17:25- ..I began writing for them.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26- And for you, madam?
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- And for you, madam?- - Madam! Who are you calling madam?
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- I was trying to be polite.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- Everyone's told me - how well Eirlys knows her people.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- You write with them in mind.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- I know all the young people by now.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- I write for every one of them.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52- May I introduce to you - Mr and Mrs Slim.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- Mr Slim is the local butcher.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- He has the best faggots - this side of Chester.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- Congratulations, Eilir. It's nice - to see people having fun onstage.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10- Is that what Ruthin drama festival - is in essence?
0:18:10 > 0:18:14- Yes. I enjoyed myself. - The audience responded well.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- That makes our job easier.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Drinking this - is like drinking antifreeze. Yuck!
0:18:21 > 0:18:23- Do you come every year?
0:18:23 > 0:18:24- Do you come every year?- - We try.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- Yes. We enjoy ourselves fair play.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29- They make us laugh all night.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- Stop going on about football. We've - come for a cup of tea and a chat.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- We want to see waiters - dressed appropriately.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41- It's all done - in Bethania chapel's name.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- It's important, - especially for the young...
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- ..that there's a link - between this and the chapel.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57- It was lovely to see people - of all ages laughing together.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- You can't beat that feeling - of belonging.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- Feeling safe in the company of those - who know you better than anyone.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- These days, - communities are to be treasured.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- What's happening in Ruthin - is so remarkable.
0:19:11 > 0:19:12- Invaluable.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- Llanfair church, Penrhys, - is at the heart of the community.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- People from all ages come here.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- They feel at home here - whatever the circumstances.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- We do our best - to listen to people...
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- ..their different experiences - and problems.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- We try to show - God's love and concern for them...
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- ..in their everyday lives.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- It's important to remember that the - way we pour coffee in the cafe...
0:21:44 > 0:21:49- ..is just as important as the way - we pour wine in the communion.
0:21:53 > 0:21:54- In our busy lives...
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- ..it's easy to forget our roots - and what makes us who we are.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- I love being back home - and appreciate every second of it.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- Thank you for joining me.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:24:29 > 0:24:30- .