0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:01 > 0:00:04- Welcome to - the last programme in the series...
0:00:04 > 0:00:07- ..looking back - over this year's highlights.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- Welcome to - Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- # Soli Deo gloria
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- # Soli Deo gloria
0:00:23 > 0:00:28- # Soli Deo gloria #
0:00:42 > 0:00:45- One of the joys - of journeying around Wales...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- ..visiting various congregations...
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- ..is meeting local people...
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- ..and hearing about - their lives and their faith.
0:00:55 > 0:01:00- Tonight, we will look back - at some of the series' contributors.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- We will also hear hymns...
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- ..and performances - from the current series.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- Our first hymn comes from Alltwen - Chapel in the Swansea valley.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- Tyred Iesu I'r Anialwch - At Bechadur Gwael Ei Lun.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- One of the most memorable locations - was the church at Llandinorwig...
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- ..on the outskirts of Deiniolen.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- I went there - to meet Canon Idris Thomas...
0:03:46 > 0:03:51- ..to hear about the communities who - lived in the shadow of the quarries.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- We're on very high ground here.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- It's a very dramatic backdrop - with the slate heap up ahead.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04- Were you born and raised here?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06- Were you born and raised here?- - Yes, I was born just behind us...
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- ..in the community of Pendraw.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- The only way out of Pendraw...
0:04:11 > 0:04:16- ..was along the path through - Padarn Country Park to Llanberis.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- Behind us - is the community of Dinorwig.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- The Presbyterian chapel - can be seen clearly from here.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- John Jones was the minister - at the time of the tragedy.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30- What exactly happened?
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- The first of July 1899...
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- ..was the day of - the Peris Valley Sunday school trip.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- 750 people went on that trip.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42- It was the only day of the year...
0:04:42 > 0:04:48- ..when people from quarrying - backgrounds could enjoy themselves.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- But it ended in tragedy.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- After reaching Pwllheli, - some went shopping...
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- ..while others went to - what was known as South Beach.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04- Nine children and three adults - ventured out in a rowing boat.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- They'd rowed a mile out to sea - when the boat capsized.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13- 12 of them drowned, but the rower, - Robert Thomas, was rescued...
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- ..because he was a strong swimmer.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- On the following Thursday - after the tragedy...
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- ..a large-scale funeral took place - with 4,500 mourners.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28- You've written a book about the - tragedy entitled Pel Goch Ar Y Dwr.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- What's the significance - of the red ball?
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- A girl from the quarrying community - wasn't going on the trip.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- She went to - her cousin's house to tell her...
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- ..that she wouldn't be going - on the trip the following day.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- She asked her cousin to bring her - back a red ball from Pwllheli.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- When I read in the newspapers...
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- ..about the bodies floating - in the sea after the tragedy...
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- ..there were references - to people's clothes...
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- ..their personal effects and so on.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04- In one newspaper report, - it mentioned the red ball.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- There is a memorial stone - in the church to remember them.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- The names of the 12 - have been inscribed...
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- ..as well as - these poignant words from Proverbs.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- "Do not boast about tomorrow...
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- "..for you do not know - what a day may bring forth."
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- Mid Wales - has a rich Christian history.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- The area is often associated - with the hymnist Ann Griffiths.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- During our programme from - Ann Griffiths' memorial chapel...
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- ..Luned Aaron met Nia Rhosier, - a woman who's been instrumental...
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- ..in restoring - John Hughes's chapel in Pontrobert.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- The building is very unusual, Nia.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Tell us a little about its history.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- John Hughes's former chapel - was built in 1800...
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- ..as a Calvinistic Methodist chapel.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- When it closed in 1865...
0:08:39 > 0:08:45- ..the wheelwright who lived next - door took it over as a workshop.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- Tell us a little about John Hughes.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- He was a very interesting character.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- He was one of - Thomas Charles's contemporaries...
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- ..and a lay preacher - who preached in North and Mid Wales.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- He first came to Dolwar Fach, - Ann Griffiths's home, as a lodger.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- That's how - he got to know Ann and her family.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- How central was John Hughes - to Ann Griffiths's life?
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- He was very significant. - He was her spiritual father.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- She would turn to him - when she needed an explanation...
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- ..for the strange things that - were happening to her spiritually.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- Ruth, who was - Ann Griffiths's maid...
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- ..later became John's wife.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- It was Ruth - who remembered Ann's hymns...
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- ..and learnt them from memory - because she couldn't write.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- She narrated them to John, - and aided by Thomas Charles...
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- ..they made sure - the hymns were published.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- That's the reason - we're able to sing them today.
0:09:52 > 0:09:58- You obviously feel strongly - about maintaining this heritage.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- Yes. - I feel it's part of my vocation.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- But as well - as remembering the past...
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- ..and paying tribute - to John Hughes...
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- ..and those - who were involved with the chapel...
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- ..it's important that we're open - and prepared to move forward.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- That's why it has become...
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- ..the Centre for Christian Unity - and Renewal rather than a chapel.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28- There are majestic places of worship - situated across Wales.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- One of the most - striking features of our churches...
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- ..are the stained glass windows.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38- I recently - visited Llandaff Cathedral...
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- ..and found out more - about its intricate windows...
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- ..with - stained glass artist Ruth Shelley.
0:12:53 > 0:12:58- What was the original purpose of - stained glass windows in churches?
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- The original purpose was - to depict stories from the Bible...
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- ..since people couldn't read - or they didn't own a Bible.
0:13:07 > 0:13:12- Stories were depicted in pictures - for people to view and enjoy.
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- Has much changed in terms of the way - stained glass is manufactured?
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- The technique of cutting stained - glass and assembling it when cold...
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- ..hasn't changed for centuries.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- The tools - and the method are the same.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- But different methods - have since been introduced...
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- ..using warm glass by blowing it.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40- That technique was used centuries - ago, but it was developed...
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- ..during the 1960s, when it took - precedence over archaic methods.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- When did - your interest in glass begin?
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- I studied textiles at college.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- I've always loved colour.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- I travelled - to India and eastern Asia...
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- ..as part of my project - on Asian materials and colours.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- When I came back, - I was out of work...
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- ..so I attended - stained glass workshops...
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- ..and adored the way - glass transfers light...
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- ..and glimmers in the shade.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- I fell in love with glass.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23- In what way does religion - play a part in your creative work?
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- You attend church on Sundays.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- Yes, I'm a Christian and I'd like - to bring my faith into my work...
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- ..but at the moment...
0:14:33 > 0:14:38- ..I think God the Creator is the - best designer there has ever been.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- When I have trouble - coming up with designs...
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- ..I often ask God - for inspiration to design.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- I say, "Use me as your servant - so that I may design."
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- So you pray at work?
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- So you pray at work?- - Yes. I pray regularly.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- # Alleluia
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- # Alleluia
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:15:35 > 0:15:42- # Alleluia
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- # Alleluia
0:15:48 > 0:15:52- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:15:55 > 0:16:01- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- # Alleluia
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- # Alleluia
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- # Alleluia
0:16:23 > 0:16:38- # Alleluia
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- # Alleluia
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- # Alleluia, alleluia
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- # Alleluia
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- # Alleluia #
0:17:19 > 0:17:25- That was Gwawr Edwards singing - Mozart's masterpiece, Alleluia.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- Each year, Remembrance Sunday is an - important programme in the series.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- This year we met soldier - Sion Melfyn Hunt from Aberystwyth.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- He's currently serving - with the Navy.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- He described - the nature of his work...
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- ..and the importance - of having spiritual guidance.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- I joined a ship - stationed in the Gulf...
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- ..and I served as part of the crew - for about four months.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- I came back to Britain...
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- ..and was then sent to Afghanistan.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- I was stationed out there. - It was a tough experience.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- I knew I was going to see and hear - a lot of distressing scenes.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- But I really enjoyed - my duties out there.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- I found it very rewarding.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- I felt as though I was - helping the situation out there...
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- ..and the people of Afghanistan.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28- When I was stationed in Scotland, - a friend of mine committed suicide.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- It was a very difficult time.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- The chaplains - were a source of comfort.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- They were there for the lads...
0:18:39 > 0:18:41- ..and helped raise morale.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- They were a big help.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- We were a family...
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- ..and we were strong.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53- Everybody comes together when - something tragic like that happens.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- The chapel was our solace.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- I hope you've enjoyed - our highlights programme...
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- ..and been blessed - by the current series.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- The new series - will return in September...
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- ..when we will join the congregation - of Bethany, Ammanford...
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- ..for the proclamation service - of the National Eisteddfod.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- We end this evening - with a hymn that was recorded...
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- ..at the Ruthin Eisteddfod's - proclamation cymanfa.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- Arglwydd Iesu Arwain F'enaid - At Y Graig Sydd Uwch Na Mi.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- Until next time, goodbye.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:24:27 > 0:24:28- .