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0:00:26 > 0:00:30- Welcome to Straeon Tafarn - with me, Dewi Pws Morris...
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- ..the leading Welsh pub historian.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- I'm travelling the country - in my little green van!
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- I love touring and performing gigs - with the band Radwm.
0:00:44 > 0:00:50- I like to arrive early to chat - to locals and hear a story or two.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- Where am I going today?
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- It was originally called Cross Inn.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03- However, chapelgoers disliked living - in a town named after a pub...
0:01:03 > 0:01:05- ..so the name was changed.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- Jim Griffiths, the first Secretary - of State for Wales, was from here.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19- In the Mabinogion, Culhwch chases - the Twrch Trwyth through the town...
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- ..trying to steal a comb - from its head.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24- That wouldn't happen to me!
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- Where am I? Ammanford, of course!
0:01:34 > 0:01:39- This week's pub isn't really a pub - it's a social club.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- I've been allowed in for nothing...
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- ..but the annual membership - is 3 for men and 1 for women.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- That's a fortune!
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- It's almost impossible - to become a member.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- The waiting list is as long - as a speech by Dafydd Iwan!
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- The origins of this club - is a story in itself.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- Russell Davies joined me to explain.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- The story started unexpectedly.
0:02:07 > 0:02:12- The strike started - on 2nd August 1935.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18- The workers at James and Sons, - an Ammanford company...
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- ..believed their wages - were insufficient.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- They only received a shilling - and four pence per shift.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30- The strike spread - across the whole town.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- By 15th August...
0:02:32 > 0:02:38- ..some 200 local bus workers - were on strike.
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- James decided to enlist - 15 blacklegs from Llwynhendy.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- There were a lot of blacklegs - in Llwynhendy.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49- That stirred up the strikers...
0:02:49 > 0:02:53- ..and a riot broke out in Ammanford.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- Various reports state that a crowd - of 400 to 1,000 people...
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- ..gathered outside - the James garage.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- They destroyed three buses...
0:03:03 > 0:03:07- ..leaving only a few panes - of glass intact.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10- They also damaged the garage - and other properties.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- The strike also spread - to the surrounding area...
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- ..as far east as Neath - and as far west as Tenby.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- Half of the local coal miners - couldn't get to work...
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- ..because they depended on buses.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- Local eisteddfodau were postponed.
0:03:29 > 0:03:35- Rugby matches, training sessions - and cricket games were affected.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- The cultural life of the area - came to a standstill.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- How long did the strike last?
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- How long did the strike last?- - Just over five weeks.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- The area's strong support - for Labour was evident.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53- The police targeted certain - individuals during the strike.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59- The police arrested 18 men - following their investigations.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- Of those 18 men...
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- ..eleven were known - to be communists.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Six of them had been arrested...
0:04:08 > 0:04:12- ..during earlier riots - in Ammanford...
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- ..when workers in the anthracite - industry went on strike in 1925.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- Old wounds were reopened.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- ..and long-standing feuds - were reignited.
0:04:27 > 0:04:33- Of the eleven that appeared - at Carmarthen Magistrates' Court...
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- ..during January 1936, - six were communists.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- It was this unrest - that was the catalyst...
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- ..for the creation of this club.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- It was the result of the rift - that occurred locally...
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- ..within the TGWU, the Transport - and General Workers' Union.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58- The workers established this club...
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- ..but it was more - than somewhere to have a drink.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- The Pick and Shovel was established - by striking workers.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11- Many of them were communists.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- It wasn't just a bar.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- It was a place to learn - about communism and socialism.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- You wouldn't mess with the men - who established this place!
0:05:22 > 0:05:28- I noticed photographs of two men - in one of the upstairs rooms.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33- Russell explained their link - with the Spanish Civil War.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- If I've understood this correctly...
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- ..the socialist Spanish government - battled against Franco's fascists.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45- Many felt that it wasn't a war - in a distant country...
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- ..but something - that hit close to home.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53- By this stage, people were aware - of the atrocities...
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- ..that were occurring - on the Continent...
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- ..in Spain, Germany and Italy - as a result of fascism.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05- But why are the photographs - hanging in the Pick?
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- Former miner Dai Morris - was related to one of them...
0:06:10 > 0:06:12- ..and he explained all.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- My uncle went out there - in late 1937...
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- ..with his friend, Wil John Davies.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- Both of them were staunch communists - and members of this club.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- How many men went from Ammanford?
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- How many men went from Ammanford?- - Four.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- One man returned - after he was shot in the hand...
0:06:32 > 0:06:34- ..and another man replaced him.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- They supported - the elected government...
0:06:40 > 0:06:42- ..against Franco's fascists.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- How did your Uncle Sam get involved?
0:06:44 > 0:06:49- Sam's friend, Wil from Neath, - had written him a letter...
0:06:49 > 0:06:55- ..about his opinions of fighting - in the Spanish Civil War.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- He came down on the train...
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- ..and the pair travelled to London.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- They travelled from London to Paris, - from Paris to Barcelona...
0:07:07 > 0:07:13- ..and on to Albacete, home of - the International Brigade barracks.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- The British government - discouraged any taking of sides...
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- ..because the Non-Intervention - Treaty was in place.
0:07:21 > 0:07:26- They found it relatively easy - to cross from France to Spain.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28- Did the family know he was going?
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- Did the family know he was going?- - Not until the first letter arrived.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37- His first letter was from Dover - and mentioned a journey to Paris.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39- What was it like for him?
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- He was shot in his leg - and spent a period in hospital.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- He didn't want to return home...
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- ..and be a burden to his family - and widowed mother...
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- ..so he stayed out there.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- He joined Jack Williams in the - Battle of Brunete near Madrid.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- They were killed within a day - of each other in July 1937.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- What did Sam's family - think about the war?
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- His father died before the war...
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- ..and his mother disapproved...
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- ..because at the time, - Sam was the only breadwinner.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- My father lost his job - while the Civil War was going on...
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- ..and Sam was involved in the war.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- The chapel opposed communism.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- The chapel - was also opposed to the Pick.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- All eyes - were on the Spanish Civil War...
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- ..but there was a civil war - brewing in Ammanford too!
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- Bethany Calvinistic Methodist chapel - is opposite the Pick.
0:08:48 > 0:08:53- The deacons weren't happy to see - the Pick opening across the road.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- Ammanford had two warring parties.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04- It was the communists - against the Christians!
0:09:08 > 0:09:13- The Methodists complained about - the rowdy singing from the Pick.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- But the Pick members struck back...
0:09:18 > 0:09:23- ..criticizing the hymn singing - that hampered the club's activities.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- The disagreement continued - for quite a while...
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- ..but over time, - things settled down.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- There's no record of early members - of the Pick attending the chapel...
0:09:41 > 0:09:46- ..but some chapel members - did visit the Pick...
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- ..through the back door, of course!
0:09:51 > 0:09:56- It's better to sit in the pub - thinking of the chapel...
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- ..than to sit in the chapel - thinking of the pub!
0:10:01 > 0:10:01- .
0:10:04 > 0:10:04- 888
0:10:04 > 0:10:05- 888- - 888
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- It's great touring Wales, - playing a few gigs...
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- ..and meeting some local characters - with their stories.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- I crossed the Black Mountain - with my father as a child.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- If the car stalled - or stopped unexpectedly...
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- ..he would say that the laser - of Death Ray Matthews had stung us!
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- Death Ray has puzzled me for years.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- Thankfully, Randal Isaac - could tell me about him.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- His nickname was Death Ray Matthews.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- He was born - in Winterbourne in 1880...
0:10:45 > 0:10:50- ..but later moved to Mynydd y Gwair, - near Betws Mountain.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- Why did he move to Ammanford?
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- The residents of Mynydd y Gwair - and Betws Mountain...
0:10:56 > 0:11:02- ..had seen a plane flying overhead - searching for a remote site.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- It was Grindell Matthews.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- He purchased a local property...
0:11:08 > 0:11:14- ..and erected - a huge electric fence around it.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- There was no hope of getting in.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- Very few local people - visited the property.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24- That was his laboratory.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26- He was an inventor.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Following the outbreak - of World War One...
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- ..the government advertised - for a device to stop the Zeppelins.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- He won the contract, - which was worth 25,000.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- It was a lot of money then, - but he wasted it!
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- He became internationally renowned.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- He worked for Warner Brothers...
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- ..and developed - the sound recordings for film.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56- His death ray - could kill a mouse at 400 yards...
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- ..and stop car - and motorbike engines.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- He was ahead of his time.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- It's said that he invented - a forerunner of the mobile phone.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- There are also claims...
0:12:08 > 0:12:13- ..that he invented - automatic street lighting...
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- ..as well as a device - for detecting submarines.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- He was ahead of his time - and a real eccentric.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- Did he invent these things - or is it a pack of lies?
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- He managed to convince the press - and his sponsors...
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- ..but we'll never know the truth.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- I was speaking about the site - last week.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- Two sisters were reminiscing - about their childhood.
0:12:39 > 0:12:44- They couldn't recall birds flying - overhead, only an eerie silence.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- Grindell, the poor dab, - sadly passed away in 1941.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57- He wanted his ashes to be scattered - over Mynydd y Gwair.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03- It's particularly disappointing - that after his death...
0:13:03 > 0:13:09- ..the government took everything - from his laboratory.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- I'm sure it would have been - a fascinating museum...
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- ..and a popular tourist attraction.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- I would have liked to have met - Death Ray Matthews.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- I wonder if he could have found - a cure for baldness.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- That's enough of that.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- I definitely wish I'd met - another famous local man.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- His name was Jim Griffiths.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40- He was a trade union leader - in the local area.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- He enjoyed a successful career - as MP for Llanelli...
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- ..and as a cabinet minister - in London.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- Successful? I'd say.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56- He became the first - Secretary of State for Wales...
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- ..when the role was created in 1964.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04- Not bad for a boy who left school - at 14 to work in the mines!
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- I remember it - as though it was yesterday.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- I went with my brother - to the Gwaith Isa colliery.
0:14:12 > 0:14:18- I took a lamp and went down - to the coalface for the first time.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- I remember it well.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Did you feel like a hero?
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- Did you feel like a hero?- - Yes, and I had a romantic outlook.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30- My friends were working in the mine - and I followed them.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35- They were men in long trousers - and I was joining them.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- The oppression of the capitalist - owners didn't bother you.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- No, not on that morning, - but it did later on.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- This valley was close to his heart - throughout his life.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- His grave is near the Pick.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- He was passionate about coal mining - and miners' rights.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- As I stand beside his grave...
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- ..I wonder what he would have made - of Maggie Thatcher's government...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..and the Miners' Strike - of the 1980s.
0:15:06 > 0:15:11- Mike Reynolds was one of the miners - who fought against her government.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- It will be difficult - for the entire area.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- The miners earn a good wage - and have done so for many years.
0:15:22 > 0:15:28- Taking it away from the economy - of Ammanford and the Amman Valley...
0:15:28 > 0:15:34- ..will have a knock-on effect - on local shops and the community.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- Why did you strike?
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- In one word - Thatcher!
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- It started at Cortonwood colliery - in Yorkshire.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- The pit closed - and the boys went on strike in 1984.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52- Wages wasn't the issue - - they were closing mines.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- We weren't fighting - over poor wages...
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- ..but fighting to save our jobs - and the local community.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- It had nothing to do with money.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- We had collieries at Cynheidre, - Abernant and Betws.
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- Betws was one of the most - successful mines in the country.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14- It was turning over a huge profit.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- But Cynheidre was losing money, - despite having the best coal.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- We took a vote.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- Betws was told that Cynheidre - and Abernant were on the hit list.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- The staff at Betws - voted to go on strike.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- However, Cynheidre and Abernant - voted not to strike.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37- We picketed them - and eventually got everybody out.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- We aimed to strike for a month.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Nobody expected it - to last as long as it did.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- Times were hard, - with no money coming in.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- As a result, - the women became involved.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- They attended marches - and held sit-down strikes.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- They prepared food at the Welfare - Hall and cared for the children.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01- It changed their lives.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04- At Cynheidre, - they had a sit-in strike.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- There were picket lines, - but people were still working.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13- They broke into Cynheidre to stop - those who were still working.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- Food was supplied for free.
0:17:15 > 0:17:21- The soup kitchen at the Welfare Hall - supplied one hot meal every day.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- You also received food parcels...
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- ..that provided you with the basics - to take home.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- It wasn't a lot...
0:17:30 > 0:17:36- ..but you have to learn to cope - when you're in that situation.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38- People did the odd hobble.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42- They found coal in random places - in order to heat their homes.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43- You had to survive.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- I was sent to Brixton - and Lambeth in London.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- I was there for six months raising - money for the soup kitchens...
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- ..and the food parcels - that were given to every family.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58- How long did the strike last?
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- How long did the strike last?- - A year.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- It ended because too many miners - were returning to work.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- Most of the Welsh miners - stuck to their principles.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- However, it was a losing battle - and we had to return to work.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- We had some dignity, - but we lost the battle.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- Back at work, - we still fought our cause.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- We returned to work - on the Tuesday...
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- ..but one miner - had started on the Monday.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35- We all arrived on the Tuesday.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- The boys who worked - at the Betws colliery...
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- ..came from places like Swansea, - Pontarddulais and Trebanos.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47- We arrived at the gates, - got off the buses...
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- ..and marched up to the mine.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54- The miner who returned on the Monday - after being on strike for a year...
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- ..was sent up to the mine - on the bus.
0:18:58 > 0:18:58- No...
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- No...- - He'd broken the strike by one day.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- My visit to the Pick - has revealed a radical tradition...
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- ..of the South Wales valleys - that could soon be lost.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- But I can't dawdle - - I've got a gig to play!
0:19:16 > 0:19:21- This song recalls Thatcher's - government and Death Ray Matthews.
0:19:21 > 0:19:22- It's Aliens!
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- # I live happily - in my cottage beside the sea
0:19:27 > 0:19:33- # My wife and Mot the dog - listen to the waves with me
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- # One mile away from the valley, - there's a mountainous site
0:19:38 > 0:19:42- # The village is uninhabited - it's in a sorry plight
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- # The school has closed - and the residents left in disarray
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- # But now aliens visit - for a holiday every May
0:19:53 > 0:19:58- # Oh, it's amusing, - oh, it's funny
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- # Aliens bought our village - with their money
0:20:03 > 0:20:07- # Some are from the moon - and others are from Mars
0:20:07 > 0:20:12- # Those that make me laugh - are the old hoo-has
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- # Their vehicles resemble cars - but they're spaceships
0:20:20 > 0:20:25- # They sound like chickens - and speak in weird quips
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- # They sit in Ianto's seat - in the corner of the pub
0:20:29 > 0:20:35- # They're on the committee - in the old golf club
0:20:35 > 0:20:40- # Oh, it's amusing, - oh, it's funny
0:20:40 > 0:20:45- # Aliens bought our village - with their money
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- # Some are from the moon - and others are from Mars
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- # Those that make me laugh - are the old hoo-has
0:20:57 > 0:21:02- # The chapel and the post office - have been bought
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- # They own the surgery, so your - health won't be given a thought
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- # The shops and the bakery - were closed despite the pleas
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- # The aliens have brought the items - that fulfil their needs
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- # Oh, it's amusing, - oh, it's funny
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- # Aliens bought our village - with their money
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- # Some are from the moon - and others are from Mars
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- # Those that make me laugh - are the old hoo-has
0:21:38 > 0:21:44- # They lay on the beach - even in the rain
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- # They visit the pub at seven - as they can't abstain
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- # They'll eat a bellyful - and gorge on an enormous amount
0:21:53 > 0:21:58- # If they knew what the chef used, - they'd want a discount!
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- # Oh, it's amusing, - oh, it's funny
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- # Aliens bought our village - with their money
0:22:07 > 0:22:12- # Some are from the moon - and others are from Mars
0:22:12 > 0:22:17- # Those that make me laugh - are the old hoo-has #
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- Oh, I enjoyed that!
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- "A band and banjo entertained all - at the Pick and Shovel as I recall
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- "The locals at first - Didn't have a big thirst
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- "But by nine, - they had drunk a large haul!"
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- Goodnight.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- # Lleucu Llwyd, you are beautiful
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- # Lleucu Llwyd, - you're worth the world to me
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- # Lleucu Llwyd, you're an angel
0:22:58 > 0:23:04- # Lleucu Llwyd, - I love you, you, you #
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- S4C subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:13 > 0:23:13- .