Troedrhiwgwair
From the collection of
Tyrone O'Sullivan talks to David Parry-Jones
- Hirwaun
- 2004
Troedrhiwgwair
The residents are not for moving - heels are firmly dug in at Troedrhiwgwair.
In the early 1970s, Tredegar Council issued a report suggesting that the mountain behind the village of Troedrhiwgwair, near Tredegar, was unstable. Many residents were moved out and relocated, leaving only those few who refused to move. This film includes the remaining villagers' impassioned and articulate expressions of their love of and connection to the village and its surroundings, and the council's machinations to try to relocate them, citing the unsafe mountain when there has been no evidence at all provided for the existence of such a threat.Participants point out the grand plans for the Ebbw Vale Garden Festival nearby - the 'moving mountain' apparently of no concern when it comes to planning an 'Alpine restaurant' and cable cars. There are not many residents left now - 'they frightened people out of the village... they used this mountain as Aberfan'. The villagers talk of condemned housing, the council smashing chimneys rather than fixing them, and compulsory purchases are looming. An enquiry is to be held, and feelings are running high: 'Democracy - free to do as you're told... nothing else, is it?' 'It's the council's houses that are the problem, not the mountain.'
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Our Valleys
What makes the Valleys tick? Video captures locals' voices from one Cwm to the next, revealing their hopes, concerns and unique take on life.
The famous South Wales Valleys (Y Cymoedd) stretch from Carmarthenshire in the west to Monmouthshire in the east, and have been subject to as many cliches as closed coal mines.
The Valleys have contributed much to the UK's film and television history: early film pioneer William Haggar, actors Siân Phillips and Stanley Baker, and directors Karl Francis and Chris Monger, to name but a few notables - and that's in addition to the decades of classic films set against the backdrop of coal tips and terraced houses - How Green Was My Valley, The Corn is Green, The Citadel et al.
Around 30% of the population of Wales lives here, and it's the stories, concerns and culture of these people that are given voice in this collection. From folk heroes to real-life role models, from searing social issues to inspiring and indomitable Valleys women, these films cut through the stereotypes and give voice to the region's more authentic and unvarnished stories.
17 videos in this collection
1
Tyrone O'Sullivan talks to David Parry-Jones
2
Simon Weston talks to David Parry-Jones
3
Time to Talk
4
Guto Nyth Brân
5
Mari Lwyd
6
Haiku Cwm Afan
7
Y Fari Lwyd, Llangynwyd
8
SOS Titanic
9
Troedrhiwgwair
10
Bitter Litter
11
Elderly Welfare Rights
12
Times Change, People Change - Aberfan Lads Group 16-19 Years
13
Why Men React the Way They Do? Will Hoover Close?
14
The Tredegar Health Tape
15
Elaine Morgan talks to David Parry-Jones
16
Max Boyce talks to David Parry-Jones
17