Looking to the Future

From the collection of

Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive

Established in 2001, the National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive holds an unrivalled collection of films, TV and radio broadcasts, video tapes and sound recordings relating to Wales and the Welsh, from 1898 to the present day. The collection spans multiples formats and genres, both professional and amateur.

Looking to the Future

A new shared house opens up fresh horizons for Angela, John and their friends.

This video was made for Rhymney Valley Social Services. As its opening credits state, 'this film is about people striving for independence and achieving it, each in their own way.' Four young adults with learning disabilities agree to be filmed in the summer of 1985 as they prepare to move from 'Tair Erw', their hostel accommodation in Ystrad Mynach, to a shared house a couple of miles away in Maesycwmmer. Helping them in this process are their social worker, David, and Joan, who will support them in their new home.

We see the young people (Angela, John, Jennifer and Howard) out shopping for food, preparing a meal and discussing their imminent move - what it will be like and what they will do there. The discuss what will need doing - including painting and decorating. In another part of the film, married couple Christine and Alan share their experiences of meeting, courting and marrying as people with disabilities; they also reflect on the dynamics of the marriage (who does what and how they support each other), and the external support they are given. Christine's mum is also interviewed, and shares her wise and caring views on the importance of this relationship to her daughter.

Another couple, Helen and Alex, met on holiday in Porthcawl; they don't live together yet, but talk very wisely and engagingly of their plans for a joint future. They plan to cook meals, have family over, and garden. They acknowledge that they will need some help, perhaps in the form of a weekly visit from a support provider 'to see how we're managing', but Helen firmly believes that people with disabilities can achieve lots of things, given the right support.

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From the collection

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

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Tyrone O'Sullivan talks to David Parry-Jones

  • Hirwaun
  • 2004
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Simon Weston talks to David Parry-Jones

  • Cardiff/Caerdydd
  • 2004
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Time to Talk

  • Abertillery/Abertyleri
  • 2002
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Guto Nyth Brân

  • Bedwas
  • 1999
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Mari Lwyd

  • Maesteg
  • 1999
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Haiku Cwm Afan

  • Cwmafan
  • 2006
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Y Fari Lwyd, Llangynwyd

  • Llangynwyd
  • 1999
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SOS Titanic

  • Blackwood/Coed Duon
  • 2000
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Troedrhiwgwair

  • Troearhiwgwair
  • 1980
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Bitter Litter

  • Aberfan
  • 1990
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Elderly Welfare Rights

  • 1975
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Times Change, People Change - Aberfan Lads Group 16-19 Years

  • Aberfan
  • 1985
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Why Men React the Way They Do? Will Hoover Close?

  • Merthyr Tydfil
  • 1982
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The Tredegar Health Tape

  • Tredegar
  • 1978
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Elaine Morgan talks to David Parry-Jones

  • Mountain Ash/Aberpennar
  • 2001
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Max Boyce talks to David Parry-Jones

  • Glyn-neath
  • 2005
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Looking to the Future

  • Ystrad Mynach
  • 1985
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