19 January 2016

As part of the Caru’r Cymoedd week, S4C will be broadcasting a number of programmes about the South Wales Valleys to celebrate its people, history and landscape.

Through drama, music, factual programmes and current affairs, we take a new look at the Welsh valleys, with a new series through the eye of broadcast Roy Noble as a pinnacle to the week.

Dafydd Rhys, Content Commissioner for S4C says,”The south Wales valleys has strong history and traditions which are reflected in our package of programmes for Caru’r Cymoedd week. From the history of the industries to traditions such as male voice choirs and brass bands, to the Miners’ strike of 1984/85 to individuals like the poet Evan James from Pontypridd and world renowned actor Victor Spinetti, there will be something to please everyone.”

In six part series Cymoedd Roy Noble starting Sunday, 24 January, we follow Roy Noble as he explores the valleys to learn more about the history and the people of these communities. Roy is a broadcaster whose roots are firmly in the Valleys.

Some of the highlights from Cymoedd Roy Noble includes as emotional interview with the late Geraint Stanley Jones, a prominent figure in Welsh broadcasting, about his experiences as a journalist during the Aberfan disaster. In Merthyr Tydfil, Roy meets Chair of the Welsh Language Society, Jamie Bevan, who talks about his time in prison over the future of Welsh broadcasting. before heading to Pontypool rugby ground to meet two old friends Gerald Davies and Clive Rowlands who discuss an infamous rugby match from 1978.

There will special items about the valleys on magazine programme Heno throughout the week and Ffermio meets a family of farmers in the Rhondda Valley.

Public affairs programme Y Byd ar Bedwar looks at the situation of Welsh education in the valleys, one of the areas in Wales which has seen an increase in the number of children in Welsh medium education.

A new term in a new school starts Wednesday evening, 20 January on S4C in the award-winning drama series Gwaith/Cartref. Discipline at the school is out of control and the new Head Teacher is determined to shake up the school's stagnant routine and introduce some serious changes. The cast includes Siwan Morris, Sue Roderick, Ieuan Rhys, Jâms Thomas, Shelley Rees, Lisa Jen Brown, Lowri Palfrey, Aled Bidder and Bradley Freegard.

An opportunity to watch Canu’r Cymoedd (Wednesday, 20 January) tracing the history of choir singing tradition in Wales and debate programme Pawb a’i Farn (Thursday, 21 January) comes from Llancaiach Fawr near the village of Nelson, Caerphilly. Dewi Llwyd will chair the topical debate with an audience of local people asking questions and challenging a panel of politicians and experts.

An opportunity to watch BAFTA Cymru award-winning film Y Streic a Fi (Friday, 22 January) about the Miners’ Strike of 1984/85. Carys is the main character and we follow the strike through her experiences and family life. The film was awarded best television drama by BAFTA Cymru in 2015 and also topped the Director Fiction category.

There will be a portrayal of writer James Kitchener Davies, author of the drama Cwm Glo in Adar Drycin: J Kitchener Davies (Friday, 22 January).

Ends