Mountainous Wales
Connie Fisher explores the stunning Welsh landscape, meets people who have faced some uphill challenges and introduces hymns from Llandaff Cathedral and Welsh singers Cerys Matthews, Steve Balsamo and Elin Manahan Thomas.
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Music Played
Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes
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There's a Light Upon the Mountains
Conductor: Tim Rhys-Evans
Choir: Congregation of Llandaff Cathedral. Supporting Artist: Sachin Gunga. Lyricist: Henry Burton. -
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God on the Mountain
Lyricist: Lynda Randal
Singer: Steve Balsamo, Rosalie Deighton and Band. -
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Lead, Kindly Light
Conductor: Tim Rhys-Evans
Choir: Congregation of Llandaff Cathedral. Supporting Artist: Sachin Gunga. Lyricist: John Henry Newman. -
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Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven
Conductor: Tim Rhys-Evans
Choir: Congregation of Llandaff Cathedral. Supporting Artist: Sachin Gunga. Lyricist: H. F. Lyte. -
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Gwahoddiad (Arglwydd Dyma Fi)
Arranger: Cerys Matthews
Singer: Cerys Matthews. Lyricist: John Roberts. -
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The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
Conductor: Richard Moorhouse
Singer: Elin Manahan Thomas. Choir: Llandaff Cathedral Choir. Lyricist: Psalm 23. -
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God Is Love: Let Heav'n Adore Him
Conductor: Tim Rhys-Evans
Choir: Choir and Congregation of Llandaff Cathedral. Supporting Artist: Sachin Gunga. Lyricist: Timothy Rees.
Factsheet for Sunday 3rd November 2013
Interviewees
Erwyd Howells
Erwyd Howells has lived in the hills of the Cambrian Mountains all his life.听 His name is a derivative of the nearby village of Ponterwyd, and he has worked as a freelance shepherd on the local farms for many years.听 In many ways, he is one of a dying breed of shepherds in Wales, as individuals who earn a living from shepherding sheep, taking care of the animals throughout the year, from lambing to sheering, are in decline.
As well as caring for animals, Erwyd is an active member of his local community, and cares for people in his spare time.听 He lives in the chapel house in Capel Madog, and has cared for the building and its flock for over thirty years.
During the rare moments when Erwyd has time to relax, he often hosts Twmpath dances, the Welsh equivalent of an Irish Ceilidh.
Matt Barlow
Matt Barlow is an accomplished Mountain Bike Display Rider, based in Bangor, North Wales.听 His sport has taken him all over the world to compete in national competitions and to demonstrate his skills in shows.听 But it is the Snowdonia Mountain range, its crags, rock formations and steep edges that he feels most at home.
As well as taking part in this daring sport, Matt is also a Doctor of Sport Psychology based at Bangor University. His present work involves the study of high-risk sport, and the motives, consequences and experiences of taking part in such activities.
Matt is an active member of his local church, and often communicates his faith through his sports activities.
Richard Buxton
The retired clergyman Richard Buxton鈥� is passionate about trains.听 Like many of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway volunteers, he has taken an interest in the steam trains for many years, and was instrumental in seeing the line develop in recent years.听 In his opinion, the train-line that passes Beddgelert, to the north of Porthmadog, is one of the most scenic and spectacular views found anywhere in the U.K.
Carmelite Monastery
Nestled among the hills of Cadair Idris, North Wales is the Carmelite Monastery.听 The nuns living within the Monastery have vowed to retreat from the world, and to pray for it.听 The Prioress, Sister Ruth Andrews had visited the Cadair Idris mountain range as a teenager, before devoting her life to the Monastery.听 Like many others living there, she believes that the beautiful surroundings helps to draw her near to God.
Rachel Allen
Rachel is the manager of the Summit Centre in Treharris in South Wales, a charity run by Rock UK that aims to regenerate and revive communities. The focus is an enormous indoor climbing wall, and they run residential courses and treks in the mountains.
Rachel is inspired by the mountainous region of the Brecon Beacons, and often holds prayer retreats in the hills with friends.听
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Locations
Hymns recorded at Llandaff Cathedral, Cardiff
Performances recorded at Llandaff Cathedral and The Union Chapel London
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Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways
Carmelite Monastery, Dolgellau
Brecon Beacons
Snowdonia
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Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Connie Fisher |
| Performer | Cerys Matthews |
| Performer | Steve Balsamo |
| Performer | Elin Manahan Thomas |
| Producer | Karen Hannah |
| Series Editor | David Taviner |
| Executive Producer | Tommy Nagra |
Broadcast
- Sun 3 Nov 2013 15:55