The Lost Valleys
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"I know what was lost is lost. But we still keep the memories alive." Betty's knowledge of the area's history is second to none.
Transcript
"As I look down at the vast tracks of water that are the dams of the Elan Valley, I cannot help but wonder how my great grandparents felt when told they had lost the fight to save the valleys of Nant Gwilt and Cwm Elan.
Their land would be lost to them, as would the land of their friends and neighbours, in order to supply water for a far distant city. Could they envisage the changes to their way of life?
In the process of flooding the valleys, the school, church, chapel, two squires houses, small farms and cottages disappeared. Bodies had to be exhumed.
My family at Henfron were left stranded in the farm on the hill with no road for over fifty years.
They must have been saddened to see their friends and families move away. The fact that they stayed, weathered the storms that came their way, kept working the land to provide for their children and their children's children, so they grew and thrived, is a testament to their strength of character and to their commitment to the land they farmed.
This character has been sustained throughout the generations now the sixth generation. My great nephew and great nieces have the chance to continue making their hopes and dreams a reality.
As the oldest living family member to a farm here, I know that what was lost is lost but we still keep the memories alive."
An interview with the author
What's your story about?
The flooding of the Cwm Elan and Nant Gwyllt valleys. When the Birmingham Corporation built the dams in the Elan Valley, my great grandparents lived on the hill in 'Henfron' and looked down on the beautiful valleys. They saw all the changes taking place and, sadly, saw all their friends and neighbours move away. But my great grandparents stayed and carried on farming 'Henfron' to the end of their days, with no road for over 50 years.
Why this story?
Because of all the memories and stories that have been handed down to me from all the previous generations of the family at 'Henfron' where the sixth generation are now farming. I am proud to be one of the fourth generation and I treasure all my photos.
Did you enjoy the workshop?
It was a memorable experience which I will always remember - and the friends I made by getting to know the other people taking part in the storytelling.
Your comments
"How great is our history of Elan valley, long may you stay in our memories."
T Thomas descended from Powells of Nantmel.
