Contributors
Introduction Welcome to this one-off edition of Our Voice Magazine, a culmination of workshops at five different establishments throughout the valleys of Rhondda Cynon Taff and Merthyr Tydfil. The workshops encouraged the participants, via a series of discussions and interviews, to talk freely about their lives, their roles in society and their future plans, as well as give opinions on the country they are part of. In this, our country’s free society, everybody has a right to express their own opinion without fear of retribution and Our Voice worked with people who would be regarded as on the periphery of society – those with Special Needs, NEETS (Not in Education, Employment or Training), from different ethnic backgrounds, on probation or in fear of committing crime, the unemployed and those who would love to work, as well as people who have retired from work altogether. Through expressing their views on the world Our Voice wants to show everybody that we are one big society and despite your circumstances, background or position in life you are generally a good person whatever the situation. The projects involved a variety of activities with a variety of people from differing backgrounds who clashed on personality and opinions while discussing and debating in photography and art sessions, research and interview sessions – where every opinion was put forward and considered by all. As shown throughout the magazine, many of this project’s participants demonstrated opposing views, especially on the position and climate that our country finds itself in at present here in 2012. So Our Voice is not just a one-off project, but an historical statement of this point in time that is now entering into the tomes of history. The major element that featured throughout the discussions was quite simple, bringing home the point that you, and only you, are in control of your own destiny, whatever your beliefs. Throughout our research sessions we came across many famous names that have risen from the society that our participants now inhabit and who have taken themselves further without forgetting their roots – whether it be via music like the Stereophonics from Cwmaman, The Blackout from Merthyr Tydfil or LostProphets from Pontypridd and Rhydyfelin; via the writing route like Rachael Trezise of Cwmparc, author of the award-winning inaugural Dylan Thomas Prize for Literature for her book Fresh Apples; sportsman Jimmy Murphy of Pentre the Wales National Football Coach and Assistant Manager to the Manchester United team that were nearly all wiped out in the Munich air disaster of 1958; or Paul Whitehouse from Stanleytown, the actor, comedian and writer made famous for his work with Harry Enfield and the Fast Show (the list is endless). Using people like these as points of inspiration the attitude of ‘You Can’ echoed throughout the sessions, with each of the workshops giving its participants another small mountain to climb or a small hurdle to jump that led to many of them gaining a nationally recognised qualification for the work they produced. So read “Our Voice” not as just another publication created by yet another government funded art project, see Our Voice as an Olympic race that may never end but needs to be run by everyone within this country of ours to open doors and say “I’m going to stand up and be counted. I matter.”
RUI SEMEDO COREY CLACK GARETH DAVIES IAN THOMAS GEORGINA WATKINS ASHLEY JONES JAMES POWELL MEIRION TOVEY MARGARET HYDE CARL FRANCIS KAREN MOORE KARA VIVIAN DAVID JONES JAMES JONES ROBERT ANDERSON SAMATHA RICHARDSON ALEX WEBBER LEANNE WORGAN JADE LEE BRADLEY KINSEY MATTHEW CHAPPELL EMMA RICHARDS STEPHANIE TIMMONS
DANIEL RYAN AIESHA DAVIES JOSH GAMBLE GRANT AGG SAM POWELL LEE JONES ANNE-MARIE CLARKE MARK LOGSTAFF MATTHEW BURNS STEVEN DAVIES STEPHEN RICHARDSON SHAY EDMUNDS ELLIOT GOUGH JADE LEWIS NYASHA MATENGARUFU CALLUM SANDREY-JONES ABIGAIL LEWIS LOUIS EVANS MITCHELL REED NAOMI HAWKINS KEIRRANT COOPER THOMAS HUXLEY ELIN GRIFFITHS-WARNER
RCT Community Arts worked with PLUGGED IN Magazine’s educational section which created, devised and ran this course and produced Our Voice with ESF funding through the Engagement Gateway to whom we are grateful for all the help they have supplied. All the content in Our Voice is original, including both words and photographs, and the opinions expressed are the authors own and are not that of any of the above organisations. All Copyright belongs to PLUGGED IN. The Editor would like to thank all those community groups and organisations who helped PLUGGED IN with the project, including: Wendy York and the staff at RCT Community Arts Karen Richards of the Engagement Gateway Fund Ian Broad, Michael Henderson and the staff of Ysgol Hen Felin, Ystrad Rhondda Lisa Derrick and the staff of Glamorgan Gates in Merthyr Tydfil Barbara Jones & Laura Davies and the staff at Learning Curve, Treforest Marie-Claire Hopkin & Dave Hutcheon and the staff at Maesgwyn School, Aberdare Debrah Hanney and the staff of Maerdy Communities First and Tylerstown On Track Also Darren Warner, the Project Co-ordinator & Tutor, would personally like to thank every participant who was brave enough to speak to a stranger and who now he regards as friends.
Publisher, Managing Editor & Workshop Tutor GAIL GRIFFITHS of PLUGGED IN Magazine & PLUGGED IN Education Project Manager, Workshop Tutor & Creative Director DARREN WARNER of PLUGGED IN Magazine & PLUGGED IN Education Design by MARK JEHU
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Jade, aged 18 I love watching Treherbert playing rugby as my uncle is in the team. Treherbert is great because of the youth club. I did work experience at Remploy, cleaning circuit boards for computers, which I enjoyed though I hope to go into hairdressing after we visted the salon at Treorchy Comprehensive.
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Treherbert Birthplace and/or hometown of: Lewis Rhys, Emlyn Jenkins & Gomer Gun Wales International Rugby players. John Emanuel, Wales International Footballer
Treorchy Birthplace and/or hometown of: Clive Thomas. World Cup Football Referee known as ‘The Book’ Frank Vickery. Actor & Playwright who wrote ‘Erogenous Zones’ Peter George. Author of ‘Two Hours To Doom’, the inspiration for Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Dr Strangelove’ Euro Bowen. Welsh-Language Poet Donald Davies. Computer Scientist Ian Thomas. ‘I’m from Treorchy’ Rhod Gilbert heckler Noel Kinsey & Wayne Jones. Welsh International Footballers Billy Cleaver. Welsh International Rugby Player
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Alex, aged 16 I love sports, rugby mainly. Now and again I go to the park in Treorchy and play. I live in Cwmparc but don’t like it there as you can’t play football in the street as there’s a sign up. I want to be in the Fire Service because if people are in danger, like in a car crash or something, I could go and help.
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Cwmparc Birthplace and/or hometown of: Richie Burnett. Former Darts World Champion Robert Thomas. Sculptor, whose work includes the statue of Aneurin Bevan in Cardiff and the Miner’s Family in Tonypandy Rachel Tresize. Author of Fresh Apples and Dial M for Merthyr Ian ‘H’ Watkins. Singer with pop group Steps and Actor Geraint Williams. Footballer and Manager of Leyton Orient
Ysgol Hen Felin Ysgol Hen Felin is a day community school situated in the Rhondda Valley which provides for 140 pupils aged from 3yrs to 19yrs with statements of Special Educational Needs which include Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Hearing Impaired (HI) and a small number with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD). The school is heavily involved in professional learning communities where good practice is disseminated to other schools.
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I like dancing and acting. I’m part of the Rhondda Theatre Company and have been on stage in Snow White as a guard. I work part time in Taffy’s Café and love my home in Pentre. I’m cheeky but helpful because when my mother asks me to do some shopping, I just do it. One day I hope to be an actress.
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Pentre/ Ton Pentre Birthplace and/or hometown of: Alan Curtis. International Footballer Johnny Jones. Welsh Flyweight Boxing Champion Rhydwen Williams. Poet & Novelist. Author of Dyddiau Dyn Jimmy Murphy. Footballer and Manager of Wales & Assistant Manager of Manchester United
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Mrs Peachey,
Emma, aged 16
Bradley, aged 17 I like Pentre because it’s my hometown and I’ve got lots of friends my own age there. My hobbies are football and rugby. I do swimming as well. I’ve done my 100m and 400m badges, so my next is 800m. I have a Gala coming up soon. One day I’d like to be a doctor saving people’s lives or a painter and decorator or do drama.
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teacher at Ysgol Hen Felin My mother has had the shop Vintage about three years now. It’s opposite the church in Pentre. Most of the customers are local people, but since we’ve put an advert in a magazine we’ve had people traveling to us. The furthest was someone coming from Chepstow. My mother loves working there, though it can be tough at times.
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Ystrad, Rhondda
Mr Hendson,
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Headteacher Ysgol Hen Felin I like working in the school because I’m working with great students hoping to make a difference to their lives and that can be a challenge.
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Aiesha, aged 17 I like Pen Rhys because I’ve got family there but hate it because it’s a shit tip. I’m unemployed at present but I’d love to get a job and get something out of it. Saying that I’d rather go travelling around the world. I’ve been inspired by Julie & Phil (from Tylerstown On Track) who’ve helped me out. I used to have a raving temper but now they’ve got me to calm down. It’ll help me in the future.
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Steph, aged 17 I’m annoying. I drove my sisters to drink, I drove my nan to smoking. I’m a trouble maker. The trouble finds me, I’ve got into trouble with the police so many times it’s unbelievable. At the age of 30 I most probably be in jail. I need to get involved with something like this course with you as it’s better than being in your house all day. I need to do anything that keeps me out of trouble.
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David, aged 18 I like going out on my bike riding up the mountain and listening to rock music like Bullet For My Valentine. I live in Stanleytown which is quiet, but I like going down the football pitch at the bottom to play. One day I’d like to work with machines and have been gaining work experience at Remploy.
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PenRhys
Tylorstown Birthplace and/or hometown of: Mansel Thomas. Composer of Daffodils/Cennin Aur Gareth Jones. Father of English Restitution Law Steve Jones. TV Presenter
Stanleytown Birthplace and/or hometown of: Paul Whitehouse. Comedian & Writer
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Lee, aged 24 I don’t like Tylorstown much. It’s too quiet for me. Nothing much happens in my street. I don’t really feel part of the community though if I did loads and loads of courses and got to know people that may help. I would love to have a job as a car mechanic one day.
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Daniel, aged 17 I’m from Bridgend originally but now live in Maerdy. I don’t like anything about the place, too many drugs about. You live up here for two weeks and you’ll understand what I mean. I’d like to be a tattooist and have my own business like my mother. She runs her own cake business.
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James, aged 17 I like Maerdy because it’s my hometown. It’s a cool place. I was born there. I like going on the PS3 and playing games. I go out sometimes and roam around. I’d like to fix up cars. A mechanic. I have this thing set up where I may work at Kwik Fit then they’ll send me somewhere else to do the bodywork. And I may go to college to see where that takes me.
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Maerdy
Josh, aged 17
Maerdy, everybody knows everybody, a bit of a closed community though there’s nowhere to go at nights and the weather is awful. I’m unemployed at present though one day I’d like to have my own plumbing business. I went to college but left after a couple of months as I was a bit of an idiot. I got on with everyone in the class but didn’t do the work. I was given the choice of leave or be thrown out. I’m hoping to go back in September if I don’t get a job first. My parents think of me as a bit of a lazy bones, but they’re happier now I’m doing something like this course with you and the Prince’s Trust work because I’m actually getting out of bed.
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Sam, aged 17 Maerdy is not very nice and boring. All the parks are rubbish there, they are all rusted up. There are a lot of not very nice people there. They call me names, about my mother and stuff because she’s a different colour to me. I would like to go on a hairdressing course. I haven’t had any experience yet though I’m starting college in September and will work in the salon in Treorchy comp.
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Grant, aged 19 I’m Grant from Maerdy. I love it here because it takes me 10 minutes at most to walk anywhere. I have lots of friends here. I also help out at Ferndale Football Club every Saturday, putting up the nets and putting the dug-outs out. I do some work at The Arts Factory. I’m there 5 days a week to check books and boxes. I go out on the van on Friday to pick up books.
Cofio Dance Group We’re in an older ladies dance troupe called Cofio, which means ‘Remembering’ and have actually put those favourite memories to music. Most of us were either teenagers or children during the war years and the dance routines are based on the memories of that time. Part of the show and an element that many people still remember is the Monkey Parade. It was our way of courting. At the time, around the ages of 15 or 16 we all had to go to chapel on a Sunday. After chapel we came out at 7pm all dressed up in our Sunday best, hats, gloves, all our posh gear on, and headed up to the Strand in Ferndale where we’d walk up and down, boys one side, girls the other eyeing each other up. The area has changed now, but for the better as there is more going on. I think we are a bit apathetic and expect to be pushed when looking for things to do. They used to have a regular disco down the Welfare Hall which seemed quite popular. Every time I passed it there was a queue, but for some reason it just stopped. In the 50s and 60s we had little dance places all over the place. The world has changed. How many mothers now have to have a job to pay the mortgage? There doesn’t seem the time to enjoy going out socialising. Job opportunities were more abundant then, though once the mines shut it was the death of the Valleys. Mrs Thomas aged 80 Mrs Lloyd, aged 91
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Robert, aged 17 I love Maerdy because there are nice mountains and lots of fresh air. I’d like to be a DJ one day.
Sam, aged 17 I like the people round here but there is nothing to do in the nights except going out with the boys. I’ve lived here all my life, all my friends are here. Everyone gets on with everyone.
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Maerdy Communities First The aim of Maerdy Communities First is to provide local people with opportunities to play an active role in shaping the future of their community. Over the last five years they have built a strong Partnership in Maerdy – local people have worked hard, alongside service providers and other agencies to show that together we have much to be proud of.
Maesgwyn Special School Maesgwyn is a school for children with moderate learning difficulties, currently with 100 pupils aged between 11 and 19. The pupils, staff, parents and governors of Maesgwyn School believe that a high quality education is the fundamental right of every child. Every one of the school’s pupils will receive the respect, encouragement and opportunity they need to prepare them for their adult lives.
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Abigail, aged 17 “I don’t like Aberdare at the moment because of the road works and because I get bullied in the street by everyone. The favourite thing I’ve done in my life is going on holiday to Disneyland in France and Cornwall in England. I’d love to be a dog groomer. I’m going to do some work experience soon.
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Mitchell, aged 18 I love where I live in Trecynon, Aberdare. It’s peaceful and quiet but I wish we had colder climates. I’m not a fan of warmer weather, I don’t like the sun at all. I love the rain and the snow. I love animals and admire Nigel Marven, a zoologist. I want to be a palaeontologist (study of Dinosaurs) one day or a sleigh dog racer. I’d love to work with huskies and train them.
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Aberdare Birthplace and/or hometown of: Steph Davies. England Women’s Cricketer Lyn Evans. Particle Physicist & Project Leader of Large Hadron Collider Ioan Gruffudd. Actor, famous for roles in Fantastic Four, Black Hawk Down & Titanic Patrick Hannan. TV Presenter, Journalist & Author Mihangel Morgan. Welsh Language Author Roy Noble. Radio Presenter Rhian Samuel. Composer Jo Walton. Fantasy Novelist
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Elliot, aged 19 “I don’t like Cwmaman because there’s not much stuff up there. The cinema in the institute has closed and there is a very small playground. I’ve been in three drama productions: Hairspray, Romeo & Juliet and this improvisation thing that didn’t have a name. My ambition is to either have a record contract or be an actor in the West End or on Broadway. Next step, college in September.
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Cwmaman Birthplace and/or hometown of: Stereophonics. Welsh Rock Band featuring Kelly Jones, Richard Jones and the late Stuart Cable Alun Lewis. Poet, Author of All Day It Had Rained
Jade, aged 18 Where I live is OK. There’s loads of hills. It also rains a lot. I’d rather live in Egypt because it’s lovely and warm and never rains. I won a Mountain Bike after doing some design art in a competition once. Never been on it though. Also had a tour round the Millennium Stadium, by the pitch, saw the Queen’s seat and went in the changing rooms. One day I hope to open my own hairdressing salon. But first I’m going to college.
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Naomi, aged 18 I admire my Gran. She puts up with my behaviour and took us all in. I love going down the caravan and hope to be a hairdresser one day.
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Mountain Ash Birthplace and/or hometown of: Guto Nyth Bran. Legendary Runner Pennar Davies. Author of Meibion Darogan Elaine Morgan. Writer of TV Series, including The Life and Times of David Lloyd George Hayden Morris. Welsh Rugby International.
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Kierran, aged 16 Tonyrefail’s all right. A nice place to live but it can get a bit boring. Because I come from England I don’t see much of my family. I need to be close to a beach. My inspiration is my Mum. She’s been through a lot and is really nice.
Shay, aged 17 Porth’s all right like most of Wales. Can be slammin’ but we do have some bad times with the weather. I admire Adele, because of her voice I was inspired to audition for X-Factor. It was frightening. You go in front of the director and if you pass you end up in front of the judges. I didn’t make it that far but at least I had a go. Good it was. I’d love to be a famous artist or singer. Or maybe an art teacher.
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Tonyrefail Matthew, aged 18
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I like playing on my PS3, doing sports, walking my dog, cleaning my bedroom and going partying. Sometimes I do something else on a Sunday. I like where I live in Tonyrefail because it’s got a club right next door. Though I don’t like the fact that people make a noise when they are drunk. I’m happy, flirty, awesome, a good friend, fun, naughty and a big softie. I cried at the Lion King. It gets me very emotional.
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Porth Birthplace and/or hometown of: Llew Edwards. British Featherweight Boxing Champion John Gwyn Griffiths. Poet and political activist Cliff Jones. Welsh Rugby International Percy Jones. World Boxing Champion Gwyn Thomas. Novelist, Author of The Dark Philosophers
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Anne-Marie, aged 29 I don’t like living in Llanharan because the neighbour takes his dog out early in the morning and it barks all the time. I went to school in Merthyr and enjoyed doing a poem. It was published in a book. I have a big family with a daughter who is in foster care. I love spending time with her especially when we went to Cornwall and spent time feeding the ducks.
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Nyasha, aged 18
I like where I live especially in the autumn. I go for walks in the orange sun and it’s so peaceful. I think Wales is a good place. Ogmore, especially in the summer. Also Porthcawl. I remember not long ago, it was very sunny there. It was really peaceful. I’ve changed my life a lot. When I was younger I was very ill and used to be really naughty. Now with the tablets I’m calmer. I used to swear a lot but no longer do that. My ambition is to get my life sorted and get a job. Any job.
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Stephen, aged 42 I like Llanharan as it’s a quiet area and I like a bit of privacy because I tend to go to bed early. In my spare time I watch TV, read books and sleep. I am independent but need prompting at times by my parents and the staff. I’ve been all around the world. It was amazing. I have photographs from all over our amazing planet. I’ve also done lots of amazing things. Picking apples, running for charity, climbing, canoeing, caving, gymnastics, darts, snooker, art, also going out with my girlfriend and family.
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Llanharan Birthplace and/or hometown of: Richard Hoare Jenkins. The High Sheriff who ordered the execution of Dic Penderyn Tegwen Lewis. Poet & Writer of ‘Summer Noon’ David Evans, John Morgan & Sarah Holland Miles. Writers Terry Witts. Author of ‘The Forgotten Years’ Welsh Springer Spaniel. The origins of this breed come from Llanharan
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Leanne, aged 18 Llanharan is quiet but good place to live. I have some friends there but mostly my friends live far away. I’d love to work with kids as my parents think I’m a kind, caring and helpful person.
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Mark, aged 42 I like Efail Isaf because it’s a quiet village. No fireworks, no trick or treaters or carol singers. I feel independent though I abide by the rules of my home. I do lots of things to keep myself busy, working in the kitchen, tuck shop, art in the afternoon. I like to help Sharon out. I love watching Wales playing rugby, playing pool and going to the Gateway Club in Rhydyfelin where I do the raffle and the bingo.
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Efail Isaf
Learning Curve, Treforest Learning Curve aims to help people with Special Needs live more fulfilling lives within their community. There are currently around 400 service users throughout the county borough who are involved in a whole variety of activities and skills on a daily basis. The service offers many different types of work experience and helps develop the skills of the individual.
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Treforest
Matthew, aged 23 I like Rhydyfelin because there are lots of nice looking girls there. I feel in total control of my life because I can talk to whoever I want. I even do my own cooking and everything. I love going out with my friends, watching the game or going down the pub. I’ve been on holiday to Treco Bay in Porthcawl. It’s always sunny there.
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Rhydyfelin Birthplace and/or hometown of: LostProphets. Rock Band and creators of songs like Rooftops and Last Train Home
Pauline daytime opportunities support officer @ Learning Curve
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What I do is such a rewarding job helping people to learn new skills that they don’t have. There are people who come here who can’t even make a cup of coffee. They get that training from us, gaining essential cooking skills to make them independent. Does the community support Learning Curve? No, not really, they could do more like offer work to our people with special needs. I know there is not much work out there for people, but for someone with Special Needs it’s ten times harder. We used to do a sandwich run throughout the Treforest Industrial Estate but when people found out that the sandwiches were being produced by people with special needs they stopped buying from us. People with special needs aren’t given a chance.
Eddie
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daytime opportunities support officer @ Learning Curve
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I’d like to think that my job makes a difference to the service users. I’d like to think that passing on my knowledge helps them increase their skills. Without my help the service users wouldn’t be able to do a number of jobs. If Learning Curve didn’t exist I wouldn’t have a job to start with, but more importantly I wouldn’t be able to teach the service users the skills they need to help them become independent rather than get bored in a house all day. I believe Learning Curve should always be there.
RCT Community Arts RCTCA provide opportunities for people to participate and create art works that have meaning for their lives and their communities, with the majority of its work carried out on an outreach basis across the Valleys communities of RCT and South Wales. RCTCA has a core team of six practicing artists and finance/administrative workers, who, with the support of up to 30 outreach freelance artists, offers a wide range of activities in community dance, dance in education/training, dance theatre, public art, visual art, new media and combined art projects.
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Steven, aged 37 I like to spend time with my three children playing on the Wii though I don’t like living where I live in Pontypridd. I feel independent working four days a week in the black bag section of the Learning Curve Day Centre, though I have to ask my parents if I want anything. I used to go to Ysgol Ty Coch. I enjoyed my time there.
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Callum, aged 17 I like Ponty because I’m close to the town and I have all my family around me. My biggest inspiration is my grandfather because I look up to him. He is always there for me when I need him and if I ever need to talk to him he’s always around. I’m not keen on Wales though as all you see are mountains. I’d prefer to live somewhere like Canada because it’s a beautiful country. One day I’d like to become a 5-star chef like Gordon Ramsey.
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Pontypridd Birthplace and/or hometown of: Stuart Burrows & Geraint Evans. Opera Singers John Evans. Writer and Author of How Real Is My Valley? Evan James & James James. Composers of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the National Anthem Of Wales Sir Tom Jones. International Singing Star Dr William Price. Physician, famous for carrying out the first cremation in the UK Freddie Welsh. World Boxing Champion Neil Jenkins, Michael Owen, Martyn Williams, Kevin Morgan, Ceri Sweeney, Gethin Jenkins, Geraint Lewis, Richard Parks, John Gwilliam & Gareth Wyatt. Welsh Rugby Internationals Phil Campbell. Lead Guitarist in Motorhead Darran Smith. Former Guitarist in Funeral For A Friend Chris Slade. Drummer with AC/DC and Gary Numan Gail Griffiths. Journalist and Media & Literacy Education Reformer. Recipient of the Institute of Welsh Affairs Inspire Wales Award for Educator of the Year in 2011 Chris Corcoran. Comedian & TV Presenter Martyn Geraint. TV Presenter and Author. Catrin Collier. Author of ‘Hearts Of Gold’ and many other novels Beverley Humphreys. Singer & Radio Presenter
PLUGGED IN PLUGGED IN Magazine, The Independent Voice For Music In Wales, is a unique educational opportunity for young writers and photographers. The magazine is published three times a year and encourages anyone of any age who has a passion for music, whatever the genre, to submit live reviews and photographs for publication. Also via PLUGGED IN Education, we run courses throughout Wales dedicated to photography, journalism and print media education via a number of educational outreach organisations. Many of these courses are accredited, so participants not only have fun and gain some valuable vocational education, but also receive a nationally recognised qualification.
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Thomas, student There is nothing much going on in Abercynon and I like it that way. Wales can be a bit boring, always raining, never much sunshine but right now it’s great because the sun is out. I’ve been crowned a genius on one of my games on the internet though I want to become one of the best Guitar Hero players in Britain.
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Abercynon Birthplace and/or hometown of: Dai Dower. ABA Flyweight Boxing Champion
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Carl, aged 29
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Do I like where I live? Yes and no. Yes because where I live is quiet and no because sometimes the kids cause trouble down there and are always asking me to get them cigs, booze or something. People may think of me as being, well….lazy, a layabout, unemployed, crazy… but I would like to become a head chef one day, like my uncle. He is a head chef and owns his own restaurant up in Scotland. If I had the money I’d sort out the drugs and alcohol problems, create a place for people to go.
Meirion, aged 28 Treharris, not the best place in the world but it’s somewhere to live. I grew up there. I tend to play computer games and listen to a lot of music. I attend a guitar class at Glamorgan Gates once a week. If I have the opportunity I would get rid of all the junkies and build a rock club.
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Treharris
Quakers Yard
Birthplace and/or hometown of:
Birthplace and/or hometown of: Jimmy Wilde. Champion Boxer named ‘The ghost with a Hammer in his Hand’
Lloyd Daniels. X-Factor Finalist David Davies. Welsh International Footballer
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Corey, aged 19 Treharris is all right, just rough. I suppose I like it, as it’s where I’m from. In my spare time I go down the studio and write my own raps and everything, chill out, record songs for my band Dlouds. We’ve enough material for two albums. Nobody can change my opinion, it’s my opinion. I’m like a rock, I won’t change for nothing. I was born a soldier, I grew up to be a rapper. If I had the money I’d put a big stage by the escalators by Boots in Merthyr, where young new artists coming into the game from Merthyr can perform, giving them an opportunity. You see, my ambitions… Sky's the limit…
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Rui, aged 16 I’m originally from Portugal, tropical country down there, barbecues, everything. It’s proper hot down there. Though Merthyr Tydfil is cool. I get along with people. You obviously gonna have some haters but you just ignore them and put them aside and get along with the good people. My music career makes life interesting. I like being who I am; I don’t follow anybody else and their opinions. I don’t like people telling me their opinions except from my own group or my family. Also depends who is giving me and how they are giving me their opinions. If it’s like ‘You Should Do This’ then no way. I am who I am and you should only give me your opinion if I ask for it, not just tell me. My father hasn’t got an opinion on me neither because he never gave me his opinion. I haven’t seen him for four years. My mother sometimes thinks I’m a stupid boy because I’ve done some naughty stuff. My ambitions are for my band Dlouds to have a gig in Africa with 5000 people.
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Gareth, aged 43 I like where I live, though it can get a bit noisy in the night times as I live near a busy pub. It’s quite cosy though, small flat. I’ve got good neighbours. I get on with them well. We have had trouble with people from outside breaking doors but mostly the people I live near are OK. I think they perceive me as quiet, thoughtful perhaps. I think I get along with a lot of people. My parents would do anything for me. They have supported me for a long time. I’m getting more independent as I go along as I’ve been ill with my nerves and they’ve helped me along with that. I’m overcoming my phobias by doing things. When I was a teenager I was very influenced by other people. They helped point me in the direction that I wanted to go, to photographers, musicians and arty people. I’d like to do some cinematography and write more stories
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Joy, aged 51 I’m from Merthyr but originally I come from Kingston upon Thames though I’ve lived in Wales since I was 11. So I class myself as Welsh. I like where I live. I like the people I meet, I like the area, it’s beautiful and quiet. Also people can alter your perspectives on the way you view your life. You go through life with many different emotions and depending on your emotional state, different people can affect your outlook on life. So when you’ve been down and you think there is no future for me, unemployed and a single parent (which I’ve been) it takes someone to come along and say stop thinking negative thoughts about yourself and get off your backside. These people can change your perspectives. But in fairness there is a certain maturity to that thought process and when you’re young you tend to only think one way and that way is now.
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Ian, aged 37
I like where I live because the people are nice. I always believe that people can alter the way you think and teach me more. The only thing wrong with Merthyr is that they could make the place tidier.
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Kara, student I grew up in Merthyr. I tend to spend my time watching TV or drinking down the skate park mainly. I can’t skate just like the skate park. I also like photography, taking pictures of insects. I hope to have my own photography business one day. My parents love me but think I’m naughty. I’ve been chucked out of four schools. I don’t like the people in this area they are psychopaths.
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Karen, aged 58 I like the area where I live, right next to the Thomastown Park. The only problem is the school children. They pass every day leaving a lot of rubbish and a lot of wasted food on the floor. I do lots of things with music. I write my own music, sing, play guitar. I’ve just learned to play the Ukulele. I also read a lot, watch TV and spend time on the internet. Though my music is my life. Listening, playing, creating it. My ambition would have been to do a duet with Joni Mitchell. I really wouldn’t have a clue how people perceive me. Maybe a little crazy because I’m into loads of alternative things, spiritual healing, crystals and things like that. Maybe they think I’m a bit weird but in a good way. As for Merthyr, I wouldn’t bomb it but inject a load of cash. Though it’s not just a case of throwing money at the problems, as they are far more complex than that. The youth needs to be invested in, as the youth are the future.
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Georgina, aged 66 I like where I live. I was born and grew up there, it’s quiet and I get on with most of my neighbours. The only problem is the traffic. It’s a very busy street and we have a problem parking. I have quite an active life. Photography, computer classes, I go three times a week to the leisure centre to do circuits and I do spend a lot of time with my grandchildren. If I had the money I’d put more back into the community and help the youngsters of today. My grandchildren, where are they going to go in years to come?
Ashley, aged 21 I live in Dowlais, Merthyr. It’s not too bad but could be better. Good thing is that it’s quiet, though the other aspect is that some of the people who live there are questionable. I like some people, others are just knobs. I spend time writing my own music and poetry, playing guitar, bass, piano and drums. I also sing a little bit. Some people would probably say I’m crazy while others… While my parents would in some aspects say I’m the best thing since sliced bread, some of the time. Other times I’m a bit … My ambition is to some day do anything to do with music and help others through that medium.
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Merthyr Tydfil Birthplace and/or hometown of: Laura Ashley. Fashion Designer and style guru Richard Davies. Actor, famous for appearing in the film Zulu and many TV roles Craig Handley. Writer and Director of film and TV, including Doctor Who and Torchwood Julien Macdonald. Fashion Designer Philip Madoc. Film and TV Actor Leslie Norris. Poet and Author of Finding Gold Joseph Parry. Composer, of songs such as ‘Myfanwy’ Robert Spragg aka Larry Love. Lead Singer with Alabama 3 Eddie Thomas. Welsh Boxing Champion Malcolm Vaughan. Pop Singer and Actor Howard Winston. World Champion Boxer The Blackout. Anarchic Rock Band Michael Gustavius Payne. Artist Glyn Jones. Poet and Author of ‘The Island Of Apples’ Mario Basini. Journalist, Author & Broadcaster Des Barry. Author of ‘Cressida’s Bed’
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Margaret, aged 61 I do like where I live because it’s a quiet area and I get on with the people who live there as well. I’m a very busy person doing Photography, Painting, Poetry, DIY. Anything to do with craft really. My ambition is to sell more of my artwork. Also I love doing DIY in the house especially when using a drill. Living on my own means I’ve got to do these things myself. I don’t really think about what other people think about me, but I know my family think I’m funny because they get me dressing up at birthdays or other things that are going on. If I could, I’d make Merthyr more accessible to people who visit Wales. I’d like more things going on to bring them into the town to make more money so we can get things up and running.
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Glamorgan Gates Glamorgan GATES is a partnership between the University of Glamorgan and the Communities First Unit of the Welsh Assembly Government. It is both a concept – a “gateway” between the university and the community – and a physical presence – a GATES Centre – sited in Merthyr Tydfil. The project is aimed at all sections of the community, but also focuses on people who may be disengaged within the community. GATES strives to develop imaginative and innovative methods of lifelong learning through activities and events rather than a formulated learning framework.
RHONDDA CYNON TAFF COMMUNITY ARTS RCTCA believes in the transformational power of creativity. We deliver high quality professional art experiences to communities across the South Wales Valleys. We are committed to ensuring that creativity plays a role socially, educationally, and culturally, by innovating, inspiring and including. Our regular programme of community arts offers opportunities to participate at any age and is inclusive of people of all abilities, providing pathways to the Creative and Cultural Industries through community dance, dance in schools, dance theatre, new media and the visual arts. People from age 3 to 93 take part in workshops and performances in community halls, schools, youth centres, colleges, theatres and out in the open air. We work collaboratively with individuals and communities, exploring and caring for our history, culture and local environment. We aim to empower people to expand horizons, to aspire to new challenges and celebrate achievement - to enrich and take control of their own lives. EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO TAKE PART. Call us to find out more - workshops are run throughout the valleys of RCT. Contact RCTCA on 01443 490390 or info@rctca.org.uk
“Through dance, I’ve met some truly great people, done loads of exciting projects - some even leading to a qualification. My confidence has increased tenfold and I’d be lost without dance on a Wednesday night!”