In all, six secret wonders across Wales feature in the series, each one chosen by the local people who know them best.
My Secret Wales, programme 1 is broadacst on 24 March 2009 and featured the former Prisoner of War church at Henllan, near Llandysul.
In 1944, the Italian prisoners of War interned in Henllan, Ceredigion, turned one of their makeshift huts into an ornate Catholic Church, complete with hand painted frescoes and candlesticks fashioned from corn beef tins. Jo Conti, a Welsh-Italian designer from Lampeter, celebrated this remarkable feat of wartime ingenuity.
My Secret Wales, is the companion series to BBC Wales' Secret Wales presented by Sara Edwards and Roy Noble.
your comments
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Kathryn Powell, Evesham
I have stayed in my father-in-law's caravan at Henllan camp at least twice. When I first saw the camp I thought it was quite eerie, but then I went over to the large hut and looked inside and saw the most beautiful church I have ever seen. I also feel that someone needs to look after it!
Paulette Pelosi, Swansea.
Firstly, my congratulations to Welsh-Italian, Jo Conti from Lampeter, who presented and shared this building that "houses a real secret" on our tv screens, October 2008.I echo the sensitive comments of Bruna Chezzi - I was with her and others who visited recently. For me, it was a return visit to this spiritual 'gem'. I have to add that the British climate of the past two years since my earlier visit has visibly and dramatically taken its toll on the hut's interior - decay from rapidly-worsening damp is clearly evident. I deeply fear that unless the caring public devise a plan to halt this decline, t! his piece of 'living history' will fall. This tremendous example of the strong spirit, religious faith and ingenuity of the Italian P.O.Ws has a huge 'fan club' of sporadic visitors. However, we are all! familiar with the quote...there are many, including myself and the widow of one of the P.O.Ws I was fortunate to meet, who firmly believe there is a thread of pure goodness and faith keeping this fragile building standing. My final word must go to the current owner Mr. Thomson. Despite the personal and tragic loss of his father, last year, he has taken up his late father's role of warmly and capably introducing visitors to the famous building.
Bruna Chezzi from Cardiff
I have recently visited the Italian Chapel at Henllan and it was one of the most touching discoveries. With a group of Welsh Italians, we attended Mass in rememberance of the Italian POWs and all victims of the war. We felt that this gem of a place is in urgent need of repair and conservation. I am worried about the future of this holy place and the patrimony of memories and values that comes with it. I hope someone will soon be interested in helping to preserve the chapel for future generations.
Yvonne Griffiths Evans Canada
I lived in Drefach Velindre and our walk nearly every Sunday after Chapel was down to Henllan Bridge. Very often we would pass some of the prisoners taking a walk always in 2's We as children walked on the other side of the road why I do not know as they never bothered us.While I was home on holiday with my husband about 6 years ago we went to see the church and could not believe how well preserved it is. Well worth a visit.
Michael Sauro, Treffgarne
My father was a prisoner of war in henllan from 1943 to end of the war, he is now 86 very healthy and living in pembrokeshire, he still works and remembers the camp well, he saw the programme the other night and wondered how many of those held are still alive, is there a list of those held?Dad said its a pity you did not interview those who were actually there.
Tony Silvestri
I saw your programme about the Italian prisoner of war camp in henllan the other night.My late father was a prisoner of war there.About a year ago I went down to the site to see if I could get a look inside but the owner who I believe has passed now away was quite rude to me when I asked him if I could look inside so I decided not to bother again, but now after seeing your programme it has spurred me on again. Could you tell me who is in charge of it now? My wife has got a book written by Mr Jon Meirion Jones and she was looking through it after she bought the book and she found a p! icture of a crowd of men and in the middle was my father.
Roblin from Pembroke
Can't wait to see this inspiring place.Is it open to the public? Are services still held in this Church? Who does one contact to find out the opening hours?
Derek Fowle from Newport Gwent
The Italian Pow's also decorated a Nissen Hut in the Orkney Islands during WW2-fantastic!
Deneys Schreiner, Dublin
Do you know that there is another Italian POW built church? It is in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
John Hutchinson from Chepstow
Brilliant television, more like this please!
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