BBC HomeExplore the BBC
This page was last updated in February 2009We've left it here for reference.More information

10 February 2012
Accessibility help
Text only
South West Wales

BBC Homepage
Wales Home

Wales SW Mid SE NE NW
»

Local BBC Sites

Neighbouring Sites

 

Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

 

Programme 2: Three sisters

Longhorn Cattle This BBC Wales series, narrated by Huw Edwards, looks at a county which, over centuries, has charmed generations of inhabitants and visitors alike.

This programme first broadcast Tuesday 1 Feb 2005

In the hills of Preseli, in north Pembrokeshire, there is a strong sense of belonging. The second programme in the BBC Wales TV series Pembrokeshire, Land of Dreams looks at one family whose sense of belonging has kept all family members in the area, under the close watch of the family patriarch, Brian Llewelyn.

Brian LlewelynBrian Llewelyn is a strong-willed Welshman and businessman with a dream. His vision is to preserve a way of life that is fast disappearing, where people stay in their area, marry local people and sustain their community and language. Three Sisters takes a look at the Llewelyn family, whose three daughters run three separate businesses created for them by their father, to keep them in work and in the area.

Neither political correctness nor even the authorities are allowed to hinder his almost Victorian views - he took his daughters out of school at the age of 15, in order to get them started in the family business. He was taken to court and says that "they were the best fines I've ever paid".

"If my daughters had gone away from Preseli School to college in Cardiff or God knows where, perhaps they would never have come back to this area. I had something to offer these children - I could offer them a future."

Surprisingly, the daughters have conformed to their father's vision. All three are running successful businesses, Rhian is in charge of the village shop and petrol station in Eglwyswrw, Hafwen runs the renowned Tafarn Sinc in Rosebush and Siân runs an agricultural supplies business.

SianThey too share their father's vision and concern about the future. Agriculture is and has always been an important industry in Pembrokeshire, supporting families and allowing the farmers' sons and daughters to stay in their home patch. But looking forward, Siân sees a bleak future and a world that is rapidly changing.

"Our farmers are dying and our area is dying and what you'll have is little smallholders with a couple of horses who do not know how to work the land. The reason we're seeing a landscape like this - patchwork and wonderful - is not because of the National Parks but because of the farmers who've been born and bred here," she says.

The programme looks at life beyond the stunning views of the Pembrokeshire landscape, and at those who live in it, whose wish to protect their heritage includes the culture, language and tradition of this beautiful corner of Wales.

  • 'Pembrokeshire, Land of Dreams' is an Element production for BBC Wales.

  • more from South West Wales

    Local History

    Image shows 2 volunteers wearing bright reflective jackets working on an historic railway line
    Transylvania to Pontyates

    See how Romanian volunteers got involved in a local historic project.

    Music

    Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir
    Choirs in action

    Find harmony with information and images of local choirs.

    Outdoors

    Great Gower

    Get out and about on Gower before the winter arrives.


    Lleol
    Eglwys Llandeilo Tal-y-bont, Pontarddulais

    Symud eglwys

    Tair blynedd ers i eglwys agor yn ei chartref newydd.


    About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy