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Transcript

"I travelled from Liverpool to visit my sister in Wales. At the Arch in Cwmystwyth I was nearing the end of my journey. Gelmast Farm, my destination nestled snugly in the foothills of Pen-y-Garn.

I was shocked to see years of shameful neglect, gnawing into the fabric of a once proud building. A gable end was leaning precariously, roof slates lay on the ground. I felt I had been summoned to witness this bitter decay and I was gripped by an overwhelming desire to give back the lost dignity to this old lady of stone.

The only inhabitant was a frail old man and he begged me to stay and help him. I jumped at the opportunity. I had to shack up in a leaking old caravan alongside the barn. The old man died within a year of my arrival so I found myself alone and honoured to be a caretaker of a kind.

I came to know and respect that building, delving into its secrets and marvelling at its construction. Negotiations with the owners took nearly a year but eventually I purchased the homestead, lock stock and barrel, including a flock of sheep.

Lambing was a horrendous experience and looking after the sheep was a full time job, but nevertheless, I set to work returning dignity to the ancient old lady.

I tamed a troupe of semi wild bantams and encouraged the local wild life to keep me company.

After a lot of hard, physical work the restoration was completed and the house has come alive with the laughter of my grandchildren.

I look at the old girl and I fill with pride and satisfaction as she smiles at me in the sunshine."