This Foul Earth

O Rest Beside The Weary Road (Christmas Special)

December 25th, 2018 - Prior to the extended commission received by the Welsh Life Institute in 2019, a small number of test interviews were conducted in South Wales in the winter of 2018. On Christmas night of that year, Rhys Morris (65, Wenvoe) was interviewed about his role in a centuries-old local tradition. 

Introduction by Cliff Cumber. Music written and performed by John Tucker.

2.6 - The Past

The interview subjects were encouraged to speak freely about their life experiences, so that the country's contemporary voice could be preserved for future generations. However, at the end of each interview, the hundreds of contributors were all asked a series of standard questions. Whereas last series' questionnaire responses focused on the future, in this episode we focus on the past, as we hear from a selection of participants about their biggest regret.

This episode concludes series two of This Foul Earth. Thank you for listening.

Title introduction by Cliff Cumber. Music written and performed by John Tucker.

2.5 - The Frozen Woman

August 23rd, 2019 - Natalie, a university lecturer and museum worker currently living in Newport, speaks about her arrival in Wales.

Title announcement by Cliff Cumber. Music written and performed by John Tucker.

The Welsh Life Institute would like to thank Samantha Alice Jones for her work on this recording.

2.4 - The Wonder Horse

June 1st, 2019 - Peter Powell (39, Tonyrefail), a fourth generation horse trainer, speaks about his visionary mother's new approach to showjumping, and the tragic downfall of horse sports in Wales in the mid-90s.

Title announcement by Cliff Cumber. Music written and performed by John Tucker.

2.3 - The Contest

September 2nd, 2019 - The Welsh Life Institute interviews warehouse supervisor and gymnasium proprietor Colin Jones (53, Pentyrch). A former fixer in South Wales' illegal rave scene, Jones tells the story of his once-in-a-lifetime epiphany, and how his life has changed as a result.

Title announcement by Cliff Cumber. Music written and performed by John Tucker.

2.2 - The Electrician

May 1st, 2019 - Independent electrician Lloyd Barton (36, Prestatyn) recalls his most memorable callout; a plug installation at a shipping container on a hillside in North Wales.

Title announcement by Cliff Cumber. Music written and performed by John Tucker.

2.1 - The Forecourt

June 6th, 2019 - Veteran car dealer Stewart Cleary (54, Abergavenny) details the little-known challenges of operating a used car business.

Title introduction by Cliff Cumber. Music written and performed by John Tucker.

1.6 - The Future

Over the course of the project, the interview subjects were given free reign to speak about whatever they wished. However, all subjects were asked - at the end of their interviews - the same question; what are your hopes, fears, or ideas for the future of Wales?

This episode is the last in the current series, This Foul Earth will return later this year. Thank you for listening.

Title introduction by Cliff Cumber. Music written/performed by John Tucker. 

1.5 - The Dead Man

July 3rd, 2019 - Gravedigger Owen Morgan (58, Hendy) gives a brief history of grave digging in west Wales, and recounts the unusual case of Bryn Johnston.

 

Title introduction by Cliff Cumber. Music written and performed by John Tucker.

1.4 - The Liar

August 15th, 2019 - Pub regular “Trevor” (location withheld at subject request) shares the story of how he came by his peculiar career. 

Title introduction by Cliff Cumber. Music written and performed by John Tucker.