Deborah Cooke
This interviewee's first memory of television is watching 'snow', but she also remembers children's programmes in the 50s and seeing the moon eclipse the sun being broadcast on television. She talks of the influence of television, especially while broadcasting disasters, saying that this constant broadcasting has hardened us over time. She talks of feeling very embarrassed over the drowning of Cwm Celyn and refers to the competition between Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach with people from each valley joking that the other valley should be drowned. She remembers the Investiture of Prince Charles - a meaningless celebration to her. She watched rugby on television constantly during the 70s, but winning was so important that, at times, it was too painful to watch the screen. She tells haw everyone felt a part of the success, and that is so important for a nation. Talking of S4C she says the station has been a big help in getting a grasp on her Welsh again but she was conscious that many people in the valleys were angry that they received S4C, rather than C4. She speaks of the great change between 79 and 97 regarding support for Devolution, saying that the actions of Margaret Thatcher's right-wing government was responsible for that. The violence seen on television during the Miners' Strike is discussed - and the negative effect of that on public support for the miners.
