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00:01Master Potter Keith Braimer-Jones and actor Marge Hogarth have made the charming
00:07coastal town of Portleli in North Wales their new home.
00:12Who knew? This is on our doorstep Marge.
00:15Yeah, I think everyone who lives here knew.
00:18I think we're the last to know.
00:22They've invested everything they have into a Grade 2 listed chapel
00:26and adjoining Sunday school.
00:28The things we do, eh Marge?
00:30I know. When does the fun start?
00:34Now, Marge.
00:36And together are turning it into something extraordinary.
00:40Doesn't have to be conventional.
00:42It's not for everyone and that's okay.
00:46Two years after falling in love with Kap El Salim,
00:49their dream is becoming a reality.
00:53Yay!
00:55It's beautiful.
00:55While the chapel hall will one day host community events.
01:00It's like Piccadilly Circus in here.
01:03The next phase is bringing their vision of a working pottery studio to life.
01:09We can be creative every day here.
01:11Yeah, absolutely.
01:12Taking inspiration from Nia.
01:15Yachida.
01:15Yachida.
01:16Yeah.
01:17And far.
01:18A dolphin riding a bike.
01:20Makes sense.
01:21Does make sense.
01:22Meeting skilled artisans along the way.
01:25I've dreamt of this moment for so long.
01:27Someone making mugs of mine in Stoke-on-Trent.
01:30I love an overlocker.
01:32And crafting unique pieces of their own.
01:35Just don't look behind you.
01:37I'm not.
01:38As they continue on their journey to rejuvenate Kap El Salim.
01:47We're up and running.
01:48We're up and running.
01:49I'm running.
01:49First pots.
01:58North Wales boasts picture-perfect views of the Llyn Peninsula's idyllic coastline.
02:06With the majestic Aruri National Park gracing its horizon.
02:14This breathtaking region is defined by its natural beauty and cultural richness.
02:20With Aruri standing proudly as a national treasure.
02:25The peninsula is home to the market town of Polleli, where you'll find another cherished landmark.
02:36Kap El Salim.
02:37An iconic symbol of Welsh religious and cultural heritage.
02:43Today, the chapel begins a new chapter.
02:46As it officially welcomes its first ever residence.
02:52You alright there, Marge?
02:53Yeah.
02:55Keith and Marge are finally moving in.
02:58Ta-da!
03:00Making Kap El Salim their forever home.
03:03Have a Japanese lacquered tray, Marge.
03:06That's very kind of you.
03:08Bringing with them their delightfully eccentric ways.
03:12Perfect.
03:13It feels a bit generation game.
03:17Wedding hat.
03:18Oh yeah, this is my Philip Treacy hat.
03:21That's the wrong way round, but apart from that it's great.
03:24I know, but you know.
03:25At the weekends, Marge.
03:27That's very good.
03:28Her and the hunter.
03:29You can have those.
03:30Thanks.
03:31Keith and Marge aren't ones for convention.
03:35That's a long yellow one.
03:37We think it might be a weed, but we like it.
03:43It has taken Keith and Marge over two years to bring their unique vision of living at
03:48the chapel to life.
03:53With a home on the ground floor of the old Sunday school hall that now mirrors their personal
03:58style.
04:00This year marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
04:05Phase two of the restoration.
04:07Wheelbarrow gridlock.
04:08It's like Piccadilly Circus in here.
04:11Keith and Marge want to welcome guests to a Scandinavian style guest suite.
04:16We're going for a really simple look in here.
04:19So it will really contrast with everything else.
04:23Create a brutalist courtyard garden.
04:26This will be the main table and then the hollow bit in the middle is the fire pit.
04:32A Scottish baronial inspired entrance hall.
04:36It's not every day you wake up and you go, yeah, I'm going to do some plucks for some
04:42antlers.
04:43And finally prepare the old Sunday school hall for becoming Keith's very own pottery studio.
04:52The first he has ever owned.
04:57This whole building, we really want to open it up to the community.
05:03And I really want to do apprenticeship schemes in the studio and have people come in that
05:10wouldn't ever get the opportunity.
05:14It's our dream.
05:20Before Keith and Marge can start this exciting chapter, they are dealing with a dreaded move-in.
05:25Just bring it in the kitchen and I'll put them away.
05:28Both have accumulated many belongings over their years together.
05:33Yeah.
05:35As you can see, it's quite ordered.
05:36Everything, you know, ordered chaos.
05:42Since buying the chapel in September 2022, the Sunday school hall has become their storage space.
05:48I'll be making a pot just about there at some point in a few months' time.
05:57Right now, Keith's pottery studio vision looks a long way off.
06:02This is your pottery studio.
06:04Well...
06:05Apparently.
06:06Yeah.
06:07What's the layout going to be?
06:09The two kilns over there, there'll be a glazing area here.
06:13This will be a packing area.
06:16You want the studio to be set up so it's a continuous process.
06:20So, you know...
06:22The glazing...
06:23Well, the glazing needs to be near the kilns.
06:26The clay preparation needs to be near the wheels.
06:29And then you've got the wedging benches.
06:31And then it sort of all goes out the door in a continuous motion.
06:34Yeah.
06:35Yeah, it'll be great.
06:37Yeah, it will.
06:43Kapil Salem's restoration is well underway.
06:48Phase one saw the ground floor of the Sunday school transformed into Keith and Marge's living accommodation.
06:59Upstairs, the old storerooms became a kitchen.
07:03The next phase is focused on turning the old school hall into the pottery studio,
07:08to be filled with wheels and wedging benches.
07:11Two brand-new kilns will take pride of place,
07:16in the first pottery studio Keith has ever owned.
07:23As one studio door prepares to open, another must close.
07:31Today, Keith and Marge are in Kent,
07:33to gently end a chapter that's lived long in their hearts.
07:39I think what we should do now is move everything to the door that's going to go,
07:46and then everything at the back that's not going to go.
07:49OK.
07:49Yeah?
07:50Yeah.
07:51It's the final day of clearing the Whitstable studio,
07:54which Keith has worked in since 2005,
07:59shaping ideas into countless creations.
08:02The other day, I came across...
08:05Where is it?
08:07Amazing.
08:08I came across the first ever pot that I ever made in Highgate in North London.
08:17Yeah.
08:18And I...
08:18It's my own black glaze recipe as well.
08:22But this is it.
08:23This is what happens when you, you know,
08:25you start packing stuff up and you just come across all these memories.
08:30History, Marge.
08:31History.
08:32I know.
08:33Potted history of a potter.
08:35Not all of Keith's potting equipment will be making the move to Wales.
08:40Go on.
08:41Yeah, nice one.
08:42Go on.
08:43This is the bigger one, yeah.
08:44Yeah.
08:45He's found a new home for his two trusty kilns.
08:50Yeah, it's quite a monumental day, really, because the kilns are going.
08:53And the kilns have been with me for 35 years.
08:5835 years.
09:00I put a shout out on the pottery community that, you know,
09:04anyone who's willing to take them away can have them.
09:08One woman in particular said,
09:10yeah, we'll take them and I'll be bringing a lorry with a crane straight away.
09:14So, she's going to be taking them to Bristol, I believe.
09:17Yeah.
09:18How are you feeling?
09:20Yeah, all right.
09:22It's a shame seeing them go.
09:25But, you know, no, they've...
09:28They've been your friends.
09:29They have been my friends.
09:30Yeah.
09:32Over a career spanning more than 40 years,
09:36Keith has shaped over 80,000 pots in his kilns.
09:40Yes.
09:44I made a load of herb pots once for Kensington Palace.
09:47I made a load of earthenware pots for, I believe, the Sultan of Brunei.
09:54Hey, I made some stuff for Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.
09:57Yeah.
09:58Yeah.
09:58Back in the day, they probably threw it at each other.
10:00But, never mind.
10:01That's another story.
10:02Yeah.
10:02Yeah.
10:03So, yeah.
10:04Yeah, I mean, there's...
10:06Yeah, there's been some wonderful things.
10:09With the kilns loaded,
10:11Keith makes sure good work gets his signature nod.
10:15I'll have some cups.
10:18Take them.
10:19Oh, brilliant.
10:19Take those away.
10:21Yeah.
10:22Yeah.
10:23All right.
10:23Yeah, well done.
10:25Yeah, easy job.
10:26Yeah.
10:27Great.
10:27Yeah, well, safe journey back.
10:31Yes.
10:34End of an era.
10:36I didn't think I'd get that emotional, but...
10:39No, it is quite a thing, really.
10:43Yeah, but that's okay.
10:46Well, it's a...
10:46I think it's a really normal response.
10:49From a really abnormal human being.
10:55You've surprised me.
11:00New ones now.
11:02Yeah.
11:02Yeah.
11:10In Port Lleli, North Wales...
11:12Have you got a lightbulb section?
11:15Er, I might do.
11:16The wheels are in motion to transform the old Sunday School hall
11:20into Keith and Marge's dream pottery studio.
11:25Where's that big, huge pallet of...
11:27Is it not down the far end?
11:29No.
11:31To declutter the hall and raise restoration funds...
11:34I do remember it was a whole pallet.
11:36..they have a grand plan.
11:38Er, I feel a sale is beckoning.
11:41I'm going to have to sell some of my clothes.
11:43Yeah, you are, yeah.
11:45Yeah, you are.
11:47Yeah, cos, I mean, you remember the one in Whitstable.
11:49Yeah.
11:50But we won't be selling predominantly pots in this sale.
11:54No, we'll be selling...
11:55We'll be selling our personal possessions.
11:56Our worldly possessions.
11:57I just have to be careful that I don't snatch things
12:00out of people's hands and go,
12:02no, no, I've changed my mind.
12:05Yeah.
12:06I went to their sale.
12:08And the woman selling it was very aggressive.
12:11HE LAUGHS
12:14Before Marge has any second thoughts,
12:17it's time to sort through her vast collection of vintage clothes.
12:22We're going to sort out clothes for the sale,
12:26which is filling me with dread and fear,
12:31because there's quite a lot.
12:36Going through her old clothes could end up being a little like opening Pandora's box.
12:44Oh, lordy.
12:46Where to begin?
12:49Aha, shoes.
12:50OK.
12:52Most of Marge's clothes have been in storage for the past two years.
12:56This clear out will be a time to reacquaint herself with some old friends.
13:01I wore these on Christmas Day,
13:04the first day Keith and I had Christmas together,
13:07the first year we lived together.
13:09And I shall sell them for £5.
13:12Today may be a case of out with the old,
13:15but for Marge, her choices have always been about more than fashion.
13:20I think for me, dressing has always been a way of expressing myself.
13:26And because I've never had a limitless budget, like most people,
13:33I bought most of my clothes second-hand,
13:37and a lot of my clothes I've adapted to fit me,
13:41so I'll change the shape or I'll dye them or whatever.
13:44Because as women we forget that we're all different shapes and sizes,
13:48but we don't say that to ourselves, do we?
13:50We go, that my body's not right.
13:52And it's nonsense, because everybody's body is right for them.
14:01Marge is hoping that through the sale,
14:03others will find the same joy in her beloved items.
14:06Did I make this?
14:08Yes, I did, I made this.
14:10I'll have made this with enormous pockets,
14:13because I love an enormous pocket.
14:16Made by Marge.
14:18£5.
14:21But some items are too important to part with.
14:24This is the dress I was wearing when I met Keith,
14:27and it made me feel special.
14:31And Keith made me feel very special.
14:33Oh, you found it.
14:35I did.
14:37You're not selling that, are you?
14:38No.
14:39No, you can't sell that.
14:41It changed everything, yeah.
14:44It was £15, I couldn't afford it,
14:46but I knew I had to have it.
14:49You don't have to spend a lot.
14:51It's how the clothes make you feel.
14:52Yeah, that's right, exactly that.
14:55And this dress made me feel special.
14:57You are special, love.
15:01A fiver then in the sale, yeah, right.
15:04No.
15:06Just no.
15:09I'm washing our toilet shelves, Marge.
15:14Welcome to my world.
15:22Throwing a grand sale could bring in some much-needed
15:25Kapel Salem restoration funds.
15:28However, that relies on people showing up.
15:33It's all very technical.
15:35Daniel's left his ladder, so we can use that, I think.
15:39Keith and Marge are calling on their community for support.
15:45Right, are you ready, Marge?
15:46Yeah.
15:47Yeah.
15:47Yeah?
15:47I think so.
15:48Okay, here we go.
15:50Hello, folks.
15:51Hello!
15:52It's me and her from Kapel Salem.
15:54We're going to have a sale.
15:55And we'll be selling a lot of personal things that we've carried through the years.
16:00Ceramics, prototypes, samples.
16:03I'm going to sell quite a lot of my clothes.
16:05But look, everyone's welcome.
16:08Pukeli, Kapel Salem, 17th of May.
16:11Cheers.
16:12Was that all right?
16:13Yeah.
16:13I mean, hopefully people will turn up.
16:15Yeah.
16:16I mean, you never know, do you?
16:17You never know.
16:18No, that's right.
16:19It'll either be completely dead or a bit mental.
16:26No.
16:26Well, let's see what happens.
16:28Yeah.
16:31Bringing a working pottery to Pukeli is not the only dream Keith and Marge are working towards.
16:41The 163-year-old Chapel Hall now stands exposed to its historic core.
16:47However, one day it will be where Keith and Marge will host community events for the people of Pukeli.
16:55While many would be put off by the scale of the task ahead, Keith and Marge already have a plan
17:01to help pay for this daunting restoration.
17:08145 miles east of Kapel Salem is Stoke-on-Trent.
17:15Affectionately known across the globe as the Potteries, Keith and Marge are here to turn tableware into some much-needed
17:23income.
17:24Duchess are making us some mugs for the chapel.
17:28I know, to raise some money.
17:29Raise some well-needed money.
17:32Yeah, absolutely.
17:34Duchess China is an integral part of Stoke-on-Trent's potted history.
17:39With a factory producing fine bone China for the past 135 years.
17:45Over 10 tonnes of clay is used each week to produce up to 20,000 pieces.
17:52Meaning this age-old company is keeping Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic heritage alive.
17:58It's good people doing good things.
17:59Yeah, absolutely.
18:00And what's so brilliant about this?
18:03I'm really quite excited because I love a process.
18:06I know you do as well.
18:07I do.
18:07Also, there's nothing more joyful than seeing somebody do something that they're really good at.
18:13Yeah, yeah, no.
18:13Fantastic, yeah.
18:15Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it.
18:17Shall we go and have a look?
18:18Do you?
18:18Yeah.
18:21Keith and Marge have collaborated with Duchess to design a Capel Salim mug.
18:27Today, they are here not only to see the mugs being brought to life, but also to meet the talented
18:33craftspeople behind the work.
18:35Modelling shop first.
18:37Yeah, great.
18:38Keith created a prototype shape and sent it over to head modeller Gordon Brooks, who's been utilising his skills and
18:45expertise for the past 40 years.
18:49Hi, Gordon.
18:50Keith.
18:51Hi.
18:52How are you?
18:53Gordon looked at what historic handle would work well for Keith's mug.
18:58You were mentioning you'd like a nice fine bone channel handle, a really delicate, as a juxtaposition on the throne
19:06piece.
19:06Yeah, that's it.
19:06But we also wanted to honour the heritage of Duchess.
19:09Yeah.
19:09Why would you not?
19:10No, exactly.
19:12Deep in the Duchess vaults, Gordon is showing Keith and Marge the original century old handle casting, which brings ceramic
19:20history to their mug.
19:22Wow.
19:23I know.
19:25Duchess dust in 1888.
19:29So what is the heritage of this handle?
19:32These very traditional handles have been made around in Longton for a hundred years plus.
19:38Yeah, amazing.
19:39Even just that little flare that makes it easier to hold.
19:42Yeah, yeah.
19:42No, absolutely.
19:43Yeah.
19:43But it's all incorporated in the design.
19:45Yeah, brilliant.
19:47Well, look, I think we'll leave you now, Gordon, and I'll show Marge around the factory.
19:52Okay.
19:53And the whole process.
19:54Yeah.
19:55Great.
19:55Enjoy.
19:56Yeah, yeah.
19:56It's good to see you.
19:57Yeah, it's really good to see you, lovey.
19:59Yeah.
20:05So this is where the actual mug is made.
20:07Wow.
20:07While Keith will one day make handmade pots in his own studio, here in Stoke, that same idea was taken
20:15and blown up on an industrial scale.
20:18In the 18th and 19th century, Stoke became a world leader in the production of ceramics by breaking down the
20:26pottery process into specialised tasks, industrialising the craft.
20:31So you've got Jason on the automatic jigger making them.
20:35Yeah, yeah.
20:35The raw clay is cut into a preordained size and placed within moulds of Keith and Marge's mug.
20:44You've got Linda Feckl in them, and then you've got Brenda and Sam are now putting on the handles.
20:50They look fantastic.
20:51Yeah.
20:51Yeah, they do.
20:53So unlike studio pottery, where you have to put the handle on when it's quite plastic.
20:58Yeah.
20:58Yeah.
20:59This is quite firm.
21:00Okay.
21:01But the slip, it like sticks to the body of the mug, like really, really firmly.
21:06Yeah, it's amazing.
21:08But the precision that they're working is just incredible.
21:13And how long have you been working in the pottery, Sid?
21:16Since I've been 16 and now 50.
21:19Oh, brilliant.
21:21Wow.
21:22Yeah.
21:22I've always done handling.
21:23You've always done handling.
21:25Wow.
21:25Brilliant.
21:26And how about you, Brenda?
21:27Yeah.
21:27They're so interesting.
21:29Really?
21:30Really.
21:31Wow.
21:32It's wonderful.
21:32I know.
21:33It's great, isn't it?
21:34Yeah.
21:35With the handles on, the mugs go through their first kiln firing, so they can be tumbled
21:41in wood and graphite to smooth out any rough edges.
21:45That constant vibration just makes the surface smooth.
21:48Yeah, yeah.
21:49Yeah.
21:49It's like the final finish before they get glazed.
21:53The pink glaze will turn white after the mug's second firing, before the final leg of their
21:59journey, adding the screen-printed design, or decal.
22:05For this, Keith and Marge have chosen their architect's drawing of Kap El Salen.
22:10Looks good, doesn't it?
22:12Yeah.
22:13It's Irene's job to skilfully apply the design onto the mug.
22:18And the yellow just burns away.
22:20Yeah.
22:20That's your cover coat, your yellow is, so what stays on is all that print there, the black.
22:27After their third and final firing, the mugs are in the hands of quality control manager,
22:33Rachel.
22:35Have these just come out of the kiln?
22:36Just.
22:37Brilliant.
22:38A little bit warm, but...
22:41Nice.
22:42They look fabulous.
22:43They do.
22:44And when you think how many processes they've gone through to get here, it's amazing.
22:48All those people down the line.
22:49Everyone is so highly skilled at what they do.
22:52And if they weren't, they'd be letting someone else down.
22:55And that's why it's such a community of people all working in the same place.
23:00All working for the common goal, which is making and producing beautiful work.
23:05As Keith and Marge say their goodbyes to the skilled workers...
23:09Nice to meet you.
23:10See you later.
23:11See you soon.
23:12Bye.
23:13..the magnitude of achieving a lifelong dream...
23:17..hits home.
23:22I've dreamt of this moment for so long.
23:26Someone making mugs of mine in Stoke-on-Trent.
23:32I've dreamt of it for so long.
23:37Let me bring it.
23:40It's amazing.
23:42It's amazing.
23:45My guy used to come up here as a clay boy.
23:48In 1983 was the first time I came up here.
23:52And now I'm...
23:54Now I'm in a factory and they're making a mug for us.
23:58It's amazing.
23:59It's really good.
24:00It's really good.
24:04It's really good.
24:16With a grand sale on the horizon,
24:21everyone's pulling together at Kap El Salim
24:24for the Sunday School's first community event in 15 years.
24:29Hugh's done an amazing job at making new window frames.
24:33He's managed to save the actual sash window bits,
24:35which is incredible.
24:37And they're all going in today, so they'll look amazing.
24:42Keith and Marge hope the windows make a good impression
24:45and highlight their restoration progress.
24:48For local builder Hugh,
24:50it will also put an end to a long-standing problem.
24:55Well, this is the end of the dryer rots, I'm hoping.
24:57So, these are the new window frames we made in the workshop.
25:01And once we get these in, all the dryer rots will be gone then.
25:05So, that's the, that's the good part about fixing these windows.
25:11The real challenge lies in lifting them.
25:16At three metres high and weighing 80 kilograms, it's no small task.
25:22Do you need a hand?
25:30I'm just wondering what the best way to get it in there is.
25:35Yeah.
25:36Yeah.
25:37Oh, I need to turn the latches off.
25:37That's great, thank you, Chris.
25:39I need to turn the latches off that top.
25:40Yeah, we'll take the hand.
25:41Throw off.
25:50Once the windows are in, the old Sunday school hall will finally be watertight,
25:56keeping out the rain for the first time in 15 years.
26:01Don't lock yourself out.
26:05So, it's all.
26:10Yeah.
26:12With the windows restored, Madge has a rescue mission of her own.
26:17A vintage dress found in the Grand Sale clear-outs.
26:23I've just never seen anything like it.
26:25It's beautiful and a bit mad, which for me is my favourite kind of beautiful.
26:31I bought it from a woman that I knew who was selling a lot of vintage clothing,
26:37and she confessed that she had never worn it, because it had never fitted her.
26:41And I bought it knowing it didn't fit me either.
26:45But I had to have it.
26:51And the wonder of Porcelli is that we've met lots of new friends with amazing skill sets.
27:01Hello.
27:03One new friend and neighbour is Sian, who is a pattern cutter, dressmaker,
27:07and all-round textile queen.
27:09God, I'm always goggle-eyed when I come in here.
27:11It's great.
27:13There's too much stuff in here, but never mind.
27:15No, never enough.
27:17Right.
27:17Yes.
27:19So, we are going to have to get you to try it on first.
27:21That's all right.
27:22And then we can see where we go from there.
27:24I'll nick off around the corner, then.
27:25I'm afraid I don't have a change in there at the moment.
27:27No, no, no, it's all good.
27:27You can just pop through there if you like.
27:29Marvellous, thank you.
27:30Is that all right?
27:31Yep.
27:33Marge is a great believer in every body being unique.
27:37This fitting will help Sian adjust the dress to Marge's individual shape.
27:42That's going to...
27:43No, that's not going to go up there, is it?
27:46So, we've just got this diamond shape here that we need to put into here.
27:51Yes.
27:52So, if we alter that seam...
27:54Yes.
27:55..and then we can open that seam and hopefully put a diamond piece in.
27:59OK.
28:01With the dress pinned in place, the open diamond shape at the back
28:05will be fixed by inserting a new panel on each side of the dress.
28:09So, the next bit is unpicking.
28:11OK.
28:12OK.
28:12I can do that.
28:13Yeah?
28:14We'll give you an unpicker.
28:15I'll take it.
28:15Yes!
28:16Yeah!
28:16I love unpicking things.
28:18Oh.
28:19She needs therapy.
28:22While Sian chooses some fabric for the new panels,
28:26Marge sets to work.
28:28This could take a while.
28:30That's good.
28:32Unpicking any seam is slow and precise work.
28:35It's also completely absorbing.
28:38How old are you, Sian?
28:4051.
28:41OK.
28:42You don't need glasses yet?
28:45Oh, yeah.
28:46Oh, my God.
28:47Oh!
28:49Sian has cut out one panel for each side,
28:52but they will be doubled over to make them stronger and more flexible.
28:57So, I think to hold them in place...
28:59You're going to overlock them first.
29:00We'll overlock round and it holds...
29:02So, do you want to have a go on that?
29:03I haven't used one for about 30 years.
29:10An overlocker is a specialised sewing machine
29:13that trims the fabric while wrapping threads around the edge
29:16to prevent fraying.
29:18God, it's so satisfying.
29:22Amazing.
29:23With the panels pinned in,
29:25the once-opened diamond at the back has vanished.
29:29How does that feel?
29:30Yeah, brilliant.
29:31Yeah, I think that's going to work.
29:32I think so, too.
29:34This hack means Marge now has a dress
29:36that's a perfect fit for her,
29:38with a helping hand from new neighbour Sian.
29:41You will go to the ball!
29:43It's hidden in the side.
29:44It's hidden and it doesn't ruin the back.
29:46Yeah, perfect.
29:50With a grand sale fast approaching,
29:53excitement is building among the people of Porcelli.
29:56It's nice to see local events in Porcelli.
29:59It brings people into town
30:01and the atmosphere is brilliant, really.
30:04Etta excitement.
30:06Etta bears.
30:06Buddleum, we say in Welsh.
30:08There was Buddleum in the town.
30:09People are up and down the Salam Terrace
30:13every single day
30:14to come and have a look at the building,
30:16try and catch a glimpse of Keith and Marge.
30:19I was talking to Keith and Marge a few weeks back
30:21and they were very enthusiastic with the sale
30:24and once I heard all about it,
30:26oh, it's great.
30:27Next thing we see me on Facebook,
30:28so I did actually share it myself.
30:31They'll be swamped.
30:32They'll need, yeah, they'll need staff on the door.
30:39With only three days left until the sale,
30:42Keith is rallying the troops
30:44to make sure the Sunday school hall is ready in time.
30:48Busy day today.
30:49Look at those bad boys.
30:51We've got Rhys and Hugh taking down the scaffolding
30:55and we've got Darren doing the studio door.
31:01Amidst the chaos,
31:02there is light at the end of the tunnel
31:04with 12 industrial-style barn lights
31:07ready to be installed.
31:10In the whole time we've had the building,
31:13there's never been lights in here,
31:14so we've always had to work just in the daylight
31:17and then when it gets dark,
31:18obviously we can't work in here
31:20because it's, you know, too dark.
31:21When the ball goes, Keith, I'm not changing.
31:23Ha-ha! I know.
31:27In the kitchen,
31:29Marge is cleaning more items to sell at the sale.
31:32I actually used to use this.
31:34I must have looked like a nutter.
31:36Yes, you did, Marge.
31:37Yes, you did.
31:39Dressed like Miss Marple
31:40with my wicker shopping basket.
31:44What a maniac.
31:49To set up shop in the Sunday School Hall,
31:52new friends and neighbours have volunteered to help out.
31:57We've got Jem, who's a new friend,
32:00and Karen, who's a new friend, which is great!
32:03Just going out the other day with the dog,
32:06walking past Keith and Marge,
32:07having their little breakfast outside,
32:10telling us all about the fact that they were having this sale,
32:12and they needed some volunteers to help out,
32:15get it all set up,
32:17and so here I am.
32:21Marge's vintage collection contains an array of items,
32:25from tops to bottoms,
32:27heels to hats.
32:29Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do.
32:32Although there is one item
32:34that is going to need a section all of its own.
32:37Seriously, how many scarves does one baby need?
32:40No, no. I went to a festival. I feel like a magician.
32:43And I forgot to take pants.
32:47I had seven different headscarves with me.
32:49The festival was three days.
32:53No pants. Seven headscarves.
32:59The sale will be the first time in 15 years
33:03that members of the public are back inside the old school hall.
33:08It's all hands on deck to get the temporary showroom ready for showtime.
33:18Builder Hugh and his brother Rhys
33:20are mucking in to get sale stock out of the chapel hall.
33:25So all this stuff on this side can go up for the sale?
33:29Yeah, that's right.
33:31Maybe that costs shit.
33:36Bit different, isn't it?
33:38Today, I'm a mover and a shaker.
33:40Yesterday was a builder.
33:42It's got dinner.
33:44The boxes contain decades of Keith's ceramic works.
33:51Cyan mugs this end.
33:53Leftover stock, prototypes and handmade one-offs.
33:59All my design career, coming out of the box.
34:02Taking pride of place is Keith and Marge's latest creation,
34:07the Kapel Salim mug.
34:09Look at that.
34:12It's great, isn't it?
34:15Since buying the chapel in 2022,
34:19Keith and Marge faced an uphill struggle
34:21in the upstairs of the Sunday school.
34:23Above this ceiling, unbeknownst to anyone...
34:29Including us.
34:30..is about six to eight inches of pigeon guano.
34:37With the guano removed,
34:39the space soon filled with scaffolding and builder's equipment,
34:43alongside Keith and Marge's boxes and boxes
34:47of their joined-up life together.
34:52Now, the scaffolding and tools have gone,
34:56new windows are in...
34:59Let there be lights.
35:01And the lights are on.
35:03Nice!
35:04Oh, my goodness.
35:07The sale items are displayed in a tidy, accessible space,
35:12which is now ready to welcome visitors
35:14for the first time in over 15 years.
35:20It's funny how different it looks with the lights up.
35:23It sort of gives the whole hall a different sort of perspective.
35:27A shining example of how far Keith and Marge
35:30and Kapel Salim have come on their journey.
35:35It's funny, isn't it?
35:36Because some of it has real personal stories, doesn't it?
35:39Well, all of it.
35:39All of it.
35:40You sort of think, well, should I keep it?
35:43Because it's personal.
35:45But at the end of the day...
35:47When you're creative, you're constantly evolving.
35:51I mean, some of those clothes, not being funny,
35:55are really beautiful.
35:57But I'm not who I was when I bought those dresses.
35:59No, no, no, that's right.
36:02And you've got me now.
36:04That's what you say, then.
36:06That's what you...
36:07Erm, and I've got you now.
36:19It's the morning of the Kapel Salim Grand Sale
36:23and anticipation fills the spring air in Pohlleli.
36:28Oh, hi. Hello.
36:30You all right?
36:31Keith and Marge have drafted in local helpers for the day,
36:34including neighbour Sian and the mayor of Pohlleli, Fiona.
36:39All in preparation to clear the hall
36:42and raise essential chapel restoration funds.
36:45Most things are priced.
36:47If they're not priced...
36:48Make it up.
36:49Don't ask us.
36:50Make it up.
36:51Make it up.
36:51But go low.
36:52We want to get rid of the stuff.
36:55In true Keith and Marge style,
36:57they have turned the car park
36:59into a refreshment area.
37:00Ice cream.
37:01You scream.
37:03We all scream for ice cream.
37:05Inviting a local coffee and ice cream van
37:08to park up for the day.
37:10Local coffee, local ice cream.
37:13Hopefully it'll be a busy day
37:14and it'll be a busy day for them as well as us.
37:17You know, that's basically what...
37:19..the whole ethos of what we're doing here is about.
37:22You just share what you can
37:24with the local community.
37:26Why wouldn't you?
37:28Would you be all right being in charge of the bridge?
37:32Yeah, fine.
37:32So, basically,
37:34we can only have a certain amount of people
37:35on the bridge at one time.
37:37I have got a clicker.
37:38Hopeful for a good turnout,
37:40everyone has an important role to play,
37:42including Mayor Fiona
37:44plus neighbour and new friend Karen.
37:47I'm going to be like the...
37:48..the bouncer of Capel Salam.
37:53LAUGHTER
37:53I'm so excited for both Keith and Marge
37:56because this is kind of, for me,
37:58it's like the opening of their life in Priscelli.
38:03Cheers, my car.
38:05Nobody local, I don't think,
38:06would have taken on such a massive, huge project.
38:11Yeah, I just take my hat off to them.
38:13They're both amazing.
38:16Before doors open,
38:17postman Steve delivers a package
38:19and news of the queue forming up the hill.
38:22I'm going to be able to build up the hill, yeah?
38:25There you go.
38:25I better go because I'm busy, man.
38:26Stand down.
38:29For the first time in 15 years,
38:32Keith and Marge are about to open
38:33the Sunday School Hall to the community.
38:38Any fears of a quiet day
38:40are soon put to bed.
38:42Hello!
38:43Oh, thanks for coming.
38:44It's brilliant to see you all.
38:46It really is.
38:47Really lovely to see you all.
38:49Yeah, you're the first to see it all.
38:50So, yeah.
38:53Oh!
38:57Oh, what an idiot.
38:59Um, so anyway, yeah.
39:02Wow.
39:03We're one minute early.
39:04So, I, yes.
39:05I now officially pronounce this sale open.
39:11It's right up the road.
39:13It's very exciting.
39:14Come on in.
39:15Yeah, come on in.
39:16Cheers.
39:16Hi, lovey.
39:17Hi.
39:17Yeah, yeah.
39:18Good.
39:19Hi, lovey.
39:19Hi.
39:20Yeah.
39:20Yeah?
39:20Of course you can have a hug.
39:23Yeah, yeah, mate.
39:23Mate.
39:24Unbelievable.
39:25Yeah, great.
39:28It's amazing.
39:29It's really wonderful.
39:30Yeah, everyone's pulled together.
39:33It's overwhelming, really.
39:36Kap El Salim's first sale is off to a good start.
39:40Keith and Marge's community have pulled together to support them and the chapel, whilst bagging
39:47themselves a bargain.
39:50Ah, we've come from, all the way from Bethesda.
39:54Bethesda, yeah.
39:54Oh, yeah.
39:55I'm hoping for some of Marge's old clothes, to be honest.
39:57Yeah, that's pretty much right now as well.
39:58Because she's got some wild style.
40:00Marge's vintage collection carries style, substance and stories.
40:09Oh, now this was made as a costume for the National Theatre of Scotland.
40:14Oh, wow.
40:14They did an amazing sale and I bought quite a few things and it's beautiful.
40:19I'll spread that around now.
40:19So that's been on, it's been on stage.
40:22Oh, let me get my glasses on, sorry.
40:25The ever-growing crowd hasn't gone unnoticed.
40:28It's even drawn the attention of the local constabulary.
40:33Hello.
40:33You all right?
40:34Yeah, good, thank you.
40:35Good.
40:35Yeah, yeah, yeah.
40:36Are we in trouble?
40:38No, no, no.
40:39Aw, cheers for coming.
40:40So many people, yeah.
40:41I didn't expect so many people, yeah.
40:43I know, nor did we, so, yeah, there you go.
40:46The police aren't the only notable supporters.
40:49Among the volunteers are mayors new and old, with ex-mayor Mike on bridge duty.
40:56You just need to look around you today to see what effect they're having on the town.
41:00People are going to the pub for something to eat and drink and it's fantastic.
41:05I'm just going to go around the corner, it carries on tomorrow.
41:07Ah, well done.
41:08Thanks for coming.
41:09I really appreciate it.
41:11It's a bit like two-way traffic, you know.
41:13They're investing heavily in us as a town and we've got to heavily invest with them as a community.
41:23It's like the old days when there used to be a carnival and the atmosphere, the hustle and bustle, it's
41:29beautiful.
41:30It brought everybody out.
41:31Brilliant.
41:31Can I say thank you for restoring the building?
41:33Oh, fantastic.
41:34It's been 30 years since I've been in it.
41:36Oh, really?
41:36Oh, OK.
41:37Yeah, look at that.
41:38Look at that.
41:39You do it, Marge.
41:41It's a fort!
41:45Brilliant.
41:46After its 15-year hiatus, the chapel is thriving.
41:50New traditions are being forged while old traditions are honoured.
41:55Keith and Marge's kapelsale mugs pay homage to an old custom.
41:59A tea set was gifted when new people took charge of a chapel and some Port Lleli locals are keen
42:06to ensure this tradition lives on.
42:09Hello.
42:10Hello.
42:10Hello.
42:11We've got a special gift for you.
42:13My husband's father basically dismissed the way and ran into the house.
42:18I'm very sorry.
42:19Erm, thank you.
42:20He was heavily involved in the chapel.
42:23He was a beacon.
42:24Oh, right.
42:25So, in the process of saving the house, we came across.
42:28He's beautiful.
42:29Well, you can have a look.
42:31Oh, OK.
42:32Just let you know they're 100 years old.
42:34OK.
42:36I just don't want to drop it.
42:39I know what it is.
42:41I know what it is.
42:42Lana and Alan are gifting the 100-year-old kapelsale mugs tea set belonging to Alan's late father.
42:51Thank you so much.
42:52Are you sure?
42:53No.
42:54It's interesting because this is exactly why we did what we did, the kapelsale mugs.
43:00Because, you know, as you obviously already know, every chapel had their own crockery, didn't they?
43:06That's right, yeah.
43:06Yeah.
43:06They're really beautiful, but only if it's the same.
43:14They're even a really beautiful shape.
43:16They are.
43:16Well, they're not too dissimilar to the shape that I did for Duchess China.
43:20Keith and Marge and Sheward, Alan and Lana don't go away empty-handed.
43:25Well, look.
43:27Have a couple of those.
43:30Thank you so much.
43:31It's so nice.
43:33Signifying a new custom for a new look kapelsale mugs.
43:37Really appreciate you bringing that in.
43:39It's wonderful.
43:40Really wonderful.
43:41Yeah, it means a lot to us.
43:42Yeah.
43:43Yeah.
43:43Come on.
43:44Yeah, fantastic.
43:52The sale has been a success.
43:55While the studio shelves are bare, Keith and Marge's hearts are full.
43:59Their mini army of volunteers ensured the 2,000 customers through the door left with a smile.
44:06Can we have a big round of applause for the volunteers today?
44:15We couldn't have done it without you and the whole community, the whole town has been really, really buzzing and
44:20that's what it's all about.
44:22And that's, that's why we're here.
44:26Yeah, that's why we're here for that.
44:34Yeah, that's why we're here for that.
44:43Thank you so much.
45:05I think today has just proven how much of an impact both Keith and Marge have within our community and
45:12it's only the beginning, really.
45:20The thing that really blew me away, people buying stuff, obviously.
45:25But the thing that really blew me away was the investment that you, you, you felt in the, the people
45:32that came here.
45:33They really were wanting us to, to succeed.
45:37And you think if we can do that, with one little sale.
45:42Yeah.
45:43Yeah.
45:43Well done.
45:45We might actually pull it off.
45:55I'm just, I'm just on this now.
45:57Wow.
45:58What a time to be.
46:01Yeah.
46:03Next time, Keith and Marge turned their attention to guests, designing a sleek suite.
46:10People be lying here, like this.
46:13That's right.
46:14And a bold, brutalist courtyard.
46:17Hopefully, Hugh's put the stuff in the right place, because once it's set, that's it.
46:22What could possibly go wrong?
46:24Ha, ha, ha, ha.
46:26Ha, ha, ha.
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