There's notmuch on television that I like, not eventhe news.

I look outfor gardening programmes, which featurewildish gardens, like mine. Iwatch 'Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol' now and thenand home makeovers.

Tonight there was an enjoyable programme called'Restoration Home', coming from Landshipping, Pembroke.

A brave soul called Alun Lewis bought the shell of what was once a grand home, 'Ty Mawr', or 'Big House', for275,000 tenyears ago. It hasfour acres of grounds and some derelict cottages. Across the estuary, stands Picton Castle, the design of whichinspired Ty Mawr.

Two historians, carrying out resesarch at the Pembrokeshire Record Office, discovered Ty Mawr had been built in the early nineteenth centuryby MP Sir John Owen. Sir John owned coal mines but he was reckless with money, borrowing more than he could afford to repay comfortably.The fight to win a seat in Parliament in 1831 was bitterly fought and he spent thousands of pounds on drinks in the 'Mariners' Hotel' Haverfordwest, courting voters.

Tragedy struck on Valentine's Day, 1842, when a mine under the River Cleddau flooded, killing forty people, including women and children as young as ten.Financial ruin ensued and Ty Mawr was auctioned in London. By 1907 records show the 'Big House' was crumbling away.

Alun Lewisworks in the port of Milford Haven to finance his dream. Window sills have been installed from slabs of slatebought for 160. There'sa stove consistingof metal drums welded together, 20,000 worth of windows, and floor boardsthat camefrom a village hall.

When the programme ended, part of the house was habitable and Alun has taken up residence.

He's following his dream and I wish him luck.