An Abergavenny schoolgirl is proving not only to be skilled at handiwork but also to have a head for business.
For visitors to the monthly craft fair in the town can often see six-year-old Freya Carrol, six, helping on her mother’s stall – and making some money for herself by selling some of her own products.
Now her hobby-come-business is to be featured in the latest series of Y Diwrnod Mawr (The Big Day) on S4C, which highlights a range of activities pursued by youngsters throughout Wales.
The stars of the highly acclaimed documentary series, which follows important days in their lives, are the children themselves.
The second series, part of the Cyw children’s service on S4C, began in April and has already been shortlisted for five top national and international TV awards.
“The programmes chart the lives of the children as they prepare for an event. We get to know the children as we follow them over a period of time,” said producer Nia Ceidiog of Ceidiog Cyf.
“The series has been shot and edited the same way as we do any other documentary with the story told from each child’s perspective and in their own words.”
Freya, a pupil at Ysgol y Fenni, started attending the monthly craft fairs in the town’s market hall with her mother Naomi, who had learned at a workshop how to make bracelets, necklaces and other items of colourful jewellery from old buttons.
“After a while Freya started making some herself and now she enjoys making a bit of pocket-money alongside me. She has a separate basket to me and keeps her takings separate,” said Naomi.
On occasions Freya’s cousins Iona, 10, and Elen Evans, 12, also from Abergavenny, also lend a hand. Iona is a pupil at Ysgol y Fenni and Elen attends Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw in Pontypool.
The programme makers spotted Freya’s talent after contacting her school in the search for suitable young subjects for the series.
Naomi, who is expecting a second child, works at the town’s Welsh playgroup, Cylch Meithrin y Fenni, which Freya used to attend, and has been learning Welsh for about four years.
“But I’m not as fluent as Freya, who says I’m rubbish,” she joked.
Naomi’s husband Nathan, who does not speak Welsh, works as a logistics manager for a Cardiff steel-sheeting firm.
In the programme, Freya is seen buying supplies of buttons at Claire Grove Buttons in Cardiff’s Castle Arcade, making the jewellery at home and then selling the items.
She also attends the Mini-Blasters’ contemporary dance classes in the local drama centre and every Wednesday enjoys swimming classes.
The family owns a VW Campervan and in summer they often head for Cornwall or to weekend music festivals.
Sian Eirian, Head of S4C’s Children’s services, said: “This original and innovative new series offers a fascinating insight into the lives of youngsters across Wales.
“It captures a range of magical moments and is a popular part of the Cyw service.
“I would love to hear from parents of pre-school children with stories about their big day so we can include them on Cyw’s website – www.s4c.co.uk/cyw
Freya’s story will be screened on June 13 and then repeated on the 18th and the 21st. Viewers can also catch Freya’s story as well as other children’s Big Days on S4C’s Clic service.
