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Oral history recording in English with Joseph ("Joe") Moruzzi.. Recorded as part of the Italian Memories in Wales project (2008-10), delivered by ACLI-ENAIP and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Part 3 of 3 (AV 11447-11449)

00.25 When the two grandfathers were working for each other in cafes, Joseph’s father saw a photograph of Joseph’s mother and arranged to meet with her in Italy. They got on well and got married in Grezzo, Italy, where both grandfathers came from. Both sides of the family spoke Italian dialect- the Bardi dialect was influenced by French. Joseph was fluent in the dialect- he gives examples. It was a common situation for family to be left in Italy whilst perhaps the men would work in South Wales. The women spent time working in the house. His mother moved over and her parents were in Wales. It was a shock for her yet she adapted and learnt English.

05.38 For the first few years his mother helped in his grandmother’s house, then in their cafe in Caerphilly. His parents owned John’s cafe in Cardiff road, Caerphilly. There are a lot of activities carried out within Italian community, particularly those from Bardi; there would be regular Italian social events. Initially Joseph was more friends with local Welsh boys but when he married his wife he got more involved with the Italian community. His link with Italian heritage was very positive when he was younger. They had many visitors at his grandparents’ home and they ate both British and Italian dishes, experiencing a co-mingling of the cultures he says. Though if Italy are playing rugby or football, he is Italian.

10.25 Joseph appreciates the family ethos the most in Italian culture. He helped out in the cafe when it was needed. He knew the regulars and never experienced serious problems because of his heritage. Italian music and operas came into the house; he describes it as a ‘hybrid’ culture. They return to Bardi often and he can’t describe why they enjoy it so much. The environment is different and the weather is nice and he still feels at home there to a certain extent. When he goes back he is seen as inglese.

19.23 Around 1910/15 the population of Bardi and area was around 10/11 thousand, now it is two and a half thousand. In the summer the population goes up again. They have Festa degli Immigranti on the 13th of August. His children have been to Italy with them. His son goes to Italian language classes- he will also support Italy. He has never forced the culture upon them; they are linked to it through going there on holiday. He is unsure how they see themselves; he thinks perhaps Italian, particularly during football and rugby matches. They are British having been born and grown up here, but with Italian background.