This year marks 100 years of the Jenkins Bakery.
It also marks a very special year for one of our regular customers . . .
How many 100-year-olds do you know who can prove their fitness by jogging on the spot?
That’s what Aerwen Mary Hughes did as she turned up for a 100th birthday surprise at the Jenkins Bakery Baker Boy shop in Llanelli town centre.
Aerwen, who lives in Trimsaran Road, Penymynydd, Llanelli, celebrates her 100th birthday today.
Apart from failing sight, she is in good health and regularly walks around Llanelli town centre without the aid of a stick.
“It’s all down to keeping fit,” Aerwen said.
“I’ve got the exercise bike at home and I use it every day. I make sure I do my exercises every day and that’s my secret.
“You’ve got to exercise.
“I also enjoy riddles and puzzles and that keeps my mind sharp.”
Aerwen was born in Cwrt Henri, near Dryslwyn in the Towy Valley.
“It was a small farm and we later moved to Porthyrhyd to a bigger farm.
“I said I’d never marry a farmer as I was born on a farm and I thought ‘less work!’ But I met my husband, Hugh Hughes. I fell in love with him and he turned me around to farming.
“We married in Capel Newydd Road in Felinfoel, Llanelli, and then we went to live on a farm in Five Roads.
“From there we moved to a 65-acre farm in Trimsaran Road, where we built a bungalow for our retirement – and I’m still there.”
Aerwen added: “I lost my husband 15 years ago. After we finished farming, Hugh took fishing up. I was talking to him one day – it was November – and he said he was going fishing and would be back later.
“But I never saw him again. He died of a heart attack in Swiss Valley.
“But I am so grateful that I have so many friends. All the girls here at the shop are my friends and I love them all.
“I think it was 1946 when I came to Llanelli and I always shop at Jenkins. They have been wonderful to me.”
The Jenkins Bakery is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and marked Aerwen’s birthday with the presentation of a decorated fruit cake and a bouquet of flowers.
“Aerwen has been around since the year the bakery started, so we were delighted to be able to play some small part in her celebrations,” said David Jenkins, company secretary and director and the Jenkins Bakery.
“Aerwen’s a loyal and faithful customer and a great favourite with our staff who all wish her Many Happy Returns.”
Area manager Fiona Snook and shop assistant manager Lucy Roderick were also on hand for the presentations. Jenkins Bakery Boy staff and other town centre shoppers joined in a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday to Aerwen.
