In a heartwarming display of festive community spirit, staff at an Asda superstore in Wales have honoured their oldest and most loyal customer with a special Christmas surprise.
A Daily Ritual of Friendship
Owen Filer, who is 106 years old and believed to be the oldest man in Wales, has visited the Asda store in Cwmbran, Monmouthshire, nearly every single day since it first opened its doors 24 years ago. The centenarian, who has become a local celebrity, relies on his free bus pass to make the journey, with the bus dropping him right outside the store.
"I go to Asda every day except Sunday," Mr Filer explained. "Everyone is so friendly at Asda and they all know me by name - I always have a good chat and a laugh and a joke, and if I need help with anything I'll always get it." His daily visits are a cornerstone of his routine, and he has no plans to change. "If I live to 119 I won’t go anywhere else, always Asda," he declared.
A Trolley Full of Festive Thanks
As part of the supermarket's Christmas Kindness initiative, colleagues at the Cwmbran store decided to show their appreciation for Mr Filer's remarkable loyalty. This week, they presented him with a shopping trolley loaded with all his regular groceries, plus an array of special festive treats.
The generous gift included biscuits, a yule log, and mince pies. "I'm very grateful. It was a wonderful gesture," said a delighted Mr Filer. The staff, who always look out for his visits, organised the surprise to formally thank him for being such a cherished part of the store's community for almost a quarter of a century.
The Heart of the Community
This story goes beyond a simple act of corporate generosity; it highlights the profound importance of local connection. Mr Filer's daily chats with staff have turned a routine shopping trip into a vital social interaction. He attributes the warm welcome to a wider Welsh characteristic, noting, "They are so nice. Everyone in Wales talks to each other."
The gesture from Asda Cwmbran underscores how businesses can play a key role in combating loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging, especially for older members of the community. It’s a powerful reminder of the value of recognising and celebrating the individuals who form the fabric of local life.
