Former Nurse Celebrates 103rd Birthday in Brecon

A great-grandmother who set up the Aberhonndu Women’s Institute in the 1950’s has celebrated an impressive milestone with family and friends at a Powys care home.

Muriel Davies was showered with gifts and sweet treats by staff at Trenewydd care home, near Brecon, as she celebrated her 103rd birthday.

Born and raised in Treharris, Muriel started her working career as a nurse. She met a local butcher, Donald Davies, who joined the RAF during World War Two. The couple married in 1944 and had two sons, Wayne and Chris, shortly after.

Muriel later opened her café in Brecon Market Arcade before closing it to support her husband’s fledgling butchers shop. Outside of work, Muriel was known in the community for forming the Aberhonndu Women’s Institute in the 1950’s, as well as volunteering for ‘meals on wheels’ services, the RNLI and more.

She moved into Trenewydd care home in April 2018, having lived independently since Donald’s death in 2004.

Richard Shepherd, home manager at the Shaw healthcare-operated care home, said:
“Muriel really is a remarkable lady – despite her age, she still has her sharp wit and definitely loves to keep us on our toes.

“It was great to be able to invite friends and family to join our residents and staff to mark this lovely occasion.”