Owen Filer received a ‘wonderful’ surprise on his latest trip to buy his regular groceriesHolly Morgan Senior Reporter and Eleanor Storey Press Association
15:26, 04 Dec 2025
Owen looking delighted with his gifts at his local supermarket in Cwmbran.(Image: PA)
A gentleman thought to be Wales‘ eldest resident received a ‘wonderful’ surprise when he visited the supermarket he’s shopped at ‘nearly every day’ since it opened 24 years ago.
Owen Filer, aged 106, is still a regular at the Asda Cwmbran branch despite his impressive age. As a gesture of appreciation for all his custom, the shop’s workers organised an early Christmas present for Mr Filer – a shopping trolley packed with his usual purchases, alongside seasonal delights including biscuits, yule log and mince pies.
Widower Mr Filer served with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers before joining the Military Police during the Second World War, and recently had an audience with the King at a VJ Day commemoration.
He attributes his remarkable age to “never really growing up”, and enjoying a small measure of Scotch whisky at bedtime.
He visits Asda daily apart from Sundays to purchase “small things”, and claims the entire workforce recognises him. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here
“Everyone is so friendly at Asda and they all know me by name,” he said.
“I always have a good chat and a laugh and a joke, and if I need help with anything I’ll always get it.
“If I live to 119 I won’t go anywhere else, always Asda.”
Mr Filer is father to four children, grandfather to 10, and great-grandfather to 15, with his youngest great-grandchild being just three months old.
Cali Beale, Asda Cwmbran’s customer manager, said the entire team adored seeing Mr Filer, who has earned the title of “local celebrity”.
She said: “Mr Filer is a true gentleman and it’s an honour to have him in our store.
“He loves his Asda shopping trips and enjoys chatting to the girls on checkouts.
“He’s still very independent and loves to tell us all his stories, every colleague in the store knows him.
“It’s such a pleasure to serve him in our store. He is fantastic for his age.”