Owen Filer celebrated his 106th birthday on Sunday 19 October 2025.
I was lucky enough to chat to him on Saturday 18 October after spotting him waiting in a bus stop.
He was sitting in the stop opposite Llanyrafon Shops waiting for bus for his regular trip into Cwmbran town centre.
He told me he was looking forward to a special visit to Wales’ oldest cinema (Market Hall in Brynmawr) this week and that his family were taking him out for a birthday lunch, but he didn’t know where.
As the 24 bus pulled up, I shot this quick video. I loved how he stopped and checked before getting on, calling out to make sure other passengers weren’t leaving the bus before he got on.
And then on his birthday, I headed to the golf club. I got there 20 mins early before the family’s 1pm booking and am glad I did. As I chatted in the foyer of the golf club, he walked through the doors a minute after I arrived.
I quickly turned on my camera and microphone and did this short interview as he strolled to his table. I also interviewed his son, Barry, and granddaughter, Sarah.
‘Benjamin Button’
“He is just amazing. He’s like Benjamin Button. He just seems to be going backwards, not you know, aging. He’s just a treasure and I adore him.”
Those were the beautiful words of Sarah, his granddaughter, at the party.
As I was leaving and chatting to his son Barry, one of the guests called over to check what type of sherry Owen preferred, as he fancied one with his dinner. Enjoy the rest of your special day.
