Local builder, draughtsman and Lions member Frank Davies celebrated a century full of wonderful experiences yesterday as he reached his 100th birthday.

Frank was born in Saundersfoot on December 29, 1921 one of eight children. He attended Saundersfoot School and used to help his father on the family allotment, which was when his love of gardening began.

After leaving school, aged 15, he started a building apprenticeship with Mr. Bertie Howells.

Upon the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Frank was conscripted into the Royal Navy but ill health cut his naval career short, and he returned to Saundersfoot to resume his apprenticeship, going on to join the civil engineering company, Hussey, Egan and Pickmere.

Frank loves to point out buildings he had worked on, including the family home, DeepDene, which was built by the family, including some of his sisters.

In 1951 he married Molly Page. Shortly after that they bought a plot of land in Broadfield, Saundersfoot, where helped by family and friends he built a house, which was where they lived for a number of years.

When Molly’s parents’ health began to decline the couple moved back into the family home in Tenby.

Frank’s career developed under the mentorship of Mr. Don Brown, and Frank became a site agent, responsible for overseeing the various construction projects. As well as local projects, he also spent much of his time working away from home in many parts of the UK.

He became an accomplished draughtsman, drawing plans for new properties and restoration projects. In his “spare time” he built, almost single-handedly, a house on St. John’s Hill, Tenby.

Following his “retirement” he worked with local property developers, Steve and Roger Griffiths (Steve was, in fact, his godson. He supervised the construction of Tenby’s Park Lane Apartments, as well as apartment blocks in Serpentine Road.

When he retired in earnest, Frank bought himself a fishing boat and became an enthusiastic fisherman, later joined by his friend Arthur Shepherd. He also remained a keen gardener.

Molly and Frank began to enjoy travelling both in Europe and in North America.

Frank became an enthusiastic member of the Tenby & Saundersfoot Lions, and took an active part in their fundraising activities. He especially enjoyed the Christmas sleigh ride and carol singing. To support Lions charities, together with his dog, Sally, he undertook a sponsored walk, walking the full length of the Pembrokeshire Coast path.

When his wife’s health deteriorated he took over the household duties, caring for Molly and her sister who lived with them. He became a proficient cook, enjoying entertaining friends. The highlight of his year was baking and decorating. a large number of Christmas cakes which were proudly presented to friends and relatives.

After his wife’s death he developed a close relationship with a family friend of long-standing, (and fellow dog-walker,) Mrs. Corrine Thomas, of Tenby. The couple enjoyed many years sharing interests in travel, both far and wide.

Corrine’s death was a bitter blow, and one from which he didn’t really recover. When in August 2020 it was apparent that, at the age of 98 he was no longer able to take care of himself, he became a resident of Park House Court, where he has received such outstanding care that he now looks considerably younger than his years!

A major sadness for Frank has been to lose so many close friends and family. His only surviving sibling is Mrs. Mary Griffiths, Woodlands Nursing Home, Gumfreston.

For Frank, the highlight of his week is his weekly jaunt with his nephew, Alan Shepherd (well known for his guides to Tenby and Pembrokeshire), and his very close friend John Griffiths. He loves to visit “old haunts”, and has an endless supply of reminiscences.

The birthday party that had been planned for family and friends had to be cancelled, much to Frank’s disappointment. However, Park House Court have kindly made the visitors’ room available for Frank’s visitors.

Frank has had an amazing life, full of wonderful experiences, and spent with wonderful people. He is a real “renaissance man”.