Family marks 90-year milestone for Shropshire border garage
When the Griffiths family set up the village garage, milk was delivered by horse and cart and the first-ever television transmitter had just been created.
Fast forward 90 years and the Griffiths family are still running a thriving business in Leintwardine, near Ludlow, which has become the heart of the community.
And the community came together at St Mary Magdalene Church in the village to celebrate the milestone for Griffiths Garage.
The business was first launched in 1925 by Evelyn and William Griffiths and quickly became a big success. It was then inherited by their son Clifford Griffiths who ran the business with his wife Olive before being passed on to the present day owners David and Jeanette Griffiths.
The shop side of the business is one of only two long-running shops surviving in the village.
David Griffiths said: "My gran and grandad developed the petrol side of the business to create a garage, workshop and also started a form of taxi service as well.
"That developed to them branching out and from 1955 they ran a successful coach company which ran right up to about 15 years ago. I think the success of the business has been down to diversification. We employ about 20 members of staff who are fantastic.
"It is overwhelming to see the community turn up to celebrate our anniversary.
"I want to say many thanks to mum, dad, grandma and grandad for their efforts in difficult times. Thanks to Jeanette for putting up with me and all the amazing members of staff we have. Also thank you to the customers as without all of you we would not be here today."
A presentation of a glass bowl was made at the celebration to the family and Olive Griffiths cut the specially made cake.
David's mother Olive, 88, added: "It is lovely to see so many people here today.
"I enjoyed my time working at the garage. I used to help with it all, I was a jack of all trades.
"It has changed so much over the years and there are lots of new faces in the village now. David has worked really hard to make the business such a success."
David Morgan, who has lived in Leintwardine all his life, said: "The garage is the hub of the community. Some of my earliest memories are going to get petrol at the garage with my dad.
"There were no electric pumps then and Mrs Griffiths used to have to come out and work very hard to grind the pumps to get the petrol.
"Sadly, many shops have closed in the village over the years so the presence of this shop should not be taken for granted."
A friend of the family, Sue Lewis, said: "They keep the village alive. The shop opens at 5.15am and doesn't close until 8pm. They are absolutely vital to the village."
