A RADNORSHIRE business will celebrate quarter of a century being open next month and is marking the occasion with an innovative countdown of milestones and achievements accomplished over the last 25 years.

Penybont Service Station owners Gaynor and Robert Lewis will celebrate 25 years in business on April 1. And, leading up to the special day, the family-run business has started a 25-day countdown on their vibrant Facebook page, highlighting hard-working members of staff they’ve had over the years, posting throwback pictures and giving away free products – they’ve even counted up the number of times the garage has been broken into (twice) over the years.

“A local business being about for 25 years is something to be marked we feel,” said Gaynor, referred to simply as ‘The Boss’ on day six of the countdown earlier this week.

“We’re doing a 25-day countdown where we’re giving away bits and pieces, profiles on members of staff and throwback Thursdays. 

“Our youngest child was six-weeks-old when we opened up on April 1, 1997, so it’s quite a milestone for us as he was 25 back in February. We thought it was worth celebrating, especially as we definitely won’t be here in 25 years’ time.”

The countdown started on Tuesday, March 8, with a post titled ‘25 days until 25 years’. “Gaynor and Rob will have owned and run Penybont Service Station for 25 years in 25 days’ time,” said the first post.

“As such, each day until then we will be doing either a giveaway, a fun fact or a photo in order to commemorate the huge achievement for the business.

“We would all hugely appreciate your continued support when we are asking for your likes and shares over the next 25 days.”

Friends of the page who liked and shared the post were entered into a draw to win a full car valet.

The innovative and entertaining countdown also includes fun facts, such as the fact the couple sold their home in order to start the business, which was originally opened by the then owners of the Severn Arms, the Penybont pub right next door to the garage.

There was a some interesting history posted on day four: “Penybont Service Station was originally a steel Nissan hut that was used on Penybont common to house soldiers in the Second World War.

“It was taken down and rebuilt on the site by the side of the Severn Arms as seen in the photo.

This picture is from the late 60s – Bill Brown used to own and run the garage in the early years. Note to the right of the Severn Arms and joined on to it, the old iron room. Replaced by a new community centre in later years.”

To find out more about the business or enter some of the anniversary giveaways, visit the Penybont Service Station Facebook page.