Former South Wales Police Officer celebrates 100th birthday
Howard Arthur, a former south wales police officer, is celebrating his 100th birthday in his old station in Pontardawe
Last updated 31st Oct 2024
Retired Sergeant Howard Arthur joined the then Glamorgan Constabulary on 15 April 1952, having previously worked on the railways as a locomotive fireman.
On joining the force, Howard was posted to serve the communities of Neath, before moving on to patrol the beats of Resolven, Pontarddulais, Upper Killay and Gower among other areas.
Howard remembers his time in Pontarddulais and how he rode his bicycle from farm to farm in order to sign the cattle movement book.
Howard joked that he used to have to go to the farms to catch sheep dogs that had escaped:
"At two o'clock in the morning they found a sheepdog so we brought it back to the owners."
"The dog passed me, lifted its leg and peed all down my trousers!"
In 1968, a year before the formation of South Wales Police, Howard was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant, and later moved into Pontardawe Police Station with his family.
He remained at the Station until his retirement from the force in 1980.
"I was living in Pontarddulais and sometimes finished at two o'clock in the morning."
"I used to walk home but my colleague would meet me halfway and we'd have two pints and head home."
Forty-four years on from his retirement and Howard returned to his former home to celebrate his centenary.