On Monday, August 19, around 60 people gathered in Aberdare to pay their respects to John Harries, the former landlord and owner of the Three Horseshoes Inn, Llanfaes.

The funeral was attended by family and friends, before they joined customers new and old at the Three Horseshoes. John was the longest-serving landlord in the Brecon area, serving for more than 35 years.

Referred to as a “gentle man”, many people see John’s passing as the end of an era.

Sue Loveday, the landlady of the Plough and Harrow in Brecon, said: “He had been at the Three Horseshoes for 40 years after working in the license trade from a young age in many areas of the country. His one wish was to own his own pub, which he achieved at the Three Horseshoes with his partner Gwilliam.”

Giving his life to the Three Horseshoes, John reduced his hours as he got older, but was still trading up until his passing.

“He had a great love of poetry and hosted a poetry group in the pub - quizzes were another of his loves,” Sue said.

“John had a great affinity and love for animals. Over the years many animals were lucky to be cared for and loved by John.”

John worked closely with the police over many years as the Secretary of the LVA and later with them on the Brecon Behave or Be Banned (Bobb) scheme. During his years as the LVA Secretary John organised numerous functions for the members, which were “always memorable, well organised and fun events”.

Rod Bowen, the Police Licensing Officer for Powys, said: “It was with great sadness when we heard of the recent death of John. He was a person who had a long-standing relationship of over 40 years with the police at Brecon through a number of roles associated with the licensing trade of Brecon town.“

Sue added: “He was a much respected and loved man by the many people who crossed his path in the years he was at the Three Horseshoes. He will be missed. It's the end of an era!”