A Welsh dairy, which has been a pillar of the community for over 70 years, has officially shut its doors, bringing an end to a remarkable family legacy that spanned four generations. Radford's Dairies, situated at Dairy Villa on Bedwellty Road in Elliot's Town, New Tredegar , has been a fixture of local life since its establishment in the early 1950s by Ronald Radford. He started delivering milk from his home on Jubilee Road, storing bottles in his house's passageway. As the enterprise expanded, Ronald was joined by his son David and daughter-in-law Marian, who played pivotal roles in growing the business and solidifying the dairy's position as a cornerstone of the village. Over time, the next generation, Ryan Radford and his son Jack, carried on the family profession, maintaining the early morning milk rounds that became a staple of life across the Rhymney Valley. Through snowstorms, torrential rain, and even national lockdowns, the Radford family persevered with their deliveries, their commitment and community spirit earning them widespread admiration. In May 2025, Ryan Radford tragically passed away at the age of 54 after a battle with cancer - a loss that deeply affected both his family and the community he served. Fulfilling his final wish, Ryan's last journey was made aboard his milk float, surrounded by neighbours and lifelong customers paying their respects. After the death of his father, 24 year old Jack Radford stepped up to run the family business with the help of his mother and other family members. Despite their best efforts, the family sadly announced in October 2025 that they could no longer continue operations. Jack Radford said: "Radford’s dairy business New Tredegar has been in our family for 71 years through four generations starting with my great grand father Ronald, whom started the business from his home in Jubilee Rd where he kept the milk in his passage of his home. "The business developed into a larger setting within the village where my grandparents David and Marian became involved as a partner and same for my father Ryan. "After the passing of Ronald then years later it was left to my Dad Ryan and myself carrying out early morning deliveries and managing daily needs of the business. "May 2025 my dad Ryan sadly passed away at the age of 54 from cancer which left us as a family and the community in total devastation. "We even had to carry out my Dad’s final wish of his last journey being taken on his milk float. "I then had to take over the business at 24 years of age, carrying out the same tasks alone with support of my family. "Over the decades the customer support has meant far more than simply keeping a business going. "They welcomed us into their homes, trusted us to serve their families, and allowed us to become part of their daily lives, friendships have been built and memories made, and we will treasure those forever. "Most recently myself and my mum had to accept that continuing is no longer possible. "What has carried us through the recent months has been our loyal customers. "Please know that your loyalty, kindness, and encouragement have been a source of great comfort to us, especially in recent times and we has a family would like to thank you all for your custom and support." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
Welsh business closes after double family tragedy
A Welsh dairy, which has been a pillar of the community for over 70 years, has officially shut its doors, bringing an end to a remarkable family legacy that spanned four generations. Radford's Dairies, situated at Dairy Villa on Bedwellty Road in Elliot's Town, New Tredegar , has been a fixture of local life since its establishment in the early 1950s by Ronald Radford. He started delivering milk from his home on Jubilee Road, storing bottles in his house's passageway. As the enterprise expanded, Ronald was joined by his son David and daughter-in-law Marian, who played pivotal roles in growing the business and solidifying the dairy's position as a cornerstone of the village. Over time, the next generation, Ryan Radford and his son Jack, carried on the family profession, maintaining the early morning milk rounds that became a staple of life across the Rhymney Valley. Through snowstorms, torrential rain, and even national lockdowns, the Radford family persevered with their deliveries, their commitment and community spirit earning them widespread admiration. In May 2025, Ryan Radford tragically passed away at the age of 54 after a battle with cancer - a loss that deeply affected both his family and the community he served. Fulfilling his final wish, Ryan's last journey was made aboard his milk float, surrounded by neighbours and lifelong customers paying their respects. After the death of his father, 24 year old Jack Radford stepped up to run the family business with the help of his mother and other family members. Despite their best efforts, the family sadly announced in October 2025 that they could no longer continue operations. Jack Radford said: "Radford’s dairy business New Tredegar has been in our family for 71 years through four generations starting with my great grand father Ronald, whom started the business from his home in Jubilee Rd where he kept the milk in his passage of his home. "The business developed into a larger setting within the village where my grandparents David and Marian became involved as a partner and same for my father Ryan. "After the passing of Ronald then years later it was left to my Dad Ryan and myself carrying out early morning deliveries and managing daily needs of the business. "May 2025 my dad Ryan sadly passed away at the age of 54 from cancer which left us as a family and the community in total devastation. "We even had to carry out my Dad’s final wish of his last journey being taken on his milk float. "I then had to take over the business at 24 years of age, carrying out the same tasks alone with support of my family. "Over the decades the customer support has meant far more than simply keeping a business going. "They welcomed us into their homes, trusted us to serve their families, and allowed us to become part of their daily lives, friendships have been built and memories made, and we will treasure those forever. "Most recently myself and my mum had to accept that continuing is no longer possible. "What has carried us through the recent months has been our loyal customers. "Please know that your loyalty, kindness, and encouragement have been a source of great comfort to us, especially in recent times and we has a family would like to thank you all for your custom and support." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
