A GREAT-grandmother from Neyland is enjoying her retirement, after hanging up her deck shoes for the last time aged 97.

Helen Haynes is heading off to new waters, after almost 30 years working at Brunel Chandlery.

Until this summer, the nautical nonagenarian worked five days a week, sharing almost 60 years of marine expertise with customers.

A familiar sight around the marina, Helen has gained a reputation as a nautical guru and all-round sailing expert.

Originally from Hertfordshire, Helen worked in the boat-building industry in Essex with her late husband Roy, before the pair moved to Pembrokeshire and took over the Lawrenny Yacht Station in 1970.

She then moved to Jenkins’ Boats in Burton, where she stayed for 11 years, during which time she cared for her husband.

Almost three decades ago, she started work at the newly-opened Westfield Chandlery (now Brunel Chandlery), and has been guiding customers through the sometimes confusing waters of boat-owning ever since.

But following her 97th birthday in July, Helen has decided to move closer to her family in England.

Speaking about her time in Pembrokeshire, she said: “I’ve never been in a place where the friendship and camaraderie is so good.

“I have made some great friends here, and I will miss the contact, and being by the water.

“Pembrokeshire is such a friendly area, and so peaceful and quiet.

“I’ve had a good life here, and think I would have gotten lazy if I hadn’t been working.”

Walking to and from the marina every day, Helen said her work had helped keep her active and despite her advancing years she still possesses an encyclopaedic knowledge of the wares she sold – sometimes much to the surprise of new customers.

She said visitors were often left open-mouthed as she deftly diagnosed problems and listed makes and models, even down to the details of specific screws.

Pauline Smith, who took over the chandlery with her sister Carol Ward a decade ago, said Helen was a “wonderful person” and would be missed by staff and customers alike.

“Helen is a charming, knowledgeable lady, who has been in the boating industry all her life,” said Pauline.

“She’s a friend to all the community, people come in to see her, even if they don’t need to buy anything, and we get people who haven’t been to Pembrokeshire in years who will pop in to say hello.

“I always used to say she was the most valuable asset we got when we bought the place ten years ago, and to be honest I thought she would still be working here when she gets her telegram from the Queen.

“From dealing with customers and providing years of knowledge and experience, to maintaining stock levels and ordering supplies, we will be quite lost without her.

“She’s one of a certain generation, and we wish her all the best for her retirement.”