George Brace, the Founder of Brace’s Bakery had a vision to start his own bakery in the mining village of Pontllanfraith, Blackwood.
1918
Ernest Brace joined the Royal Flying Corps in WW1. He was the eldest son of George Brace and became the 2nd generation of Brace’s Bakery.
1920
Brace’s Bakery in Pontllanfraith. Pictured are Dai Alcock, Jack Walker, Norman Brace and Wilson Brace. In the doorway, John Brace (age 6).
1922
Our longest employee, Tommy Hughes pictured here with Wilson Brace, first started at Brace’s Bakery at 14 years old and worked here for 54 years, finishing in 1977.
1928
Colin Brace, age 6 (son of Ernest Brace) pictured playing outside the bakery in Gelli Groes Road, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood (3rd generation).
1947
Salesman Austin O’Reilly pictured with the Fordson van, came to work for Brace’s after the II World War.
1969
The Brace’s delivery vans are parked at the former bakery (located in Oakdale), ready to deliver to the local community.
1973
Ernest Brace was 2nd generation at Brace’s Bakery and ended his extensive career at Brace’s in 1974. He is pictured here at 81 years old.
1983
Jim Foreman, with Colin Brace (right, 3rd generation). Inspecting the bread at the bakery in Croespenmaen.
1989
The Brace’s Bakery Ford Transit Luton delivery van, pictured at the forecourt of the bakery in Croespenmaen, Blackwood.
1995
Mark and Jonathan Brace, 4th Generation, worked in the previous headquarters in Croespenmaen in 1995. They both started their careers in the bakery incredibly young but soon became directors in 1986.
2013
Colin Brace, 3rd generation, received his OBE in 2013 (aged 91) for his services to the baking industry and the local community.
Today
Today, we are proud to be Wales’s favourite Welsh bakery brand. You’ll find our products on the shelves of local stores and supermarkets.