Averil was born there and lived there the first half of her life. John, a North Westerner by birth, became Welsh by adoption when he and Averil were married in Porthcawl, East Glamorgan, some thirty one years ago.

Margam Abbey

The idea for The Welsh Touch was born some twenty two years ago when Mrs. Anderson (Averil) took Mr. Anderson (John) to a small woolen mill in West Wales. Mr. Anderson was so impressed with the craftsmanship and the quality of the woolens that he saw being spun and woven that he was inspired to import and retail them in California. From there, the business flourished and broadened to include other fine, Welsh handcrafts. Averil and John hope to continue this tradition of supplying Welsh quality and craftsmanship for years to come.

Porthcawl Museum

Each year since their marriage they have visited Wales to further purchase new Welsh products. John now has a great ear for the Welsh accent if not the Welsh language. They have both traveled extensively throughout Wales, but confess to having a particular fondness for the Carmarthenshire coastline. They especially enjoy Laugharne, the Brecon Beacons, and the town of Brecon.

Wales has an ongoing lure that the Andersons cannot resist. They love the hills and valleys scenic coastal beauty, the Welsh people, choral music, and lastly the ever welcoming Welsh Pubs.