General News
25 July, 2023
Happy birthday Jim
WELL known Cobden identity James “Jim” Donald was thrown a surprise celebration last week ahead of his 95th birthday this Friday.
WELL known Cobden identity James “Jim” Donald was thrown a surprise celebration last week ahead of his 95th birthday this Friday.
Camperdown’s Carole Manifold organised a birthday cake and dropped in at a weekly game of cards at the Cobden Senior Citizens Centre following a water aerobics class.
She said she invited the class to attend the gathering, with Jim enjoying attending her classes in the warmer weather.
“Everyone in Cobden knows him, he’s just the most gorgeous fellow,” Ms Manifold said.
“He really enjoyed it (the surprise). He made a speech.”
Jim was born in Scotland on July 28, 1928 to George and Christina Donald.
He was one of 14 children.
Jim made the decision to move to Australia after seeing an advertisement for people looking to migrate to Australia under the scheme later referred to as the “Ten Pound Pom” scheme.
Arriving in the local area Jim, with the support of his brother Alex, settled into the Australian lifestyle.
Jim purchased a block at Jancourt which he turned into his home for 50 years before moving into Cobden.
He has had a hand in a variety of local groups and organisations over the years including the Jancourt Tennis Club, CFA, Cobden Senior Citizens, St Johns Ambulance Service and Masonic Lodge in Cobden and Camperdown.