James Eric Bain, known as George, was born in Wauchope on June 10 1916.
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His parents, James and Ivy, lived on their farm of Clareville surrounded by the Hastings River and Yippin Creek, off Bain Street.
George’s father was the son of Wauchope’s historic statesman, Duncan Bain. Duncan’s father had come from Scotland with his family, and he and his brother settled in the Hastings and it’s been home to the Bain families ever since.
Wauchope benefited from Duncan’s vision for the town, and he donated much land for communal use and enjoyment – hence Bain Street, Bain Bridge and Bain Park.
George married Edie Monkley in 1940, and they had three children – James, Frank (deceased) and Patti (Chelman). They have five grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and all of them have enjoyed many happy hours with their grandparents in George’s garden at his home in Bain Street. Sadly, Edie passed away in 2008.
George worked for many years on the family farm, but then handed it on to his son and bought a taxi in Wauchope. He loved the driving life and reluctantly retired at 65, giving him more time for his garden and golf.
Sport has always been a love of George’s and in his youth, he was a keen and more than capable boxer and footballer. In later life, he was instrumental in setting up and training young boxers in the Wauchope Boxing Club, with Rud Steel. He played golf until he reached 93 years.
George came from a strong Christian background, and has attended the Free Presbyterian Church all of his life, until his great old age made it impossible.
During his time in the church, he took on many roles, including deacon, elder, Sabbath school supervisor, fellowship supervisor and groundsman.
Celebrations for his birthday have been provided by Bundaleer Nursing Home, in conjunction with the Co-op turning 100 years also in 2016, and a very well-attended get-together in Bain Park, arranged by his family and friends. Although the weather was atrocious, almost 80 people attended to wish him well.
George’s longevity is attributed by him to “good genes” and keeping fit and eating home-grown produce. Although his brother and three sisters all lived into their nineties, George has now set the bar extremely high by attaining 100 years of age and not out!
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