JACK Ireland OAM, celebrated his 95th birthday last week surrounded by his family in Bulahdelah.

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“I have enjoyed life tremendously,” Jack said.

“I even got to meet with the Queen, Prince Philip and the Governor General during the Royal visit in 1954.”

From a young age, Jack worked long hours in the family butchery in Crawford Street and “enjoyed every minute of it”.

“When I left school, the teachers said I should be going to university, but in those days, it was very expensive,” Jack said.

“At the butchery, all the work had to be done by hand as there was no such thing as mains electricity.”

Jack recalls the kerosene lanterns, the manual meat saws and the mail runs.

“We had a number of runs where we used to take the meat and bread by horse and cart over to Bungwahl, Stroud, Upper Myall and Bombah Point,” he said.

“People used to depend on the butcher and baker to bring their supplies.”

In 1951, the butchery amalgamated with the bakery and became known as T.L. Ireland & Sons, and moved to the new premises in Stroud Street a few years later.

“It was very difficult to build the business up, I was working 12 hours a day back then,” Jack said.

“I was also very busy with the cattle.”

Jack said working long hours taught him very early in life that nothing comes easily.

“It is the hard work and good decisions that bring success,” he said.

Along with his commitment to his family and business, Jack was also devoted to his community and is well-known for his tireless work, compassion, goodwill and support.

He also served as a councillor on Great Lakes Shire for 40 years.

Reflecting on his 95 happy and successful years, Jack said he is fortunate to have been blessed with good health.

“I didn’t drink or smoke, and it has always been important to stay active and keep my mind busy,” he said.

“I have also been very fortunate to have had wonderful parents and a wonderful family and wife, Thora has been tremendous, she held me through every trial and tribulation.”

Jack said he is also grateful to have had the support and assistance from many people in the community over the years.