The oldest surviving member of Preston’s Windrush community has turned 100.

Jameson (Jim) St Valle, turned 100 years old this month, celebrating his birthday with family, friends and staff at Community Gateway.

Members of Preston Black History Group, Mayor of Preston, Councillor Yakub Patel and councillors from Preston and Lancashire also celebrated the big day. 

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Jim was born on 2 March 1924 in Dominica, coming to the UK when he was 36 as part of the Windrush generation.

He settled in Preston and married his wife, Gwen in 1964. Jim was a founder member of Preston’s Seventh Day Adventist Church and worked at Leyland Motors and Lostock Railway before retiring.

During his retirement, Jim spent time with his big family. The pair have three children, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

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He also looked after his allotment off Blackpool Road.

He and his wife, Gwen, moved into The Courtyards, an extra-care scheme by the Community Gateway in Preston where he now enjoys a game of dominoes.

During Jim’s birthday celebrations at The Courtyards, he said: “I didn’t expect this, thank you is not enough.

“I’m so glad to see everyone here today to witness my birthday.”

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