General News
5 December, 2025
Surprise 100th in Carisbrook for Jimmy
Typically, a 100-year celebration is reserved for long-standing community groups or popular public events. However, Jimmy Cole is set to celebrate his 100th birthday next month.
As part of their Christmas Party held at the Carisbrook Senior Citizens Hall last Monday night, the Carisbrook Open Mic group had a surprise cake and presentation for Jimmy, who will turn 100 on January 3.
Despite his age, which has earned him the nickname “Mayor of Fryerstown”, Jimmy remains a regular performer at the local group and at various other clubs, often alongside his longtime friend Marilyn Bulkeley.
“He just loves going and playing music and being on the stage,” she said.
“He and I play music together, we used to play for old-time dances, that sort of faded out and now we entertain old people’s homes and groups like [the Carisbrook Open Mic group].
“Jimmy’s multiply talented, he plays the drums, the mouth organ, and the American side whistle, just to name three things.
“He learned tap dancing when he was a little boy, and he just loves stage work. Jimmy can still get up at 100 years of age and has a dance.”
What has allowed Jimmy to remain active as he nears triple digits? According to the man himself, he believes his previous occupation has played a helping hand.
“It’s a big thing to be able to get that long and it’s not far away,” he said.
“Since I was about 14 years old, I started to shear up until two or three years ago, so I enjoyed that.
“I was still healthy and that kept me going because I could still do it. It’s a big thing to be able to do that, I couldn’t do it now.”
Following in the footsteps of his parents, Jimmy quickly developed a passion for music, which remains a key physical and social outlet.
Jimmy said he will continue to perform music for as long as his body allows him, hoping to entertain well past his upcoming 100th birthday.
“Music was born in me, my parents were all music and I followed it on, so it’s a good thing,” he said.
“It’s a big thing, there aren’t too many people that can do what I can do at my age.”