Thirty two years ago Major Donald Campbell-Baldwin, his wife Denise and their three young sons Jamie, Bertie and Archie moved into Church Cottage, Tregaer. At that time Donald was still in the army based at Chepstow.
Donald became actively involved in both the church and hall committees and took on the role of secretary for both. He has only recently retired from both committees.
During their time in Tregaer Donald and Denise have always been actively involved in ‘Parish Life’.
In the early years they always arranged a New Years Eve party in the Hall with traditional Scottish dancing.
Donald owns a flag for every occasion and these have been displayed on a flagpole outside his house to mark the events.
He will be remembered for his ability to persuade businesses to donate an amazing selection of raffle prizes for the annual Tregaer Summer raffle and then selling the tickets to the local residents. Most people have long since stopped pretending they are out when they see Donald knock on the door and now just part with their money! Donald has also worked hard in maintaining the Churchyard and has regularly mowed the Church paths.
Donald is a proud military Scotchman and rarely misses an opportunity on formal occasions to don his uniform and kilt which is always a welcome sight. He and Denise have regularly spent time at their property in the Borders and have always made it clear that it was their intention to move to Scotland permanently at some point.
To mark the occasion and thank them for their huge contribution to the parish and their friendship over the years a party was held at Tregaer Hall on Monday 2nd December. They were presented with a pen and ink drawing from the Church and Hall Committees by Bob Watkins and Cathy Godfrey.