TRANENT Belters are mourning the loss of one of their founding members and friends, Jim Bober, who has died at the age of 66.

Jim (pictured) joined the Belters in 1974 when the charity was first formed, and over his 45 years he has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local causes, being made a life member in 2017. He died on March 14.

Jim was born on Ormiston Crescent West on July 11, 1952, to parents Tony and Nettie, and has been described as a bit of a “Jack the lad growing up in his early days” by close childhood friend and fellow Belter Dougie Robertson.

Jim worked at several different jobs throughout his life, starting as a builder, then a chef with the merchant navy, then in a biscuit factory, a bar steward in Tranent Royal British Legion, a miner in Monktonhall pit, then on to work at several engineering companies.

The Belters were formed out of a group known as the ‘Stovies Club’. Sometime in the late 1960s, the group invited a Welsh lorry driver out to watch Scotland v Wales in the Six Nations. The driver enjoyed himself so much that he in turn invited the Stovies Club down to join him and some friends at Gilfach Goch, South Wales, the following year. This became an annual event.

Mr Robertson said: “The Belters became more popular. When the guys down in Gilfach saw the good work the Belters were doing, they decided to form the Bowler Hat Club – this was formed not long after the Belters and they do exactly the same, raising money for charities”

The friendship between the Belters and their sister club was forged and each group would follow their home team to the rugby and a meet-up. This was a tradition that Jim loved and cherished.

Dougie said: “Most of our friends, the Bowler Hat boys were up for the Scotland v Wales game enjoying big Jim’s company and they are finding it hard to take in that he suddenly passed away.

“He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.”

Jim was also a keen bowler and won many trophies at East Lothian Co-operative Bowling Club in Tranent, where he was a member.

Bowling club president Brian Forbes said: “He was a true gentleman and an excellent member of the club.

“He was a true friend to a lot of people, I can’t think of anyone with a bad word to say about him.”

“He was involved in every bowling trip we had, especially our trips to Spain which we have every year. He was the first to put his name down. He was a great laugh and will be sadly missed by all of us.”

David Forrest, chair of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, added: “I was very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I’ve known him for over 50 years. It’s so sad that he was taken so soon and didn’t get the chance to enjoy his retirement. My condolences to his wife and family.”

Jim’s widow Merle has said that Jim will be buried in Belters club dress and his Gilfach Goch Bowler Hat tie.