Fred Kirkham (born Frederick Angus Benfield; 5 April 1937 – 25 October 2007)[1] was an Australian Olympic medal winning rower, songwriter and judge.[2]
Fred Kirkham | |
|---|---|
| Born | Frederick Angus Benfield 5 April 1937 |
| Died | 25 October 2007 (aged 70) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Education | Newington College |
| Occupation(s) | NSW Police Officer Barrister NSW District Court Judge |
| Title | His Honour Judge Fred Kirkham |
| Spouse | Janet Anne (Jan) |
| Children | 2 sons, 2 daughters |
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Men's rowing | ||
Representing  Australia
| ||
| Olympic Games | ||
 |
1956 Melbourne | Eight |
Early life
editKirkham was born in Leichhardt, New South Wales and attended Newington College (1945–1953).[3] During his adolescence he was known as Fred Benfield but reverted to his mother's maiden name as an adult.
Rowing career
editKirkham took up rowing at Newington College in Sydney. His senior rowing was with the Sydney Rowing Club.[4] His first and only state appearance for New South Wales was in the three seat of the senior men's eight which contested and were runners-up for the King's Cup at the 1956 Australian Interstate Regatta.[5]
In 1956 for the Melbourne Olympics the winning King's Cup Victorian eight was selected as the Australian men's eight excepting for Kirkham in the three seat from New South Wales. Kirkham rowed in the Australian eight in their Olympic campaign to a thrilling final where the Australian eight took it to the US and Canadian crews and came away with a bronze medal.[4][6][7]
Police and legal career
editFor twenty years Kirkham served as a member of the New South Wales Police Force. Kirkham served as a uniformed officer for several years before training to join the NSW Police Drug Squad.
After completing his HSC at the age of 30, Kirkham attended night school to complete his law degree. He was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1974 and practiced mainly in the area of personal injury. After 14 years at the Bar he was appointed a Judge of the District Court of New South Wales in 1988 where he served until his retirement.[8]
Music career
editIn 1963, Kirkham co-wrote The Delltones' hit song Hangin' Five with Ben Acton.[9]
Community activities
editHe served as President of the Old Newingtonians' Union at the time of its Centenary (1995–1996).[10]
References
edit- ^ "SMH Death Notice". Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
- ^ His Honour Judge Kirkham (1937 2007) Retrieved 9 March 2019.
- ^ Newington College Register of Past Students 1863-1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 13
- ^ a b Benfield Profile at Austn Rowing History
- ^ 1956 Interstate Regatta
- ^ Benfield at World Rowing
- ^ ABC - Olympics
- ^ Bar News/The Journal of the NSW Bar Association (Syd, 2008) pp 78 Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ Pop Archives
- ^ Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 347
External links
edit- Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Fred Benfield (full name: Frederick Angus Benfield-Kirkham)". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012.