Fred Kirkham
Encyclopedia
Born Frederick Angus Benfield (5 April 1937 – 25 October 2007), Fred Kirkham was an Australia
n Olympic
-level rower, songwriter
and Judge
.
and attended Newington College
(1945–1953). During his adolescence he was known as Fred Benfield but reverted to his mother's maiden name as an adult.
in Melbourne, Victoria, Kirkham rowed in the Bronze medal winning Men's Eight
.
' hit song Hangin' Five with Ben Acton.
in 1988 where he served until his retirement.
at the time of its Centenary (1995–1996).
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n Olympic
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
-level rower, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
and Judge
Judge
A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. The judge is supposed to conduct the trial impartially and in an open...
.
Early life
Kirkham was born in Leichhardt, New South WalesLeichhardt, New South Wales
Leichhardt is a suburb in the inner-west of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. Leichhardt is located 5 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district and is the administrative centre for the local government area of the Municipality of Leichhardt...
and attended Newington College
Newington College
Newington College is an independent, Uniting Church, day and boarding school for boys, located in Stanmore, an inner-western suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia....
(1945–1953). During his adolescence he was known as Fred Benfield but reverted to his mother's maiden name as an adult.
Police career
From 1955, Kirkham served as a member of the New South Wales Police Force and later in the NSW Police Drug Squad.Olympic representation
At the 1956 Summer Olympics1956 Summer Olympics
The 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was held in Melbourne, Australia, in 1956, with the exception of the equestrian events, which could not be held in Australia due to quarantine regulations...
in Melbourne, Victoria, Kirkham rowed in the Bronze medal winning Men's Eight
Rowing at the 1956 Summer Olympics
Rowing at the 1956 Summer Olympics featured 7 events, for men only. The competitions were held from November 23, 1956 to November 27, 1956 on Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Australia.-Medal summary:-Medal table:-References:*...
.
Police career
For 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.Music career
In 1963, Kirkham co-wrote The DelltonesThe Delltones
The Delltones, a popular Australian rock 'n roll band, originally formed in 1958. They started out as a vocal harmony group with the lineup consisting of Brian Perkins, Noel Widerberg, Ian 'Peewee' Wilson and Warren Lucas...
' hit song Hangin' Five with Ben Acton.
Legal career
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 WalesDistrict Court of New South Wales
The District Court of New South Wales has jurisdiction to hear most indictable offences . It hears appeals from the Local Court and civil claims up to A$750 000. In some circumstances the amount may be higher, e.g. with the consent of the parties or in motor accident claims etc...
in 1988 where he served until his retirement.
Community activities
He served as President of the Old Newingtonians' UnionNewington College
Newington College is an independent, Uniting Church, day and boarding school for boys, located in Stanmore, an inner-western suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia....
at the time of its Centenary (1995–1996).