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australian rowers profiles and history

Hon Judge Fred Kirkham

Fred A Kirkham (born Frederick Angus Benfield, 5 April 1937 – 25 October 2007)

During his rowing years he was known as Fred Benfield but reverted to his mother's maiden name Kirkham as an adult.

Sydney Rowing Club (NSW)

1956 – Interstate Men’s Eight Championship four seat – Second

1956 - Olympic Games - Men’s Eight three seat - Bronze

He lived a very interesting professional life. His Wikipedia entry notes as follows:

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.

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 practised 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.

His entry also notes him as a song writer.

After the finish in 1956 - Fred in the three seat


Andrew Guerin, June 2020

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