Fred Kirkham

Fred Kirkham (born Frederick Angus Benfield; 5 April 1937 – 25 October 2007)[1] was an Australian Olympic-level rower, songwriter and judge.[2]

For the English football manager and referee, see Fred Kirkham (football manager).

Fred Kirkham
Born
Frederick Angus Benfield

(1937-04-05)5 April 1937
Leichhardt, New South Wales
Died25 October 2007(2007-10-25) (aged 70)
Pretty Beach, New South Wales
NationalityAustralian
EducationNewington College
Occupation(s)NSW Police Officer
Barrister
NSW District Court Judge
TitleHis Honour Judge Fred Kirkham
SpouseJanet Anne (Jan)
Children2 sons, 2 daughters
Medal record
Men's rowing
Representing  Australia
Olympic Games
Bronze medal – third place 1956 Melbourne Eight

Early life

Kirkham 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.

Olympic representation

At the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Victoria, Kirkham rowed in the Bronze medal-winning men's eight.[4]

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 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.[5]

Music career

In 1963, Kirkham co-wrote The Delltones' hit song Hangin' Five with Ben Acton.[6]

Community activities

He served as President of the Old Newingtonians' Union at the time of its Centenary (1995–1996).[7]

References
  1. "SMH Death Notice". Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
  2. His Honour Judge Kirkham (1937 2007) Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  3. Newington College Register of Past Students 1863-1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 13
  4. ABC - Olympics
  5. Bar News/The Journal of the NSW Bar Association (Syd, 2008) pp 78 Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  6. Pop Archives
  7. Newington Across the Years, A History of Newington College 1863 - 1998 (Syd, 1999) pp 347


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