After his father died 1922 his mother was concerned for their future. There was little return for farming as most was uncleared and unfenced. After cutting scrub and building bridges and fences for a few years he developed quite a skill with axes seeing Axemen perform at the local shows the idea presented itself. I can do that!
So, the next year 1930 nominated for the events at Maleny show and won 8 pounds the next week rode his horse to Woodford and won 12 pounds and 10 shillings. Later, in the year he won a further 10 pounds at Delaney’s creek sports that amount of winning in those days was enough inspiration.
In over 40 years of competition he travelled to Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania and many times to Brisbane royal show. One of the greatest thrills was being presented life member of the QLD axeman’s Assn. Lionel Jensen the then president and Col Barker sec/tres. Two of Bobs famous crosscut saws that has won 15 world titles in the hands of different Axemen were presented to Caboolture Historical Village Axemen’s Hall of Fame when Bob was 82. Amongst this many achievement – 1938 Sydney Royal Show – placed 3rd respectively to Bill Johnston 2nd, Vic Summers 1st in the World Tree felling Championship.
In the 1950’s he won numerous champions and placing ribbons from Double Handed Sawing to Tree felling in Royal Shows.
1964 – standing Veterans-Sydney
1981 – Sydney – special prize – 250mm underhand handicap 70 years and over Veterans – purple ribbon. Just to name a few.
Axeman and Farmer