Born in Nambour 22nd August 1922
Brother to the former world Tree felling champion Vic Summers
He had a lifetime association with the timber industry.
He competed in his first chop at the age of 11 at a sports day at Warkon Station to raise money for the Surat Hospital.
Bill was 15 when he first competed at the Royal Brisbane Show in 1938
His first win however was at Kilkivan where he won the novice and the 12” standing block.
Bill’s first win at the Brisbane exhibition in 1940 with partner Cec Spence in the 2nd division Butchers block then for four consecutive years with his brother Vic and the following year with brother Tom.
Two years later with Partner Jack O’Toole won off a handicap of 100 seconds.
Bill and Vic lowered the record cutting time in the butcher’s block on several occasions.
Bill’s best cutting times were in the 1950’s 18 seconds in the 12” Underhand at the Teebar Sports and in Bundaberg, the 12” standing block in 22 seconds.
Bill won the 14” Standing Block Championship at the Imbil Show three years in Succession.
As a lad, Bill loved tree felling – gaining most of his expertise from his father showing him how to climb with one board.
His successes included winning the prestigious event at Gladstone, Bundaberg, and Gympie for three consecutive years at each show.
He also placed in Tree felling Championships at the Royal Sydney Show.
Although the winner of many woodshop events, two of Bill’s most memorable performances during his career were to win the Queensland Sawing Championships at the Royal Brisbane Show.
In 1960 with Lee Griggs and 1963 with partner Col Schafferius.
Bill had the honour of performing in a woodchop exhibit before Queen Elizabeth II.
He received life membership of the Queensland Axeman’s Association in 1991.
Bill Summers was 79 years old when he collapsed and died during a broad-axe demonstration held at the Museum Heritage Day Chinchilla 1992.