Outstanding Service to the Sport
Phillip started woodchopping in 1967 at Neerim South Show, coached by his father-in-law, Jim Caldwell.
He was made a Life member of South & Central Gippsland Axemen’s Association in 1997, received Australian Axemen’s Assoc, Award of Merit 1997. Selector for Victoria Axemen’s Council and Australian Axemen’s Assoc. Starter for SCGAA for 40 years- helped the late Russ Rees for a couple of years, also starter for East Gippsland Axemen’s Assoc. at Buchan, Bruthen, Bairnsdale and Omeo Shows, Handicapper for SCGAA for 40 years and now assistant handicapper to Brian Hall.
He still helps getting logs for chops and does a bit of starting with a new stopwatch given to him by daughter Sonia in 2015 when he attended Caldwell Family induction.
Phillip has enjoyed his sport with his most treasured wins being a Father & Son at Sydney Royal & Melbourne Show, also winning the double handed sawing at Melbourne with Brian & Les Caldwell wedger, also any teams race at any show.
Phillip had 41 years as handicapper for SCGAA- he was widely recognised as being fair & accurate, he kept meticulous records and was happy to explain marks. When Phillip took on handicapping some 40 plus years ago he was given some advice from his Father-in-Law – ‘’if an axeman he did not know entered a championship that the great Jack O’Toole was in he should put him on the same mark as Jack because he must think he could beat Jack”’.
While enjoying his long career in woodchopping as a competitor Phillip has also enjoyed being a handicapper & helping with all the ‘behind the scenes’’ work. His time has been dedicated to the service of his sport and his fellow competitors, He believes it has been a privilege to handicap some of our great axemen- Fosters, French, Stewart, Phillips, Stubbs, Lovell, Duggan, Youds plus many ‘’dark horses” not well known in Victoria – a handicappers delight. Others were Standing block, G Parker, N French great to watch- Underhand, P Caldwell- great style, T Caldwell, D Bolstad also Youd my best axeman, Garry Hewitt Qu. Another great axeman. O’Toole family – all of them. David & George Foster, Harold Winkel underhand great. Youd boys “’Tree Kings”, M Lentz USA a handicappers delight.
While stepping back a little, Phillip is still an active and valued member of his Association and of our wider woodchopping fraternity. Phillip also ably served as VAC secretary for a period.