Benjamin G T Kelly
Brisbane Rowing Club (QLD), Johnson River Rowing Club (QLD), Yarra Yarra Rowing Club (VIC)
Member 1910/11- - 1945/46 passed away 13/1/1972
Ben commenced competitive rowing in 1904 before joining Yarra
Captain 1914/15
Regatta wins included:-
1913 - regatta unknown, Junior sculls
1913 - Regatta unknown, maiden sculls
1913 - Nagambie regatta, junior pair (stroke)
1914 - Henley regatta, senior sculls
1914 - Victorian Sculling Association 21/2/1914 handicap sculls
1914 - Victorian Sculling Association 19/12/1914 handicap sculls
1915 - Ballarat regatta, handicap sculls
1915 - Victorian Sculling Association 13/2/1915, handicap sculls
1915 - Victorian championship 21/2 mile senior sculls
1936 - Victorian 10 mile sculling championship, senior sculls
1936 - Herald shield handicap sculling best boats
1937 - Herald shield handicap sculling best boats
1938 - Herald shield handicap sculling best boats
From the 1971/72 Yarra Yarra Rowing Club annual report:-
Benjamin G T Kelly died on 13th January, 1972, Ben Kelly commenced competitive rowing in 1904 with Sydney’s Mercantile R.C. before it was absorbed into Mosman R.C. Ben joined Yarra Yarra in 1913, and soon became captain. During the 1914//15 rowing season he won the silver sculls at Henley and the Victorian Sculling Championship.
Ben had helped to form the Victorian Sculling Association and became the first secretary in 1914. In 1936 he won the 10 mile handicap sculling marathon, then won three successive Heralds shield series in 1936. 1937 and 1938. For many years he rowed in the Melbourne rowing club’s Christmas Day eight, and had a “birthday scull’ in 1970, Ben had been Captain of three rowing clubs, Yarra Yarra, Brisbane R.C. Johnstone river R.C. (Innisfail).
From the Yarra Yarra Rowing Club newsletter 'Yarra Yabbie' no 74 December 2022
Benjamin G T Kelly
Ben Kelly had a lifelong connection with rowing and with Yarra Yarra in particular. Born in Ballarat in 1880, he got his first taste of rowing when he moved to Sydney and joined Mercantile rowing club at the age of 18, Ben joined YYRC in1913, and soon became Captain. During the 1914/15 rowing season he won the silver sculls at Henley and the Victorian sculling championship.
Ben had helped form the Victorian Amateur Sculling Association, and became its first secretary in 1914. In 1936 he won the 10 mile handicap sculling marathon (off scratch at the age of 56.). He then followed up on that accolade by winning three successive Herald Shield series in 1936, ‘37 and ‘38. For many years he rowed in Melbourne Rowing Club’s Christmas day VIII and had a “Birthday sculling outing” to mark his 90th birthday in 1970, declaring “Your only as old as you feel” During his rowing career he served as captain at 3 clubs: Yarra Yarra, Brisbane R C and also Johnstone River (Innisfail, QLD) Ben Kelly passed away in 1972.
1915 photo Ben Kelly Victorian Sculling Champion
Jim Skidmore
June 2024