Kelvin Jewell celebrated his 100th birthday last Monday with a luncheon at the Lakes Entrance Bowls Club, where he is a life member.
He celebrated alongside family, friends and members, before continuing celebrations with fellow residents at Opal Aged Care in the afternoon.
Born at his family’s farmhouse in Bunyip on September 21, 1926, Kelvin moved to Carnegie at age nine with his parents and four siblings. After completing primary school and attending Caulfield Technical College, he entered the workforce at Metal Crafts South Melbourne in 1941.
“I earnt 15 shillings a week — five for fares, five for board, and five for pocket money,” Kelvin said.
A year later, he joined Southern Cross Windmills and Engines, where he worked on and off for 43 years as a clerk, parts sales manager, store foreman, diesel mechanic, sales representative, milking machine fitter and sub-branch manager across Victoria.
During World War II, Kelvin served in the RAAF from May 1, 1945, stationed at Cootamundra and Kingston, before being discharged on September 20, 1945, the day after the peace treaty was signed in Tokyo Bay.
Kelvin’s father, Frederick, was an early World War I enlistee (service number 57) who served at Gallipoli and the Charge of Beersheba, as well as in World War II. Kelvin joined the Lakes Entrance RSL in 2012, and during Monday’s celebrations, RSL president Peter Tunnage presented him with a letter of congratulations from the Victorian RSL president.
In 1968, Kelvin married his first wife, Veronica, residing in Melbourne until her passing. Following regular fishing trips to Lake Tyers Beach with his brother Les, the pair purchased land and built a home, leading Kelvin to retire permanently to the area in 1986.
A keen sportsman in cricket, table tennis and lawn bowls, Kelvin joined the Lakes Entrance Bowls Club, where he met his second wife, Mary. The pair married in 1988, expanding his family to include a stepdaughter and step-granddaughter.
Kelvin later relocated to Opal Aged Care alongside Mary, who passed away in May after 38 years of marriage.
Kelvin remains active with crosswords, sudoku, card games, socialising and calling bingo. Reflecting on his longevity, Kelvin attributes his 100 years to a simple lifestyle.
“I drank in moderation, have always eaten good, wholesome food, got plenty of fresh air through my job and sport, always out in the open. Just a simple healthy life with everything in moderation. Oh, and I’m a Virgo,” Kelvin said.
A TRIBUTE FROM THE BOWLS CLUB
The Lakes Entrance Bowls Club paid rich tribute to Kelvin as a true gentleman, visionary leader and pillar of the community who helped shape the venue over 40 years of membership.
When Kelvin joined four decades ago, the club was a modest venue without a bistro or gaming operations. By 1990, he helped establish the social club and served on its inaugural committee, acting as emcee for social dances, organising the 1992 members’ concert, running weekly chook raffles and hosting Melbourne Cup luncheons alongside the ladies’ committee.
While maintaining that the integrity of lawn bowls and quality greens remained sacred, Kelvin championed the vision of expanding the venue’s social heart to connect locals, families and visitors.
As a house committee member, he helped establish the first match committee office, drove member investment to install the club’s first synthetic green and supported the introduction of gaming machines to secure the venue’s long-term financial future.
Kelvin served as men’s section treasurer for 11 years, played pennant and social bowls, mentored new players, and represented the club across Victoria.
He was awarded life membership in 2006, with his name permanently engraved in the club foyer.
“Kelvin, as you celebrate 100 incredible years and 40 years membership of the Lakes Entrance Bowls Club, please realise you didn’t just play bowls here; you built a community,” the club stated.
