Bruce Kendrick departs the greens at the Mount Waverley Bowling Club after yet another win. The dark clouds and threatening rain have held off just long enough to wrap up a triples victory at Wednesday's social bowls with teammates Bev Wong and David Buchanan.
He takes his seat in the clubrooms and a measure of scotch whisky on ice, his favourite post-match tipple, is delivered to his table from the club bar before he humbly enjoys the plaudits when the weekly results are announced.
Bruce Kendrick turned 100 on May 19.
He celebrated his century with his 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, at a celebration hosted by the Mount Waverley Bowling Club.
"It's the first time in my life, I've been able to get them all together," he smiled.
A gathering of around 100-120 was on hand to toast his milestone – both blood relations, 34 Bruce estimated, and what's become his broader extended family from the lawn bowls club and church.
While quickly batting away questions regarding the customary 100th birthday telegram centenarians receive from the King- "No, you have to apply for it yourself these days. That's all a bit of nonsense in my opinion" - Bruce was only too happy to share his secrets for a long and healthy life.
"I keep as active as I can," he said. "(As well as lawn bowls) I walk around the block every day and that's about a kilometre. I've got the energy. I've inherited some good genes, and I've been well looked after by the Almighty. As long as I'm able, I'll keep being involved."
Cheers, Bruce Kendrick toasts another great day on the Mount Waverley greens.
A long, successful career on the greens at Mount Waverley has played a huge part in that longevity.
Bruce joined the Mount Waverley Bowling Club in March 1974, and it's become his second home. He's been the CEO twice, joined teammates in claiming the club fours on five occasions and was honoured with life membership in 2002.
The Bruce Kendrick Perpetual Trophy was created this year to celebrate his 100th birthday and to honour his 52-year career at the club. At the inaugural event, a week after his milestone celebration, Bruce arrived in a 1928 Model A Ford owned by club member Byron Savory - Mount Waverley's vintage machine predating the American vintage classic by some two years.
It's understood the 100-year-old wag enquired: "That's nice, do I get to take it home with me?"
"I've always played a fair bit of sport," Bruce said. "As a young man, I played rugby and soccer. I was a keen golfer, and I played pennant squash for 25 years. I've always enjoyed sport. My wife played a bit of tennis, but we were looking for something we could do together. The (lawn bowls) club had social bowls that we could enjoy together. And you can take your bowls away with you on holidays. You can always get a game anywhere."
Along with physical activity, Bruce ranks social connection as an invaluable ingredient in his 100-year recipe.
"As you get older you have to keep social contact," Bruce said. "I do that through the bowls club and through my church. Companionship is so important. I lost my wife some years ago and mixing with people is very important. It's (the lawn bowls club) become a big part of my life. It's been a very great club."
Ever-chatty and eyes sparkling with good humour, Bruce possesses a sharp mind and quick wit that demands as much exercise as his bowling arm.
"I find television programs … hmmm," Bruce smiles, searching for a diplomatic description. "I read a lot. I'm reading a biography of General Blamey at the moment, and I've read one on (Sir John) Monash. History really holds my interest. (And) I've been blessed with a very good memory."
Embracing what he considers the greatest invention of his lifetime has helped Bruce maintain the social connection he considers so important.
"Telecommunications, without a doubt," he said. "If you wanted to send a letter overseas, you used to have to send it by aeroplane. Now, I text my children most days, I order my groceries online. I have to text a lot, I use a lot of Ubers. I had to hand my licence back four years ago."
CENTENARIANS MORNING TEA
As part of Seniors Festival, we're holding a special Centenarian Morning Tea for residents like Bruce who have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years and beyond.
If you or someone you know has turned 100, please register your details online and a member of the Monash Age Well team will be in touch: www.monash.vic.gov.au/100
