(By Kevin Darcy)
Over the past week this writer has had multiple discussions with the “Bradman of Bendigo Country Week”, John Hendry, regarding cricket before 2000, with the local cricket association and his time in the Donald area.
John Hendry was appointed to the Donald High School in the late 1960s, and was in the area till the early/mid ’70s.
When he arrived, John was “kidnapped” by the then principal, Ossie Nelson, and before anyone realised, he was signed by the ANA Cricket Club, a fact totally kept under wraps by the the current day “Buloke Times” editor. Strange times indeed.
If any other club, or indeed representative of such club, showed any interest, club president “Father” Dean and his hit squad were on hand, ready to intervene. One other rep. was invited to the Grand Central Hotel to state his club’s case, but after many, many beers, he had a memory lapse of his mission impossible, and in the end, contributed to the ANA Social Club. Mick Gatto would have been proud.
John was this writer’s Year 12 economics teacher, and with other teachers, including Peter Hobbs, Os Nelson, Irene Falla, Bob Magavan and Margaret Hall, was responsible in achieving a 100% pass for all their students, and believe me, that was a real achievement.
Achievements
John’s cricket achievements with ANA will be addressed in another piece later this week, but suffice to say that he has been recognised by “all” playing peers and observers as the best batsman seen in the area since records have been kept.
John was also a handy footballer, being in a roving partnership with “white line” Wayne Jones, when Donald was a N-CFL powerhouse.
Here are some of the highlights of John’s professional and sporting background:
- National sports award for contribution to cricket.
- OAM for cricket.
- OAM for education in 2014.
- 22 years playing District Cricket in Melbourne, captained all clubs except Carlton.
- One State game.
- Captain of Vic Colts for 25-plus games.
- In 1973 Donald District grand final, John led A.N.A. to a premiership against St. Arnaud, his own score being 305 not out. Last wicket partnership with 15 year old Mark Letts (18 not out) was worth 187 runs.
- Captained Donald District Association at Bendigo Country Week, scoring several centuries.
- 35 years at Geelong Grammar, finishing this year.
Outside these sporting achievements, John is a respected sports teacher and has written many theses on sport in schools.
The article that I wish to share with “Times” readers is one written by John to many schools, but he was not sure if it actually was received by Donald High School.
The Melbourne “Age” wished to print the story. John rejected the request.
This writer asked John if he would allow the “Buloke Times" to print it, and he agreed (see link below).
Sports in Schools
My reason for asking John for access to this article is that being a 120% sports lover, especially at school, I find that this love does now not exist in our schools today, which is quite sad.
Young people today are open to peer pressure, sometimes bullying, and certainly social media. Schools are also hand tied by State and local government “red tape”, which does restrict some schools’ activities, not only sport.
It is interesting that the Paris Olympic Games, being held in 2024, have dumped boxing and wrestling, and introduced four “e”sports — should have kept my skateboard, I guess. This is the way of the young people’s world.
This writer certainly hopes that readers enjoy John's article — it is well worth a look at in today’s complicated world for our next generation.
I have also attached a photo of John Hendry with Paul Sheahan. They have worked over the years together, as well as being great mates.
Paul Sheahan was a wonderful middle order batsman for Victoria and Australia. We watched him play in the same Victorian side as the “Phantom”, “Redders”, Bob Cowper, Jack Potter and then Sheahan — a great Victorian side — how did I go, Geoff Brown? Far better than those New South Welshmen!
Read John's article: Sport as a Reflection of Culture
Further reading from Kevin Darcy Cricket in the 20th. Century – A Much Loved Summer Sport