RICKETTS, Walter Newling (1901-1968).jpg)
Walter Ricketts (Rowing 1918)
Small boat and replica Norman pot,
originally owned by Wally Ricketts, circa 1913-1920.
(Donated by Joan Sheppard.)
'Wally' Ricketts, as he was often known, teacher, author and farmer, taught Chemistry and Geography at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School (MCEGS) from 1924 to 1954, and was the Master-in-Charge of Rowing from 1930 to 1954.
He notably and successfully coached the 1st Rowing VIII at Melbourne Grammar from 1930 to 1950. During his long period of coaching, the Melbourne Grammar 1st Rowing VIII won the Head of the River in 1930-32, 1938-40, 1943, 1945 and 1949. He coached the 3rd VIII from 1925-1929 and the 1st VIIIs from 1930 to 1950. He also coached the Victorian Rowing VIII of 1932 which won the 'King's Cup' that year.
Walter Newling Rickets, son of Herbert John Ricketts (1872-1953) and Ada Mary nee Newling (1875-1958) attended Flinders State School, Geelong before his enrolment as a day student at Geelong College from 8 February 1915 to December 1918. His address at the time of enrolment was 'Bundila', 303 La Trobe Terrace, Geelong. 'Wally', as he was known, was cox of the Geelong College 1st Rowing VIII in 1915, coxed the 2nd VIII against Geelong Grammar in 1916 and is depicted in the 3rd position of the 1st Rowing VIII of 1918. He rowed in that position in the 'Head of the River' of 1918. He was also a member of the 1st Football XVIII in 1918 and a Cadet Corps Corporal (Band). He with, F M Lee, was a co-awardee of the
Dr Gus Kearney Memorial Prize, and second, to the then School Dux, W C Peter, for the Chemistry and Physics Prize (Honour VI Form).
After College, he entered Melbourne Univesity gaining a BSc in 1924. He continued rowing, gaining University Blues in 1922 and 1923, then joined the Albert Park Rowing Club and in 1926 was a member of the third placed Victorian crew in the King's Cup. In 1924, he commenced teaching at the Grimwade Campus of Melbourne Grammar School (MCEGS), later moving to the Senior Campus in 1926. In 1948, he authored 'Gateway to Science', a general science book. After he left from Melbourne Grammar in 1954, he moved to Palmwoods, Queensland where he pursued his botanical interests by purchasing a pineapple plantation which he named 'Bundilla' after the house in which he grew up in Geelong.
He married Lillian Beatrice Banfield nee Tubbs (1901-1995) on 19 December 1929 at the Melbourne Grammar Chapel.
Walter died at Collaroy, New South Wales on 3 January 1968. He was honoured by Melbourne Grammar School when he was nominated as the Coach of the 150th Head of the River crew on 16 June 2017.
His niece, Joan Sheppard, donated several ceramic pieces to the Geelong College in 2018.
His obituary was published in the Melbourne Grammar magazine, 'The Melburnian' in 1968:
'W. N. Ricketts was educated at Geelong College and Melbourne University. He joined the Grimwade Staff in 1924 and was transferred to the Senior School in 1926. Here his principal subjects were Chemistry and Geography. He taught Chemistry at all levels and was in charge of Chemistry from 1938 until 1954.
As a teacher he was forceful and lucid. He excelled in demonstration work and encouraged all classes to reach a high standard in practical work.
He was coach of the First VIII from 1930 to 1951 and in charge of rowing from 1930 to 1954. In his opening years as coach he had three successive wins and altogether coached nine 'Head of the River' crews. Mr Ricketts believed in attempting new styles of rowing and was not afraid to experiment.
He was House Master of Morris House from 1946 to 1951, and was an officer in the Cadet Corps for several years.
At home he took a keen interest in gardening, in Soil Chemistry, and in the production of choice blooms. In 1954 Mr Ricketts retired from teaching to own and work a pineapple plantation in Queensland. Before leaving Melbourne he suffered a severe coronary attack, but following his partial recovery he courageously pursued his plantation plans. Though hampered by ill health, with the able assistance of a good manager, and sustained by the brave spirit of Mrs Ricketts, he had the great satisfaction of owning a successful plantation.
His death in January 1968 brought regret to many colleagues and to many 'Old Boys' of the School.' Sources: The Melbournian Vol 93 1968 p11 ( Courtesy of MCEGS).