Ronald Sherriff

Ronald Sherriff (1931–1968), axeman, was born near Lefroy, northern Tasmania. From his early teens he worked mainly as a bushman. From 1953 until his death in a treefelling accident, Ron won 55 state, ten Australian and four world titles in standing and treefelling events at a time of intense competition between axemen. Initially a 'Big Block' specialist, he developed into one of the best all-round axemen in Tasmania and at mainland Royal Shows. He represented and captained Tasmania and toured New Zealand, Great Britain, South Africa and Rhodesia in 1966 in Australian teams. The foundations of success were a competitive temperament, profound self-belief and a desire to disprove his father's jibe that he would never be an axeman.

Tim Jetson