Above: Our esteemed  longerst serving member Arthur Atkins celebrates his 103rd birthday

Today is the 103rd bithday of our oldest and longest serving member, Arthur Atkins. Congratulations Arthur.

Arthur has lived an interesting life as a rower both before and after WWII, sailor, accountant, war hero, business owner, husband and father, lover of cars (and he still has two) and proud Mercantile member.

Arthur continues to live a full life, albeit living alone, in his home of some 70 years in Kew managing the garden and home. Everything is well tendered. Pre COVID, Arthur was a regular attendee at the Club and also at his other Club, the Melbourne Cricket Club.

When your correspondent visitied one day, Arthur was spotted up a ladder pruning along the roof line. When I offered to take over, his response was, but are any good on a ladder?

Follow this link for a podcast interview with Arthur taken last weekend, in a 'COVID safe' manner - on his front porch in the sun. As a result there is some traffic and other background noise.

You will find that Arthur is sharper than the interviewer!