Bowls keeps centenarian ‘Jacko’ young at heart
Reaching any major milestone in life presents plenty of challenges but for Ron ‘Jacko’ Jackson, who turned 100 in March, the journey has been about being active.
“Exercising all the time, never stop, I don’t like to be sitting on my backside, I’d rather be doing something,” Ron said.
Jacko took up bowls some 31 years ago, after retirement, at Narromine in NSW’s Orana Region where he not only played but coached the local high school students and was known to be competitive.
That competitive edge is as sharp as is his brain today. Using a supportive stick to deliver his bowl and a wheelie walker to get up and down the green enables Jacko to make a valuable contribution to his team.
Ron arrived at the Hornets Nest – Hamilton North Bowling Club – in 2017, and is a regular on the greens at the club’s Thursday Gala.
“I asked Ron one Thursday did he have a win today,” fellow Hornets bowler 73-year-old John Holt said.
“Ron said: ‘No but I’m here and as long as I can still bowl that’s a win for me’.”
The avid bowler celebrated with family and friends at Hamilton North Bowlo on the Sunday before his birthday and the following day with mates on Rink 100 at the Hornets Nest.
“Ron is a lovely bloke but he’s very, very competitive,” longtime friend and transporter Reggie Thurlow said.
“He gets that cheeky grin on his face when he puts down a good bowl that beats his opponent.
“During COVID he was itching to get out and play bowls.”
A WWII veteran, Ron has been married to his wife Jean for 73 years, going on to have three children, with six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Ron offered some wholesome advice he has learnt over his 100 years.
“Life’s not worth worrying about unless you enjoy it,” he said.
“I don’t feel any different today to when I was 80.”
Contribution from Greg Danvers via DANVERSMedia
