VSDCA: Ken Fewster elevated to Legend status in Hall of Fame

Ken Fewster’s remarkable contribution to Victorian cricket has been recognised with another honour as he was elevated to Legend status in the VSDCA Hall of Fame.

Ken Fewster OAM knew something was up when he was invited to the 2021-22 Victorian Sub District Cricket Association presentation dinner.

At first he declined the invitation because he and his wife Bev don’t like to drive at night.

Officials insisted he be there.

The couple’s son Russell drove his parents from Healesville to the Melbourne Cricket Ground — a spectacular setting for what Fewster described as one of the finest moments of his life.

After being the inaugural VSDCA Hall of Fame inductee in 2007-08, Fewster was elevated to Legend status on Wednesday night.

He became the seventh person to be bestowed the honour.

It was just another special moment for a man who has given more than 60 years to one of his biggest two loves in life.

“I didn’t ever expect this — I didn’t even agree with it,” he told Leader.

“I have an OAM but this is something close to my heart. It was great for Bev and Russell to come along and see this.

“My daughter was alive when I received my OAM but I know she was here in spirit with us tonight.

“This honour means so much to my family and I.”

Ken Fewster (second from left) was elevated to Legend status in the VSDCA Hall of Fame on Wednesday night. Photo: Brayden May.

Fewster’s acceptance speech was one of the highlights of the night.

He told stories of his time with Box Hill and Balwyn with Bev continuing to support him along the way.

Fewster arrived at Box Hill in the 1960s after a stint with Carlton where he was a premiership player in 1957-58 and is a life member.

His roles at Box Hill included being the club’s delegate to the VSDCA (1970-71 to 1993-94), secretary (1969-70 to 1976-77) and president (1989-90 to 1992-93).

At the same time he served as the VSDCA vice-president between 1978-79 and 1993-94.

He stepped up to take on the presidency from 1994-95 to 2008-09.

“Subbies cricket meant everything to me,” he said.

“I don’t get out to many games anymore because I don’t drive much but tonight is very special. It’s such a pleasure to see so many people in the room.

“I loved being involved in cricket and that’s why I was willing to give anything a go.”

Ken Fewster has served the game for many years.

Despite not having an official role in cricket anymore, administration is still one of Fewster’s passions.

Along with Bev he helps “look after” the Healesville senior citizens.

“We have about 100 members so it keeps me quite busy,” he joked.

The VSDCA’s Club Championship, which was won by Werribee last season, is known as the KG Fewster Club Championship.

His playing career at Box Hill (105 First XI games) and Balwyn (13 First XI games) included 2445 runs at 24.95 and 151 wickets at 16.70.

He also represented the VSDCA in one representative game.

VSDCA Legends

Arthur Glendower (Glen) Roberts (Camberwell and Kew)

Ron M. Hatch (Camberwell)

Charles (Val) Holten (Malvern and Oakleigh)

Colin G. Shipley (Brighton)

John Birch (Camberwell)

E.A. (Dick) Goss (Hawthorn & Camberwell)