The man they called Smiler
From the archives of Bowls WA Originally published in February 1983 the story of the man they called Smiler.
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Fred ‘Smiler’ Refeld,
Always ready to help
When the 1952 season got underway a 38-year-old man stepped onto the green for the first time at the old Victoria Park Club in Rushton Road.
He was Fred ‘Smiler’ Refeld, who after serving his apprenticeship in the 10th division, quickly established himself as a top bowler.
Fred Refeld became one of the State’s most widely known and respected bowlers of the 1950-70 boom era, which produced so many champions.
‘Smiler’, as he was popularly referred to, was a great tactician and always willing to assist and guide those new to the sport and he revelled in after game analysis.
But in 1952 that was yet to come… about that time Fred Refeld was a very keen gardener, so much so he was President of the Flower Society, but that was before he got bitten by the ‘bowls bug’ after which his life certainly changed.
“You can certainly say that,” he said with a smile, “In fact my last bed of gladioli were never dug.” He added with a chuckle.
As there was no Manning Club at that time, the area being mostly bush, Fred Refeld joined Victoria Park Club in Rushton Road, just to be with some ‘old friends’.
“In those days the division ranged from First to 10th,” said ‘Smiler’, and at 38 years of age I was often referred to as ‘son’ by my skipper in 10th Div, where I started.
“I got a great shock when Stan, who was no chicken, said to me: “Throw the kitty long son, these old blokes won’t get up”.
“I just couldn’t get over it and still have a good chuckle when I think about it”.
Fred said he was very fortunate to get an early promotion and was a member of Percy Ruffle’s team for a few years as a leader.
“Percy was a great help to a lot of new bowlers at Victoria Park. He was a fine example as a consistent bowler and skipper and left a lasting impression on many of the younger bowlers at Victoria Park.”
“But the big move was to the new club in Kent Street and I’m proud to have been associated with Ned Harold in the purchase and layout of the gardens, and with Wally Young in the levelling of the greens…they were two exceptional chaps to work with”
As well as playing bowls Fred became interested in Club Administration where he served on the committee, mostly either selection or greens and at times on both.
He was also Acting President at Victoria Park for a short period.
One of his biggest contributions was the installing of the grandstand at Victoria Park. “This was the brainchild of Ray Nicholas,” said Refeld, “but the design and general erection was done by myself. It was meant to be mobile, but became permanent and is still an asset.”
“I can look back on some very happy times at Victoria Park we had a great bunch of blokes and a great team spirit, which brought the club success.”
“We won three First Division pennants and the Sumpton Trophy, which speaks volumes for the attitude of the players and club administrators”
“They were great chaps to play and have an odd drink with.” He said.
Some of these players are now spread throughout the State playing with other clubs.
A classic example is the last First Division side which ‘Smiler’ played in at Victoria Park to win the flag. It comprised: Milton Bandy, Bert Sharp, Lu Meredith, Max Rogers, Tom Findlay, Ray Nicholas, Jim Cook, Bert Webster, Alec Hodge, Ken Wright (dec), John Reynolds, Lance Riley (dec). Brian McDonald, Allan Milne, Guy Sojan, Len Pike and Norm Blight.
Of those players only Tom Findlay, Alec Hodge, Brian McDonald and Norm Blight are still playing with Victoria Park.
With the .08 law, a move to Manning Memorial Club was considered very wise and so a new group of bowling mates and friends became the order of the day.
And so too, did the area of club administration where once again ‘Smiler’ Refeld became involved in selection and greens committee work and also President for a period.
“All things considered, I have had many years of pleasant enjoyment and made a great number of friends, said ‘Smiler’ , and at the same time had some success on the greens.”
He considers the highlights of his personal achievements were winning the State Pairs title with Len ‘Doc’ Adamson in 1960 and being runners-up to Ernie Gee in the State Singles in 1959.
He has also won a number of club titles both at Victoria Park and Manning. Fred was also named ‘Bowler of the Year’ at Manning.
But while ‘Smiler’ was having a great time on the green his wife Aisne wasn’t very far behind. She joined Victoria Park in 1953 when the club was still situated in Rushton Road. Aisne also had a good share of success on the green. Highlights of which are: Runner-up in the State Singles, as a Victoria Park member, Runner-up in the State Pairs (Manning). Winner of the Champion of Club Champions (Victoria Park).
She also played in four Metro v Country sides when playing for the Park and gained State selection four times since joining Manning.
Aisne was also a skipper in Manning’s winning First Division pennant side.
For ‘Smiler’ the worm has turned…he is no longer an active participant on the green….and now spends his time looking after his garden at home, though he calls into the club to have a ‘cold one’ with his friends from time to time.
But regardless of this there are many bowlers throughout the State who can say when they pull off a good shot: “Smiler taught me to play it that way”.
