Martin Cross – in conversation with Jeremy Randall about his new book, To Gallipoli and the Somme: F. S Kelly; War hero, Olympic champion and pianist composer
by Martin Cross and Dr. Thérèse Radic: Friday, 9 October 6.30 pm (discussion) for 7.30 pm (informal supper)
Frederick Septimus Kelly – is the subject of this, his first full biography, written by Martin Cross and Dr. Thérèse Radic. Kelly was born in Sydney but educated at Eton and Oxford.
Kelly – a Leander man – was one of the world’s greatest single scullers, winning the Diamond Sculls three times and setting a record that lasted almost 40 years. He was the last man to win the Diamonds and Grand on the same day. In 1908, he was part of the British eight that ‘saved’ the honour of British rowing by beating Belgium in the Olympic final.
He was an amazing pianist and is one of Australia’s greatest classical composers. His compositions have been performed at the Proms, most notably in 2014 to mark the centenary of the First World War.
That piece was his Elegy in Memoriam Rupert Brooke – the famous war poet. Kelly was close to Brooke and was part of his burial party, enroute to the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. Kelly fought through all that campaign and was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for ‘conspicuous gallantry’ during the evacuation of the Peninsula in January 1916. He served in Northern France and was killed at the end of the Battle of the Somme, leading his men during the successful attack on Beaucourt Sur l’Ancre in November 1916. He was 35.
Kelly had led a privileged life. He inherited wealth; his father was a mining magnate. He knew all the right people and had access to power and influence. He was the life and soul of any house party, witty, engaging and invited everywhere. His diaries record that privileged life, led against the background of Edwardian high society and high athletic achievement.
The authors
A multiple world and Olympic rowing medallist, Martin Cross won the gold medal in the coxed four at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics with Steve Redgrave, Richard Budgett, Andy Holmes, and Adrian Ellison.
He published an acclaimed autobiography, Olympic Obsession in 2001, and is currently working part-time as a history teacher and rowing coach at Hampton School. He was the Guardian’s rowing correspondent between 2003 and 2012. He co-commentates with Greg Searle for World Rowing’s international events and was recently part of the commentary team for Channel 4’s television coverage of the University Boat Races. He hosts the YouTube channel Crossy’s Corner.
Dr. Thérèse Radic of Melbourne University is the author/editor of 10 books, 18 plays and some 200 articles, monographs, chapters and reviews on aspects of Australian music history. Currently, as well as being the co-author of this book, she is the world’s leading expert on Kelly
6.30 pm discussion with Martin Cross, followed by two course set dinner
MAIN
Steak & ale pie, thyme infused mashed potatoes, tenderstem broccoli, spring greens & red wine jus
OR
Thai vegetable curry, basmati rice & naan bread (v,gfo)
DESSERT
Triple chocolate brownie, mixed berry coulis & vanilla
Cost: £30 per person
Copies of To Gallipoli and the Somme: F. S Kelly; War hero, Olympic champion and Pianist Composer, will be available for sale (and signature by Martin Cross) on the night- £25
