Charles Walker reckons there are a few people at Fairy Meadow Bowling Club wishing he would hurry up and reach his century.
‘‘Some chaps say they’re going to wait until I’m 100 so they can beat me,’’ the avid lawn bowler said while celebrating his 90th birthday last month.
‘‘Well, if I get there, I think I’ll be battling, but I’m still going to try.’’
Walker, who is affectionately known as Chicka, spent his latest birthday milestone at a place he frequents as regularly as possible - the bowling green.
What is most remarkable about Walker is the fact he still represents Fairy Meadow in pennant competition and is believed to be one of the oldest players in the Illawarra still appearing at the top level.
‘‘I still play pennants and I’ve got my name down again to play this year,’’ he said.
‘‘I likes the 7s because you’ve still got to try and I enjoy it. What I like about pennants is when you’re playing, you meet chaps you haven’t seen for a long time.’’
A veteran of almost 25 years on the mat, Walker was also a golf and boxing enthusiast before taking up the sport.
‘‘This is great and it’s the way I want to be - out enjoying the fresh air,’’ he said. ‘‘Besides that I love life and the way it’s going.’’