C.1. ANNOUNCER:



Cue: MS old bloke gets into boat.



Cue: side MS old bloke rowing. (two shots after CU oar)



Cue: LS bloke rowing. (follows CU boat's name)




Initials



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Australia's best known veteran sculler, Mr Bill Fisher, was eighty-four today, and to celebrate the occasion he performed another of his remarkable feats of physical endurance in Sydney Harbour. Accompanied by several friends Mr Fisher arrived at the Fivedock waterfront to begin row at six o'clock this morning.

The veteran scullar -- looking amazingly fit - had decided to row to the Heads and back as an 84th birthday achievement. And in fine style he set off from Fivedock rowing smoothly and strongly in a boat he'd built himself. Mr Fisher claims the title of being the world's champion sculler over seventy years of age.

Half-way to the harbour bridge and the old champion showed no signs of tiring. News cameras followed his progress from a trailing launch. With four miles behind him he was still rowing with a steady rhythm towards the bridge. Shortly afterwards, however, it was found that conditions were unfavourable for continuing out to the heads as planned. Mr Fisher determined, nevertheless, to reach the bridge, and he made this his turning point.

On the way back a big ware lifted the boat and momentarily upset the stroking. Only at one brief stage did the old scullar appear tired. Here's the final stretch watched by friends from the Jetty. And still looking unbelievably fresh, Sydeny's eighty-four year old oarsman pulls in from his eleven-mile row - completed in just two hours. A birthday achievement which Mr Fisher says was made possible by "plenty of exercise". His young grandson was there to see him back, and then -- refreshments for a veteran Sydney sculler with great stamina.