A Perfect Score for Whistling Wilf!

At 16, Resthaven Westbourne Park resident Wilfred (Wilf) Gelsthorpe won his first talent competition. It was in Sheffield, England, at a local pub.  

‘My brother’s friend kept entering these competitions,’ Wilf says. ‘But he never won. I was always whistling away, so they encouraged me to have a go and on my first competition I scored a perfect 30 – 10/10 from each of the three judges!’

Wilf, who shares a birth year with Resthaven and will turn 90 in 2025, taught himself how to whistle, and says he would practice ‘non-stop’. Wilf laughs that his brother’s friend wasn’t too happy that Wilf had won straight away!

‘There were a lot of talent competitions being held in Sheffield around the time, and it was always good to see the local talent,’ Wilf says. ‘I used to do a few songs, such as Danny Boy, Bless this House, and Amazing Grace. I’d put my two fingers between my lips and off I’d go.’

Wilf went on to win 16 talent competitions in a row, winning a major competition at the Sheffield Working Men’s Clubs.

‘I won the prize of £500 – which in 1952 was a lot of money,’ Wilf says.

Wilf went on to showcase his talent on radio and television, while also working as a forgeman at the local foundry. In 1959, he decided he had had enough of the cold and wet weather in England and boarded the ocean liner, Castel Felice, bound for Australia.

During the month-long journey, Wilf says he became one of the most popular people onboard.

‘I was famous on the ship,’ Wilf says. ‘They had a talent show every second night, and I was the main attraction.’

Wilf describes the journey as being ‘brilliant’.

‘It was absolutely fantastic,’ Wilf says. ‘The food, the entertainment – it was incredible. All the people on board were great and we all got to know one another.’

Wilf had secured work at Australian National Industries in Sydney and was excited to start life in Australia.

‘I knew about Bondi Beach, and the Sydney Harbor Bridge,’ Wilf says.

He lived in Sydney for ten years, before moving to Dandenong and then on to Adelaide in 1974, where he worked at Perry Engineering for a short while. A severe back injury put him in hospital for four months, and when he recovered, he found work at the Repat Hospital as an orderly. He did this work for 14 years.

‘I enjoy whistling,’ Wilf says. ‘And people seemed to enjoy listening to me. I’ve done a fair number of volunteer performances over the years, including at The Repat, and in aged care homes.’

Wilf has put his talent on show a few times at Resthaven Westbourne Park, much to the delight of staff and residents alike.

Wilf’s words of wisdom

To celebrate Resthaven’s 90^th anniversary in 2025, we’ve asked clients and residents who were also born in 1935 to share their thoughts and advice. Here are some of Wilf’s responses:

In your opinion, what has been the biggest event to happen in your lifetime?

The end of World War II in 1945. It was a wonderful time! Street parties every time someone came home.

What was the biggest change you have witnessed over the past 90 years?

Television. It opened up the world!

Words of wisdom and advice for younger people.

Try and look after each other. Never look down on someone less fortunate than yourself.

Wilf shares his birth year with Resthaven – both are celebrating 90 years in 2025! We are honouring those turning 90 in our 90^th year with a series of articles showcasing their stories – building a picture of life in South Australia over the decades. You can find more 1935ers on our website.  

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