By David Nagel
Remember 1972?
Don McLean had a number-one smash hit with American Pie, Gough Whitlam took over from Billy McMahon as Prime Minister of Australia, and Piping Lane held off Magnifique and crowd favourite Gunsynd to win the first ever metric edition of the Melbourne Cup.
Australia’s population – which now stands at 24 million – stood at 13 million, swimming sensation Shane Gould won three gold medals at the Olympic Games and future sports stars like Damien Oliver and Pat Rafter made their way into the world.
Oh yeah … and it was the last time that iconic Pakenham figure Eddie Lewis was last seen clean shaven!
Well that’s all about to change with the former Lions’ champion batsman about to shave off the most iconic beard in the region – all in the name of charity.
The now 67-year-old, one of the greatest batsmen in WGCA history, will shave down at the Pakenham Cricket Club’s Pink Ladies Day to be held on Saturday 10 February.
All monies raised will be donated to the McGrath Foundation, who place specialist breast care nurses wherever they are needed, to help make life that little bit easier for individuals and families experiencing the effects of breast cancer.
Pakenham Cricket Club President Phil Anning said he can’t wait to see his great mate sit in the chair and have his protective blanket shaved off by local hairdresser Stacey.
“It’s the end of an era for Ed, but will be great fun for the rest of us watching on,” Anning said.
“It will be more exciting watching that beard come off than watching him make 172 after tea against Endeavour Hills in 1981. I remember it well. I got caught by a blinder in the gully and the same bloke dropped him first ball. I was pretty annoyed, I didn’t even clap him when he made his ton.”
Pakenham is having a bit of fun with this, but also have a serious side with the club leading the way in raising funds and awareness for charities in all walks of life.
The club will place tins around town and have opened a bank account where pledges can be made for the worthy cause. The Bendigo Bank account number is BSB – 633-000, account number 110-759-800, with all donations to be prefixed with – Ed Lewis Beard Shave.
The club already has over $2000 in pledged donations for the day.
