Boxing legend championed A CHAMPION was recognised by thousands of well-wishers at the unveiling of boxer Johnny Famechon in Ballam Park on Sunday (21 January). The 2.5-high metre bronze sculpture was unveiled in an emotional unveiling ceremony to honour one of Frankston’s favourite adopted sons. The sculpture was commissioned by Rob McCarthy and the Australian Boxing Hall of Fame and was paid for by a tenacious fundraising effort by a passionate group of boxing fans keen to see Famechon immortalised in Frankston. The group of boxing aficionados, including Gary Luscombe, have raised nearly $180,000 themselves over seven years for sculptor Stephen Glassborow to build the sculpture showing Famechon in his boxing heyday. “It was two years of planning and five years of fundraising,” Mr Luscombe said. “It’s all been worthwhile and we’ve got a boxing statue built by the boxing community and the people of Frankston who all contributed. “People said we were dreaming but the dream’s come true and it’s all come together fantastic.” He praised Frankston Council for its help in installing the sculpture at Ballam Park. “The surrounding design the council came up with is great.” Famechon is a former world champion boxer with 56 wins under
his belt, contesting a total of 57 bouts during his career, an inductee of the Australian Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame. As a resident of Frankston for over 40 years, he has inspired and mentored young people since retiring from his boxing career in 1970 and is also an inductee of the Frankston City Hall of Fame. “John’s triumphant story has captivated sporting enthusiasts not only here in Frankston, where he has lived for over 40 years, but across the country and beyond,” Frankston mayor Cr Colin Hampton. “I’d like to acknowledge and thank the hard work of those involved in bringing this project in recognition of John to life. We are delighted to have his success story enshrined within the popular Ballam Park playground for future generations.” Famechon and wife Glenys were guests of honour at the sculpture unveiling on 21 January, the anniversary of the champ winning the World Featherweight Championship in 1969. Neil Walker
Historic Walks around Mornington Australia Day Friday January 26th 2018
The Mornington & District Historical Society will conduct History Walks around Mornington on Australia Day. Main Street Walk at 10.30am Esplanade Walk at 10.30am
Please be at the Museum 15 minutes before the start.
Both walks will leave from The Old Post Office Museum Cnr. Main Street and Esplanade The cost is $5.00 per person Bookings are not required Enquiries to Vicky on 0412 989 749 The Old Post Office Museum opening times :-
Legend honoured: Thousands flocked to Ballam Park on Sunday to see a bronze sculpture unveiled to immortalise boxing champion Johnny Famechon. Pictures: Gary Sissons
Sunday 21st January 1.30pm – 4.30pm Australia Day Friday 26th January 10.00am – 3.00pm
UNTOLD EVENTS CO. PRESENTS
LITTLE BEAUTY MARKET IN THE PARK IS A MONTHLY CELEBRATION OF ART, DESIGN, CRAFT, FOOD AND CULTURE IN THE HEART OF FRANKSTON
JANUARY.27
Australia Day
H A S T I N G S F O R E S H O R E F E S T I VA L
FA M I LY F U N D A Y ! e e fr 9A M T O 2 P M
10AM TO 3PM
L I V E E N T E R TA I N M E N T a l l da y / F R E E K I D S E N T E R TA I N M E N T / F R E E FA C E PA I N T I N G / F R E E K I D S C R A F T / F R E E B R E A K FA S T * / M A R K E T S TA L L S B Y E M U P L A I N S M A R K E T P L U S S O M UC H M O R E !
BEAUTY PARK, FRANKSTON
P R O U D LY B R O U G H T TO YO U B Y T H E U N TO L D E V E N T S C O . M O R N I N G TO N P E N I N S U L A S H I R E I S P R O U D TO B E A M A J O R S P O N S O R
(OPPOSITE FRANKSTON FOOTBALL OVAL)
WWW.LITTLEBEAUTYMARKET.COM.AU
w w w . u n to l d e v e n t s . c o m . a u * L I M I T E D B A C O N & E G G S A N D W I C H E S A VA I L A B L E , F I R S T I N B E S T D R E S S E D ! F r e e S T R E E T pa r k i n g , d o g s o n l e a d S W E LC O M E , A T M O N S I T E
Mornington News 23 January 2018
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