The Blue Lake Bar and Bistro will host former Australian international cricketer Greg “fat cat” Ritchie next Thursday from 6pm.
Mr Ritchie played in 30 Tests matches and 44 One Day Internationals between 1982 and 1987.
He played for Queensland between 1980 and 1992 and in 2000 was named as one of the seven greatest Sheffield Shield run scorers in Queensland’s history for amassing over 6000 runs for his state.
Mr Ritchie headed both test and tour averages in his first international tour, and was the only Australian to reach three figures in the 1982 Test series in Pakistan.
The event is the first of several throughout the month raising money for the Mount Gambier branch of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Proceeds from the raffle on the night and $10 from every ticket sold will be donated to the cause.
Blue Lake Bar and Bistro owner and manager Bill Burley said Mr Richie will start speaking around 7.30pm covering topics such as his time in the game and cricket as it is today.
“He’s a bit of a stand-up comic, he will certainly talk about current cricket,” he said.
“Cricket probably over the last 12 months to two years has been in a very interesting stage of its life where there’s a bit of controversy with current players so he’ll talk about that.
“He was a former Australian Test cricketer who played under Allan Border and Greg Chappell and has played against the greats like Viv Richards, Michael Holding and Joel Garner.
“He was also part of the Channel 9 commentary team with Tony Greig, Bill Lawry and Richie Benaud.”
Mr Burley said the cause was close to his heart.
“A few years ago, unfortunately my father passed away and in his last 12 months he regularly used the RFDS and it helped him have a bit more time with us,” he said.
“It gave him every chance to live really but it’s just such a great service that’s offered to our town and the district.
“Each February while I’m in business now I’m going to offer a month of fundraising, so this is our start (this year).
“Certain charities touch people’s hearts whether it’s cancer, Make a Wish or what it might be, there are so many organisations/charities in this area and they do such a good job.”
Mr Burley said the event will be full of laughter.
“For people who like a good story, a good time and a good belly laugh it’ll be a good night to be able to do that,” he said.
“We can take a booking from one right up 10 or 12, it does not matter.
“We are only too happy if people want to come along and just have a night of entertainment and laughter.”
Mr Burley has been fundraising for the service for the past few Februarys in memory of his father, raising $11,000 last year for the cause.
People can purchase tickets or make a booking by at the Blue Lake Golf Club or by calling 8725 6198.
