A NAVY officer has seen many changes to submarines over the past three decades but one thing has always remained the same — his beard.
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But all that is about to change today as Chief Petty Officer Mike Bell prepares to take a trim as part of an Anzac Day fund-raiser at Holbrook.
The submariner, who is based at the HMAS Stirling base in Western Australia, was yesterday among 300 submarine veterans and navy serving personnel in Holbrook for the 100-year anniversary of submarines in Australia.
The injection of more than 300 visitors from around Australia and overseas saw the Anzac Day’s march grow to more than 400.
The march kicked off three days of activities for the town, including today’s exhibition honouring the efforts of World War I submariners and the launch of the book titled The Crew of AE1 will follow at the Submarine Museum.
Chief Petty Officer Bell felt the full support of his colleagues who helped him raise $1500 on Thursday night.
His goal is to raise $5000 for Project KidSafe, an organisation aimed at protecting children from strangers and sexual abuse.
“I have raised close to $3000 and half of that came last night,” Chief Petty Officer Bell said.
“I haven’t shaved in 30 years and I wouldn’t shave unless it’s for a good reason.
“If I don’t reach my goal then I will trim it back.”