Smoke Me A Kipper, I’ll Be Back For Breakfast #movember

03Dec10

Moustaches have a bad reputation. Typically sported by dirty minded uncles, anorak wearing train spotters or pubescent teenagers trying to buy alcohol, the sight of a hairy upper lip now carries with it all types of unsavoury connotations. But there once was a time, a more noble time, when moustaches were sported with pride by dashing gentlemen carrying out heroic deeds & causing women to swoon at the sight of their finally groomed facial hair.

Historians will tell you that it was actually impossible to fly a Spitfire during the war unless the pilot could grow a suitable moustache & say “Chocks away Wing Commander. Let’s give Jerry a damn good thrashing.” whilst gripping a pipe between his teeth. To be a Hollywood legend of the 40s & 50s, such as Errol Flynn, Clark Gable & David Niven, it was absolutely essential to woo the leading lady with a stroke of the moustache followed by a ticklish kiss.

To reclaim the moustache as a force of good for all mankind, Movember was created by a few enterprising Australians back in 2003. The aim is simple, start the beginning of the month of November clean shaven & then grow the most amazing moustache possible as the month progresses. At the same time the participants generate as much money as possible for The Prostate Cancer Charity & raise awareness of this disease which effects 36,000 men in the UK every year.

This year was the first time I have ever tried to grow a moustache, & while my wife wasn’t exactly thrilled with the results, I was absolutely astounded by everybody’s generosity. By publicising my efforts through Twitter & Facebook, the people I’m privileged to call my friends donated £245 at the current count. Thank you all so much for laughing at my pathetic attempt at a moustache & kindly giving so much for a very worthy cause. You can still donate on my Movember page here or just have a good giggle at the other photos.