THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — www.findonvillage.com  created by Valerie Martin, contains scenes from her home village of Findon, West Sussex, U.K.

FINDON'S TOASTMASTER

Copyright Valerie Martin 2003.

Now, I must first explain that moustaches and beards are not one of my favourite appendages on men.   It may not only be because they are a ticklish subject — but perhaps it is the thought of the bushy effect and the messy image when slurping up soup. 

Carelessness when shaving around a spreading and growing moustache could ruin months of growth I guess too... and would make one's partner grumpy for the rest of the day!   So I think I'll give men growing moustaches and beards a miss for the time being.

Have you come across a club where beards are prohibited but where the strict qualification for membership is:

a hirsute appendage of the upper lip, with graspable extremities


One particular Findonian living in the High Street is the Vice President of such a whisker Club.   The club is The Handlebar Club which was established

in the dressing room of comedian Jimmy Edwards at the Windmill Theatre in London back in April 1947.   There were ten founder members at the time including Raymond Glendenning and Frank Muir and the idea was launched to raise money for children's charities. 

One member of the club today resides in Findon and in
the Findon News each month, an advertisement appears —

 

Mike Solomons (Mr Moustache)
Professional Toastmaster
Auctioneer: Master of Ceremonies
Mike is renowned for his professionalism,
friendliness and superb style.
His expertise and sense of humour hold
him in the highest regard by his clientele
whatever the occasion — function — formal or informal
 he will add dignity, prestige
and style to help ensure that your
celebration is the very best.

 

 

I have many times come across the 64 year-old self-styled Mr Moustache with his handsome  upper-lip appendage.  Mike Solomons is a Fellow of the National Association of Toastmasters.  Mike was formerly head of cameras at Thames Television and is now a toastmaster.   He cultivated his own moustache when he joined the Royal Air Force back in 1959 with a small handlebar.    He came out of the Royal Air Force with a large handlebar. 

He has officiated on royal occasions as well as fashion shows, Masonic functions and award ceremonies.   You name it, Mr Moustauche of Findon has done it.  Even Jewish weddings.

When Mike got into the Guinness Book of Records as having the longest English moustache, his was 34 inch long.  Alas, he can only boast 25 inches of moustache.

The Handlebar Club which has now only fifty members although there are more associate members abroad.   The membership reached it's height at around two hundred in the 1950's/60s but I guess there are not many gentlemen who let their moustaches extend to great lengths today.   I must point out that neither are their any lady members of the Handlebar Club!   

Continue if you would like to read how to make Findon Quince Jam.

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THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — was launched by Valerie Martin in January 1999 and will grow to be a historical record of life in Findon, West Sussex, U.K.

 

E-mail: valeriemartin@findonvillage.com