Drum horse’s moustache inspires soldiers to get involved with Movember
Drum horse Mercury with Trooper Reecce Webb
As well as performing in the annual services and parades for Remembrance this month, the men in the Band of the Life Guards are taking part in a fun attempt to grow moustaches for November's annual men's health charity fundraiser, Movember.
The military musicians had to obtain special permission from their Commanding Officer, Lt Col Paul Bedford to take part in this event, because facial hair isn't normally permitted in the military workplace.
They will be growing their moustaches throughout November but there is already one member of the Household Cavalry Band who has a head start in the facial hair stakes. Drum horse Mercury has one of the finest handlebar moustaches in town and will be a major source of inspiration for the previously clean shaven soldiers.
All the horses in the Household Cavalry are groomed to a mirror finish before they leave barracks for their state ceremonial duties, but Mercury, being a Drum Horse, receives extra special treatment. Shire horses have long feathered hocks and these are washed, brushed, combed and powdered, the hooves oiled, his white hairs made even whiter with chalk, his mane and tail shaped to fall elegantly, and his famous moustache combed and waxed into a Hercule Poirot-like perfection.
"He's a tough act to follow, but we're going to give it a go - it is after all in a good cause" said Trooper Reecce Webb MercuryÕs handler.
On 1 December all the musicians will be clean shaven again, but Mercury will be keeping his moustache - it's as much a part of his uniform as the silver kettle drums he carries on parade.
If you would like to support the Band in their charity fundraising efforts, you can find out more about the charity and make a donation by clicking the link below:
ENDS
http://moteam.co/the-band-of-the-life-guards
Images by Sergeant Adrian Harlen
(Image credit: Sergeant Adrian Harlen)
Excessive facial hair usually gets short shrift in the Army, but a special exception is being made for Movember — the annual November men’s health charity fundraiser.
Inspired by drum horse Mercury’s splendid ‘tache, the men of the Band of the Life Guards have obtained special permission from their Commanding Officer Lt Col Paul Bedford to take part in Movember.
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