i Editor's Letter: November has become Movember

Regular readers will know we are surrounded by Geordies here at i –not just Charlotte, the feisty design supremo, and John our graphics whizz.

Then there is Nick, i’s art director. He is feisty too, with a magnificent array of irrational dislikes. Pity the stray Mackem that wanders in to ieditorial. I don’t know what they put in the Tyne, but Newcastle produces more than its share of designers, graphic artists and art directors for the media industries.

It might be – says Charlotte – just because Geordies have natural talent, or is it that Newcastle College offered a course in design for news media?

As I am sure you have noticed, November has become Movember. Normally sane and stylish men have been growing all kinds of odd, furry protuberances under their noses. It’s an annual, monthlong event in aid of “changing the face of men’s health”. The idea is to encourage men to go to the doctor more in order to help with earlier detection of cancer, depression and other illnesses.

From 30 men growing taches in 30 days in Adelaide, it has become a global event. Jenson Button and several Australian sporting stars have taken part. Nick is a star too – in the i office. Savour his tache in this snap I took from above (it’s more flattering for him), because by the time you read this it will have been shaved off.

I would direct you to his personal pledge page online, but we just checked and there are too many rude comments on it. So, check out movember.com if you are interested. To those about to shave (them off) we salute you!

By Stefano Hatfield.