_{Image credit: Ben Swift}

I bet you didn’t know that today, 6th of September, is World Beard Day. Yes, there is such a commemoration. And, as Justin is a long-time beard sporter, we’re participating in the celebration by dedicating this week’s Charity Vintage post to the cause.

This copy of Beards: A Spotter’s Guide by Cara Frost-Sharratt that we’re featuring isn’t a vintage book, but it’s second-hand – so that nearly counts, right? It’s being sold by & in support of the Martlets Hospice* which is based in Hove. It’s listed as ‘buy it now’ for a mere £2.99 with free postage.

The book is full of fab, humorous illustrations by Ben Swift. You can see a selection of them on his Behance gallery. The author tells us that:

“This book is a handy guide for the amateur beard spotter. You can fit it in your pocket and whip it out at a moment’s notice when a tricky chin appendage wanders past… this book will give toy all the ammunition you need to inform and educate yourself about this curious group of men, united by their love of wearing whiskers.“

Justin’s beard closely resembles the one gracing the cover – similar in shape, length & fullness – albeit lighter in colour with a few stripes of silver. I wonder what this one is identified as…

*The Martlets Hospice is an independent charity, caring for adults with a life limiting disease where a cure is no longer possible, in the Brighton and Hove area. Specialist palliative care is provided for patients. Support is given to families and carers during the patients’ illness and into bereavement.