Close shave ends in Whiskers

By Callan Date
MANY people believe the Whiskers nickname that 69yearold Frank Monckton has been dubbed with for most of his life originates from his beard.
Some even think it may stem from the cat food brand, but there is no truth in either tale.
There was no facial hair for Frank and definitely no pet food in sight when Frank’s father called him Whiskers for the first time.
“I was only four years old when I was watching my dad have a shave with the old cutthroat razor and he put a bit of shaving soap on my face with his brush,” said Frank.
“Somehow Whiskers stuck from that moment and that is what I have been known as all this time.”
The Pakenham resident said his nickname was used so often that many people don’t even know his proper name.
“I don’t get called anything else but Whiskers, so I am pretty sure there are a fair few people who are unsure of my real name.”
Whiskers is now retired after 36 years work with Telstra and enjoys spending time in his garden.
“I really enjoy my gardening and I’m up at the crack of dawn every day to take my dog for a walk and to grab the newspaper.”
Whiskers has lasted for 65 years and it looks like Frank will answer to that nickname for some time yet.