User:Horace (aka Stan)

Street Entertainer - Finchley
Horace - a really nice chap. I can remember him back in 1982, when I was at Northside primary school. He once shook my cousin and made him cry when my cousin called him Stanley. It served my cousin right! the pigeons at tally ho corner.

Apparently Horace used to go to Manorside school, now called Compton. He used to wander around Sainsbury's on colder nights. When I used to work there he would often chat with some of the staff- Rachel especially, but she talks to everyone. I doubt there is a single member of staff, or the public for that matter, who haven't been questioned on what they'd do if they "had a real gun" by horace.

His home has been around the East Finchley 'Grange' estate, the rest unknown.

Horace can count as street entertainment. Constantly walking around, this formidable giant is very friendly, shouting (pretty damn loudly) "THE BEST OF LUCK!!!" at people who say hi, and also at shop fronts! Just don't call him Stanley...or if you do, be prepared for a chase. This guy has attacked a nice 263 bus with a crowbar once. Friendliest of people until rubbed the wrong way (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=pPPbPyHANSs).

There have been two statements as to why he reacts so badly if you call him Stanley. One is related to a Stanley knife, while the other is that it was his dad's name who died in a fire. However, in some footage on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_E6UTMppg0&feature=related), when directly questioned, he said that he just doesn't like the name.

Horace (aka "Hotel Horace"), though not entirely a "street entertainer", is quite entertaining and pretty much always on the streets of North Finchley. If you acknowledge him in any way he will wish you "THE BEST OF LUCK" very loudly. Often to be heard wishing the world "THE BEST OF LUCK" down the aisles of Sainsburys.

He was a big part of many people's childhood and has survived the generations. My nephew and niece know who Horace is. Still in North finchley and he's STILL smiling!

I am another author who lived across the road from Sainburies on North Finchley high road, having often watched him out the window going crazy and swearing. Also being a former Northside Primary School pupil, then moving onto Compton which was Horris's former school - Manorside. There are ghost stories related to that school, perhaps Horris should be asked about it.

Horris used to chase kids from Finchley Catholic High down the high street when ever one of them was dared to go up to him and say 'alright stan?'

However, more often than not he was in a happy mood. Growing up in the area and living here for 30 years I often saw him sitting outside what used to be Our Price Records next to McDonalds colouring in a book with felt pens and shouting out his catch phrase to everyone passing by.

As the 2nd author, I can vouch for the previous statement, and also note that when living in East Finchley, he would sometimes carry a crowbar and chase us teenagers when we shouted Stanley. It was good fun as a kid, however he may have some psychological issues as you can see (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmBNdVPBX2s). The best of luck to you.

Sadly it was reported today, September 24th 2012, that Horace passed away. False rumours like this circulated a few months back but this time it has been confirmed. RIP. Legend - THE BEST OF LUCK! As a second author, this is true and a record of his life is kept on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Horace-of-Finchley/119738181451777?ref=stream (S Charles)