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ON ARRIVAL, we were faintly surprised to see only two members of The Handlebar Club and their partners, in the bar, albeit that they were the President, Rod Littlewood and Secretary, Steve Parsons. This initial surprise turned to alarm when it was suggested that, in the absence of further mustachioed sportsmen, we might have to be roped in to play. The fact that two of us had not picked up a dart in decades, and the junior member of our group was appallingly hung-over was not however considered a hindrance! To get over this shock we fortified ourselves (well, two of us, anyway!) with fine ales from the Brentwood Brewing Company (whose Maple Mild is one of the best beers Frazer or I have had this year!) and retired to the rear garden. Here we found various members of the pipe smokers club enjoying a smoke in a sinners rotunda, complete with Olde Worlde pipe-smokers advertisments. Since the majority of these gentlemen were bearded, it seemed only right and proper to hand out some TBBC cards, and spread the bearded word. The existence of The British Beard Club was unknown to several of them, but from the positive comments we received, hopefully it won’t be long before we have some new members. As we were getting acquainted, additional Handlebar Club members arrived, as well as the odd pipe smoker. After some very jovial banter, and more fine beer, the assorted gentlemen moved in to commence their annual contest, with the degree of seriousness one would expect. After some truly stunning darts, The Handlebar Club achieved a narrow, but definite victory. Trophies were presented to the winning team, first a Heineken can with stuck on moustache and pipe then the second more traditional type. The event was rounded off with a raffle and auction, which, thanks to the generosity of the competitors, and the customers of the Thatchers Arms raised several hundred pounds for the Childrens Liver Disease Foundation. Best Bearded Regards Photos on this page are Copyright © 2009 The British Beard Club |
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