Peter assesses the brews

WE ALL HAD a great time yet again at the GBBF, and members enjoyed working their way through the various Brewery Stand's lists. One member told me he had noted down and scored each beer he'd tasted on its entry in the Show catalogue.

"How many have you tried?" I asked.
"Oh about fifty..."

Tom and Guy with some of 'our Army boys' behind

Pies and pasties were consumed and many cards and flyers were given away to potential bearded festival-goers, and there was a good discussion with some would-be beard-growers visiting the GBBF from the Armed Forces, on the subject of ways to promote beard growth and about terminal length. We were told that the rule in the Army is that you can "have" a beard, but you may not grow one!

A few moments thought reveals that unless you take extended leave AND have very a fast-growing beard, it's very nearly impossible to comply with this. I suspect the rules are slightly different for some of "our boys" out in the Middle East, but that's another story.

At the table we'd commandeered were seated a couple of gentlemen, one goateed and quite receptive to our cause, accepting a TBBC card with interest. His mate, the rather morose panama'd gentleman in the centre picture below, said he was, "quite happy to enjoy his beer clean-shaven". And that of course is his prerogative. (Yes, that is the right spelling!)

Two future members between Rodger and Frazer

Enjoying his beer clean-shaven?

Phil from Harpenden and George from Croydon

We all joined in with the "Mexican" cheers that ran round the hall whenever anyone dropped a glass, and that all added to the great festival atmosphere and camaraderie of Beer and Beards.

L to R: Phil's work mate, George, Phil (behind), Guy, Spider, Tom, Frazer, David, Peter. Members present but not pictured here: Rodger and Craig

This is an annual event that makes a great occasion in our calendar, and we look forward to doing it all again next year.

Best Bearded Regards

David