News and Events
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Farewell to Brian Parsons, Handlebar Club Member |
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Although only recently becoming a member of the Handlebar Club, Brian, known as 'Whiskers' to his nine grandchildren, was a lifelong proponent of the hirsute appendage. Its graspability was something of a family legend and an ever-present source of inspiration to his nephew who went on to become our current Club Secretary. Due to illness Brian was unable to attend any of our club events over the last couple of years but often wore his club regalia with pride in his adopted county of Somerset. He will be sadly missed by family and friends. |
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The Chap Olympiad |
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Our intrepid reporter Andy Lear tries his hand at the Cucumber Sandwich Discus, despite an initial and serious lack of refreshment, but Handlebar Club member Dave Hill arrives in the nick of time with the requisite beer but no iPod. The Hundred Yard Saunter typifies the athletic style required for this event organised (some might say) by the The Chap Magazine.
Andy Lear
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North American Beard and Moustache Championship Report |
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Read yet another Andy Lear headlong stream-of-consiousness account of the Club's visit to and participation in the Bremerton, Washington State event. Yes, and of course, about what he ate and drank there!
Andy Lear
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That Uncle with the Handlebar Moustache and the Magic Dice |
1948 - Irene McMullen greets George Hoffman as he arrives in Toronto
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Frank Miles of Toronto, Canada writes to us with this tribute to his late uncle, George Hoffman, who joined the Handlebar Club in 1947.
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Antwerp Moustache of the Year 2008 |
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Read another Andy Lear account of happenings during the Antwerp Moustache of the Year 2008 event, and what he ate and drank there.
Andy Lear
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2008 AGM Report - Imperial Moustaches get all steamed up in Hythe |
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Read Andy Lear's entertaining account of happenings during the Handlebar Club's 2008 AGM at the Hythe Imperial Hotel, Kent, and the members' visit to bleak Dungeness Lighthouse riding the RHDR.
UPDATE! Alan Rockliffe's loss of face (-ial hair) raised £355.02 for The Multiple Sclerosis Society, a charity close to his heart.
Andy Lear
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Charity enjoys a hair tonic from The Argus 27th February 2008, published in Brighton, East Sussex |
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Charity enjoys a hair tonic
A CHARITY has received an unlikely boost after a display of artistic facial hair. The World Beard and Moustache Championships, held in September last year at the Brighton Centre, featured dozens of beard and moustache wearers. The event was organised by the Handlebar Club, which raised more than £12,000 for charity. Now renowned Brighton moustache wearer Michael "Atters" Attree, a member of the Handlebar Club, has presented a cheque for £6,250 to the Rockinghorse Appeal. The appeal raises money to help sick children, including patients at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton. The rest of the cash was donated to the Everyman Male Cancer Campaign. |
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Farewell to Conway Chiles, President of the Handlebar Club |
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Conway had been a member of the Club since the early days, went out to Canada for a few years then rejoined on his return in the mid 1950s. Since then he has been a leading figure, not only in the Handlebar Club but in other clubs throughout Europe. He served on the committee for years in various positions and having retired about 10 years ago, came out of retirement to be President during our 60th Anniversary year and for the World Beard and Moustache Championships.
Our thoughts go out to Rosemary, his wife and his brother Chris, his sister Ann and their families.
More about Conway Chiles in an appreciation by Rod Littlewood
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Ed Ryland wins Short Film Competition with his documentary Mr. Moustachio |
One (short) time member of the Handlebar Club, Ed Ryland, has won the Darlow Smithson Short Film Competition 2007 with his documentary Mr.Moustachio – a film about his attempt to grow a handlebar moustache and to join our esteemed band. The competition was run by a documentary film company called Darlow Smithson (who made Touching The Void).
Ed is now considering entering his film for another couple of film festivals and negotiating its appearance on the small screen. Mr Ryland, who tells me that he "rather carelessly shaved off the moustache" would like to thank members of the club for their help and hospitality during the making of the film.
Ed also made the film Grow a Tache. Raise Cash. for Tacheback 2007 which appears elsewhere on this site.
Steve Parsons