Beer and beards – fun and fundraising in Tavistock

Beards at the Brewery is a beard and moustache competition, being held at the Stannary Brewing Co taproom in Tavistock on Saturday 25 September.

The event is organised by local couple Clair & Mike Wellsbury-Nye, whose previous events as The Devon & Cornwall Beard & Moustache Championships (DCBMC) have raised thousands for the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulance Trusts.

"This time we’re supporting A Shore Thing, a 4-woman crew rowing 500 miles from London to Land’s End in the GB Row Challenge" said Clair. “One of the rowers, Su Douglass, was the 2017 DCBMC Handmade Champion. We’re delighted to help with kit and training costs, so that more of the crew’s fundraising can go to the mental health charities they’re supporting.”

Paul Ford has attended previous DCBMC events as a representative of the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. “I can definitely say that the experience has always been a very enjoyable one,” he said. “I have even had the honour of being on the team of judges. The team do an excellent job of organising the event and all the attendees really enjoy themselves.”

here are four categories for competitors to choose from, from moustaches to full beards and even handmade creations. And if you think your beard isn’t big enough to win a prize, don’t worry – the beard categories are separated by length, so a close-cropped beard won’t be judged against a big bushy one. There’s also a children’s handmade competition, so the whole family can enter!

Beards at the Brewery is sponsored by Mariner Jack and Fine Fettle handmade beardcare companies, Roam Brewing Co and Fownes Brewing Co breweries, and the venue brewery, Stannary Brewing Co.

The event will also feature a charity raffle and a rowing challenge – can you beat a crew member’s time on the rowing machine?

“We’re always looking for more raffle prizes.” said Mike Wellsbury-Nye “A significant proportion of the money we raise comes from selling raffle tickets, so the more prizes we have the bigger and better it is.”

To enter, arrive between 1pm and 2.30pm and make a donation to A Shore Thing. There is no fee for spectators or children’s competitors, but all donations are gratefully received.

For more information, including the competitor categories and donating raffle prizes, see www.dcbmc.co.uk.