Newcastle College lecturer Andy Downs sets sights on best beard title win
HE MAY ride a motorcycle and look remarkably like a Hairy Biker, but college art lecturer Andy Downs believes when it comes to beards, his is a cut above the TV cook's whiskery efforts.
In fact Andy, of Hartshill, believes his beard may be the best in Britain and is entering a contest to try to prove it.
After spending months nurturing his bushy creation, the 48-year-old is ready to enter the British Beard and Moustache Championships next month.
Earlier this year, the father-of-three, who works at Newcastle College, saw a television programme which followed beard-clad Americans who entered their facial hair into a worldwide contest.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
Suitably impressed by their dedication, former sandwich shop owner Andy decided to try his hand at growing his own a potentially award-winning beard.
He said: "After I watched a programme called 'Whisker Wars' on ITV I just thought a beard competition is something you can enter without really doing anything.
"I have always had a bit of beard and stubble and just decided to really grow it.
"I first grew a beard when I was about 17 and over the years I have shaved it because of different jobs and things like that."
Since that fateful evening in front of the television Andy has taken the life of a beard wearer seriously and has joined the British Beard Club along with purchasing products to protect his facial hair.
He said: "Men don't tend to talk about personal grooming but I did some research and found some oils that are recommended for beards to keep it in good condition. I also brush it every day."
Andy's beard currently hangs three inches from his chin, and coupled with his shoulder-length hair, it has led to comparisons with Simon King, of the popular BBC show Hairy Bikers.
Andy, who is also a biker, said: "I get a few people saying 'hairy biker' to me and I know it's light-hearted. I don't really think I look like him although there was a couple when I was on a trip to Wales who wanted a photograph with me.
"Other people have said I look like Grizzly Adams."
His beard has drawn attention from curious observers.
"People just want to touch it which is a bit strange at times. I think they want to feel the beard for good luck," he said.
But Alan's life as a beard owner isn't without it's hardships.
He said: "When I go to McDonald's I have to use about six napkins.
"It isn't generally too bad when eating, it's only when I have something wet."
Now Alan, who lives with wife Kerris, aged 45, hopes after five months of growth and care, his creation can scoop the top honour in the natural category at the beard championships on September 15 in Brighton.
He said: "My beard has reached what is known as its 'terminal length', it won't grow any longer now."
Kerris, a customer adviser, said: "When I met him he only had a bit of a beard but I think this one is fabulous."
But Andy admits his big beard may not be a permanent feature. He added: "I like having it at the moment. Would I shave it? If the price was right."
Comments
by anti_apple
Friday, August 31 2012, 8:58AM
“I have known Andy for about 10 years now; I had the privilege of completing my teacher training alongside him and I have also had the honour of teaching in tandem with him. I have seen very few lecturers handle obstinate, arduous students in such a positive way. Andy has an amazing ability to inspire his students to reach their full potential, and if, along the way, he can also encourage the students to be indiscriminatory (unlike ALBERUS) and to have their own unique interests then I feel that the world will have a few nicer people in it. Andy is a true gentleman and the college is fortunate to have him as a member of staff; his beard does not change this fact.”
by Redtone
Tuesday, August 28 2012, 7:42PM
“Alberus - I know desperate back-tracking when I see it!”
by Alberus
Tuesday, August 28 2012, 3:57PM
“Wow! People read my posts. Pity their sense of humour deserted them along the way though. Never knew everyone was so po faced and serious around here. So a beard is a hobby is it? Well it don't cost nowt, that's for sure. Actually I did grow a beard once, a nice big ginger one, but it kept tickling the wife so it had to go. Nice and warm in the winter they are, that's for sure.”
by I_Norris
Tuesday, August 28 2012, 12:16PM
“Cant believe no one highlighted the obvious health n safety risk of eating a stir fry while riding a bike. Accident waiting to happen. And No i dont believe a wok makes a suitable helmet either.
Not long till Movember may andy will shave on halloween and try his hand at the art if the tash.
Good luck”
by Johntoe
Tuesday, August 28 2012, 11:50AM
“@ downsi
Well said, God save us from the bland dull conformists, the short back n sides suit wearing drones, I would rather be dead than 'dull',
I am 59 years old and STILL a 'rebel' at heart, I ride a Harley Davidson and have been a 'biker' since I was 16, never even driven a car let alone owned one, I don't own a suit or even a tie,
It's the rebels who 'drive' our culture in EVERY aspect of life, be it music, art, literature, film, science, the human race evolves and moves forwards thanks to the rebels and the non-conformists,
Long live the rebel.”
by downsi
Monday, August 27 2012, 6:04PM
“@ alberus - whom clearly is envious and cannot grow a beard... Have you seen college students lately? They are as individual and different as ever before - and stand out much more than this man in some cases. During the teenage years its important for people to act differently, how they want and discover who they are culturally and in terms of their personality. Because this man encourages that through his own appearance, is hardly a negative thing, if anything a product of the environment in which he works. Its fantastic that someone is being different enough to not only stand out from the crowd, but to put hard work into getting that recognised. Shame on alberus for pushing for "conformity" I thought in the 21st century that sort of attitude was mostly redundant. Sadly mistaken.”
by jabbajaw
Monday, August 27 2012, 5:54PM
“Alberus sounds like an enlightened individual. A kind soul is raising some money for charity and having some fun at the same time and this moronic person feels the need to criticize him. You should perhaps keep your unwarranted thoughts to yourself.
One question though - Should every person with a beard be forced out of their jobs?
You Sir, are an idiot.”
by Johntoe
Monday, August 27 2012, 5:43PM
“Real men have hair on their face, Good luck Andy glad to see some people still have a sense of humour eh? at least you still have hair on ya head as well,
I used to sport a long one in me youth, these days her inside of the doors doesn't let me grow it too long, but I may rebel hehe”
by nightfire
Monday, August 27 2012, 5:31PM
“Heaven help us !! a nice guy enters a competition held just for fun, and one wonders if the charities supported think its banal ...”
by rosex
Monday, August 27 2012, 5:31PM
“as this is my father you are talking about i suggest you get a grip and not criticize people you dont know. He is a harmless and loving man who is loved by all his students, they are very lucky to be taught by him. He has a hobby, whats the problem with that? as for the 'struggling youths under his command' maybe they will realize that it is good to be an individual with different interests at heart.”