Beard Liberation Front
7th May
Broadcast of 2005 Edgbaston Ashes Test evokes memories of former Beard of the Year, Bill Frindall
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that the Bank Holiday reprise of the 2005 Edgbaston Ashes Test between England and Australia(BBC Test Match Special, BBC Sport, Sky Cricket) has evoked memories of the late Bill Frindall who was the Test Match Special scorer for the match.
Frindall, who sadly died in 2009, was nicknamed ‘Bearders’ by the late Brian Johnston because of his iconic beard. He was a former Beard of the Year, the top honour given for the positive impact a beard wearer can make in public life.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Frindall
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, I have fond memories of Bill Frindall’s broadcasting for TMS and his beard and it is poignant to hear him again in the commentary box in 2005
Your obituary of Bill Frindall (2 February) rather skates around the issue of his beard. Frindall won several awards from the Beard Liberation Front, and as its organiser, I received calls from him on a number of occasions to thank the BLF and its supporters for their appreciation.
Of course, the awards are largely, if not entirely, lighthearted, but not everyone in public life who receives the accolade takes them in such good heart as Frindall did.
Keith Flett Guardian 12th February 2009
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