Kmflett's Blog

Beard Liberation Front

28^th February

Contact Keith Flett 07803 167266

Beard Shaving to combat Coronavirus story was made up

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that a story, widely circulated in UK media, that beard wearers needed to shave to combat the Coronavirus was made up.

The US social media site @politifact revealed the truth:

Amid increased fears about a potential coronavirus outbreak in the United States, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention graphic from 2017 has resurfaced online along with the claim that the organization is recommending men shave their beards to protect against the virus.

This is not true. The organization has made no such recommendation.

https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/feb/27/facebook-posts/no-cdc-isnt-recommending-men-shave-their-beard-pro/

BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, the reality that this fake news was so widely reported in the UK underlines that we have a pogonophobic media. We expect prominent corrections to be made.

120 years since the Labour Representation Committee was formed. What did the first Labour MPs read?

by George Charles Beresford, sepia-toned platinotype print, 1905

The Labour Representation Committee was formed at a conference held in Farringdon St on 26 & 27^th February 1900. Its aim was to secure Parliamentary representation for the interests of working people, that is ‘labour’. It was not to obtain a majority Labour Government. Such a matter was un-thought of at the time.

In 1906 29 MPs were elected under the LRC banner and the Parliamentary Labour Party was formed. The vote for who should lead it was tied on the first round and on a subsequent vote Independent Labour Party member Keir Hardie just edged ahead.

Naturally there was a good deal of interest in who the 29 Labour members were.

Many were from Lancashire- where the Liberal vote had been weak but anti-Tory feeling still strong. There were also trade union officials and leaders with a minority being ILP socialists like Keir Hardie, Ramsay MacDonald and Philip Snowden,

There were no women- female suffrage did not yet exist. The split between moustaches and beards in the ranks of the LRC MPs was more or less even with Philip Snowden clean shaven.

W T Stead Editor of the Reviews of Reviews sent a questionnaire to the 29 MPs asking them about their reading habits and favourite books.

Stead and more particularly the only significant commentary on Stead’s piece by Bealey and Pelling (1958) are quite condescending about the responses received, unjustifiably so.

Hardly any of the 29 had read Marx and only a few any work by a well-known socialist such as Robert Blatchford.

Will Thorne, a Marxist and an SDF member had read Marx while Charles Duncan an ILP member had read Blatchford’s Merrie England and George Barnes was familiar with the work of William Morris. Some had read Fabian Tracts

Leading ILP member Philip Snowden meanwhile said he had been influenced by an American critic of socialism, Richard T Ely.

I’m not sure that it is really a huge surprise that few of the 29 LRC MPs of 1906 could be called committed and well-read Marxists.

What is perhaps more interesting is the depth of their, at least professed, reading across more general works. Some had consulted the Bible which is hardly a surprise as nearly all the 29 MPs were Methodists. It’s fair to say that from its pages they had taken some kind of radical thoughts.

Others had read Henry George- who wrote on land nationalisation- and numbers were familiar with Charles Dickens and Thomas Carlyle.

Overall those 29 MPs- the first to represent the Labour Party in Parliament were a well-read bunch. They were mostly not well up on the Marxist critique of capitalism but they had certainly read widely on what might be called the ‘human condition’, about poverty and the struggle to survive in a profit led society.

Most were union officers who most on the left nowadays would regard as being uncomfortably close to the interests of the employer.

However, as with Taff Vale, the employer wasn’t always interested in having a close or any relationship with unions. Those MPs did at least have a reasonably good grasp, through experience and reading, of the conditions those who voted for them experienced, even if they didn’t always do much about it.

Beard Liberation Front

27^th Februar

Contact Keith Flett 07803 167266

Concerns that pogonophobia may be an element in coronavirus face mask/beard guidance

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, that campaigns on irrational prejudice against the hirsute , pogonophobia, has raised concerns about guidance being issued on face masks and the coronavirus.

US advice that suggests most people with beards should shave has rightly been dismissed as having no sensible intent.

However NHS advice to front-line care workers (example below) deserves much more serious consideration.

Where NHS workers are dealing with cases of infection face masks may well be a necessity. While a 2018 study of Canadian pilots demonstrated that there are now masks that will fit safely with a beard, if NHS units do not have supplies of such masks then shaving may be sensible.

However a focus purely on beards does suggest that behind it lies an element of pogonophobia. It is not just a beard but a range of hair styles that can cause issues with masks. Where medically required a clean shaven face and short hair would seem more appropriate.

BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, we have always accepted that in certain circumstances it may be necessary to shave the beard temporarily. It will after all grow back

BBC Report 27^th February

hospital bosses at Southampton University NHS Trust in the UK have sent a mass email to staff with the image attached, telling about the “known problem” with ill-fitting masks on hairy faces.

The email from medical director Derek Sandeman says facial hair “compromises the ability to protect any individual through a mask”.

He adds: “I am writing to ask those who do not have a strong cultural or religious reason for a beard and who are working in at-risk areas to consider shaving.

“I recognise for some this is a big ask, that beards are so popular at present. However I do believe this is the right thing to do.”

Canadian pilots beard/mask study

https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/vancouver-news/air-canada-pilot-beards-1939787

Beard Liberation Front

February 27th

Contact Keith Flett      07803 167266

WEARING A SNOOD KEY TO BEARD PROTECTION AS MORE INCLEMENT WEATHER DUE

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has issued important guidance for the hirsute as more rain, high winds and  snow are forecast in many areas of the UK

The BLF says that it is essential to keep the beard protected from the elements wherever possible. The best way to do this may simply be to self-isolate the beard and remain indoors and away from all possible contact with rain, wind or snow.

If venturing out in bad weather the following guidelines are advised-

1] Protect the entire beard with a Snood. If a Snood is not immediately available a scarf or roll neck jumper may provide some protection.

2] Sweep any rain drops or snow from the beard on a regular basis. Do not allow the beard to become waterlogged in any circumstances

3] If the beard becomes chilled or frozen due to icy weather it is essential to thaw it out slowly. Immersion in a glass of imperial stout will help this process

4] Dry the beard slowly in a warm room and check for any damaged hairs and follicles

BLF Organiser Keith Flett said water or snow in the beard can cause serious damage to hairs and follicles and the hirsute are urged to make sure they are protected, preferably by wearing a Snood before venturing out.

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Beard Liberation Front

27th February

contact Keith Flett 07803 167266

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that ‘advice’ on the coronavirus that men with beards need to shave is essentially gibberish.

There is no medical evidence that a face mask is particularly effective in preventing the spread of coronavirus but even if this was the case the mask is not being used for respiratory purposes and does not need to be tight fitting.

In 2020 there are in fact respiratory masks than can be safely worn with beards but this is not central here.

The campaigners say that medical guidance given to the BLF underlines that the best protection against coronavirus is nothing whatsoever to do with beards but relates to washing the hands with gel on a regular basis

BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, pogonophobes, beard haters, will lose no opportunity to make silly and inappropriate comments about beards. The coronavirus is too serious for such juvenile behaviour

https://nypost.com/2020/02/26/cdc-warns-men-about-facial-hair-dangers-as-coronavirus-spreads/

The Ambridge Socialist

26th February

Keep The Bull’s name, ditch the ‘modern new sign’. No to modernisation for the sake of it

It appears that the pancake day evening at The Bull (NOT The B at Ambridge) went well with one downside. The owner has now erected a ‘modern new sign’. We say: keep The Bull’s traditional name & keep the traditional sign too. Modernisation for the sake of it wont end well

Campaign Update

A brief campaign meeting took place on Tuesday evening 25^th February in central London

We have proposed a united front of protest with the Rebulls starting with a joint protest workshop to look at the best strategies for a collective campaign.

In the meantime the more signatures we can get on the real Save The Bull petition the more pressure we can put on Lilian Bellamy so please encourage people to sign

http://chng.it/8gwW6Ysg

London Socialist Historians Group

26^th February

Contact Dr Keith Flett 07803 167266

Historians say discovery of Chartist graffiti in the Commons reflects long history of organised labour

The London Socialist Historians Group which organises the socialist history seminar at the Institute of Historical Research at the University of London, Senate House has said that the discovery of graffiti written by a Chartist stonemason in 1851 while the House of Commons was under construction (having been destroyed by fire in 1835) reflects the militancy of nineteenth century London stonemasons

The discovery was made by builders engaged in renovating the Commons who found a previously blocked passageway dating back to 1660:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51630630

The London Stonemasons had engaged in a lengthy strike from September 1841 that stopped work both on the construction of the new Commons building and Nelson’s Column. The architect for both  was Sir Charles Barry, as was the building firm used Grissell and Peto.

The Stonemasons issue was rude and abusive behaviour by foremen employed by Grissell and Peto.

The reference in the graffiti to ‘real democrats’ suggests that while the stonemasons were Chartists they were probably allied to a Chartist group known as the Fraternal Democrats. This was led by George Julian Harney whose Red Republican paper had carried the first English translation of the Communist Manifesto the previous year.

London Socialist Historians convenor Keith Flett said, it is a fascinating historical discovery and a reminder that workers were organised and with left-wing politics long before either the Labour Party or the TUC were features of the political and industrial landscape

Beard Liberation Front

PRESS RELEASE     26^th

Contact Keith Flett      07803 167266

HIRSUTE URGE: GIVE UP SHAVING FOR LENT

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that with Lent now underway it is the ideal opportunity for people to give up shaving

The BLF says that a beard grown between now and Easter, can add significantly to the diversity of British life.

The Lent beard is a long religious tradition which in recent times has crossed over into secular fashion as well.

The BLF is not religious though it respects those who grow Lent beards for that reason. However the pre-Easter beard also has a place in British folk custom, with the facial hair representing the new growth of Spring to come.

BLF Organiser Keith Flett said it is the best time of year to grow a beard as Spring blossoms so do beards. It is time to revolt into style and grow an organic beard for Lent. I personally will not be shaving during Lent, or pruning my beard in that period

Shrovetide & the Lords of Misrule

Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday which for some means pancake eating. Some will know that the origins of Shrove Tuesday are around eating up things like cheese and butter before the start of Lent. Lent is a period of abstinence (for some) in the traditional calendar that goes on to Maundy Thursday (March 30th).

In the traditional calendar Shrove Tuesday was the end of a period called Shrovetide which lasted for several days beforehand. It was, again before Lent, a time of merrymaking, drinking and celebration.

Some of those who voted for Brexit might see it as the kind of English tradition (elsewhere in the now UK matters varied) that could be reclaimed. The irony is that Shrovetide like many traditional pastimes, particularly those with a religious connection, was and is marked across Europe.

In fact Shrovetide was celebrated more vigorously elsewhere in Europe where the February weather was often a little better.

Like many traditional festivals there was a strong element of the Carnivalesque about Shrovetide, in short of subversion and turning the world upside down.

Shrovetide marked the end of the reign of the Lords of Misrule who first elected on All Hallows Eve (October 31st) and were particularly active in the Twelve Days of Christmas and perhaps at Candlemas (2nd February).

A couple of examples. Thomas Tucker of St Johns College Oxford was invested as ‘Prince of the Revels’ on All Hallow’s Night 31st October 1607 and kept the position through to Shrove Tuesday on February 9th 1608.

There may not have been anything particularly subversive about that but Gladman’s Riding in Norwich (riding meant procession)) was described as an insurrection. It took place on 22nd January 1443 clearly some weeks before Shrovetide. It was in fact framed by that time in the calendar because it was designed to take place before Lent, but after Christmas. The underlying reason was political and related to the potential closure of local mills meaning that Lent would be even more difficult in respect of food provision than usual.

The Lords and Ladies of Misrule tend to re-appear after Easter by the way

Beard Liberation Front

Press release, 25th February

Contact Keith Flett 07803 167266

Michael Sheen & Hefin David splitting hairs in St David’s Day Beard of Wales vote

The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has said that voting is open and will close at midnight on Friday 28^th February in the 2020 St David’s Day Beard of Wales poll.

With just days to go Michael Sheen is splitting hairs with Labour AM Hefin David for the annual honour

The vote aims to determine the St David’s Day Beard of Wales, the Welsh beard that offers the most positive national image.

The campaigners say that images of St David suggest that the Welsh Saint himself may have had an organic beard

Welsh rugby prop Adam Jones won the Award in 2013, voted for by BLF supporters, just shaving former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. Another rugby player Leigh Halfpenny won in 2014. In 2015 the Award went to Thee Faction musician Chris Fox in 2016 footballer Joe Ledley and in 2017 to Charcutier Illtud Llyr Dunsford, with Chris Fox winning again in 2018. In 2019 journalist Grant Tucker shaved the opposition to claim the accolade

It is the eighth time the Award has been given following the traditional UK Beard of the Year at the end December each year and the BLF says it is a mark of Wales as a modern nation on St David’s Day that beards are now playing an increasingly significant role in national life.

BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, competition is bristling but we won’t know who has shaved who until St David’s Day

Beard of Wales 2020

Jake Ball, rugby player

Chris Elmore, politician

Michael Sheen, actor

Tom Jones, singer

Grant Tucker, Sunday Times journalist

Joe Ledley, footballer

Gruff Rhys, musician

Hefin David, politician

Huw Irranca-Davies, politician

Gwilym Pugh, model

Adrian Masters, ITV Wales political editor