Seven weeks have passed since the first few ‘shoots’ of hair emerged on the chins and cheeks of the intrepid souls who have supported this worthy Henry Smith Beard Challenge for the Changing Lives Campaign.

So what was the Henry Smith Beard Challenge all about?
Henry Smith was an alderman of a highly charitable disposition and worked as a city merchant. On his death in 1627, he divided up his wealth to several towns in Surrey and in 1675 Reigate Grammar School was founded following the purchase of land next to St. Mary’s Church. RGS was built to educate local poor boys and remains on the same site today.

There is one image of Henry Smith within Wandsworth Parish Church sporting a glorious, flowing beard.We wanted to celebrate our history and Henry Smith himself, by setting a challenge to raise funds for the Changing Lives Campaign that echoes Henry’s benevolent past. We are pleased to announce that well over £1700 has been raised from this collective effort with a large portion of staff supporting the challenge either by growing a beard themselves or by sponsoring others.

There were many contenders for “King of the Beards” but one stood out head and shoulders above the rest. The depth, colour and style of RGS Head of English, Mr Robert Shaughnessy swayed the judges votes and he collected a bottle of wine and a free beard trim and haircut from Dexters Barbers on Lesbourne Road in Reigate.

Thank you to all those who supported this challenge.