Unconventional Hobbies and Dedicated Enthusiasts Highlighted in BBC Series

Throughout the United Kingdom, individuals dedicate their leisure time to a variety of engaging and distinctive pursuits. A new BBC series features the enthusiastic individuals whose pastimes enrich their lives and extend beyond personal enjoyment. William stated with pride, “I’ve seen a lot of good gurners in my time.” He added, “One bloke had all his teeth taken out so he could gurn better.” The author is present to investigate Egremont’s long-standing face-pulling competition, an event where unattractiveness is genuinely esteemed, for the second season of What’s Your Thing? available on BBC iPlayer. Every installment chronicles a specific hobby, passion, or interest. Frequently, the process of filming the program evokes the sensation of entering an entirely different, considerably more surreal realm. Cumbria’s leading gurning competition serves as a prominent illustration of this phenomenon. Adrian Zivelonghi remarked, “I’d seen a picture of a gurner on the wall at the dentists, so I had to investigate.” He was observed wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Keep Calm and Gurn On.” He stated, “For 23 years I’ve been coming here. It’s my religion, I become a gurner.” The author inquired about his achievements at the annual gurning competition. “Erm, three times world champion,” he responded placidly, as though achieving global recognition for pulling the most grotesque face was inconsequential. It can be asserted that the author encounters numerous intriguing individuals throughout the series, yet a consistent theme emerges: many participants discover a sense of community through their chosen hobbies or interests. This point is perfectly demonstrated by 15-year-old Chris at an Anime convention held in Newcastle. He was attired as DIO from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, fully embodying the character, including adopting the character’s distinctive walk on screen with an exaggerated, confident swagger. The author and Chris sat outside the busy venue, where Chris disclosed his difficulties in forming friendships. Chris explained, “Ever since primary school I’ve had a hard time. A lot of people just aren’t nice at all.” He continued, “Some people pretend to be my friend just to betray me, so I’m not really into mingling. I have trust issues.” This revelation was distressing, yet it contrasted with the author’s observations of Chris during their time together at the convention. Attendees called out lines from the show to him, and he beamed in response, naturally remaining in character. Numerous individuals approached him, requesting photographs. He expressed, “It feels great actually. When I’m here, everyone would like me. It means I’m not alone.” While it might be tempting to dismiss certain activities, such as costuming as a Japanese manga character and parading through central Newcastle, it becomes challenging to criticize or resent them upon observing the profound happiness these hobbies generate in people’s lives. Potentially the most uplifting narrative presented is that of Helen Gordon, widely recognized as the Billingham Dancing Lady. Helen stated, “I know lots of people used to look at me and think, ‘she must be two sandwiches short of a picnic’, but I’m not. “I have a master’s degree, I run a small business, I have a lot of things I do besides dancing on a morning.” Each morning, she follows an identical route, dancing, singing to herself, and waving at vehicles as they pass. Filming this proved challenging because, despite being 63 years old, Helen appeared more agile and physically capable than both the author and colleague Alex Challies, who recorded the series. She acknowledges that her routine might strike some as peculiar, yet she chose to continue it for the benefit of her mental and physical well-being. Helen has attained local legendary status, enjoying broad popularity. Fan mail, addressed simply to ‘Dancing Lady, Billingham’, has successfully reached her mailbox. Individuals appreciate her demeanor and the vitality she contributes to their daily work commutes. She affirmed, “If I can give people hope for the future with the things that I do and the positivity I carry around with me, I’m more than happy to do that.” At an equestrian center located in Grantham, Lincolnshire, participants were observed plaiting manes, gripping reins firmly, and preparing for showjumping. Nevertheless, no actual horses were visible. At an event considered to be Britain’s largest hobby horsing competition to date, the author explores a rapidly expanding activity. Children, equipped with toy horse heads mounted on sticks, jump over obstacles in pursuit of winning a rosette. Joanna Rowe commented, “When I sit in my chair in a nursing home, I’ll look back and think, ‘look at what we did’.” The Eaglescliffe equine enthusiast initiated hobby horsing competitions to offer an activity for her daughter, but she did not anticipate its rapid expansion. This endeavor has since evolved into her profession and, to some extent, her entire life. She stated, “I feel so passionately because I see how good it is for these kids. It’s some kid’s lives and why shouldn’t it be?” She added, “Somebody was like, ‘I don’t see the point. What’s the point?'” She concluded, “There’s not many youth clubs, these events let them be kids. It’s building a community.” For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. For updates, follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. 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