The Tournament of Tomfoolery returns after six years, and this time it’s on a grand stage indoors. After a successful Crowdfunding campaign, The Chap Olympiad is set to return to the London circuit in 2025 – but this time in the Winter. The very first Chap Winter Olympiad will take place on Saturday 8th November…
The winds of change and the forces of commerce have pushed this publication in a new direction. After twenty-five years of existence as a quarterly magazine, and the publication of 122 editions, The Chap has decided to convert from print publication to members’ club. This decision has not been reached lightly, especially as our very…
After six years in the Nissen Hut, the bicycles, briefcases, hobby horses and bowler hats are coming out to play again. Contestants observe the Chap Olympiad motto: Slower, Drunker, Better-dressed The Chap Olympiad began in 2005 and soon became one of the summer’s social fixtures in London. Growing from 25 people, two bottles of gin,…
In an excerpt from CHAP Spring 24, Torquil Arbuthnot provides a chronology of the publication from 1999 to 2012. 1999 A chance meeting in the Portobello Road leads to the founding of The Chap magazine, when penniless artist Vic Darkwood chances upon boulevardier Gustav Temple’s market stall. Temple is selling “genuine” pieces of celebrity masonry,…
This year the legendary Chap Olympiad, instead of taking place in London, moves to a country location. At 1pm on Saturday 10th August, the Tournament of Tomfoolery will occur at Firle Vintage Fair in East Sussex. This year’s repertoire includes classic favourites Umbrella Jousting, Cucumber Sandwich Discus, Tug of Hair and Tea Pursuit, as well…