Proud of Pubs Week to be a flipping record breaker

Proud of Pubs Week 2010 is set to get off to a flipping brilliant start with a triple World Record attempt.

This year we want licensees across the country to celebrate all that is great about pubs by throwing Proud of Pubs Parties to launch the week.

And our own party at the Wiremill, in Surrey, on July 19 is going to see world record holding beermat flipping champion Dean Gould attempt to break three records.

Guests at the event will see Gould try to set new bests for speed beermat flipping, blindfold beermat flipping and the most beermats flipped off a bottle.

And Gould, who founded the Record Holders Republic website, which records feats of human achievment, told The Publican​ he is hopeful he can get Proud of Pubs Week off to a record-breaking start.

"I am confident that I can break all three of the records," he said.

"It won't be easy by I am already sharpening up in preparation for the event."

Gould, who currently holds several records - including speed flipping 1,000 mats in 45 seconds, said he was inspired to take up his hobby 25 years ago.

"I was watching Record Breakers and I really wanted to set one myself and beermat flipping was a low cost way of having a go."

He has since honed his skills and has advice for anyone else who wants to have a try.

"It takes dexterity and great hand-eye coordination to master it - and lots of practice," he said.

So why not see if you can master beermat flipping? You could try and set records of your own during Proud of Pubs Week parties.

If you hold events prior to our own party maybe you could come along to the Wiremill - The Publican's Pub of the Year​ - and see if you can top Gould's efforts.

But you will have to be hot as the current record for blindfold beermat flipping is currently a staggering 71.

And the record for the most mats flipped and caught in one hand is 112.

Publican​ editor Caroline Nodder said: "This is a unique way to get the ball rolling for Proud of Pubs Week.

"Hopefully it will serve as a reminder that one of the main reasons people go to the pub is to have fun enjoy and themselves.

"We wish Dean good luck with his attempt and look forward to seeing him in action."

Beermat flipping rules and regulations

Want to try to beat Dean Gould's records? Then make sure you note the following rules​

• Mats must be placed in a single pile on a square edged table such that the edge of this pile protrudes over the edge of the table.

• Beermats are flipped vertically by the back of the hand by an upward movement.

• A clean catch is to be made, without any juggling movement, the beermats having turned through 180 degrees.

• No further contact is made with the bar top or table surface.

• The size of the beermat should be 95 mm (3 3/4 in.) square with rounded corners. It should be the weight of cardboard with a density of 480-490 grams (16.9-17.3 oz) per square metre.

• The record is for the number of mats successfully caught in this way.