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REHAB KEG PRESS GLADIATORS SPONSORS PANDA BATTLE PUB INDEX FOLKLOREFOLKESTONE STRENGTH, MUSIC, REPENTANCE & KARAOKE
THE BEAR
MATCH FIT
FIRST REHABILITATION
1984–1986
NO LIVE ANIMAL ★ NO EXCUSES ★ PUT THE BARRELS BACK TIDY AFTER USE
CLEANED UP HIS ACT
Following the first rehabilitation the Bear returned to Folkestone lighter in spirit, heavier through the shoulders and determined to replace old public-house habits with music and controlled resistance work. He repented of the former baiting rules, although not of encores.
The programme was simple: early rising, chain work, no unsolicited singing before noon and one barrel carried back to the stillage for every barrel previously interfered with.
Music remained essential. Training tapes alternated folk standards, power ballads and the opening verse of Widecombe Fair, which the Bear used for timed repetitions.
KEG PRESS TRAINING
First rehabilitation strength session, circa 1985. Public-house keg press, mid-repetition, with sober spotter. The lift was entered as unofficial because neither keg was certified.
ATTEMPT NO KEG LIFT WITHOUT A SOBER SPOTTER
The Bear’s surviving card records bench work, shoulder work, stair work and a disputed exercise called the Licensed Premises Carry. No figures can be trusted because every set ends “ONE MORE.”
GLADIATOR CONNECTION
| NAME | SURVIVING CLAIM |
|---|---|
| COBRA | Named in the surviving gym navigation. The Bear says they discussed speed, legs and presentation. |
| WOLF | Added later in the Bear’s hand beside the words “psychological preparation.” No appointment card survives. |
| HUNTER | Claimed instruction in the pursuit of an encore. The account is not independently timed. |
THE BEAR HAS ALSO CLAIMED TO HAVE TRAINED WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO WERE MERELY USING THE SAME BUILDING.
OFFICIAL 1980s REFRESHMENT
 |
 |
| RIO’S ICE CREAM Recovery wafers, weigh-in refreshments and the disputed post-training ninety-nine. |
SILVER SPRING ROLLER COLA Pub-circuit hydration and title sponsor of the one-more-repetition rule. |
The Bear’s 1980s papers describe both firms as sponsors. The practical arrangement appears to have consisted of concession stock, hand-painted boards and strict instructions not to leave opened cola beside the keg bench.
SEE THE PANDA SHANDY / ROLLER COLA DEBACLE
CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENT
By 1986 the Bear considered himself ready to offer out the entire pub circuit. The contest was reorganised around songs, heckling and strict non-violence. Thus began Bear Baiting Battle Karaoke: the audience chose the song; the Bear attempted the record; the landlord retained the right to stop the bout.
COMING SOON — PUB-CIRCUIT SHOWBILL ★ WEIGH-IN DETAILS ★ ONE MORE ATTEMPT
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