REDDITCH’S ‘Lord of the Roundabouts’ has been named among UK’s most bizarre driver hobbyists.
Born and bred in Redditch, Kevin Beresford, fondly known as ‘Lord of the Rings’ has been named one of the UK’s most bizarre driver hobbyists.
Kevin is the founder and President of the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society (UKRAS) – a dedicated group to what Kevin calls ‘God’s Wonderful Roundabouts’, and is one story in Confused.com’s mini-series on the quirkiest driving hobbies.
Kevin’s interest in roundabouts started five years ago when he owned a small printing company in Redditch.
As a resident of Redditch he was used to spending his time going around in circles with 41 roundabouts across the town.
In 2013, the ‘Roundabouts of Redditch’ calendar was born and was not only a hit around the town, but sold a whopping 100,000 copies worldwide.
Kevin’s interest in roundabouts didn’t stop there. After exploring all of Redditch’s roundabouts, Kevin’s passion led him around the UK and the world visiting some of the biggest, best and most artistic roundabouts the country has to offer.
Kevin’s story is just one of many in Confused.com’s mini-series which unravels the tales of some of the quirkiest driving hobbies, alongside ‘brown-signing’, dirty van art and visiting some of the UK’s most secluded independent roadside cafes. The full films can be viewed here.
he said: “Roundabouts are much more than an island in the middle of the road. They are havens for wildlife, offering them protection from predators. But it doesn’t have to be a mini-garden.”
Kevin is forever travelling the globe finding new roundabouts, and claims his favourite is consistently changing. Although, his all-time top roundabout is located in Holgate, Yorkshire, and features a working windmill and is open to visitors.
But despite being named among Britain’s dullest men in 2014, Kevin has in fact visited some cultural spots in search for their roundabouts and has recently returned from a round-trip to the Middle East.
“After creating the Roundabouts of Redditch calendar, which flew worldwide, we created a Best of British Roundabouts version, and it all spiralled from there,” he said.
“Since creating UKRAS, we have had emails from individuals across the world sharing pictures of their local or favourite roundabouts and, like me, are desperate to give them the recognition they deserve.”
But Kevin’s peculiar passion doesn’t stop at roundabouts. He is also the founder of the Car Park Appreciation Society, which is currently recruiting new members. And during his travels around the globe seeking out roundabouts from other cultures, Kevin has also developed a love for cranes. But his first passion, roundabouts, remains his priority.
