Les Heyhoe BCAv: The Man of Many Millions

Introduction

Known across Gosport as “Lil Les Charity Man,” Les Heyhoe BCAv is more than a quizmaster – he is a community force. With over 50 years of fundraising, more than 5,000 quizzes hosted, and an estimated £12 million raised for charity (over £1 million through pubs alone), Les is a living legend in UK pub culture. His charisma, creativity and commitment have turned evenings at the pub into opportunities to change lives.

Les Heyhoe BCAv: The Quiz Master Who Raised Millions for Good Causes

What they did

Les’s impact is built on consistency, energy and innovation. His weekly schedule includes:

  • Sunday & Monday Quizzes at The Kingfisher Caravan Park bar
  • Thursday Quizzes at The Fox, North Cross Street, Gosport
  • Monthly Music Quizzes at 33 Bottles, North Cross Street, Gosport

Each event blends fun with fundraising, featuring inventive games such as:

  • Cut the Deck
  • Quarter Deck (Card Bingo)
  • Heads & Tails

Les also hosts unique Royal Navy-style Charity Horse Race nights which draw large crowds and have become community staples.

Les spends two to three days each week creating themed quizzes, using clever formats where each round’s answers spell out a word or phrase, offering clues for greater engagement. His 250,000th quiz question was recently celebrated at The Kingfisher.

In 2023 alone, Les raised £16,000 for GAFIRS (Gosport & Fareham Inshore Rescue Services), and in 2024 he’s on track to raise a similar amount for The Elizabeth Foundation, supporting children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The community reaction

Les is beloved and admired for his humour, dedication, and unmistakable presence (often reflected in his bold, colourful wardrobe). Pub-goers attend not just for the quiz but to be around him. He’s an integral part of the pub economy in Gosport and his events consistently pack the venues.

Impact

  • £12 million+ raised for worthy causes since the age of 16
  • Over 5,000 quizzes and 250,000 questions written and delivered
  • Thousands of hours dedicated to bringing people together in pubs for good causes
  • Direct support to local charities, rescue services, and families in need

Summary

Les Heyhoe is a pub regular like no other. With five decades of fundraising, unmatched energy, and heartfelt community service, he has earned his place as one of the most influential charitable figures in UK pub culture. Les doesn’t just ask questions—he inspires answers, generosity, and joy.

About

The Kingfisher Caravan Park Bar (also The Fox and 33 Bottles, Gosport)

Regular venues for Les’s quizzes, serving as social hubs for fundraising across Gosport.
Multiple locations in Gosport, Hampshire
Go to pub website

Local Constituency

Gosport

Local MP

Dame Caroline Dinenage
Go to local MP website
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