FirstBench is a monthly competition, 10 rounds per annum, held amongst the membership of Benchism Org UK, via Benchinistas (the Online Forum of Benchism.Org.UK). Membership is free and open to anyone with an interest in benches, whether that interest is all-consuming or a mere flirtation.

The object of the competition is to find a bench and photograph it for the delectation of the membership. Photographic skill is not the issue here, the bench, and the view from the bench, is what is of concern to us.

Each month, for 7 days, the membership is invited to vote for their preferred benches from a panoply of exhibited entries. The voting is spread across four categories.

The votes are then collated and weighted in accordance with the arcane Lore of the Bench - as handed to the Brotherhood of the Bench* by the hand of the Supreme Benchmaker himself.

After each round the three Benchists with the highest scores are awarded their prize. All participants are then submitted unto the annual league from which the Bencher of the Year (BotY) is brought forth.

The Benchist of the Year is also awarded the ceremonial title of Master of the Bench. The title is bestowed upon the recipient after 13 days of celebration, and holds office for 12 months. During this time the Master of the Bench acts as a global ambassador to Benchism promoting the Benchist Doctrine far and wide.

(* the organisation's founders and ruling body.)