Page 48 - Oundle Life September 2024

CLOWNING AROUND
in Woodnewton
September marks the 50th anniversary of the death of one of the best known names in circus history: Coco the Clown. He truly was the boy who ran away to join a circus.
For the last four and a half years of his life,
he lived in Woodnewton with his youngest daughter Tamara and her husband Ali, sharing residence between the house at 22 Orchard Lane and the caravan he had lived in whilst working for Betram Mills, which was parked in the back garden. As well as being a well-known circus name, he was heavily involved in road safety: teaching children to cross the roads.
On the weekend of 28th and 29th September, the village of Woodnewton will remember Coco and all he did for the circus and road safety.
On Saturday 28th there will be a bring your own picnic in the park, which will include unicycle and juggling challenges (see who can go the furthest / last the longest – that kind of thing!), fancy dress with a circus theme, and a circus/clown bake-off. The cakes will be sold on Sunday with teas and cakes served at the Village Hall, along with some games.
There will be an exhibition based around Coco and the circus, which be on display all weekend along with showings of clownfest2, which shows the making of and the day itself in 1992, when the Village Hall was officially opened by Sir Norman Wisdom.
The weekend is really a celebration of a truly great man and to have some fun on the playing
field, which he played a major part in the village having.
Volunteer helpers are welcome, as are performers (clown and non-clown).
If you would like to get involved, or have items that would be suitable for the exhibition, please get in touch: Dillon91166@hotmail.co.uk or 077405 84012
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