THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

What a LOVELY time we're having here at Shipton-under-Wychwood the Cotswolds... but our journey here was not free of drama! Wednesday morning we were all set to go and as we were pulling the caravan out of  storage we slightly misjudged and one of the trimmings wrapped itself around the gatepost. All I heard was 'oh nooooo!' from Chi Chi and dashed round the back to find half the back of the caravan ripped off!!!
After the initial panic...we quickly got a plan together and Chi Chi and I dashed off to buy a tent as Fred off loaded everything we needed from the caravan into the van.
Our lovely poor circus caravan was put back in storage - ready to be sorted when we get back home. In the meantime we are now all safely under canvas and the school here have been amazing - providing us with lights, 24hour wash rooms, copious amounts of tea and even a fridge!!! Thank you to everyone especially Paul!
The show must go on and as I write Fred and Chi Chi are in the big top working with the first group of children who are going to perform tonight. Tomorrow it's the school fete so another group of children will arrive in the morning and there's another show tomorrow evening. The sun is out, Henry is chillin' and I'm happily tapping away from the new circus headquarters.
Hopefully my next post won't be as dramatic.
Toodly pip for now
Mrs Fred x

PACKING MY TRUNK!

I've now got the nickname of Nel as I'm always packing my trunk... (nothing to do with me being grey and wrinkly!!!) but instead of saying goodbye to the circus I'm back on the road with them this week - HOORAY!!!
Brooklands in Worthing seems so long ago and what a LOVELY time we had... thank you WORTHING!!!
At the weekend we were up at a Steiner school in Kings Langley for their annual fair... and we realised we've been there 7 years running!!! A lovely school... and in the grounds of an old palace that once belonged the THE Grand Old Duke of York. His men marched up and down the hill... and so did I - back from the shops with supplies for lunch!
Wednesday, we are off to Shipton Under Wychwood in the Cotswolds... we have already visited the school a couple of years ago and we're looking forward our return there. From there we are on to Tunbridge Wells.
Keep checking the blog for the news of our latest adventures.
Toodly pip for now
Mrs Fred x

IT MAY BE RAINY OUTSIDE BUT IT'S SUMMER IN THE BIG TOP!

Another couple of great days at the circus and we've seen everything from sun hats to brollies and wellies!... but those rain storms don't stop the great circus loving public!
Yesterday we opened up the tent for a workshop where everyone could have go...

These two boys were on the last day of their holiday and came in to show us their great juggling skills! A HUGE thanks to them both as they then volunteered to go leafleting in the park for us!

Thanks to everyone who braved the weather today and came to see the shows... by the time it was over the sun had come out again!

Remember it's our last few days at Brooklands Park. We are here until Sunday 15th (inclusive) - two shows a day 1pm and 3pm, each one lasting about 45minutes...

Hope to see you there

Toodly pip!

Mrs Fred x

SURVIVING THE STORM!

We made it through the gales of Monday and thank you SO much to everyone who turned up to see the show - only to be told we couldn't open... you were all SO understanding and it was lovely to see you all yesterday when the winds had died down and the sun was out once more!
Remember we are on until the 15th so do come again and bring your friends!
Here are some pictures from the last few days...

Henry doing his mind reading act

Adriano Fettucini flicking bogies...yuk!... oh, and juggling cigar boxes!

One of our volunteers steps into the ring!

The finale

Another packed house!

And the lovely Runa, cracking the whip and making sure we all work hard!

Toodly pip
Be back soon
Mrs Fred xxx

FRED'S FLYING AWAY CIRCUS!!!!

As I speak, the tent is buffeting, the caravans shaking and the red flag fluttering ten to the dozen!!! Batten down the hatches... we're in for a day of gale force winds and have had to make the decision to close the tent to the public today... We don't want to literally turn into a flying circus !!
The weather is calming down tomorrow and, sssshhhh, but I think the sun is coming out... so it's back to business as usual... or UNUSUAL!!!
Shows are 1pm and 3pm and last 45minutes... please come along and join in the fun!
Toodly pip for now
Mrs Fred xxx

RED NOSES AND COLD TOES!

A big warm hello from the Circus caravan... I am sitting here at the moment with my toes on the heater, Henry is curled up on the sofa opposite and Fred is strumming away on his guitar in the tent... it's great to be back here again with our first shows of the year - even if it IS a bit chilly!
The Circus rolled up here at Brooklands Park, Worthing on Thursday morning. Thanks to the MANY helpers who all turned up to help bash in stakes and heave the big top up - you were all truly amazing!

Friday was our first day of shows - after having to get up and out of the caravan to start the day with a heavy frost on the ground, the sun soon came out and brought with it a MEGA audience! We have a guest performer with us for the first few days - the incredible Adriano Fettucini, who is a true 'Gentleman' juggler with umbrellas, hats, cigar boxes and bottles doing the impossible!
Today started  early again, and by 11am I was busy making fresh popcorn, ChiChi was rehearsing with 8 hoops (all at the same time), Fred was sprucing up the tent and exercising Henry and Sam was cracking the whip (literally) backstage!... never a dull moment!
The shows went well again with people coming from far and wide. Chi Chi's friends turned up and Runa got her sleeves rolled up helping out with handing out leaflets and selling popcorn... Thanks Runa!!
We're all settling down now - about to relax and watch a film.
Toodly pip for now
Be back soon
Mrs Fred xxx

HERE WE COME WORTHING!

Scenery is being painted, the tent dusted down, caravans spruced up and elephants are packing their trunks! We're getting ready for our annual visit to amaze and amuse you lovely people of Worthing and surrounding area, at Brooklands Park from 6th to 15th April.

We will be selling tickets at the door 15 minutes before each show - but if you are bringing a party or travelling a distance and want to be sure of joining in the madness and mayhem, do give us a ring on 07974 345679.

Come along and see Fred perform his comedy and other dangerous stuff, Chi Chi who has and absolutely AMAZING hoop act (you may have seen her on the tele quite a lot this year!) and of course, last but not least, Henry THE WORLD'S ONLY MIND READING DOG!!!

(And of course, you will meet me, Mrs Fred, at the door or selling you popcorn!)

Toodly pip for now 

Mrs Fred x