Posted by JDP on April 22, 2001 at 01:44:04:
In Reply to: Re: The circus is coming to town posted by Tempus on April 22, 2001 at 01:05:06:
Chipperfields was early 60s, Bertram Mills late 60s and frequently Duffy`s, Fossett`s and Courtney`s.
I remember being part of a group of kids following an elephant and his keeper around the town. Tom Coucill was anxious to get the animal into the pub ( now the Humbert) but even opening both leaves of the door it was a no go situation. (Many guys were elephants on the same premises at all hours! On a few occasions I myself counted many in later years !)
On to the TF where the keeper eventually got the publicity shot after negotiations with a worried Paddy Jennings who had visions of the maple dance floor collapsing under the weight. The keeper gave assurances with the authority of a structural engineer that the weight would be adequately spread bacause of the area of the animals pads!After guaranteeing to pay for any damage, the elephant was brought cautiously into the small ballroom, where the floor visibly depressed. After being photographed guzzling bottles of stout exit elephant and entouráge, much to the relief of Paddy Jennings R.I.P.