- Above is ARTHUR VERCOE
PEDLAR,
Happy Birthday
from Southport Reporter!
The
international clown celebration day took place on 21st September 2002 at the
Southport arts centre. The World Clown Association produced it. And
sponsored by the Sefton Tourism Department and Arthur Vercoe Pedlar,
President Elect W.C.A. to celebrate his 70th birthday.
The World Clown Association stated in 1983, with a vision to spread the art
that is clowning to all four corners of the globe. The first British
convention was held in 1991, in Bognor Regis and has since been held all over
the world. They are interested in the past, present and the future of
clowning and have several members in the International Clown Hall of Fame.
Including Arthur Vercoe Pedlar.
Clowns have fascinated Arthur since he went to see Bertram Mills Circus when
he was six. And in 1953 he joined a clown troupe at cirque Medrano, where he
had the opportunity to work with the legendary Buster Keaton. He was the
first living clown not resident in the U.S.A. to be entered into the
International Clown Hall of Fame. In 1991 he was invited by the former
Soviet Union to perform solo in the clown festival at the Leningrad state
Circus. Retired from business he is developing comic character studies based
on Victorian Music Hall Artistes. These are just some of his amazing
achievements and now Southport comes together to show there appreciation for
him and what he did and to celebrate the men and woman all over the world
who don the make-up and do the most outrageous things all just to make us
laugh. He also told us that,"Religion has always been a part
of my life. I think it is important to use your talents to help others and
spread religion. It also should be used as a sign of expression
in order to aid someone's well being."
The day at Southport was broke down into different shows, at 11:00-12noon a
free open-air show in the Town Hall gardens was enjoyed by all. With Cheko
and Taffy in charge, and stared, 'Randy Christensen Don 'Homer' Bursell and
lots of members of The Motley Alley including, John & Vera Button, Burko,
Will-E-Droppit, Dizzy Dez, Colours, Jolly dizzy, Ludo, Miki, Plummie, Pop up
Polly, Rainbow & Sonny, Tumbles, Yo-Yo, Zilly & Barbara and with the
very own Vercoe & Alyn Forte with keyboard accomplice Valerie feeley. At
2:00-3:30 a children's matinee in the arts centre. Directed by 'Yo-Yo'
Tawney. Then later on at 7:00-9:30pm in the arts cemtre there was a
International Gala Show which was directed by Ruben Madsen. Staring from the
U.S.A. Dr. Richard Snowberg. President of the W.C.A, Don Bursell,
"Bean-pole Eccentric", 'Randy' Christensen and Don 'Homer' Bursell.
Then from Japan, Rone & Gigi, a 'Multi-talented duo'. Then all the way
from Sweden came Ruben Madsuns Moscow Circus School, supported by Paul
Nutbrown, Volvo Agents. And last but deffi9natly not least the UK Clowns
where Steve Rawling a juggler, Nicholas Allen a mime artist and of course
Vercoe & Alyn Forte. Then on Sunday 22nd September there was a family
Clown service in Christ Church , Lord St, with past W.C.A. Ministry Director
- Rev. Randy Christensen & Don Bursell.
Every body seemed to enjoy what they where watching unfold in front of their
eyes and as the great Arthur told us, "I am really pleased to
have been
able to clown for so long. There is nothing like bringing
enjoyment to a person or child and seeing them smile. That in turn makes me
happy and brings great rewards. It is a great honor and really pleasing that
Sefton council has allowed me to celebrate my birthday in such a way."
So to the clowns of the world. Keep doing what you do best, bringing joy and
laughter to the children young and old, of the world. Thank you. Some
of the show will feature on Sky in the near future.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARTHUR VERCOE
PEDLAR Page 1 of 2.
This young lady has just
recovered from Leukemia and was being entertained by another young lady from
Canader.
Photos on this page
by Patrick Trollope article by Stacy McGahan.
Page 1 of 2
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