Letter to Editor:- "1st UK Circus Big Top is up after Lockdown"

FOLLOWING on from our report within our previous weekly edition about the UK's Circus Industry and our excusive interview with Gandey Circus' Binky Beaumont, we are please to have received this update from them:-  "THE arena big top is going up as we speak at Skegness and then the stage and flooring will be going in at Gandey world class productions annual three summer shows across the 3 Butlins resorts. This is the 1st big top to be raised since the lockdown this March which halted the season for hundreds of performers across nearly 40 UK productions in the UK alone but hundreds across the globe the team at Gandeys , based in Congleton in Cheshire , have been working hard to ensure a safe and manageable system was put in place and at the request of the Circus Proprietors association fed this directly to the government body the DCMS last week to allow the productions in England to reopen with strict new measures in place to support this new way of presenting performances, we are delighted to have been involved in this process and our event and safety team have produced a complete pilot scheme and new regulations to ensure that all our audiences can return to the big tops safely and enjoy this great form of entertainment. The new processes will be strictly adhered to and it is easier to do this at a circus production as all our facilities including toilets, box office and kiosks are outside. Also we can raise the wallings to increase air flow and as the seats and flooring are all plastic and wood it is much easier to disinfect and deep clean than a traditional Theatre or arena seat and flooring. We are excited to be one of the first to open up with the new regulations and cannot wait to entertain our audiences soon. We had engaged with the government department the DCMS through the Association of Circus Proprietors and assisted with the technical and scientific information on airflow and prepared a pilot scheme with a Big Top to trial this airflow. The logistics supported by our colleagues at our productions currently being assembled at Bourne Leisure (Butlins) and the announcement that Circus can open with limited capacities and to certain new guidelines is a terrific result. We thank everyone for what has been done behind the scenes on behalf of Circus and events throughout this difficult time, including, The Ministry of Culture, The DCMS, Members of Parliament, The Association of Circus Proprietors, Theatre and Outdoor Associations, Friends and Fans and of course, and most importantly, the whole Circus industry."

Neo finds a new home!

LOCAL animal rescue charity Freshfields issued a update about Neo, 1 of 2 dogs brutally attacked by his owner back in 2017.  The Charity is happy to inform us and our readers the Neo has finally found a wonderful home!  A spokesperson for the Charity said:- "We are delighted to bring you this fantastic news. Many of you will have followed Neo's journey from the beginning, and will remember the horrific injuries he sustained at the hands of his owner, who attacked Neo and his brother Santos with an axe. Neo came to Freshfields with his brother Santos, after spending 6 months in Police kennels. Whilst the physically injuries he endured were all too clear, we could only begin to imagine the mental abuse Neo had suffered. We were determined that Neo would only know love and kindness from the moment he stepped through our doors. Despite the trauma in his past, Neo proved himself to be a perfect gentleman, who loved to be fussed and cuddled and enjoyed his walks and adventures with a trusted and dedicated group of volunteer dog walkers. We are always humbled by the incredible capacity for love and joy shown by animals who have known nothing but anger and abuse.  Sadly, as time went by, Neo continued to be overlooked for adoption; until earlier this year when we received the phone call we had all been waiting for! We had to delay introductions due to Covid-19 restrictions, but as soon as we were able, we began slow introductions to his new family and home environment. It became clear almost immediately that Neo had formed a bond and wanted to stay with them."

Connor and Millie, his new owners, have given Neo the loving home he so deserves. Millie says:- "We have been following Neo since he 1st came to Freshfields. I have rescued dogs in the past and now am in a position to adopt. Our landlord was great and very understanding. When we 1st met Neo it was on the exercise field at Freshfields, and he made both of us smile with his antics! He loves his tennis balls. We came to visit 3 times a week or so during April, and he started to be more comfortable on walks with us and his personality shone through.  The Freshfields staff were amazing; Amy talked things through with us and we had so much support every step of the way. Neo has settled in brilliantly. He's so happy when he's snuggled between us on the sofa. He's changed our lives and we've changed his!"

Dawn Hurst, Operations Manager Liverpool, said:- "Everyone at Freshfields is thrilled to share this news with all our supporters. We know that Neo will be so happy with Connor and Millie. We want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has helped care for Neo during his time with us. Whether you've donated to his vet bills, followed his journey or helped in any other way, you've prepared him for the day he can go to his new home with a big smile on his face. We are so thankful that Neo has a fabulous home to call his own where he will be safe, loved and cherished. Have a wonderful life Neo, and enjoy your new home!' Could you change the life of a long term resident dog at Freshfields? Find out more at our website Freshfields.Org.UK."