Well put together format mean teachers can relax and enjoy the day!

Circus skills workshops have proved a great success for children as young as 3 with a unique range of equipment.

Schools often book circus workshops for study of 'Circus' topic. Some as an attendance/behaviour reward.

Other schools cannot resist giving all their pupils this wonderful treat!

 

Family fun day - Keep toddlers to teenagers and dads entertained and amused throughout your event.

Birthday Parties - An out of the ordinary birthday party. Walking the tightrope, whizzing about on novelty carts and dressing up as clowns.

Circus Show for Nursery, Reception and Infant pupils

 

Thank-you letter received ...

 Hi Kevin

 Thank you for entertaining the children so well on Monday 21 May and everyone, children and staff alike, had a marvellous time.

They were all amazed at the huge amount of equipment you managed to bring with you - there was something for everyone! The morning was full of fun and laughter, as well as stilt walkers, children dressed in clown outfits with huge shoes, peddle bikes and a vast assortment of wheeled vehicles.

Please find enclosed a cheque to cover the cost of the circus show and workshops and once again, a big thank you.

Yours sincerely ... Headteacher.

 

Recent Circus Workshops and Circus Parties 

 

Circus Skills Workshops, Circus Shows and Circus Parties in 2019 

 

Fri/Sat/Sun 27th/28th/29th December - Winterland, Towcester Racecourse

Circus workshop & balloon modelling. Lowered tubtables an extra notch which worked well. Also rope to stop hula hoops sliding. Weather stayed dry.

Thursday 26th December - Adil Restaurant, Sparkbrook, Birmingham

Magic and balloon modelling to keep the kids happy. 

Mon/Tues 23rd & 24th December - Winterland, Towcester Racecourse 

Circus workshop & balloon modelling for 2 more days. Low numbers but those there did enjoy it.  

Saturday 21st December - Winterland, Towcester Racecourse

Booked for balloon modelling but took circus stuff too. Found myself on their website when I got back home. Obviously struck a high note with the organisers who were busy with the camera! 

Saturday 14th December - Circus Party, Keele Village Hall, Staffordshire

Hall a little small. Craft table there also. Lots of adults there too enjoying Vivaan's 5th birthday party. 

Sunday 8th December - Circus party, Beckminster Church hall, Wolverhampton

Nice hall for holding party in. Balloon modelling oh so popular towards end of party. Kids love to blow modelling balloons up themselves using floor pumps. Plenty of space for tightrope, cats etc 

Saturday 30th November - Circus Party, Perton Golf Club, Wolverhampton

Van troubles with AA called before and after party! Party still a success. Carpet floor is not ideal but kids just got on with enjoying themselves. Useful to note.

Wednesday 27th November - Landywood Primary School, Walsall.

Circus Workshop in the afternoon for one class of yr 4/5 pupils. They are studying leisure + entertainment as a topic. Pupils had 10 skills to learn and tick off. Clown dressing up added colour to the afternoon and great for photos.

Saturday 23rd November - Circus Party, SS Joseph & Helen Church, Cotteridge, Birmingham

Nice big hall just down the road for a circus party. Twins Edward and Toby were the beneficiaries. Usual good fun.

Sunday 17th November - Christening Party, Nr Albrighton, Wolverhampton 

An hours balloon modelling in hallway for children as the adults enjoyed drinks after a christening. Also took along 'carousels' for the kids to sit and spin on. Small magic show too. 

Sunday 10th November - Kids Party, Acocks Green, Birmingham 

A mixture of entertainment in house and garden for 2 girls age 5 & 7. Circus tricks, magic tricks, tightrope walking included. Finished with confession routine for dad. 

Wednesday 6th November - Amphlett House Church Centre, Droitwich, Worcestershire

Droitwich Challengers - a club for mentally handicapped adults - enjoyed a regular bout of circus fun. 

Saturday 2nd November - Shenley Court Hall, Selly Oak, Birmingham

Circus Party for 6 year old Amelia. Nice to do a local hall. Greatly enjoyed by all. Her mother cycles past the community garden I created on her way to work. 

Sunday 27th October - Bailey Ariyah Aademy of Dance, Dudley, West Midlands

Circus workshop as half term treat. All the usual fun including stiltwalking with the aid of zimmer frames. 

Saturday 26th October - Jack's Supermarket, Rubery, Birmingham

Balloon modelling for 3 hours. Something I started out entertaining with many years ago. Good fun. Filled baskets with balloon dogs and swords to save on a queue. Kids could just choose one of these or wait for something else. 

Tues 22nd & Wed 23rd October - Shelton Infants School, Derby

School studying circus as a topic. They hired a big top too a few years ago when they first booked me. This time in the school hall. Teachers enjoying themselves as much as the pupils as usual. Donated a couple of foot twister carts to the school for their special needs pupils. 

Saturday 19th October - Circus Party, Youlgrave Scout Hut, Derbyshire

Usual circus fun for 5 year old William and all his friends. Mum wants to book me again next year in the larger village hall. Nice area to visit. 

Friday 18th October - Jericho Youth Club, Edward Road Baptist Church, Birmingham

10 -16 year old's enjoyed an hour and a half of tightrope walking, stiltwalking and other circus activities. Very well received. 

Friday 11th October - Chetwynd Barracks, Beeston Nottingham

Leaving party for retiring engineer. Provided circus workshop for kids. Hands free stiltwalking with the help of zimmer frames very popular. Adults had fun as kids started to disappear. 

Tuesday October 8th - St Michael & All Angel's Church, Stourport, Worcestershire

'Open door' event. Circus show for 30 adults with learning difficulties. Bits of my kids show mixed in with other bits & pieces. Confession routine was a bit of fun.

Saturday October 5th - Notts Camping & Caravanning Club,Southwell Racecourse

A lovely time entertaining the kids at this last outdoor event of the year. Dry but equipment still got a bit muddy! Saw kids magician 'Andy' who had been in the business 46 years. Certainly had loads of 'lines'! 

Sunday 22nd September - Circus Party, Acton Trussell Community Centre, Staffordshire

7 year old Philip was lively throughout his party. Helping me set up, on stage as a magician, participating in all the action before helping clear away. Martin Burton of Zippos circus is a relative of family and supplied party bags. Hall had stage area for dressing up and separate dining area so perfect for circus party.

Sunday 15th September - Rutland Farm Park, Oakham, Leicestershire

A pleasant afternoon where lots of animal hugging was taking place! Extra table for plate spinning a good idea. Sat in a Massey Ferguson tractor. Weather great for outdoor gig. Had game of draughts.

Sunday 1st September - Alfreton Party in the Park, Alfreton, Derbyshire

Wolly and myself at this annual jaunt. Wolly did a good stiltwalking spot as a policeman. No fairground rides this year so a bit quieter. Good Punch and Judy chap. Bit windy so pegged down mortar stands well. 

Monday 26th August - Flower Show, Droitwich, Worcestershire 

Last minute booking by Droitwich Horticultural Society. Massive dahlias and very long carrots on display. Not too many kids so easy booking. Repeat booked up for next year.

Saturday 24th August - Hallatonfest, Hallaton, Leicestershire 

Music festival at Fox Inn pub. Kids and adults all enjoyed an afternoon and early evening of circus fun. Great event. Perfect size for me to entertain at. 

Friday 23rd August - Michael Drayton Junior School, Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Very pleasant day with small number of participants due to date mix up by school. Playworkers enjoyed themselves as much as the kids. Stilts, ezyrollers, tightrope, cycocycles and dressing up etc. 

Thursday 22nd August - Happy Days Nursery, Wood Lane Community Centre, West Bromwich 

 Playscheme held in mixture of inside and outside areas. One lad really enjoyed magic tricks and knew a few himself. Must take more 'easy to teach' tricks. Made balloon swords for all at end.

Wednesday 21st August - Keele University Playscheme, Staffordshire

Again mixed in balloon modelling from start of this workshop. Remembered rebound rollers this time. Took camping chairs for staff to sit in.

Saturday 17th August - Lincoln College, Oxford University

Lovely sunny afternoon for this staff party. Plenty of drinks in cricket pavilion. Grass the smoothest I have worked on. Cycocycles popular with all ages and builds! Swing cycle loved by a deputy head guest and a computer programmer. Camping chairs so useful at outdoor events.

Monday 12th August - Honey Bears Playscheme, Yenton Primary School, Erdington, Birmingham

Kids and playworkers enjoyed themselves on didicars, ezyrollers, tightrope, stiltwalking and more on a very pleasant morning. 

Saturday 10th August - Paternoster House, Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Old folks home family fun day. Fun inside at first. When it dried up set up tightrope and trampolines outside. Handfull of kids enjoyed themselves. Hopefully get booked up for their fete next year.

Thursday 8th August - Cheslyn Hay Village Hall, West Midlands

'Greatest Showman' theme for playscheme. Enjoyable morning with some learning to hands free stiltwalk with the aid of zimmer frames. 

Wednesday 7th August - Keeling School of Dance, Aldridge, Staffordshire.

Girls soon learnt stiltwalking and were off round the town centre to show off! 

Tuesday 6th August - Keele University Playscheme, Staffordshire

Mixed in balloon modelling with the 2 hour circus workshop playscheme. Kept me very busy but positive change for one of my regulars. 

Sunday 4th August - Uppingham Fete, Flower and Produce Show, Leicestershire

Warm afternoon on large field for football club. Met chess player who gave me 5-a-side chess set! Chatted and played chess with 'local yokels' in bar afterwards. All the usual circus fun.

Wednesday 31st July - Highbury Hall, Mosely, Birmingham

Royal Centre for Defence Medicine Families Day. Took along ezyrollers instead of cycocycles as grass sloped too steeply. Activities very popular all afternoon.  

Tuesday 30th July - Brandhall Primary School, Oldbury, West Midlands.

Playscheme booking. 90 minutes with the older kids followed by 90 minutes with the younger kids. Inside event in nice hall. 

Monday 29th July - Edith Moorhouse Primary School, Carterton, Oxfordshire

Usual fun day at this regular playscheme booker. Balloon modelling at lunchtime. Stiltwalking very popular. Downs syndrome girl needs more physical activity. 

Friday 26th July - Kenwray Green, Donnington, Telford, Shropshire

Family fun day provided by Riverside Housing. Very enjoyable time on patch of grass on housing estate. Animals and bouncy castles there too. Usual set up. 

Wednesday 24th July - St John's School, Kenilworth, Warwickshire

Toothbrush twirling, peacock feather balancing and making a 3 twist balloon dog provided the required 45 minute workshop. Must persuade the school to book me for the full experience another time. 

Tuesday 23rd July - Sevenhills Special School, Sheffield

Even the headteacher enjoyed himself  riding a minibike. Ezyrollers popular. Noses got torn in half. Must remember! Secondary School. 

Monday 22nd July - Briar Hill Kids Club, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Playscheme booking. Mixture of inside and outside. Staff didn't want hands free stiltwalking.

Saturday  20th July - Graig Aid, Graigfechan, Denbighshire, Wales

A delightful music festival behind the Three Pigeons Inn in the Welsh Countryside.

Tuesday 16th July - 11th Coventry Cub Scout Group, Coventry

A session for a 2nd pack of cub scouts at same venue as previous evening. Usual good fun. 

Monday 15th July - 11th Coventry Cub Scout Group, Coventry

End of year party for these 8-10 year olds. Lovely big hall. Took hands free stilts but they mostly enjoyed whizzing around on carts. 

Sunday 14th July - Reynolds & Reynolds, Northfield, Birmingham 

Company fun day. Relaxed afternoon just down the road. Huge big level playing field.

Saturday 13th July - Doxey Lane Primary School, Stafford 

Summer Fete. Kids throwing wet sponges at head teacher - 3 for 20p. Grassy area up on embankment. Staff helpful in moving all my equipment. Enjoyable afternoon. 

Friday 12th July - Crab Lane Primary School, Manchester

Lots of toothbrush twirling and peacock feather balancing today. Mixed in assorted sketches too for a fun day with KS2 classes. 

Tues 9th & Wed 10th July - Cranford Park Academy, London

Regular booking for  2 days of workshops for nursery & reception classes. Extra classes for special needs & pupil premium kids fitted in too. 

Sunday 7th July - Castlewood Summer Fayre, Derbyshire

Quiet event for Coop staff at a distribution centre. A nice wind down after hectic trip up north. Ezyrollers added this year.Staff gave area a good clean at start. Men in Sheds had a stall. 

Saturday 6th July - Goosnargh & Longridge Agricultural Show

Lovely day in Lancashire. Both gazebos works well. Vale of Lune Hounds in arena. Wouldn't mind driving tractor in parade. Sofie enjoying quiz. All enjoyed fun.

Thursday 4th July - Heart of England Language School, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire 

2 hour afternoon circus workshop for 7 - 17 year old's. Mixed up sessions for all with things like minibike riding and hula hooping where a few of the class got up at a time. Held at Art's Centre.

Wednesday 3rd July - Lodge Primary School, West Bromwich

Circus show for nursery pupils. Always nice to do my full length show. 

Saturday 29th June - Southco, Worcester

Hot afternoon for this annual company fun day. Took both gazebos for shade. Dressing up table in one gazebo a particularly good idea. Camping chairs great for adults to sit and watch children play.

Friday 28th June - Landywood Primary School, Walsall

Two year 5 classes learnt a two ball juggling trick, toothbrush twirling, peacock feather balancing and mexican hat boomeranging. Worked very well. Gave autistic lad peacock feather as I walked back to train station. 

Thursday 27th June - Springfield Special School, Knowle, Warwickshire

15 energetic lads enjoyed a day full of physical activity. Several learnt hands free stiltwalking. The afternoon started with them enthusiastically learning how to make a 3 twist balloon dog. 

Wednesday 26th June - Parkgate Primary School, Coventry

Ten half hour classes for KS1. Wolly did 11 for KS2. Ray gave me a lift and watched first session. New clown boots are popular. Engaged autistic 'runner' successfully in last class of day. 

Sunday 23rd June - Haughton Summer Fayre, Staffordshire

Ray gave me a lift after gearbox broke on van. Ray did some nice spinning plate bits and pieces. Tightrope challenge went well with 6 year old Harrison the star of the show. 

Friday 21st June - Bear & Staff Pub, Selly Oak, Birmingham

Re-opening of pub after refurbishment. Not much space but kept everyone happy. Unicycling popular in cul de sac area adjacent to pub. 20p tightrope challenge worked well. Some punters offering their own challenges.

Sunday 16th June - Arnold Carnival, Nottingham

Satellite navigation very useful to getting to event. Few showers early on. Glorious sunshine at end with everything drying out. Much fun had by all. Even a 5 ball juggler. One lady showed off poi skills using bucket stilts! 

Saturday 15th June - Dunchurch Village Fete, Warwickshire

Rain held off till near the end. Cycocycles very popular. Joined in parade at start of event. 

Sunday 9th June - South Staffordshire Deaf Society, Hopwas, Tamworth, Staffordshire

Managed to fit everything in small area. Bouncy castles and farm animals added to a real treat for the kids. Another duck race at end of event.

Saturday 8th June - Broadwell & Donnington Fete, Gloucestershire

Duck racing was a poular activity at this event. A stream by the side of the field was fast flowing and perfect for about half a dozen of these races. I did my standard outdoor workshop which was very well received. Given some plants too! 

Thursday 6th June - Two  in One Club, Perdiswell, Worcester

Circus workshop for mentally handicapped adults. Immediately recognized by some who also go to Droitwych Challengers. Organiser seemed to enjoy joining in very much too. 

Sunday 26th May - 40th Birthday Party, Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales 

An enjoyable garden party. Marquee and drinks for the adults. Circus skills for the kids. Hands free stitwalking very popular. Lovely warm afternoon. 

Saturday 18th May - Crudwell Primary School Fete, Malmesbury, Wiltshire

Cycocycles exceedingly popular on a fun filled afternoon. Always like to see musicians at these events. Tug of war was fun at the end of the afternoon. 

Wednesday 15th May - Droitwych Challengers, Worcestershire.

Mentally handicapped adults had a fun filled evening with circus activities. Didicars, toothbrush twirling, minibike riding, plate spinning, hula hooping, balloon modelling and dressing up as clowns.

Saturday 11th May - Polish Heritage Day, Gloucester Town Centre 

Provided circus workshop for a lovely community event. Organiser's 2 year old daughter could not keep away! Bouncing on the trampolines, 'crawling' along the tightrope and dressing up as a clown! Everyone one had a fabulous day and played long after the official finishing time.

Sunday 5th May - Princethorpe College, near Rugby, Warwickshire.

A booking by Rugby Scouts. Cubs and Scouts dipped in and out of the morning and afternoon sessions. Cycocycles particularly popular as was the 20p tightrope challenge.

Saturday 4th May - Market Harborough Town Centre, Leicestershire.

A balloon modeller, puppeteer, face painter and myself with my circus workshop all gave the townsfolk lots of fun on a chilly day. Puppet shows made a nice centrepiece with regular shows. Helped the balloon modeller out on occasion and entertained the face painting queue. Equipment dried out well after showers of rain.

Friday 3rd May - Greswold Primary School, Solihull

Circus day for 3 year 1 classes studying circus as a topic. Same school books me up for playschemes. Staff noted how well the special needs kids joined in. 

Wednesday 1st May - Bellan House School, Oswestry, Shropshire

Circus workshop afternoon for reception, year 1 & year 2 pupils in an independent school. Bit of a small room. Kids of course enjoy themselves and have fun whatever. 

Thursday 25th April - Lutley Community Centre, Halesowen, West Midlands

Playscheme booking. Space a bit small as big hall being used for dance practice. Kids enjoyed themselves and took home balloon animals too. 

Tuesday 23rd April - Turves Green Boys School, Northfield, Birmingham

Playscheme booking, James the autistic lad whose party I did earlier in the year was there. Mexican hat juggling helps fill up the 2 hours. 

Tuesday 23rd April - Queen Alexandra College, Harborne, Birmingham

Playscheme booking. Male leaders enthusiastic about learning new skills. Mixture of sketches and novelty skill learning. 

Saturday 20th April - Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire 

Provided balloon modelling, magic and circus skills for about ten children at a wedding. Lovely venue. Some of the kids learnt hands free stilt walking. Ended up having drinks with the wedding party before leaving.

Thursday 18th April - Welcome Centre, Coventry

Circus workshop provided as part of party for 180 looked after children. Tightrope and trampolines worked well. Dressing up table and juggling stuff table too.

Wednesday 17th April - Keele University Playscheme, Staffordshire

Started with a demonstration of 3 twist balloon dog making.  Mixing in balloon modelling throughout session seemed to work well. Kept me very busy! New autistic lad hiding my stuff away! Remembered zimmer frames for stiltwalking.

Thursday 11th April - Billesley Primary School, Birmingham 

100% attendance reward day. Circus show for infants followed by workshops for KS2 pupils. Taught magic and balloon modelling in Autism Resource Base also. 

Wednesday 10th April - Somerville Primary School, Birmingham

House points reward day. Full range of equipment for infant pupils in morning. Toothbrush twirling and peacock feather balancing for KS2 pupils in afternoon. 

Saturday 6th April - Circus Party, Scout Hut , Sedgley, West Midlands.

Greyson's 5th birthday party. Popcorn and ice cream amongst treats provided by family. Lots of parents stayed to watch kids in their energetic enjoyment of it all. 

Friday 5th April - Mencap Wolverhampton Spring Ball,  The Pavilion Club

Balloon modelling kept me and Sofie busy. Rocky raccoon quite a hit with some of the guests. 

Saturday 30th March - Circus Party, St Thomas & St Andrews Church, Stafford

Carpetted floor hampered mobility of carts a little. Otherwise usual fun enjoyed by all. They do love dressing up as clowns and clomping about in giant clown boots! Connor's 6th birthday party.

Friday 15th March - Devonshire Primary School, London

Reception studying 'circus' topic. Gave 3 classes a workshop each plus shows for all at start and end. Enjoyed by all. A lovely age group to entertain. Staff very helpful in getting equipment in and out of building.

Sunday 10th March -Family Party, Solihull

An unusual one for me. A successful one nevertheless. 4 year old's birthday but mostly adults to entertain. A succession of sketches with audience participation went down very well. 

Saturday 9th March - Hagley Community Hall, Worcestershire

I did balloon modelling for a bouncy castle party for 3-5 year old's. Mum + Dad delighted with my efforts. Left them some cards as hall is suitable for circus parties. 

Sunday 3rd March - Circus Party, Bridgefoot Farm, Cambridgeshire.

Usual wild fun for 5 year old Alex and all his friends. Space a bit small but managed. Parents of Down's syndrome boy asked where to get a didicar from. Lad was enjoying riding it. 

Wednesday 27th February - Ty Gwyn Special School, Cardiff, Wales

Playscheme for severely autistic kids. Took assorted novelty carts down. Age 7 -17 meant my stuff was a little on the small side for bigger kids. They enjoyed the rebound roller. Difficult to make much progress. 

Tuesday 26th February - Measham Primary School, Leicestershire

Hottest February day. Went for lunchtime walk in T-shirt! Reception, year 1 & year 2 classes enjoyed a circus day with shows and workshops. Delightful day. 

Saturday 23rd February - Circus Party, Cawston Community Hall, Rugby, Warwickshire

Show a bit noisy to start with as so many parents in hall. Great atmosphere throughout party with kids playing and adults sat on chairs watching on. Did balloon modelling after tea break.

Friday 22nd February - Keele University Playscheme, Staffordshire

Started with balloon balancing sketch. Circus workshop as usual. Autistic kids responding well. Forgot walking frames for stiltwalking - didn't matter too much as most had no problem.

Wednesday 20th February - Greswold Greyhounds, Solihull

Balloon modelling workshop. Started with balloon balancing sketch with a couple of playworkers. Kids so enjoy watching a show. Went on to make 3 twist dogs, swords and flying mice.

Sunday 17th February - Circus Party, St Lawrence Pastoral Centre, Northfield

Party for 7 year old Jamie. Pastoral centre is a lovely venue and local. Kids were home educated so numbers low. Couple of chess boards set up in tea room! Jamie and friends keen chess players.

Friday 15th February - Greswold Greyhounds, Solihull.

Balloon modelling workshop for playscheme. So little to carry in! Taught 3 twist dog. Also made helmets, swords and flying mice. Must introduce balloon balancing sketch next time. Also get adults to practice flying mouse execution. 

Tuesday 12th February - Frederick Bird Primary School, Coventry

Four reception classes enjoyed a circus workshop day. Arrived a little late. Once started day was was very smooth. A lovely age group to perform for. 

Saturday 2nd February - Circus Party, Edgbaston Community Centre, Birmingham

Circus party for Jessica(9) and Vanessa(8). This was of the format used for circus performer badge for brownies. Third party for family in 3 years. Confession routines provided a nice sparkle. Adults provided good stage matter for demonstrations and helping out. 

 

Circus Skills Workshops, Circus Shows and Circus Parties in 2018

 

Friday 21st December - The Kings Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford

Yearly extravaganza for 11 - 18 year old's. Items such as inflatables, climbing walls, nerf walls, pool tables as well as my circus workshop.

" Many thanks for coming and bring all your equipment to our event. It was fantastic, the young people really enjoyed it."

Thursday 20th December - Ronkswood Community Centre, Worcester

Balloon modelling for an end of term party. Quite frantic. A reminder of the days I used to do a lot of it. 

Thursday 20th December - Humpty Dumpty Toddlers, Malvern, Worcestershire

Circus workshop for a nursery end of term party. Held late morning.

Saturday 15th December - Horizon Community Centre, Worcester 

Balloon modelling workshop for a girls club. Nice to pass on these skills to a new audience. 

Friday 14th December - Park Infant School, Kettering, Northamptonshire

Two circus shows for the little ones. Went so well school immediately rebooked me for next year. 

Saturday 8th December - Naughty Elf Sleepover, Mancetter Scout HQ, Warwickshire

Circus workshop for cubs and beavers. All the usual stuff. Paused half way to demonstrate how to make a 3 twist balloon dog with the leaders learning. This gave an extra skill for those who wanted to learn it. 

Wednesday 5th December - Deaf club, Ladywood, Birmingham

Taught 3 twist dog and cutlass. Made a number of more complex balloons for them to take home. Also did them all a flying mouse. Fun shooting them into a basket.

Sunday 25th November - Red Lion Pub, Northop, Flintshire, Wales

Provided balloon modelling to entertain the kids for christening. Kids enjoyed using pumps to blow up balloons themselves. Adults had a bit of fun on minibike I took in. Also jack in the boxes for them to play with.

Wednesday 31st October - Ty Gwyn Special School, Cardiff, Wales

Half term playscheme Severe learning difficulty school. Took some novelty carts into the playground so the kids could have a go in their lunch break first. Inside I used the rebound rollers to calm down the 'squarkers'. These 2 children stopped making the noises the rest of the session. School needs more equipment based play.

Monday 29th October - Keele University, Staffordshire

Hands free stiltwalking as popular as ever. The  great thing about regular gigs is the opportunity to develop skills over time. Finished with balloon modelling for a change. 

Sunday 28th October - Circus Party, Gresford Methodist Church Hall, Nr Wrexham

Joint birthday party for 2 five year old girls. Lots of adults stayed so a little cramped. Used outside area too. Mums seemed delighted with success of party and hugged each other afterwards. Dads going for tightrope challenge. 

Wednesday 24th October - 12th West Bromwich Brownies, Charlemont Methodist Church

Circus performer badge. Collective squeals at some magic I interspersed! 

Tuesday 23rd October - 5th West Bromwich Brownies, All Saints Church

Two ball juggling trick, toothbrush twirling, peacock feather balancing and balloon dog making. All in aid of their circus performer badge. 

Sunday 21st October - Circus Party, Forsebrook and Blythe Bridge Hall, Staffordshire

Circus Party for 6 year old Laurens. Inspired by 'The Greatest Showman'. Used entrance hall for dressing up and jack in the box table. Balloon modelling very popular in second half of party. Parents delighted. 

Tuesday 16th October - Monkey Puzzle Nursery, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire

Nursery kids are very appreciative of all the fun equipment. Novelty carts inside. Tightrope & trampolines outside. Lucky the weather warmed up for my visit! The Greatest Showman film providing the reason for this booking.

Wednesday 10th October - 14th West Bromwich Rainbows, Charlemont Methodist Church

Rainbows enjoyed an hour long fun session on diverse equipment including walking the tightrope and dressing up as clowns.

Tuesday 9th October - 5th West Bromwich Rainbows, All Saints Church

An hour long 'fun' workshop for the little ones. Tightrope, novelty carts, dressing up as clowns etc. Big groan when end of session announced! 

Saturday 6th October - Circus Party, Honeybourne, Worcestershire

Circus Party for 6 year old lad. Bit of furniture rearranging to start with. Tea in adjacent room. Balloon modelling very popular in second half of party - lots of dogs on leads. Got a £10 tip!

Monday 1st October - 1st Sandwell Beavers, Great Barr, Birmingham

Circus workshop for enthusiastic little ones. Scout leader enjoyed himself too! Great opportunity to try out things a little different. 

Thursday 27th September - Ilam Primary School, Ilam, Staffordshire

Whole school studying circus as a topic. Beautiful sunny day. Taught stiltwalking and tightrope outside. Kids played on novelty carts and dressed up as clowns inside. Each class had morning and afternoon sessions. Rather lucky with weather!

Sunday 23rd September - Circus Party, Pattingham Village Hall, Staffordshire

Lovely hall. Stage area for dressing up. Party for 5 year old girl. Older children at party did some face painting and enjoyed the 20p tightrope challenge. Finished off with balloon swords. 

Saturday 22nd September - 50th Donkey Derby, War Memorial Park, Coventry 

Drizzly day with low attendance. Watched a few of the 'races'. Quite comical. Those who came to the circus workshop still enjoyed it. 2.5 metre gazebo easy to put up. Perhaps a Coleman shelter one day?

Sunday 16th September - The Big Welsh Car Show, Chepstow Racecourse, Wales

Shared a pavilion with arts & crafts activities. Nice to get an indoor space at an outdoor event when a few showers crop up! Had a meal in Weatherspoons with Sophie & Bryan afterwards.

Saturday 15th September - Mickleton Hoot, Gloucestershire

Family fun day. Children and adults using all my equipment like never before! Went well beyond supposed finishing time as everyone was enjoying themselves so much. Will get organisers to book another hour next year. 

Monday 3rd September - Greswold Greyhounds, Solihull, West Midlands

Great weather yet again for this playscheme. Stiltwalking very popular. Took 2 of the event stands for kids to practice walking along. Zimmer frames for when they progressed a little. Did a 20p pedal walker challenge. 5&6 year old's used the longer version. 5pm before I eventually left. Still, it was a lovely day. Adam  just turned 4 was very enthusiastic with stiltwalking. Possibly autistic.

Sunday 2nd September - Party in the Park, Alfreton, Derbyshire 

Another warm lovely day. Perfect positioning at top of field. 'Wolly the Clown' booked also so a great help in running circus workshop. Great Punch & Judy show on nearby.

Saturday 1st September - Pebworth Fringe Festival, Pebworth, Worcestershire

Took over corner of field for my circus workshop. Lovely and warm. Stepoe and Son sketch in early evening on stage between bands. 20p tightrope challenge achieved by 4 kids. Cycocyles popular. Mini penny farthings did not work well on the grass. Adults joined in later. Bookers impressed by my set up. 

Thursday 23rd August - Keele University, Staffordshire

James had another go at stilts. Did better than the other boys in that he didn't fall over. Took along tightrope for first time in ages. Some of the girls ask me to help them with the 'challenge'. Perhaps I should extend some of the ezyrollers?

Wednesday 22nd August - Edgbaston Community Centre, Birmingham

The perfect park adjacent to the community centre! The basketball/football court had the hard surface for the range of novelty carts for the kids to whiz around on. The grassy area for tightrope, trampolines, stiltwalking and other odds &ends. The kids had a whale of a time! 

Sunday 19th August - Circus Party, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Circus party held in back garden. 7 year old Saffy was the perfect hostess for her guests. Excitedly greeting them as they arrived with a smile and a hug! 20p tightrope challenge popular. Carousels great for small garden. Hands free stiltwalking achieved by 2 girls.

Friday 17th August - St Paul's Trust, Balsall Heath, Birmingham

Playscheme for 5-12 year old's. Took a good selection of carts along with stilts, tightrope, dressing up table and assorted other items. 20p tightrope challenge went very well. Tightrope busy throughout afternoon as kids improved their skills. Only one girl mastered the hands free stiltwalking.

Wednesday 15th August - Valley Explorers Playscheme, Solihull, West Midlands

Usual annual fun.Must buy spare shoes for those wearing flip flops to help them master tightrope & stiltwalking. 

Monday 13th August - Parkhall Junior School, Walsall, West Midlands

Treehouse playscheme. Kids had a great time. Organiser said the kids had told her it was the best ever time they had had! Stiltwalking, novelty carts, tightrope, dressing up as clowns etc. 

Wednesday 8th August - Edith Moorhouse Primary School, Carterton, Oxfordshire

All day playscheme for holiday club. Stiltwalking very popular. A couple of girls managed tightrope challenge. Euan great assistant for magic sketch.

Tuesday 7th August - Keele University, Staffordshire

James the lad with cerebral palsy asked to go on stilts. He always arrives in a wheelchair. I strapped him up and led him to goalposts to practice walking. Expected him to give up. A few minutes later he was off! Using a zimmer frame for support he was working his way round the hall. Surprised me! 

 Monday 6th August - Bearwood Baptist Church, Birmingham

Session split into two for young + older kids. Carts very popular ... with male playworkers! All enjoyed the session and should be back again. 

 Sunday 5th August - Let's Ride, Coventry City Centre

Given a lovely spot on the grass area outside the council house. Hot day. Roads were closed as kids and adults cycled round. Circus workshop provided some alternative entertainment which was very well received. 

Wednesday August 1st - Keele University, Staffordshire

Took along 2 cycocycles. Started with 2 beanbag trick. Milk the intro and just a short hands on type session with these tricks. Need to take along orange stilts for larger kids. 

Friday 27th July - Q3 Academy, Great Barr, West Midlands

Went up with 'The Great Raymondo'. Taught a 2 ball juggling trick, toothbrush twirling and peacock feather balancing to secondary school kids. Mixed in sketches which went down well. 

Thursday 26th July - Michael Drayton Junior School, Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Stiltwalking very popular. Building work meant indoor hall out of action. 

Wednesday 25th July - Keele University, Staffordshire

Started circus workshop with peacock feather balancing for all. Took along cycocycles for first time which were popular. 

Monday 23rd July - Sevenhills Special School, Sheffield, Yorkshire

Had a lovely morning as part of arty type activities for all the kids. In shade as heatwave is on!

Thursday 19th July - Shavington Primary School, Crewe, Cheshire

2 nursery classes having lots of fun as an end of term treat. The year 1 teacher certainly noticed as she walked by! Might be doing more classes next year ...

Wednesday 18th July - Fiddlers Lane Primary School, Irlam, Manchester

Circus show for 100 nursery to year 2 children. 45 minutes of non stop fun! A teacher commented how much they enjoyed all the 'silliness'. Should be more of it in schools!

Tuesday 17th July - Tyn-y-Wern Primary School, Trethomas, Caerphilly, Wales

Regular bookers to give kids an attendance + behaviour reward treat. This time for my 45 minute circus show. 

Monday 16th July - St Mary's Primary School, Yate, South Gloucestershire

Circus show for reception, year 1 & year 2 pupils. 150 of them! Finishing off with squirting them all with water. What better way in the middle of a heatwave! 

 

 

 

Wednesday 28th February - Saint John Wall Secondary School, Handsworth, Birmingham

Did much the same as my outdoor set up with the addition of didicars. Kids motivated by award of house points for meeting challenges. Did balloon model reward for crossing tightrope. Snow meant I set up evening before.

Friday 23rd February - Keele University, Staffordshire

 Regular playscheme. Alex came hoping to meet Neil Baldwin. He was missing so after visiting an ex colleague he gave us a hand. Quite enthusiastic. Might invite along for the odd summer gig.

Saturday 3rd February - Circus Party, Edgbaston Community Centre, Birmingham

Vannessa's 7th birthday party. Lots of parents sat and watched. Reluctant autistic lad eventually joined in and had a great time. Building manager an ex headteacher who had booked me at her last school. Wonderfully helpful. Magic tricks for girls as they left. 

Wednesday 24th January - Poplars Farm Primary School, Bradford, Yorkshire

Circus day for nursery + reception classes. Head and deputy head helped me run balloon modelling workshop for a dozen pupils at lunchtime. Parents attended final show. Head and deputy both ended dressed as clowns in final sketch. Head said how much staff had enjoyed the day too.

Circus day for two year 2 classes. Balloon modelling workshop for dozen year 5 & 6 pupils at lunchtime. Cheerful caretaker very helpful! (ex - DJ) 

Monday 15th January - Steeton Primary School, West Yorkshire

Circus day for 3 year1/2 classes. Several staff learnt to balloon model at lunchtime. Special needs lad bought in early to try carts. Kept crashing ezyroller. A slow learner which seems why he gets frustrated in class. Had a word with headteacher at end of day. 

 

Circus Skills Workshops, Circus Shows and Circus Parties in 2017

 

Wednesday 20th December - St Andrews Primary School, Newport, Wales

Attendance reward treat. Won by year 2 class in KS1 and year 3 class in KS2. Put mats in front of dressing up area to keep carts away - worked well. Staff really enjoyed themselves. Several special needs children joining in nicely. 

Monday 18th December - Somerville Primary School, Small Heath, Birmingham

Attendance reward treat. Gave balloon dogs for tightrope challenge to a couple of classes. Nice idea to use in future. Made quite a few balloon animals for teachers & TA's at lunchtime. 

Sunday 17th December - Fox & Goose Pub, Ward End, Birmingham 

Annual xmas party for the kids. Took along didicars, whirl o wheels etc for kids to play on. Also did circus show. Not forgetting balloon modelling too. And of course dressing up as clowns.

Saturday 16th December - Circus Party, Barnt Green Scout & Guide hut.

 Circus party for Owen aged 6. Him & his brother enjoyed much play as equipment was unloaded. Rather modern building for this scout 'hut'. Perfect for my parties. Did an extra 'confession' sketch at start of party which all enjoyed.

Friday 15th December - Foxyards Primary School, Dudley, West Midlands

Morning and afternoon circus shows for reception & nursery pupils. At lunchtime I taught balloon modelling to groups from year 5 & year 6. Bit of balloon modelling for the staff too.

Tuesday 12th December - John Fisher School, Alvaston, Derby

Workshops for KS2 pupils followed by circus show for KS1 pupils. Leroy, a school social worker starred as one of the clowns on stage. Lovely school. Showed lots of magic to pupils at lunchtime. Taught Kyle 2 little dickie birds after school. He then taught trick to others. 

Wednesday 6th December - The Meadows Special School, Oldbury, Sandwell.

 SLD/PMLD secondary school. Staff & pupils all enjoyed a day of fun on all the equipment plus dressing up as clowns. 

School later enquired as to where equipment comes from. They hope to get some for playground use. 

Saturday 2nd December - Circus Party, Bantock Park, Wolverhampton

Billy's 5th birthday party. Gave a magic sketch to start with. Works better for birthday parties. Means I can dress in shirt & tie too. All the usual fun. Surface a bit hard so best not to use this venue in future.

Tuesday 21st November - Circus Performer Badge, Selly Oak Brownies, Birmingham

Fourth + last session. Bought carousels + dressing up stuff also today. Leaders organised who does what. Chairs arranged to side of hall for parents. Comperes on stilts with microphone. I put on music as necessary. Show went very well and much appreciated by parents. Bit of free play after show too One parent said her girl was very quiet at school ... surprised to see her on stilts as compere! 

Sunday 19th November - Tettenhall College, Wolverhampton

12 - 18 year old international students attended these circus workshops. 3 groups of 25-30. Glad I put the didicars in - so popular with the mostly 6th formers! Circus bikes and cycocyles popular. Lovely big sports hall easy to get into via fire doors. Mortar stands to hold stilts, hula hoops and diabolos.

Tuesday 14th November - Circus Performer Badge, Selly Oak Brownies, Birmingham 

Third session. Left the didicars and dressing up behind to concentrate on performance skills for upcoming show. In retrospect will not do that in future as performance skills a bit much at their age.  They still all had a great time and tried the 20p tightrope challenge and 20p thirty second hula hoop challenge.

Thursday 9th November - Circus Performer Badge, 5th Burbage Brownies, Hinckley, Leicestershire

'Epic' is how one brownie described the evening. Tightrope, hula hooping, didicars, stiltwalking clown clothes and wigs etc. Leaders very helpful in removing and setting up chairs in congregation part of church hall. Also great help unloading and loading van. Worth it in the end. Might need extra green stilts as youngsters predominate in these groups. 

Tuesday 7th November - Circus Performer Badge, Selly Oak Brownies, Birmingham

Tightrope, stiltwalking, didicars, clown wigs, squeaky pogos, pedaloes etc for second of four workshops. Stiltwalking with the aid of zimmer frames very popular. A good fun session.

Friday 3rd November - Bath Racecourse, Somerset

'Light up Lansdown' - the annual fireworks display at Bath Racecourse. Entertained some of the queue with magic at start. Lovely area for my circus skills outside owners and trainers pavilion. Mortar stands proves a success instead of cycle stands for leaning stilts up against. Autistic lad ran away squealing from fireworks. Took him and his dad to circus area to calm down and have a go. Gave staff a go on circus bikes at end of evening. Great weather - chilly but dry.

Tuesday 31st October - Circus Performer Badge, Selly Oak Brownies, Birmingham

First of four workshops. Toothbrush twirling, 2 bean bag trick and 3-twist balloon modelling. Getting leaders up together for toothbrush twirling and balloon modelling practice worked well. Important to get all leaders helping to pass skills on to girls.  

Saturday 28th October - 12th Bilston Cubs, Wolverhampton

Fundraising afternoon with stalls. A chap with his owls there. Did balloon modelling which they enjoyed. A couple of kids learnt hands free stiltwalking. 

Friday 27th October - Keele University, Staffordshire

Usual playscheme fun. 5 kids hands free stiltwalking in a line at one point. 2 carousels seemed enough. 

Wednesday 25th October - Avenue Primary School, Leicester

Circus day for year 1 pupils. Introductory + finishing shows. Am & pm workshops for each class. Lovely to work in this huge hall. Took all 6 carousels. Must think about extending finishing show.

Thur/Fri 19th/20th October - Crumpsall Lane Primary School, Manchester

Circus workshops for year 1 to year 6 pupils as an attendance/behaviour reward treat. A chance for the 'good' pupils to feel appreciated!

Wed/Thur 18th/19th October - Crab Lane Primary School, Manchester

Circus workshops for year 1 to year 6 pupils as an attendance/behaviour reward treat. A chance for the 'good' pupils to feel appreciated! 

Tuesday 17th October - Youth Sandwell Launch day, West Bromwich Albion Community Sports Hall 

Provided a bit of a circus workshop in the midst of other stalls. Policemen + professional footballers had a go on the penny farthings and circus bikes. Chris Brunt + Graham McCauley were the West Brom players. Got a lovely 'thank you' email from the organisers. 

Wednesday 11th October - Circus Performer Badge, 60th Birmingham Brownies

Toothbrush twirling, 2 beanbag trick, peacock feather balancing and 3-twist balloon dog making. Girls really enjoyed the simplified form of workshop. 

Friday 6th October - Circus Performer Badge, Oakleigh Brownies, Bedfordshire

Helpful leaders to get all my stuff in and out of hall in tight schedule. Half height and yellow/green stilts proved correct selection. Tried out backdrop for 1st time. Used for final photo. Took along 6 didicars. Clown clothes a definite must for these Brownie workshops. 

Sunday 1st October - Circus Party, Alvechurch Village Hall, Worcestershire

Lydia's 6th birthday party. Hall had stage area I used for dressing up area and balloon modelling. Somebody posted a review of party which yielded another booking.

Saturday 30th September - YIMBY Festival, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

Lovely afternoon entertaining all with standard fayre of tightrope, trampolines, stilts, circus bikes, spinning plates and clown attire. 'Dads' enthusiastically joining in. Took 'star tent' but wasn't really needed. 

Saturday 23rd September -  Circus Party, Belbroughton Recreation Centre, Worcestershire.

Circus party for 7 year olds Esther & Lucy. Something like 40 turned up including siblings of guests! Rather hectic. Balloon modelling in second half of party calmed it down. Children enjoyed colouring their models.

Friday 22nd September - Wolverhampton MENCAP, Mount Hotel, Tettenhall Wood.

Autumn Ball for Mencap. Did balloon modelling and a little magic. Pleasant evening. Chatted with photographer who trained GPs in computer systems.

Wednesday 20th September - Bourn View Care Home, Birmingham

Circus show for 84 year old Mr Scott and his fellow residents. Mexican hat, club and ball juggling. Minibike riding. Toothbrush twirling sketch. Balloon balancing sketch. Finished off with balloon hats and flower bracelet.

Sunday 17th September - Chepstow Racecourse, Monmouthshire

Big Welsh Car Show. Had a lovely spot next to race track. Weather lovely. New orange stilts seemed popular. Will order another set. One girls fell off cycocycle. Cheered her up with some magic. Lady who booked me up given round of applause by participants!

Saturday 16th September - Ketton Village Fete, Rutland

Lovely small village fete. Regular showers which meant covering tightrope + trampolines with tarpaulins. Must get more tarpaulins to cover bikes and equipment tables. Took tent to put some equipment in. Kids reemerged at 20 to 7 and played till nearly 8 in fading light! 

Sunday 3rd September - Alfreton Party in the Park, Derbyshire

Placed in the middle of the event this year. Wolly the Clown did his stiltwalking and shows. 'Quite good' comment amused me! Bit of a wet day. Punch + Judy by Professor Gilbert was good. Cycocycle + circus bikes popular even in rain. I like Wolly's use of rope stuck to balance beam.

Saturday 2nd September - Donkey Derby, War Memorial Park, Coventry

Fabulous day. Warm weather. Fun watching donkeys fling off the riders! Frank Welsh giving shows. 20m by 20 m perhaps a bit confining. Will ask for more space in future. Wolly turned up whilst packing away. Even 2 year olds tackling the tightrope! 'No swinging' signs on stands worked well.

Wednesday 30th August - Keele University, Staffordshire

One lad with cerebral palsy enjoyed  the winther funracer. Stiltwalking with the aid of zimmer frames again popular. Took dressing up stuff at request of kids in previous session. Alarm system now in place. Neil in foyer as usual.

Friday 25th August - Tennyson Road Primary School, Luton

Playscheme on new sports pitch. Hot day. Perhaps they should set up a gazebo in future for shade. Hula hooping challenges by distance. Time may be a better option? 

Thursday 24th August - Greswold Primary School, Solihull

Playscheme for Greswold Greyhounds. Staff worked very well with kids to help them acquire such skills as stiltwalking. Playground a bit rough. Some of the carts brought inside for a smoother ride. 

Friday 28th July - Keele University, Staffordshire

All the usual fun. 

Wednesday 26th July - Michael Drayton Junior School, Nuneaton, Warwickshire. 

Skill learning included toothbrush twirling. Lee hosted show in afternoon. He has great stage presence. Stiltwalking, tightrope, novelty carts etc. 

Friday 21st July - 12th Bilston Cubs, Wolverhampton, West Midlands 

This pack had 6 - 18 year old SLD members. I took along a selection of my novelty bikes, carts, stilts, dressing up stuff and other odds and ends. Much amusement as scout leaders struggled on the circus bikes. Reasonable participation from the cubs.

Wednesday 19th July - Bryn Deri Primary School, Cardiff, Wales 

 Circus show + circus workshop for each of morning and afternoon nursery. Hall a bit small so used nursery area also for workshop. Took trampolines and build 'n' balance. Only one girl managed minibike. Taught a couple of staff 3 twist balloon. Magic workshop for year 3 & year 5 too(voluntary extra).

Monday 17th July - Our Lady and St Rose of Lima Primary School, Weoley Castle, Birmingham

Circus workshop for year 6 in morning in their own play area. Stilts again popular. Moved equipment to playground in afternoon for 'house' winners to enjoy their circus workshop sessions. Hot day. 

Saturday 15th July - Oakley Carnival, Bedfordshire

I joined the procession on my circus bike at start. Weather wet initially. Dried up. Workshop very successful. Extra 'pole' stilts and bucket stilts helped. Dads enthusiastically joining in on circus bikes, plate spinning and diabolo. 

Thursday 13th July - Hindsford Primary School, Atherton, Lancashire

Circus show as a reward for infant pupils. Staff as excited as pupils and calling out too when some staff on stage dressed as clowns! So easy to give a great 45 minutes for all. 

Wednesday 12th July - Oakmeadow Primary School, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Circus workshop in playground outside. Stiltwalking with the aid of zimmer frames very popular. Morning and afternoon sessions for all 3 yr4/yr5 classes. Should have taken more minibikes. 20p tightrope challenge very popular. 

Tuesday 11th July - Sikh Scout Group, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham

Tightrope, stiltwalking, minibikes and other stuff for end of term bash. I am encouraging scout leaders to learn plate spinning + diabolo. Be nice not to start at the beginning every time.

Tuesday 11th July - St Thomas More Primary School, Coventry

Circus show for Nursery & Reception children. A joy to perform these shows. Pretty much word perfect these days. Made a balloon teddy bear in heart for school secretary.

Saturday 8th July - Goosnargh & Longridge Agricultural Show.

Fabulous day. Weather perfect. Drunk farmers rescued stranded beefburger vehicle after show! Lovely atmosphere. Kids playing long after official finish. Hands free stiltwalking with the aid of zimmer frames a smash hit!

Sunday 2nd July - Pike Pool Lane Scout Camp, Burcot, Worcestershire.

Two hour long circus workshops for scouts on final day of camp. Hands free stiltwalking popular. Circus bikes too. Gave away a couple of stilt sets to scout leaders. Went into garden centre on way back. 

Saturday 1st July - Southco Manufacturing Ltd, Worcester

Annual fun day.  Hemmed in between pony rides & bouncy castle!  Hot day enjoyed by all. Well supplied with drinks by staff.

Friday 30th June - Haslucks Green Junior School Fair, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands.

Hands free stiltwalking very popular. Great help from a teacher who worked with special needs pupils. Minibikes & foot twisters on hard playground. School charged for 15 minute slots. 

Wednesday 28th June - Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Atherton, Lancashire

Reception & year 4 pupils enjoyed am & pm circus workshops. Reception classes started with a show. Year 4 classes started with toothbrush twirling in the morning and a 2 balll juggling trick in the afternoon. Free play for both classes afterwards. Some staff had a go at juggling at lunchtime. 

Sunday 25th June - Moreton Arms, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Children enjoyed the pedal walker with the aid of zimmer frames! Tightrope, carousels, trampolines for toddlers, stilts and hula hoops added to the fun. bit of a wet afternoon. Those who were there made the most of it. 

Saturday 24th June - 1st Llanmynech Brownies, Llanmynech, Shropshire

38 girls. Toothbrush twirling as group activity before free play. Hands free stiltwalking very popular. Set 2 cycle stands a few yards apart as walking challenge. Must get more repaired. 2 broke on day. Nice journey out. Used Jct 3 for 1st time. 

Thursday 22nd June - Freezywater St. George Primary School, Enfield, London

Autistic kids enjoyed participating as equals in the activity workshops in the morning. Hall a little small so carousels & minibikes outside in coned off section of playground. Circus show for all in afternoon. Battery had run down in microphone! 

Saturday 10th June - Cheshire C&C Club, Chelford, Cheshire

Dads enjoyed this as much as the kids. Carousels very popular again. Circus bikes and hands free stiltwalking too. Unicycle with zimmer frames again. 

Saturday 27th May - Birmingham Camping & Caravanning Club, Yew tree farm, Bewdley.

Zimmer frames a success with unicycles. One girl managed five yards challenge. A liitle hands free stiltwalking using cycle stand as support. 

Wednesday 24th May - Castle Primary School, Keynsham, Nr Bristol 

Got up early to drive down. Workshops for years 2 to 6. Balloon modelling at lunchtime for staff. Autistic girl enjoyed magic trick. Later had fun participating.

Tuesday 23rd May - Alvechurch Rainbows & Brownies, Alvechurch, Worcestershire

Beautiful hall with stage to work in.  Free play for rainbows. Toothbrush twirling followed by free play for brownies.

Tuesday 16th - Sunday 21st May - Danish Clown Convention, Svendborg, Denmark

Enjoyable few days. Must adopt a new dress style - shirt & spotty tie! 

Saturday 13th May 2017 - Swanwick Well Dressing, Swanwick, Derbyshire

 Tightrope, trampolines, carousels, foot twisters & hand twisters. Sloping playground.

Wednesday 10th May - Droitwich Challengers, Worcestershire

An evening doing some balloon modelling for adults. Always get a lovely thank you card from this group. 

Monday 1st May - Bath Racecourse, Somerset

Back to more normal numbers today. Good Friday had been hectic! A couple of 11 year olds really enjoyed mastering diabolo.

Sunday 30th April - Circus Party, United Reform Church, Wolverhampton

Nice hall for circus party for 5 year old Emma. Wild whizzing about on carts towards end. Used Build'n'Balance instead of tightrope. A lot more accessible for small ones. 

Thursday 27th April - Bottesford Infant School, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire

3 year 2 classes enjoyed a circus day. Charlie managed both the tightrope challenge and stiltwalking challenge - talented lad. Interrupted final show so he could come on stage for a round of applause. 

Saturday 22nd April - Trakz, Llandudno Junction, Wales

Lovely afternoon. Even took time out to see other circus act. Got chairs from hall for parents to sit on. Took carousels again. Sad to say this event will not be happening in 2018. 

 Wed/Thur 19th/20th April - Cranford Park Academy, London

Circus workshops for Nursery + reception children. Took Build'n'Balance instead of tightrope. Worked well. One little girl performed a simpler version of 2 little dickie birds. Will teach that to younger kids in future. 

Tuesday 18th April - St Helen's Primary Academy, Barnsley, South Yorkshire

100% attendance reward with a circus workshop.'Blake' helped me introduce equipment for his class. Parents of pupils who missed out a little unhappy! 

Sunday 16th April - Coventry Camping & Caravanning Club, Kineton Sports & Social club

Fun inside & outside on a dry day. Even got a nice thank you email ...'Everyone young, and old, had a brilliant time' ... plus they did well on the fundraising front for a charity.

Friday 14th April - Bath Racecourse, Somerset

Gates opened at 11am, earlier than usual. Great success of the day was using the carousels outside. Crowds massive. Pony riding, face painting etc. They could still do with more entertainment for the numbers there. 

Monday 10th April - Keele University, Staffordshire

Took along Build'n'Balance instead of tightrope to this playscheme. Staff said I should continue to do this as more accessible to little ones. Started balloon modelling earlier than usual - about quarter past - probably right thing to do. 

Friday 7th April - Mayflower Primary School, Leicester

Circus day for 6 reception to year 2 classes. One autistic kid loved the carousel so much he had to be dragged away at the end of class. Spoke to head at end of day. I started working there just before he did some ten years ago.

Thursday 6th April - Sandside Lodge School, Ulverston, Cumbria

Celebration day for retiring headteacher. SLD/PMLD school. Mostly older pupils enjoyed activities in a slightly small hall. One girl impressed with her tightrope walking. She could easily learn to stiltwalk to participate in community events.

Friday 31st March - Tyn-y-Wern Primary School, Nr Caerphilly, Wales

Reward afternoon for 100% attendance. KS1 & KS2 sessions. Minibikes and hand held stilts outside for KS2 pupils for more space.Autistic lad integrated well in KS1 session. Waving and chatting to me after a very quiet start.

Friday 24th March - BBC Birmingham, The Mailbox, Birmingham

Department closing down had a day to celebrate. I provided a circus workshop with a little magic and balloon modelling to start the day off. 'Marvin' was quite a character. Used him in a few sketch/demonstrations.  

Tuesday 21st March - The Chalet School, Swindon

School for primary aged autistic children. All very much engaged in activities. Even a "It's a miracle" comment by someone surprised at one kid's engagement. School has started to buy some of the equipment I use which is excellent news.

Monday 27th February - Gunter Primary School, Birmingham

Circus workshop for staff as part of INSET day.. Must take 'circus bike' next time I do one of these. Enjoyed by all. 

Friday 24th February -  Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton

Include Me Too project for autistic children. A dozen kids all absorbed by the activities on offer. Tried the Bulid'n'Balance equipment. Great for smaller areas. Finished with balloon modelling. 

Tuesday 14th February - Reedswood Primary Academy, Walsall, West Midlands

Circus show for 2 reception classes. Parents invited too. One grandad in the show with pink clown dress. Must start to give 3 cheers for 'conscripted clowns' at end. Too many kids sat with parents leading to quieter show. Should get most sitting on floor.

Thursday 2nd February - Ashcroft Infants School, Tamworth, Staffordshire

Circus topic for 3 KS1 classes. Started day with show for all and equipment introduction. Autistic children participated well. Made balloon models for staff at lunchtime. Staff very helpful.

Tuesday 31st January - St Michael's First School, Stone, Staffordshire

 'Circus School for Teachers'. Started with toothbrush twirling for all. Then demonstrated, plate spinning, diabolos, balloon balancing, mexican hat juggling and stiltwalking before free play for staff. Clown dressing up and novelty carts also part of free play.

Tuesday 24th January - Exhall Grange Special School, Coventry

Just one autistic lad didn't join in. The others all had a great day. One showed me he could make a balloon dog. Learnt it off youtube. 2 lads mastered the tightrope. Even a couple of staff got the hang of plate spinning. 

Friday 20th January - Reedswood Primary Academy, Walsall, West Midlands

Circus topic for year 2 pupils enjoying a day of workshops and shows. Balloon modelling at lunchtime for staff to take cute creations to their children and grandchildren. Wonderful caretaker took part in end of day show - obligatory pink clown dress! Huge hall.

Monday 16th January - Crab Lane & Crumpsall Lane Primary Schools, Manchester

Half day at each of these schools to finish with older groups. Didn't use hands free stilts. Enough other stuff to keep them entertained really. 20p tightrope challenge popular. Lively TA's in the morning.

Saturday 14th January - Circus Party, Open Heaven Church, Wednesbury, West Midlands.

 Face painter and cupcake decorator also entertaining at this 7 year old's birthday party. Hall a little small and carpeted. Usual great time had by all.

Friday 13th January - Crab Lane Primary School, Manchester

Circus workshops as a reward. Cerebral palsy lad responded well. Made lots of balloon animals for staff. Van wouldn't start so AA came and replaced battery in morning. 

Thursday 12th January - Crumpsall Lane Primary School, Manchester

Circus workshops as an attendance & behaviour reward. Blind lad first up with his hand to walk the tightrope - unaided! Optimistic lad - "see you next year" he said as his class left. Introduced balloon balancing.

 

 

 

Friday 23rd December - St Peter's Primary School, Leigh, Lancashire

Circus show for the little ones. Wolly did a show for the older children. Easy drive and pleasant show. Magic volunteer really loved his bit. 

Sunday 18th December -  Fox & Goose Pub, Ward End, Birmingham

Xmas 3 hour party. Carousels, walkaroo stilts, bean bag target and minibike gave some practical fun items for the kids to try. Father xmas gave out presents 2-3pm. I then finished with a show. 

Saturday 17th December - Circus Party, Ibis Hotel, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Carpet on the floor meant the carts didn't operate as well. Kids still had the usual great time. Party was for 7 year old Jessica.

Friday 16th December - Somerville Primary School, Birmingham.

Reward circus workshop day for best house. Year 1 to year 6 classes enjoyed tightrope walking, novelty carts, dressing up as clowns and other bits and pieces. 

Thursday 15th December - All Saints Primary School, West Bromwich, West Midlands

100% attendance reward show. Kids were having a breakfast treat so did a bit of interactive stuff too including making balloon hats for teachers. Headteacher impressed by all the laughter.

Wednesday 14th December - Ulverley School, Solihull

Regular booking. Circus show for Reception + Nursery children. One in morning and one in afternoon. A very pleasant day. Made balloon animals for staff at lunchtime. 

Friday 9th December - Eastborough JIN School, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Circus workshops for nursery, reception, Y1 & Y2 classes. One year 1 girl tidied + hung clown clothes up. A pleasant surprise to suddenly notice a tidy stage!

Wednesday 7th December - Moat Farm Junior School, Oldbury, West Midlands

Circus day for year 3 pupils at conclusion of circus topic. A few managed the hands free stilt walking. Started hour long workshops with toothbrush twirling before free play. 

Sunday 4th December - Sainsbury's Xmas Party, Longbridge, Birmingham

Held in staff room. Novelty carts, carousels, minibikes, stilts, balloon modelling. Magic show near end of party. Not forgetting dressing up as clowns of course. Santa paid a visit too. 

Friday 25th November - Dallow Primary School, Luton

Magic show followed by equipment introduction. 3 reception classes enjoyed circus workshops before a final show for all. Autistic girl joined in all the classes and fully participated. 

Friday 4th November - Bath Racecourse, Somerset

Fireworks night! First night time gig with circus workshop. Fairground rides there too. Dry weather. Tightrope, trampolines, spinning plates, diabolos and stilts. Worked very well.

Tuesday 1st November - Avenue Primary School, Leicester

Circus day for 2 year 1 classes studying circus. Day started with show for all KS1. Year 1 pupils then had morning and afternoon workshops before final show. Several autistic pupils joined in from other classes. 

Saturday 29th October - 40th Birthday Party, Shama's Banqeting Suite, Birmingham

Mixture of circus, magic and balloon modelling to keep the kids entertained. 

Friday 21st October - King Rise Academy, Birmingham

Circus show as an attendance/behaviour reward. Nursery to year 3 kids in attendance. Hall a little echoey! 

Tuesday 18th October - Caroline Chisholm School, Northampton

Activity day for infants. 6 classes tried their hand at tightrope, novelty carts, plate spinning, dressing up etc. Squeaky pogo sticks working well. 

Saturday 15th October - Spectrum Days, Droitwich, Worcestershire

3rd birthday party for this PMLD charity. Lovely sunny afternoon. Couple of lads had great fun on tightrope challenge. 

Saturday 8th October - Nottinghamshire Camping & Caravanning Club, Nr Ollerton 

Lovely mild weather. Cycocyle very popular. Tried out unicycle with zimmer frame successfully. In arena following reversing competition and preceding dog show. Great family atmosphere.

Monday 3rd October - Rowley Park Primary Academy, Stafford

Circus show & workshop for nursery class. Used the Build 'n' Balance in a school setting for first time. Nursery children managed the simpler items.

Sunday 11th September - Bath Racecourse, Somerset

In front of final straight. Glorious afternoon. Face painting, pony riding, army and bouncy castles other attractions. Chat with safety officer about risk assessment. Gazebo caught by gust and destroyed when taking down.

Saturday 10th September - Circus Party, Harborne, Birmingham

Garden party in rather damp conditions. 7 year old Ashleigh enthusiastically enjoyed the tiger riding and other activities.

Sunday 4th September - Party in the Park, Alfreton, Derbyshire

Day ended in glorious sun after misty start. Other workshop leader joined me and helped set up. Lad learned to ride unicycle and won 'fiver' challenge. Hung on to 'tuff table' for set off. Best 'party in the park' for audience interaction yet.

Saturday 3rd September - Donkey Derby, Coventry, West Midlands 

Army helped me set up starshade canopy. Rain soaked afternoon! Ideal setting for a sunny day. Given cheque at 4pm so packed away in lull in rain. Nice 'thank you' email from Dave Burton.

Friday 2nd September - St Francis Primary School, Birmingham

Great help from staff setting up and packing away. Enthusiastic new reception class enjoyed their circus afternoon. Did extra magic sketch to break it up. Finished with balloon modelling. 

Wednesday 31st August - Bath Racecourse, Somerset

Sofie helping me out again. Positioned next to parade ring. Nice again after early shower. Wind sprung up so used heavy duty guy ropes towards end. Gazebos so useful for dressing up and jack in the box tables.

Monday 29th August - Chepstow Racecourse, Monmouthshire, Wales

Hot summer day. Separate gazebo for dressing up a great success. So many families getting togged up as clowns for photos. Tuff tables again proving invaluable. Went sightseeing in Chepstow with Sofie afterwards. 

Sunday 28th August - Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands

Circus workshop to support Robert Wilkinson's Funfair. Two gazebos today. One for jack in the box table and other for bucket type stilts on tuff table. Stayed till nearly 7 as weather nice. ELC tiger feet popular with little ones. 

Saturday 27th August - Birmingham DA Camping & Caravanning Club, Hoggrill's End, Warwickshire

Circus workshop held in marquee as rain affected afternoon. 20p challenge exceedingly popular. Some kids even walking the tightrope backwards. Torrential rain when packing away! Immediately rebooked for next year.

Friday 26th August - Tennyson Road Primary School, Luton, Bedfordshire

Playscheme. Only tarmac available. Used car park area as less slope. Autistic lad responded well to training in afternoon. Whizzing along school corridors on foot twisters! Lovely indoor hall for afternoon magic spot. Used both gazebos on hot day.

Thursday 25th August - Edith Moorhouse Primary School, Carterton, Oxfordshire

Playscheme. Toothbrush twirling to start followed by free play. Perhaps should take more minibikes for races? Afternoon magic sketch followed by teach-a-trick. Free play outside concluded with balloon modelling. A couple of girl hands free stiltwalkers. 

Wednesday 24th August - Keele University, Staffordshire

Took foot twisters instead of ezyrollers. Worked well. Carousels used throughout too. Deck chairs an idea for indoor events ... Paul loved his! Clown wigs etc on tuff table great too. Very visible. 

Sunday 21st August -  Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands

Circus workshop in support of Robert Wilkinson's Funfair. Joe turned up to help out. Gazebo to shelter jack in the box table was a great introduction. Tuff table very useful too. Fence useful to lean stuff against. Linked in with charity stall for tightrope challenge.

Friday 19th August - Peulwys Go Green Family Fun Day, Parc Peulwys, North Wales

Wet again. New tarmac area proved ideal for foot twisters, mini penny farthings and circus bikes. Hand held stilts too. Dry conditions would transform the event as the grass gets soaked. 

Tuesday 16th August - St Paul's Community Trust, Balsall Heath, Birmingham

Playscheme for 5 - 11 year olds. Hot afternoon. Enthusiastic play workers taking part. Big area to work in.

Monday 15th August - Circus Party, Moreton Paddox, Warwickshire

Outdoor party for 4 year old Abi. Bouncy castle a big attraction also. Set up both gazebos to provide shade for dressing up table and jack in the box table. Carousel and two spin discs were popular. Need not take trampolines another time. Also foot twisters need a bigger area really. Live and learn! 

Saturday 13th August - Wall Heath Tavern, Kingswinford, West Midlands

Circus workshop in small pub garden. Minibikes were popular even though it wasn't the ideal space for them. Tightrope the mainstay as usual. Jack in the box table hidden away at back. 

Friday 12th August - Michael Drayton Junior School, Nuneaton, Warwickshire

Sunny, successful circus morning. Foot twisters, minibikes, stiltwalking, tightrope, diabolos, dressing up and more. 20p tightrope challenge very popular. Free workshop for 'nerdy' teachers offer. 

Wednesday 10th August - St Joseph's Primary School, Carterton, Oxfordshire

Carterton Fun Club. Circus workshop day. Started with toothbrush twirling before free play. After lunch a magic show together with balloon dog making and teaching 2 little dickie birds. Then back outside for more circus fun. 

Tues 2nd - Sunday 7th August - European Juggling Convention, Amsterdam, Holland

A chance to relax a few days and learn new skills including 'Dapostar'. 

Monday 1st August - Suffolks Primary School, Enfield, London

Circus workshop for playscheme. Determined youngsters mastering tightrope. Only girl learnt hands free stiltwalking. Two little birds magic trick popular too. 

Sunday 31st July - Chepstow Racecourse, Monmouthshire, Wales

Glorious day! Set up next to ponies, face painters and reptiles. Another circus workshop present too. Jack in the box table and dressing up under gazebo.Perfect temperature - not too hot!

Friday 29th July - Keele University, Staffordshire

Motorway jam packed. Kids were sat waiting for me. Started magic sketch straight away as staff unloaded van for me. Finished with balloon modelling. 

Thursday 28th July - Soham Playscheme,  St Andrews School, Cambridgeshire

Well organised playscheme. Multiple activities for kids. Seven 45 minute sessions. Last one slightly curtailed by rain.

Wednesday 27th July - Caia Park & Hightown Fun Day, Wrexham, Wales

Circus workshop on higher ground behind athletics stadium. Energetic DJ giving a great performance nearby. Got a bit sunburnt! Must take spare longer trousers in future just in case.

Tuesday 26th July - St John's Primary School, Kenilworth, Warwickshire

Circus workshop for playscheme in playground. Took foot twisters, hand held stilts, hula hoops and mini penny farthings. Relaxed fun.

Monday 25th July - Alwoodley Primary School, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Circus workshops for years 1 - 4. Started with a show for all. Moved halls at lunchtime. 

Friday 22nd July - Twinkletots Day Nursery, Shard End, Birmingham

Circus show for the little ones. Staff enjoyed it too. 

Thursday 21st July - Marshlands Special School, Stafford, Staffordshire

Received a delightful bunch of thank you cards a few days later. So nice to see these pupils achieve and enjoy.

Wednesday 20th July - St Gregory's Primary School, Coventry, West Midlands

Retiring headteacher pays for circus workshop and other entertainment as a send off gift to the school.  

Tuesday 19th July - Greenfields Primary School, Kettering, Northamptonshire

Circus show for infants. Usual hilarity. 'Wolly' did afternoon show for juniors. Said kids loved the minibike bit.

Monday 18th July - Moat Farm Junior School, Oldbury, West Midlands

Both a teacher and a pupil learnt to unicycle in first session. 'Roman' joined in later classes to inspire other pupils. Bit more space in larger hall in afternoon.

Sunday 17th July - Witchley Warren Festival, Ketton, Rutland

Ideal afternoon. Sunny, bands playing, medieval campsite, plenty of space. Tightrope, trampolines and stilt stands filled a large area for kids/adults to come and try circus skills.Many a bloke looked magnificent astride the penny farthing. Many a bloke came a cropper on the circus bike! 

Saturday 16th July - Sandford Hill Primary School, Stoke, Staffordshire

Had to hire van to get to school fete. Clutch on own van needed replacing. Drizzle to start with. Put bits in emptied year 6 classroom as directed. Put minibikes and stilts into playground area as weather was improving.Circus bike & penny farthing popular too. Finally put trampolines into year 6 classroom too.

Friday 15th July - Merebrook Infant School, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Brief circus show, equipment introduction then workshops for all classes. One of the parents helped me get stuff in at start of day. 

Thursday 14th July - Savile Town Infant School, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Circus workshops for Nursery to year 2 pupils. Extra session at lunchtime for autistic pupils. One in particular responded well by learning ezyroller. TA's very interested in my equipment. Suggested to headteacher it would be better if TA's could be taught ways to improve their special needs pupils.

Wednesday 13th July - Mayflower Primary School, Leicester

Circus workshop day for year 6 leavers. Unicycling, tightrope walking, stiltwalking, pedal walker racing, toothbrush twirling, plate spinning etc. Two lads learnt to unicycle.

Saturday 9th July - Goosnargh & Longridge Agricultural show, Lancashire

Provided a circus workshop in a 20 metre square area next to the poultry tent. Saw a Massey Ferguson 35 - first tractor I drove. Bit of a soggy day. Tarpaulins came in very useful till rain stopped.

Tuesday 5th July - St Barnabus School, Wellingborough, Northamprtonshire

Circus workshop in church hall & garden for 59 year 2 pupils.  Parents made sandwiches. Novelty carts inside. Tightrope & stiltwalking outside. Finished off with end sketch from show. lovely afternoon.

Monday 4th July -  Boyne Hill Infant & Nursery School, Maidenhead, Berkshire

Circus show to get 'em laughing followed by circus workshops for morning & afternoon nursery groups. Autistic girl responded very well. Helpful caretaker an ex Ford tractor driver on his subsistence farm in Ireland. 

Saturday 2nd July - Southco Manufacturing Limited, Worcester

Company fun day. Next to pony riding! Discovered diabolos could hang over cycle stands quite neatly. Usual delightful day. Measured up for ordering tarpaulins. Placed balance beam next to tightrope which worked well. 

Sunday 26th June - Moreton Arms, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Funday for armed forces. Balloon modelling instead of circus skills as van out of action. Andrew gave me a lift - arranged by Sofie. Bit of a wet afternoon. 

Saturday 25th June - Newport Pagnell Carnival, Buckinghamshire

Disaster!! Van broke down on the way there - fuel pump. Transported back by AA and van deposited in front of garage. 

Wednesday 22nd June - Methley Primary School, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Circus workshop for year 6 leavers. 3 won the 'fiver for 5 yards' on a unicycle challenge. Both classes worked up routines in the skills on offer to show parents at end of day show. Excellent way for schools to show off their pupils.

Saturday 18th June - Circus Party, Pelsall Community Centre, West Midlands

Circus Party for 5 year old Reece. A quiet lad. When I introduced the balloon swords the kids promptly started to stamp on and burst them! This terrified a couple of the kids so I stopped making any more. Otherwise the usual success and a great hall to work in. AA attended too as my van only just made it!! 

Thursday 16th June - Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Atherton, Manchester, Lancashire

Circus show & workshops for years R, Y2 & Y4. Y4 loved the new stilts from America. One fearful little girl was introduced to me as she was scared of clowns! She soon changed her mind and was dressing up as one herself later!! 

Sunday 12th June - Wootton Wawen Primary School, Warwickshire

Garden party held on school playground. Trampolines for toddlers at one end under cover. Stiltwalking + tightrope at other side of stalls. Thunderstorm brought proceedings to an abrupt end! Must get tarpaulins to stop stuff getting soaked!! 

Saturday 11th June - Mickleton village fete, Gloucestershire 

Well organised event. Used the 'band' tent for the trampolines and jack in the box table. 20p challenge for stiltwalking -  ground up chalk for lines. Giant bubble blowing whilst packing away equipment.

Friday 10th June - Whitecote Primary School, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Queen's birthday celebrations. Circus shows for nursery to year 3. Circus workshops for older children. 20p hand held stiltwalking challenge very popular. Caretaker very helpful all day - indeed demonstrated and helped organise the stiltwalking!

Tuesday 7th June - Burchetts Green Infant School, Maidenhead, Berkshire

Circus topic has come again for this school. Small hall so mixture of inside & outside. Tried out giant bubble making at lunchtime. Kids loved to have a go. Must get more sticks to avoid arguments! 

Wednesday 1st June - Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Include Me TOO charity booking for special needs children. Upstairs booking so didn't take  tightrope. Kids very calm and enjoyed gentle exercise on the didicars etc. Made balloon animals for all to take home. 

Sunday 29th May - Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands

Circus skills workshop to support Robert Wilkinson's Funfair. Lovely warm afternoon. Should take trampolines for toddlers next time. Circus bikes abandoned at cafe! 

Friday 27th May - Tweendykes Special School, Hull, East Yorkshire

Staff had a great time ... as did the kids! Hands free stiltwalking featured too. Finished the day with a show. Connor did his didicar spot to great acclaim. 

Tues/Wed 24th/25th May - Cranford Park Academy, London

Entertaining nursery + reception children with circus workshops. Special needs groups also given short slots too. Chatted with PE teacher how he could improve the lives of these children.

Tuesday 17th - Sunday 22nd May - Danish Clown Convention, Svendborg, Denmark

Fun in Denmark for a few days. Impressed by giant bubble making. Must add to circus workshop. 

Monday 16th May - Osbaldwick Primary School, York

Year 6 circus day. A boy and a girl both succeeded at five yard challenge. school had 2 unicycles of their own so together with my 2 was added to lunchtime activities.

Sunday 15th May - Circus Party, Twyford Scout hut, Berkshire

Joint circus party for 8 year old Emily + Cara. Stilts added for the slightly older age. Weghted pole cages with rope balls.

Saturday 14th May - Circus Party, Thorpe Hall, Thorpe Salvin, South Yorkshire

Garden circus party for 6 year old Tara. Bouncy castle and other assorted odds + ends made this possible. Did a lot of balloon modelling too. Nice tip from parents!

Saturday 7th May - Llandudno Junction Trakz Festival, Wales

Met foster dad of spina bifida lad from previous year. Said life had been transformed by use of hand twister I had introduced to him. Got him started on foot twister with help of cushion.

Monday 2nd May - Bath Racecourse, Somerset

Wet day. Hand held stilts v. successful. Tightrope popular as was circus bike. Took 'outdoor' clown dressing up. Yellow gazebo great for shelter, spinning plates and jack in the box table.

Saturday 30th April - NWDA Camping & Caravanning Club, Kineton, Warwickshire

Annual fun on concrete area in front of large barn on a farm. Libby, an extra persistent 7 year old finally managed the 20p tightrope challenge to huge applause! Sweet stall benefitted from the many other 20p winners.

Tuesday 26th April - Rockets OOSC, Clapham Terrace Primary School, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

After school club. Balloon dog making to start with. Then magic + balloon sword making. As kids disappeared brought other equipment including popular stilts in.

Sunday 24th April - Circus Party, Pattingham Village Hall, Nr Wolverhampton, West Midlands

Circus Party for 6 year old Arthur John. A second lovely hall this weekend. Kids loved stage to perform on. Chatted to ex-butcher who swept up at end of party.

Saturday 23rd April - Circus Party, St Paul's Church Hall, Nottingham

Circus Party for 7 year old 'blonde surfer' Toby. Rather wild & hectic particularly after tea break. Must make balloon dogs before party. Great big hall. Toby enjoyed it to the very end.

Wednesday 20th April - Grove Primary School, Malvern, Worcestershire

Attendance reward treat. Lovely school hall. 20p tightrope challenge very popular. Took pedalos for use with staffs as support. Might take shallower pedalos in future. Great help from pupils transporting stuff in and out.

Wednesday 13th April - Nether Edge Primary School, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Attendance reward treat. Circus show for infants followed by workshops for juniors. Added magic tricks too. Doubled attendance from last year suggests treats are working.

Wednesday 6th April - Circus Party, Wednesbury Baptist Church, West Midlands

5th birthday party for Jude. Party mum seemed delighted! Nice way to earn a living giving a great time and memories to last.

Wednesday 6th April - Stonehouse Gang, Selly Oak, Birmingham, West Midlands

Circus workshop for 6 - 12 year old's. Lots of volunteers to help. Offered the volunteers a free workshop to acquire more skills themselves.

Tuesday 5th April - Keele University Playscheme, Staffordshire.

One and a half hour workshop for a regular client. Balloon modelling very popular towards end. Must dish out large size clear bags in future.

Monday 4th April - Martin Frobisher Infant School, Altofts, Yorkshire

Circus workshop day for 3 infant classes starting this topic. Day finished with parent presentation. Final show concluded with the headteacher attired in clown outfit - along with a teacher and parent.

Sunday 27th March - Coventry Caravanning Club, Kineton, Warwickshire

Kineton sports & social club was the venue for this circus skills session. Inside tightrope & novelty carts. Outside novelty bikes and stiltwalking. Balloon modelling too. Great appreciative crowd.

Wednesday 23rd March - Allensbank Primary School, Cardiff, Wales

100% attendance treat for all pupils. Participants had morning and afternoon sessions. Got good help with equipment transporting as hall on 1st floor.

Tuesday 22nd March - Mayflower Primary School, Leicester

Treat for reception, year 1, year 2 under the guise of some physical skills whatever. A good time had by all. Balloon modelling popular at lunchtime for staff.

Saturday 19th March - Circus Party, Fairfield Village Hall, Worcestershire

Cerys' 7th birthday. Great hall with stage area for dressing up. Facepainter too. Party tea held on picnic mats laid out on floor.

Friday 18th March - St Oswald's Academy, Nr Doncaster, Yorkshire

Attendance & behaviour reward. An afternoon of circus fun for infants first then juniors. Autistic lad had a great time participating fully in session. Helpful caretaker sorted out unloading spot on grass.

Thursday 17th March - St Patrick's Catholic Primary School, Birmingham

Celebrating St Patrick's Day. After mass, kids later experienced a circus show(infants) or circus workshops(juniors). Introduced plate spinning in style taught by Wolly.

Monday 7th March - Cam Woodfield Infant School, Gloucestershire

Year 1 kids arrived at school in circus costumes for their circus workshop. So much better for the photographic record. Introduced elephant and lamb jack in the boxes.

Thursday 3rd March - Weavers Close Primary School, Earl Shilton, Leicestershire

Circus workshop treat day for one year 2/3 class. All building towards a performance for the parents at the end of the day. Teacher donned ringmasters tailcoat and acted as compere for pupils performing stiltwalking and allsorts through to a final charge on stage by the clowns.

Sunday 28th February - Circus Party, Featherstone Community Centre, Staffordshire

Massive hall! Tables and seating for adults either side of large floor and stage area. 6 year old Abi enjoyed every moment. Given blow up barbells.Adults had a good go too!

Friday 26th February - Furze Platt Infant School, Maidenhead, Berkshire

Circus day for 3 year 1 classes. Chatted with the new caretaker at lunch. Finished day squirting all 90 pupils with water!

Monday 22nd February - Cam Woodfield Infant School, Gloucestershire

Circus show for 60 year 1 pupils studying circus topic. Zack a little quiet as magician volunteer. Forgot 'magic line'!

Saturday 20th February - Curve Theatre, Leicester

Circus workshop for family fun day. Met several teachers. Theatre experiencing similar problems to myself in reaching out to schools. Great help moving equipment.

Friday 19th February - Include Me TOO, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton.

SLD kids enjoyed a circus workshop. Did quite a bit off balloon modelling too which was extremely popular. Must get a downstairs room next time!

Monday 15th February - Autism West Midlands, Kidderminster Youth House, Worcestershire

Wonderful hall to work in !!! 6- 11 year olds in morning - finished off with balloon modelling. 12 - 18 year olds in afternnoon. One 12 year old promised to learn to do his shoelaces by next time.

Saturday 13th February - Circus Party, Bilbrook Scout Hut, Nr Wolverhampton

6 year old Imogen enjoyed a mostly girls party. Girls in particular enjoyed colouring balloon dogs, swords etc in second half of party. One joined lots together for her own fancy creation.

Thursday 11th February - St Christopher's Primary School, Coventry, West Midlands

Circus show + circus workshops for 2 reception classes whilst some building work was done on their classrooms. Any excuse!! Lad in wheelchair enjoyed spin disc.

Friday 5th February - St Leonard's First School, Ipstones, Staffordshire

Circus topic for R & Yr 1. Small school so yrs 2,3,4 also joined in. Year 2 lad stiltwalked in final show with parents invited.

Saturday 30th January - The Rise Social Club, Perry Barr, Birmingham

Circus show for mixed ages at 1st birthday party for twins. Finished with balloon modelling.

Friday 29th January - Sandal Magna Academy - Wakefield, Yorkshire

100% attendance reward day. 'Best incentive ever' comment from year 4 girl as she finished her circus workshop. Lovely helpful school.

Friday 22nd January - St Patricks Catholic Primary School, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Circus day for Nursery & Reception pupils. Balloon modelling in staffroom at lunchtime very poular too. (Make cute balloon animals for staff to take home).

Thursday 21st January - Mapperley Plains Primary School, Nottingham

3 year 1/2 classes all dressed up for circus topic. Many parents attended end of day show. Headteacher inevitably ended up in a pink clown dress and clown wig in final sketch of show!

Tuesday 19th January - Micklands Primary School, Reading, Berkshire

Circus topic for 2 year 2 classes. 'Vertically challenged' pupil enthusiastically learnt hands free stiltwalking for final show!

Saturday 16th January - King's Norton Baptist Church, Birmingham

Only one girl turned up for show. Kept this lively lass entertained with odds & ends whilst priest supplied tea & biscuits for adults.

Friday 15th January - Steeton Primay School, Yorkshire

3 mixed yr1/yr2 classes enjoyed their circus day. Autistic lad spent workshop slot at jack in the box table. Staff took me to local cafe for lunch!

Wednesday 13th January - Tweendykes Special School, Hull, East Yorkshire

SLD/PMLD school. Staff and children all enjoyed themselves on the novelty equipment and dressing up as clowns.

Monday 11th January - Scott Lower School, Bedford

Lovely big hall for year 2 to enjoy a circus day. Don't need jigsaw and jack-in-the-box table for this age group. Must take hands free stilts instead next time.

Friday 8th January - St Mary's Primary School, Stoke

Attendance + behaviour reward. Show for little ones. Magician helper threw glasses away initially - kept him onside with a warning. Toothbrush twirling + peacock feather balancing for juniors.

Thursday 7th January - Poplars Farm Primary School, Bradford, West Yorkshire

Circus topic for nursery & reception classes. One year 2 lad recalling his experience 2 years ago said 'Best day of my life!'. Jigsaw table in use. New caretaker helped with stuff out at end of day.

Tuesday 5th January - Oaklands Special School, Walsall Wood, West Midlands

Primary aged SLD/PMLD pupils enjoyed a day on varied equipment.Tightrope, didicars, ezyrollers, rebound rollers, whirl o wheels and the magic roundabout just some of the items.

 

 

  

Circus Skills Workshops, Circus Shows and Circus Parties in 2015

Sunday 27th December - Circus Party, Butt Lane Community Centre, Stoke

5 year old Rufus even had a bar at his party. His dad had added a flavour of 'Eastenders' to the proceedings! 'Best party ever' comments as usual.

Sunday 20th December - Fox & Goose Pub, Ward End, Birmingham

Circus & magic show - kids wanted more! Followed with balloon modelling & jack in the box table + spinning plates.

Saturday 19th December - British Legion, Northfield, Birmingham

Balloon modelling for adult xmas party. Just as popular as last year. Minibike fun at end.

Friday 18th December - Wolverhampton Mencap Xmas Party

Balloon modelling & a bit of circus skills. Didicars, foam stilts, jack in the box, spinning plates and mexican hats. Appreciative bunch.

Friday 18th December - Park Infant School, Kettering, Northamptonshire

Two am circus shows in a narrow hall. Flower water squirt such a great way to end shows with a fever pitch of excitement!

Thursday 17th December - Braunstone Community Primary School, Leicester

Circus show as an attendance reward. Really got these shows sussed these days. Must advertise for more.

Thursday 17th December - St Vincent's Catholic Primary School, Birmingham

Circus show for very enthusiastic class of 3 year olds. Staff a great help and seemed to enjoy participating as clowns in final sketch.

Tuesday 15th December - Ulverley School, Solihull

Am & pm shows for nursery & reception children. Two classes of 8 (ADHD) pupils betwixt shows. Taught 2 half hour sessions of balloon modelling and magic.

Monday 14th December - St Catherine's Catholic Primary School, Wigan, Lancashire

Circus show for reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils.

Sunday 13th December - Circus Party, Rowley Regis, West Midlands

3 hour circus party for 4 year old Eshwar. Party mum also booked bouncy castles and costume characters. Costume characters did a bit of song and dance to fill out middle hour of party.

Saturday 5th December - Circus Party, Northfield, Birminingham

Holloway Hall provided a lovely venue for this 11 year old's birthday party(Alex). Dad was a DJ so provided the music. Kids sat on floor for mid-party break.

Wednesday 2nd December - The Abbey Primary School, Northampton

Circus workshop day for year 5 & 6. Walkaroo stilts proving very useful for older pupils. Mexican hat juggling and toothbrush twirling too added skill to the more fun activities.

Sunday 29th November - Circus Party, Warwick Gates Community Centre, Leamington Spa

Leaving party for Italian family. Lovely huge hall. 18m by 18m. Used daughter as translater!

Friday 27th November - Circus Show, Borrow Wood Primary School, Derby

Second show of day. Blew balloons up as part of final sketch. Time saver if a little late. Reception and Nursery pupils.

Friday 27th November - Circus Show, Ark Rose Academy, King's Norton, Birmingham

One of the teachers delightfully took on her own 'clown personna' in final sketch! I left her to it as the pupils revelled in her antics in putting clown dress on.

Saturday 21st November - Circus Party, Allesley Scout Hut, Coventry

Coldest day of year ... panic as van didn't start! AA called and just made it to 6 year old Ellis' party on time. All the usual fun.

Friday 20th November - St Edmund's Catholic School, Birmingham

Circus show for the infants and circus workshops for the juniors to celebrate St Edmund's feast day.

Thursday 12th November - 2nd Claines brownies, Worcestershire

Circus performer badge for this brownie group.Sofie came along to help me out. Especially helpful blowing balloons up for girls to make into 3 twist balloon dogs.

Thursday 5th November - Dallow Primary School, Luton

Circus workshop day for 3 reception classes. Booked to give them some fun! Autistic year1 lad joined in afternoon class successfully.

Tuesday 27th October - Avenue Primary School, Leicester

Circus workshop day for 2 year 1 classes. 150 kids got to see initial show. Jigsaw table again a nice addition to workshop.

Saturday 24th October - Circus Party, Jaguar Sports & Social Club, Coventry, West Midlands

One hour circus party after kids had enjoyed a swimming session. Jack, Harry and Archie had just turned 5. Dice trick for pre show build up.

Thursday 22nd October - Shelton Infant School, Derby

Circus workshop day held in marquee in front of school. 7 classes - 30 minute sessions with am & pm intoductory shows.

Tuesday 20th October - Calverley Primary School, Leeds, Yorkshire

Circus workshop day for 2 reception classes. They came in clown costume - great for photographs. Introduced circus jigsaw table for afternoon sessions. Did dice trick at start of pm sessions.

Sunday 18th October - Circus Party, Weston under Wetherley, Warwickshire

Village hall provided a lovely venue. Over 30 kids so a bit packed! 5 year old Kian had a great party.

Friday 16th October - Chellow Heights Special School, Bradford, Yorkshire

Circus workshops for classes at the south site of this school. Suggested improved use of didicars they own themselves.

Tues 13th/Wed 14th October - Warren Special School, Lowestoft, Suffolk

Lovely relaxed school to spend 2 days entertaining all the SLD/PMLD classes. Popped down to the beach in Great Yarmouth.

Monday 12th October - St Saviour's Primary School, Talke, Staffordshire

Circus show for nursery & reception pupils. Usual fun & laughter. School secretary very helpful.

Sunday 11th October - Birthday Party, West Bromwich, West Midlands

Balloon modelling to keep the kids entertained at a 1st birthday party. The kids also joined in blowing up balloons and making them themselves.

Thursday 8th October - St Anne's Catholic Primary School, Wrexham, Wales

Circus workshops for reception through year 6. Worked remarkably well. Stiltwalking for older pupils in afternoon. Tightrope 20p challenge also effective.

Tuesday 6th October - Chellow Heights Special School, Bradford, Yorkshire

PMLD classes had pupils capable of making some progress on my equipment which was good. One girl on rebound roller in particular improved to sitting up whilst being wheeled around. SLD/PMLD/Autistic school.

Sunday 4th October - Circus Party, Bournville, Birmingham

3rd circus party for same family. Emily was 5 and enjoyed it just as much.

Saturday 3rd October - Circus Party, Coalville, Leicestershire

Long, narrow hall. Elizabeth enjoyed the pink ezroller best on her 7th birthday. Girls enjoyed colouring in balloon models in second half of party.

Friday 2nd October - University Hospital, Coventry

Volunteered to do some balloon modelling in the childrens ward. Also taught magic and balloon modelling in the hospital school.

Thursday 1st October - Woolaston Primary School, Netherend, Gloucestershire

Circus Show for infants. Had large size ckown noses for staff for final sketch. Sunny day. Lovely drive through the countryside.

Tuesday 29th September - Nyland Special School, Swindon, Wiltshire

EBD school. Pupils behaved wonderfully in my class. Tightrope, stiltwalking, novelty carts & dressing up. Great day.

Sunday 27th September - Circus Party, Coalville, Leicestershire

7 year old Lola had a great time. Pink ezyroller was her favourite item. Girls enjoyed colouring in balloon models in second half of party.

Thursday 24th September - Marden Primary Academy, Herefordshire

Circus show for 20 something pupils. Discounted show to make sure I remember lines after summer break!

Saturday 19th September - Broxford Juggling Convention, Nr Oxford

Used cycle rack stand to give support for hands free stilt walkers. Worked nicely. Enjoyed fire show later.

Sunday 13th September - Bath Racecourse, Somerset

Family fun day. New 3 metre by 4.5 metre yellow gazebo worked perfectly to house toddler activities. Long pedalo worked well too.

Wednesday 9th September - Boston Pioneers Free School, Boston, Lincolnshire

2 year 1 classes enjoyed a circus day. Parents joined in doing some balloon modelling in the afternoon. Autistic reception year pupil had a couple of sessions between classes and responded magnificently.

Monday 7th September - Pipers Corner School, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

First private school for circus workshops. Introductory day for year 7 pupils. One girl who didn't participate at first ended up as a star pupil in finishing show.

Sunday 6th September - Party in the Park, Alfreton, Derbyshire

Pedro here with his circus workshop too. Makes good use of music. Must copy! He helped put up my star shade canopy too. Lovely sunny afternoon. Boxing going on in nearby tent.

Saturday 5th September - Emma's Trust Summer Festival, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire

David Cameron walks by. His daughter turns down an invitation to walk the tightrope. Sees enough of her dad doing that I guess. Wonderful afternoon. Use star shade canopy for first time. All stilts in use. Finally dismantle tightrope at 8.30pm.

Saturday 29th August - Birmingham DA camping & caravanning club, Hogrills Lane End, Warwickshire

Flat grass field on a pleasant afternnon was the backdrop for ~ 40 kids to enjoy themselves. Adults of course joining in. Hands free stiltwalking popular.

Friday 28th August - St Francis Primary School, Birmingham

Lovely big hall for new reception pupils to enjoy the circus show & workshop. Very lively afternoon.

Tuesday 25th August - Crossley Park, Ripley, Derbyshire

Outdoor circus workshop around a bandstand. Little ones raced around on the foot twisters. Tightrope, trampolines, stiltwalking, hula hooping etc etc

Friday 14th August - Peulwys Go Green Family Fun Day, Parc Peulwys, North Wales

Rained all 3 and a half hours of drive here! Dry afternoon with novelty circus bikes most popular.

Thursday 13th August - The Opportunities Centre, Wrexham, Wales

Family fun day for local estate. Mini penny farthings popular. Nice doing all these outdoor workshops in the summer.

Wednesday 12th August - Market Drayton Junior School, Warwickshire

Playscheme for 5 - 12 year olds. Introduced 5 metre stiltwalking challenge very successfully. PE teacher there who works for Coventry City FC.

Sat 1st Aug - Sun 9th August - European Juggling Convention, Bruneck, Italy

An annual fun and learning extravaganza! Practised my balloon busking in the market place. Hot weather!!

Thursday 30th July - Mary Elliot Special School, Walsall, West Midlands

Playscheme booking for a delightful mixture of special needs kids. One 'little' lad reluctant to join in at first. Overcame his shyness and had great fun.

Wednesday 29th July - Autism West Midlands, West Bromwich Community Centre.

Autistic children learnt a variety of skills from toothbrush twirling to stiltwalking. Clown clothes, enthusiastically worn, added to the fun and pictures were taken.

Saturday 25th July - Badsey Flower Show, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire

Wonderful village fete! Spitfire fly past, flower show, pony riding, ferret racing, street entertainer ... Lovely afternoon sited between bar and bouncy castle.

Thursday 23rd July - Keele University, Staffordshire

Started playscheme with a show - invisible frog, dice, monkey bar, vanishing silk. 2 mini penny farthings popular. Balloon modelling 3 - 3.30. Getting formula right for this playscheme.

Wednesday 22nd July - Riverside Special School, Orpington

Lovely lady in charge of this playscheme. Great fun getting the autistic kids in particular to have a go on the equipment. Hall floor 'spongy'. Prefer solid wooden floors for carts to work best.

Tuesday 21st July - Grampian Primary Academy, Derby

Hall a bit small so carts and jack in the box table outside. Attendance reward day. Showed + explained 2 little birds magic trick to TA's being interviewd!

Monday 20th June - St John's Primary School, Kenilworth

Outside playscheme. Stiltwalking popular with a playhouse to hold on and walk round for beginners. Whizzing the carts downhill across playground popular too. Bit of toothbrush twirling too.

Friday 17th July - Stoke Heath Primary School, Coventry, West Midlands

Circus show for nursery & reception pupils. Had new colouful GANT jersey for first time. Staff loved taking part in final balloon balancing sketch.

Thursday 16th July - Wollescote Primary School, Stourbridge.

Circus show for nursery + reception children with parents too. Usual good laughs finishing with a good squirting of water over the pupils!

Wednesday 15th July - Ysgol Y Berllan Deg, Cardiff, Wales

First ever welsh speaking school! Toothbrush twirling, peacock feather balancing, 2 ball juggling and a couple of magic tricks taught to various junior classes. Balloon modelling popular with staff at lunchtime.

Monday 13th July - Holme Hall Primary School, Chesterfield

Circus workshops for whole school followed by performance to parents. Enthusiastic male headteacher had a go on everything!

Saturday 11th July - St Annes Primary School, Aldridge, West Midlands.

Did second half of garden party. Hands free stiltwalking very popular. Last to leave as usual. Request to book me next year.

Saturday 11th July - Hothouse Fun Day, Aldridge, West Midlands

Street party with fire engine, stalls, music and my circus workshop. Did the 20p toothbrush twirlinge challenge for the first time.

Friday 10th July - Tardebigge First School, Worcestershire

200th aniversary for this school. Circus workshops for reception to year 4 pupils outside on the playground, on the grass and inside the marquee. Staff couldn't quite believe my variety of equipment.

Tuesday 7th July - Mayflower Primary School, Leicester

Year 6 leavers day of circus skills. Stiltwalking a little disappointing today. Only one girl succesful. Took a tour of corridor and dining room to delight of younger pupils.

Sunday 5th July - Rosie's Walk, Aldridge Airfield, Walsall

My annual appearance at this event. Storm blew up, gazebo took flight and crashed into my gazebo taking it along with it. Rather unlucky as probable right off.

Saturday 4th July - Southco Manufacturing Limited, Worcester

Company fun day. Squashed in amongst loads of bouncy castles and other fairground attractions. Good weather, free food, drinks & ice cream! Did 20p hula hoop challenge.

Friday 3rd July - Holy Rood Primary School, Swindon

Circus show for 180 R, Y1, Y2 pupils followed by circus workshops for each class. Hall a bit small so dressing up in library and ezyrollers and jack in the box table outside.

Wednesday 1st July - Eckington Camm's Primary School, Derbyshire

Circus workshops for infant classes. At lunch retrieved one lad from 'behaviour room' to show off his unicycling skills to staff and pupils. He will now appear in upcoming school musical.

Tuesday 30th June - Eckington Camm's Primary School, Derbyshire

Circus workshops for junior classes. 20p tightrope challenge very popular. Hands free stiltwalking so successful am lending 2 pairs of stilts + trousers for their upcoming musical.

Sunday 28th June - The Moreton Arms(Pub), Wolverhampton

Lovely Sunny afternoon. Provided circus workshop on lawn outside for their family fun day. Kids played with pop up bins after emptying equipment!

Friday 26th June - Meadow Green Primary School, Worcestershire

Circus workshop day for 'Castles' topic! Any excuse for the great fun I provide! 3 nursery + reception classes got 2 shows + a circus workshop.

Thursday 25th - St Mark's RC Primary School, Birmingham

Circus show and balloon modelling for new reception intake. Kids got hold of my squirty flower after show and had fun themselves!

Thursday 25th June - Rakegate Primary School, Wolverhampton

Circus Show for nursery + reception classes. Headteacher popped in for a peek - then found himself on stage in a clown dress and a pink wig! Good fun.

Sunday 21st June - Defence Medical Services, Whittington, Staffordshire

Garden Party. Set up tightrope, trampolines, magic roundabouts on lawn. 20p tightrope challenge popular. Balloon modelling - making swans, giraffes, elephants, dogs, swords etc for kids to decorate with sharpies themselves.

Saturday 20th June - Selly Manor Museum, Bournville, Birmingham

Bit of a wet afternoon! Three 8/9 year olds enjoyed their stiltwalking kilted up with stilt trousers. Family friendly atmosphere.

Friday 19th June - Boxgrove Primary School, Guildford, Surrey

Three year 3 classes. Taught autistic lad magic trick before school. He opened first two classes for me with a demonstration. Taught toothbrush twirling followed by free play in the classes. One teacher mastered trick circus bike.

Thursday 18th June - Cambridge University

Staff afternoon party at sports centre. Brass band, magician and my circus stuff. Quite a few staff could juggle. Did some ball passing with one lady. Circus bike and minibikes popular too.

Mon/Tues 15th/16th June - Roath Park Primary School, Cardiff, Wales

Two most enjoyable days here. Circus shows for nursery to year 2 and circus/magic workshops for years 3,4 and 5. Did after school club with balloon modelling tuition. Improved one teachers balloon modelling skills in preparation for school fair.

Friday 12th June - Kirkdale St Lawrence Primary School, Liverpool

Circus Show for nursery to year 2 pupils followed by workshops for years 3-6. Some notable hands free stiltwalking. One lad said first time he'd succeeded at anything.

Thursday 11th June - Ysgol Llansynyd, Wrexham, Wales

Circus workshop for after school club. Did a bit of balloon modelling beforehand for year 4 & 5 pupils in school time. Tightrope and hands free stiltwalking particularly popular in playground after school.

Thursday 4th June - Kennet Valley Primary School, Lockeridge, Wiltshire

Circus workshop day for 13 year 6 pupils. Finished with a show for the parents. Pupils loved it. Teaching the pupils balloon modelling after lunch a particular success. Stiltwalking the most popular circus activity.

Monday 1st June - Oriel Academy, Hounslow, London

Circus shows for morning and afternoon nurseries. Watched by parents. Little ones responded wonderfully as volunteers too - sometimes they can be a little shy.

Sunday 31st May - Robert Wilkinson's Funfair, Canon Hill Park, Birmingham

Circus workshop booked to hep attract custom for Robert's funfair. Weather steadily improved so stayed till past 7. Lovely afternoon with circus bikes a great challenge for the adults.

Saturday 30th May - Deganwy Prom Day, North Wales

Scenic coastline setting, a trifle windy. Gazebo needs sidewalls in these settings! Bookers delighted with proceedings. Nice size event to cater for.

Wednesday 20th - Sunday 24th May - Danish Clown Festival, Svendborg

A lovely relaxing week away learning ideas from other clowns and helping entertain the townsfolk of Svendborg.

Sunday 17th May - Circus Party, Olton Friary, Solihull

Asked to do one hour party so dad could do games after tea. Took carts + trampolines so easy to pack away in tea break. Successful.

Saturday 16th May - Swanwick Well Dressing, Swanwick, Derbyshire

Sloping car park meant a slightly tricky venue. Foot twisters hurtling one way! Very sunny finish. Pinxton puppets did 3 shows too.

Thursday 14th May - Caldecote Primary School, Leicester

Attendance reward for year 6 class. 5 won a peacock feather from the balancing challrnge. Balloon doggie making very popular too.

Saturday 9th May - Circus Party, Harpenden, Hertfordshire

Isla's 6th birthday. Usual fun. Colouring in of balloon models was very popular with girls in the second half of the party.

Monday 4th May - Bath Racecourse, North East Somerset

Lovely if rather hectic day of entertaining here. Circus bikes again great for the adults. Might take minibikes if booked again. Given 15 metres by 15 metres which got quite crowded!

Saturday 2nd May - NWDA camping + caravanning club, Combrook, Warwickshire

Concrete surface. Took foot twisters for kids to play on. Tightrope trampoliness, stilts etc. Circus bikes + penny farthing too. Immediate rebooking for next year.

Thursday 30th April - Bushmead Primary School, Luton

Reception pupils + staff all came in clown costume for the day. Kai hobbled in after the others on his walking frame for the circus show. In the afternoon he was whizzing about on the junior ezyroller. Fastest kid in the class, you would have no idea he had cerebral palsy. At the end of the day he approached the hall with his mum. Slow enough for me to grab the ezyroller and give it to him as a present before they could ask what they were and where you could get them from. Anyone reading this entry is always welcome to ring for ideas for pupils with mobility problems.

Sunday 26th April - Circus Party, Oliver Bird Hall, Solihull, West Midlands

Michaela's 7th Party was a very lively one! Scouts helped get stuff up stairs - so useful! Great space and stage here to work in. Got a 20 pound tip so everyone must be happy!

Saturday 25th April - Autism West Midlands, West Bromwich Community Centre.

Quiet black lad cleverly learnt how to master circus bike. Shall copy his technique to teach others. Noisy girls in afternoon enjoyed tightrope and stiltwalking. Good day.

Friday 24th April - Hawbush Primary School, Brierley Hill, West Midlands

Two circus shows. Morning for nursery and reception. Afternoon for nursery. "You are so silly!" comments interupting the show. Paid for by PTA.

Thursday 23rd April - Cleobury Mortimer Primary School, Shropshire

Circus workshop day for 2 reception and 2 Y1/Y2 classes. Vanishing silk trick went across very well whilst waiting for last class to turn up for show.

Wednesday 22nd April - Goxhill Primary School, Lincolnshire

Circus show for Nursery, reception and year 1. Possibly should just use one squirty flower when no year 2's present. Lovely big hall.

Monday 20th April - Spring Common Special School, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Circus workshops for senior school. One lad excelled at tightrope and stiltwalking. Need to take outdoor equipment and utilise playground as well another time. Circus bike worked well too.

Saturday 18th April - Street Festival, Llandudno Junction, Wales

Playground spot ideal for my activities. Foot twisters very popular, Spina bifida lad loved the hand twister. Must take more magic tricks in future.

Thursday 16th April - Nether Edge Primary School, Sheffield, Yorkshire

100% attendance reward day. Circus show for all recipients followed by workshops for 3 KS2 groups. Last group finished with balloon modelling.

Saturday 11th April - Circus Party, Stinchcombe, Gloucestershire

Village hall a perfect venue. Stage area good for dressing up. Extrovert fireman dad a great party host. Dressed up and did his party trick to entertain the kids at teatime.

Wednesday 8th April - Keele University, Staffordshire

Started playscheme with toothbrush twirling. Balloon modelling again very popular at end. Might get colouring table sometime for this younger age group.

Sunday 5th April - Old Oak Inn, Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire

Circus workshop afternoon in country pub. New landlord has good plans for family friendly style. Circus bikes just bought are perfect for these outdoor events.

Thursday 2nd April - Rushcroft Primary School, Oldham, Greater Manchester

Reward afternoon. Circus show, circus workshop and finally another circus show for after school club. Roccy raccoon in trouble with headteacher for wiggling his bottom!

Tuesday 31st March - St Paul's Primary School, Stafford, Staffordshire

Attendance reward. Circus show for all followed by circus workshop for ks2. Confession routine worked nicely for boy first and girl later on.

Sunday 29th March - Circus Party, All Saints Centre, King's Heath, Birmingham

Circus party for 7 year old Mimi. Girls used as misbehaving volunteers - worked well. New table used succesfully for drawing on balloons in second half of party. Mimi leant to stilt walk after party.

Thursday 26th March - Barnfield Moorlands Free School, Luton

Three year 2 classes at this former private school enjoyed a day to round off their circus topic studies. Clown pencils used for tightrope challenge. Indian staff loved and photographed balloon models at lunchtime.

Tuesday 24th March - Mayflower Primary School, Leicester

Circus workshops for 6 infant classes. Squeakers made available for pupils with reasonable success. New jack in the box table introduced. Balloon modelling at lunchtime very popular.

Saturday 21st March - Halesowen Leisure Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands

Circus workshop for World Down Syndrome Day. Packed but fun! Whirl-o-wheels used.

Friday 20th March - St Gregory's Catholic Primary School, Stoke

Circus shows for the infants. Nursery & Yr1 in the morning. Reception & Yr2 in the afternoon. Using both flower squirts to give the kids a good soaking at the end.

Monday 16th March - Furze Platt Infant School, Maidenhead

3 year 1 classes enjoyed a circus workshop plus start + end of day shows. Taught magic tricks and gave Harry Potter glasses to year 2 teacher who was doing this book reading topic. Grumpy caretaker!

Wed/Thur 11th/12th March - Cranford Park Academy, London

Circus workshops for a day with nursery followed by a day with reception. Autistic pupils responded well. Did balloon modelling for staff at lunctimes and after school.

Monday 9th March - Nyland Special School, Swindon, Wiltshire

EBD school. Pupils behaved perfectly in all my classes. Tightrope walking and hands free stiltwalking were two of the skills successfully achieved by some pupils.

Tues/Wed 3rd/4th March - Ambleside Primary School, Nottingham

Circus workshops for nursery + reception pupils in big sports hall ... perfect! Made balloon animals for staff at lunchtimes to take home to kids/grandkids.

Friday 27th February - Bordesley Green Primary School, Birmingham

Reward circus show & balloon modelling workshop for 40 odd pupils. Used year 5 & 6 pupils as clowns in show. Works well when not enough teachers.

Thursday 26th February - Kestrels Field Primary School, Leicester

Circus workshop day for two year 2 classes studying circus. Taught toothbrush twirling, balloon modelling and peacock feather balancing as extra clsses to usual mix.

Monday 23rd February - Coed Eva Primary School, Cwmbran, Wales

Circus workshop day for four year 1 & 2 classes studying circus. Tray of 5 juggling balls and the purple peacock feathers added to workshop.

Thursday 19th February - Keele University Playscheme, Staffordshire

Started with magic sketch. Circus workshop included all 4 rebound rollers and hands free stiltwalking. Finished with balloon modelling. Great for kids to leave with armfuls of balloons.

Wednesday 18th February - Western Leisure Centre, Cardiff, Wales

Barnardo's Family Fun Day. Provided circus workshop with tightrope + novelty carts. Other entertaiment included bouncy castles, balloon modeller, pottery person, face painter and bird man.

Saturday 14th February - Circus Party, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Wizard of Oz theme! Provided by party host so I just did my usual stuff minus the dressing up. Very inventive host with a lot of work put in for 5 year old Lola's party.

Thursday 12th February - Mytchett Primary School, Camberley, Surrey

Circus show for 120 Nursery to year 2 children. Showed year 2 magic trick as other classes late. Whilst packing away they asked and received necessary 'dickie birds' to do trick themselves.

Wednesday 11th February - Prospect Vale Primary School, Heald Green, Cheshire

Circus show for 120 Nursery to year 2 children. Deputy head(male) got the obligatory pink dress in final sketch. Nice hall.

Monday 9th February - Surfleet Primary School, Lincolnshire

Circus Show for circus topic. Just 23 year1 pupils. Made them all balancing balloons before leaving.

Friday 6th February - Millstead Special School, Liverpool

SLD + PMLD enjoyed a circus day to support the whole school circus studies. Whirl-o-wheels, rebound rollers, ezyrollers, didicars, foam pole stilts, hands free stilts, spinning plates, tightrope and clown clothes. Great staff ensured a successful day.

Tuesday 3rd February - Whitfield Valley Primary School, Stoke

Year 3 pupils studying 'circus'. Lunchtime classroom based workshops in balloon modelling and toothbrush twirling as a bonus. Parents invited to end of day show in hall. Pretty perfect day.

Sunday 1st February - Circus Party, Lickey Parish Hall, Worcestershire

Circus party for Isla who is 6.Very lively party. Boys behaved as if let off a leash! Enjoyed by all - didn't start to leave till well after end.

Thursday 29th January - Featherstone Children's Centre, Erdington, Birmingham

Circus show + balloon modelling for the toddlers here. Staff and parents learnt how to make balloon swords and dogs.

Wednesday 28th January - Cam Woodfield Infant School, Gloucestershire

Circus Workshops for two year 1 classes studying 'circus'. A couple of autistic lads joined in. Small class sizes(21) made it less of a rush than usual.

Monday 26th January - Calverley Primary School, Leeds

Reception pupils immaculately turned out in their circus costumes for their circus day(circus topic). 2 classes. Each pupil got to see start and end of day shows plus am + pm 40 minute workshops.

Sunday 25th January - Defence Medical Services, Whittington, Staffordshire

Circus Workshop in a lovely gymnasium. All ages of kids fom toodler to 15. Took trampolines for toddlers and stilts for older kids. Hope I get rebooked!

Saturday 24th January - Kings Norton Baptist Church, South Birmingham

Circus show for a mixture of 3 - 9 year olds. Load of pre show fun as we waited for enough children to appear. Post show made balloon swords to take home.

Friday 23rd January - St Swithun Wells Primary School, South Ruislip, London

Circus Show for N, R, Y1 and Y2. Going so smoothly since splitting of roccy raccon sketch. Nursery children sat on benches at back. Nice hall for workshops if they invite me back.

Tuesday 20th January - Pines Primary School, Bracknell, Berkshire

Circus show for nursery to year 2 followed by circus workshops for years 3,4,5,6. Sketches worked well will KS2 pupils in addition to learning a 2 ball trick, toothbrush twirling and peacock feather balancing. Year 6 got a magic trick too.

Saturday 17th January - Bournbrook & Selly Oak Social Club, Birmingham

Provided show & balloon modelling for 1 year old party. Something for the kids in these adult dominated events.

Friday 16th January - Norton Primary School, Stoke

Year 3 pupils enjoyed a mornings circus skills workshop for their circus topic studies. Free play preceded structured session. Means I can start packing at break time. Hand held stilts should be swapped for hands free stilts for this age group.

Thursday 15th January - Newstead Primary School, Stoke

Morning circus workshop for year 3 pupils studying circus. Initial show included Nursery to year 2 pupils. Balloon modelling added to workshop section very successfully.

Tuesday 13th January - Bankside Primary School, Leeds

Circus shows for am & pm nursery in this 3 form entry primary school. One of the supply teachers was a magician ... so we had fun entertaining the staff at lunchtime.

Monday 12th January - St Peter at Gowts Primary School, Lincoln

Circus shows for am & pm nursery. Only about 15 in each group. A treat as they had missed out on other fun activities. Made a few balloon animals and a couple of flower hats at lunchtime.

Saturday 10th January - Circus Party, Warley Baptist Church, Oldbury, West Midlands

Evie & Grace's 6th & 5th birthday party. Hall a little packed with all the guests. Siblings had fun with tightrope challenge before party. Separate dining room a major bonus. Made flower on wrist for birthday girls. Just swords after tea as party pretty wild!

Saturday 10th January - Circus Party, Grange Hall, Southam, Warwickshire

Oliver & Vinnie enjoyed their 5th birthday party in a lovely hall with big stage area. Again made swords + dogs which kids could draw on with sharpie pens. Nice recent touch added to parties.

Thursday 8th January - Bryntirion Infant School, Bridgend, Wales

Circus show for nursery & reception pupils. Caretaker hauled up on stage as a clown after being spotted peering in from hall. He enjoyed his spot in a pink clown dress. Leisurly enjoyable trip back.

Wednesday 7th January - Thomas Russell Infants School, Barton under Needwood, Staffordshire

Circus show for 180 pupils - R,Yr1, Yr2. Well behaved pupils ensured the show a great success - usually worried when numbers go over 100. 2 squirty flowers used at end to soak them all!

Tuesday 6th January - Freezywater St George Primary School, Enfield, London

Circus show for 90 reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils. Made balloon animals for office whilst waiting to set up.Kitchen staff jumped at roccy raccoon! Male deputy head as one of clowns.

Monday 5th January - Cam Woodfield Infant School, Gloucestershire

Circus Show to start off circus topic with a bang - first day of term! Will be doing a morning of circus workshops with these same year 1 pupils mid way through their circus topic studies.

 

 

 

Circus Skills Workshops, Circus Shows and Circus Parties in 2014

 

Wednesday 24th December - British Legion, Northfield, Birmingham

Circus party for the kids. Poorly attended - possibly the timing? Those who came had the usual great fun.

Sunday 21st December - Fox & Goose Pub, Ward End, Birmingham

Circus show followed by balloon modelling. Towards end bought sharpie pens in so kids could decorate their swords and dogs.

Saturday 20th December - British Legion, Northfield, Birmingham

Balloon modelling for another xmas party. Arrived at 6pm. Didn't leave till 1am! Adults enjoy my balloon modelling as much as the kids. Fun on my minibike too.

Friday 19th December - Wolverhampton Mencap, West Midlands

Balloon modelling for their annual xmas party. The clear plastic bags I give out for taking creations home is one of the best ideas of 2014.

Friday 19th December - Bilston Primary School, Wolverhampton

Circus show as a reward for some of the kids. A year 5 and year 6 boy joined a member of staff on stage to be dressed as clowns. Regular bookers.

Friday 19th December - Guardian Angels Primary School, Shard End, Solihull

Circus Show for Nursery to year 2 pupils. Squirting the kids with water at the end always makes such a delightful end to the show!

Thursday 18th December - Ty Sign Primary School, Risca, Caerphilly, Wales

Circus show for nursery & reception classes as part of their xmas party.Wales is nice to travel through.

Thursday 18th December - Cwm Glas Infants School, Llanbradach, Caerphilly, Wales

Circus show for this infant school 3 years after the last one. Headteacher reminded me she had been dressed as a clown last time so someone elses turn!

Wednesday 17th December - The Oaks Primary School, Bolton

Show for 90 early years pupils. Might one day substitute a puppet sketch for roccy rccoon. Handy access to hall next to playground.

Tuesday 16th december - Ysgol Heulfan, Wrexham, Wales

Two circus shows morning + afternoon for early years. 'Best money we've ever spent' comment from secretary. Must make sure nursery are on benches at back to stop encroachment!

Monday 15th December - Two Rivers Special School, Tamworth, Staffordshire

Ten half hour circus workshops today for high school pupils. Held in theatre as sports hall too cold. Need another large whirl-o-wheel. Also more 'onesie' clown outfits for the lads.

Friday 12th December - Stoke Ferry Primary School, Hull

Circus show as behaviour reward for early years classes. Rather lively pupil volunteer as magician! Everyone happy.

Thursday 11th December - Wyre Forest Special School, Kidderminster, Worcestershire

MLD pupils enjoyed the circus workshops on offer. Taught toothbrush twirling + a two ball novelty trick first. Free play followed on all the apparatus including tightrope & novelty carts.

Tuesday 9th December - 313 Birmingham Scouts, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham

Circus workshop as xmas treat for this group of beavers, cubs and scouts. Used same formula as for brownies. Worked very well.

Monday 8th December - Pensford Primary School, North East Somerset

Circus show for infants. Sofie came today which was great as no on-site parking. Sat and did her knitting as I entertained the kids. Trip to Bath afterwards.

Sunday 7th December - Children's Party, Four Ashes, Golf Centre, Solihull

Circus show & balloon modelling for 5 year old Lily's party. Helping a headteacher out after her son had booked not the best of venues for her grandaughter's party.

Thursday 4th December - Robin Hood Primary School, Nottingham

Circus shows for morning & afternoon nursery classes. Made lots of balloon models in staffroom at lunchtime ... all the female staff aahing just like the students used to at university balls!

Wednesday 3rd December - St Anne's Catholic Primary School, Wrexham, Wales

Circus Show for 50 Nursery & Reception pupils. 1st frost of the winter season!

Tuesday 2nd December - St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Liverpool

Circus Show for 90 reception, year 1 & year 2 pupils. Much enjoyed by children.

Sunday 30th November - Circus Party, Clent, Worcestershire

Circus Party for 5 year old boy. Nice stage in local hall for dressing up area. Made balloon dogs towards end of party which girls in particular enjoyed decorating up with marker pens.

Thursday 27th November - Haddon Primary School, Nottingham

Behaviour reward. Circus show for well behaved Infants + Juniors followed by circus workshop for juniors. Included two little dickie birds magic trick.

Wednesday 26th November - Ashcroft Infant School, Tamworth, Staffordshire

Circus Workshops for two year 1 classes studying 'circus'. Staff were fabulous helping me keep everthing tidy in the sessions - clown clothes in particular!. Booker reported back that kids cannot stop talking about the morning.

Tuesday 25th November - Thongsley Fields Primary School, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Circus show for Nursery & Reception pupils. Just first half of roccy raccoon sketch for this younger audience - works better.

Monday 24th November - 9th Aldridge Brownies, Walsall

Circus performer badge successfully completed. Took minibike along for extra fun.

Monday 24th November - Ashcroft Infant School, Tamworth, Staffordshire

Circus Show in classroom for two year 1 classes studying circus. A bit of a squeeze for the 48 pupils and all my show stuff .. still very successful.

Friday 21st November - New Fosseway Special School, Bristol

Circus workshops for KS2 - KS5 pupils. Never had so much fun comment ... from the staff! Black blind teenager so loved the whirl-o-wheel ... laughter and huge toothy grin!

Thursday 20th November - St Matthews Primary School, Stockport

Circus show for 93 Nursery, Reception, Y1 & Y2 pupils. Split roccy raccoon sketch successfully. Teachers delighted with show ... 'perfect for age group'.

Tuesday 18th November - Selly Manor Museum, Bournville, Birmingham

Balloon modelling workshop for staff. Very smooth. Taught helmet instead of twister hat - a better idea.

Monday 17th November - Holly Grove Special School, Burnley, Lancashire

Circus Workshop day for primary mld/sld/pmld/asd/vi pupils. Balloon modelling for staff at lunchtime a great success - fun with monkey & banana!

Sunday 16th November - Keg & Grill Pub, Birmingham

Circus show & balloon modelling for two 5 year olds birthday party. Extremely cramped conditions for show but successful all the same.

Saturday 15th November - Royal Hotel, Walsall

Circus workshop provided for children at doctors reunion. Added balloon modelling towards end. Hectic fun by all ages.

Thursday 13th November - Russett Special School, Weaverham, Cheshire

30 minute classes for whole school of SLD/PMLD/VI/HI pupils. Staff enjoyed it as well! Made balloon animals for staff at lunch.

Mon/Tues 10th/11th November - William Austin Infant School, Luton

A sports grant for deprived children funded two days of circus workshops for reception children. Volunteered to give special needs kids extra workshops. Made balloon animals for cleaners to give their children.

Friday 7th November - Old Ford Primary School, Tower Hamlets, London

Two circus shows. First for ~ 100 Nursery pupils. Second for ~ 90 reception pupils. Shortened roccy raccoon sketch in second show. Made balloon animals in staffroom before leaving.

Wednesday 5th November - Avenue Primary School, Leicester

Regular bookers for year 1 studying circus topic. Reintroduced rebound roller for workshops. Disabled lad did plate spinning 'oh sausages' routine in final show.

Sunday 2nd November - Circus Party, Writtle, Essex

Hall decorated as a circus by enthusiastic parents. Lily very much enjoyed her 5th birthday party. Gave her one of my clown pencils for walking the tightrope. Perhaps I should do that for future parties?

Thursday 30th October - Keele University playscheme, Staffordshire.

'Nello the Clown' as usual in sports centre foyer. Had his life documented in the recent BBC2 film 'Marvellous'. Took trampolines and rebound roller for younger playscheme participants. Made balloon swords and dogs for them to draw on.

Wednesday 29th October - Taunton Racecourse, Taunton, Somerset

Organiser provided 12m by 8m marquee which was great to work in. (matting too!) Stilts and hula hooping set up outside. Participants disappeared off very half hour to watch horse racing action.

Sunday 26th October - Circus Party, Stourbridge, West Midlands

6 year old Mary and 4 year old Esther enjoyed themselves from start to finish. That included playing on equipment as I set up till the last had to be packed away. Grandad dressed up as a clown whilst carrying their little 2 year old brother around.

Tuesday 21st October - Cefn Fforest Primary School, Caerphilly, Wales

Nursery & reception pupils have a topic of 'happiness'. Teachers took lots of photos of them laughing their heads off at the silly antics of the clown! Made balloon animals for lunch ladies between morning and afternoon shows.

Sunday 19th October - Circus Party, Poynton, Cheshire

Big civic hall a wonderful venue. Sibling had a circus party in Birmingham a few years ago so family just had to have me back after they moved to Cheshire.

Friday 17th October - Foredyke Primary School, Hull, Yorkshire

Circus show for Nursery, Reception, Yr1 & Yr2 pupils. Lots of road works on motorway - leave a little earlier next time! Made secretary teddy bear in heart balloon for getting help organised.

Sunday 12th October - Worcester Division Guides, Worcester University

Funday for rainbows, brownies and guides. Gave circus workshops to 4 brownie groups in huge sports arena. Helped by young leaders who I made some balloon hats for!

Saturday 11th October - Acorns Hospice, Birmingham

Circus workshop for fund raising 'Lantern Walk'. Sunny afternoon. Used cycle storage stand for stilts and cyle repair stand for hula hoops. Keeps equipment accessible and off the ground. New idea.

Friday 10th October - Blueberry Park Primary School, Liverpool

Two circus shows for nursery to year 2 pupils. Nursery pupils sat on benches at the back. 'Put him on a burger' suggested by pupil as a punishment for my misbehaving roccy raccoon puppet!

Sunday 5th October - Mid-Glamorgan Scout Association, Pontyclun, South Wales

Fun day for Mid Glamorgan Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Set up my circus workshop in the sports hall. Brian Bunny did his magic workshop and finished the day with his magic show.

Saturday 4th October - Circus Party, King's Norton, Birmingham

Over 30 kids at this party so a little chaotic near the end with the introduction of balloon swords. Stage area for dressing up was popular. 6 year old Thomas very happy.

Thursday 2nd October - St Mary's Primary School, Prestwich, Manchester

Circus show for nursery to year 2 children. Followed by a circus workshop for year 2 children studying 'circus' as a topic. Elastic in trick magic wand broke! ... otherwise a delightful well received morning.

Sunday 28th September - Spectrum Days, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire

Fund raising day for PMLD charity. Lovely sunny afternoon. Children enjoyed playing on the tightrope, trampolines and novelty carts.

Tuesday 16th Setember - 147 Birmingham Brownies, West Midlands

Circus performer badge for this enthusiastic bunch of girls.

Sunday 14th September - Pershore Riverside Centre, Worcestershire

Worcester Snoezelen family fun day. Outside event for this special needs fund raising day. Lovely weather, lovely atmosphere. Boat races on river. Circus workshop in middle of all the stalls.

Tuesday 9th September - Gosberton Primary School, Lincolnshire

Circus topic for KS1 pupils. A circus show followed by circus workshops for both classes. Utilised playground as hall a little small.

Monday 8th September - Boston Pioneers Free School, Lincolnshire.

Circus topic being studied by both year 1 classes. Parents invited to afternoon circus workshop sessions. They learned to make balloon poodles for the children to take home.

Sunday 7th September - Alfreton Park, Derbyshire

Glorious day in the sunshine for this 'party in the park' event. Penny farthing was a very popular addition to this circus workshop.

Wednesday 3rd September - Small Heath secondary School, Birmingham

Oh ... Sausages! A catch phrase I use when things go wrong. A friend pointed out I shouldn't be using it at a mostly muslim school! Otherwise a fun induction day for their year 12 students learning circus skills and balloon modelling.

Sunday 31st August - Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham

Last day for Robert Wilkinson's funfair. His lot played music + games at one end which was fun. Kids enjoyed the tightrope, trampolines, stiltwalking, plate spinning, diabolo etc.

Friday 29th August - Wolverhampton University Sports Centre, Walsall.

Circus workshop for special needs pupils. They all had mentors. Steady fun throughout the day.

Thursday 28th August - St Francis Primary School, Birmingham

Circus workshop for new entry pupils to this school. Such laughter at the start for introductory show. Regular booking this one.

Wednesday 27th August - Selly Oak Methodist Church, Birmingham

Circus workshop for local children. Just took a smattering of dress up items. 3-twist balloon dog making and rocket balloons at end.

Monday 25th August - Leek Street Festival, Staffordshire

A bit of a damp day ... ! Entertained those who turned up successfully. Pedal walkers good for the pavement surface. Wolly the Clown good to work with again.

Sunday 24th August - Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham

Lovely afternoon paid for by Robert Wilkinson's Funfair. A nice flat spot with a few trees. Tightrope + trampolines main activities. Jack in the box table always popular with toddlers. A few camping chairs to sit on + watch!

Friday 22nd August - Keele University Playsheme, Staffordshire

Motorway jammed. Staff helped me unload so kids could pile straight on to carts etc. As this is a regular booking no problem there. Must think about getting parents invited to these sessions.

Thursday 21st August - Ironville Children's Centre, Derbyshire

Circus workshop in the playground. Whirl-o-wheels popular. Must get the last one repaired sometime. Great little family get together. Got the rocket balloons out on this rather windy day.

Wednesday 20th August - All Saints Centre, King's Heath, Birmingham

Booked by Allens Croft Children's Centre to provide circus worksop for 0 - 5 year olds. Started outside, showers prompted move inside. Rocket balloons again added to circus workshop activities.

Tuesday 19th August - Market Drayton Junior School, Nuneaton

Some special needs kids here. Great staff to work with. Added rocket balloons as a reward for doing tightrope challenge. Yet another good session.

Saturday 16th August - Circus Party, Swynnerton, Staffordshire

Alice had a great 6th birthday party. Very enthusiastic girl. Dad got dressed as a clown and did the 3 twist poodle making. Good sized hall for the kids to whiz around on all the novelty cats.

Thursday 14th August - Crossley Park, Ripley, Derbyshire

A delightful morning! Lovely weather for this open air event. Even the Mayor turned up. Minibike races round the bandstand as a novelty this year. Foot twisters work well on the smooth pathways.

Wednesday 13th August - Baby Gems Playhouse, Ladywood, Birmingham

Circus workshop for 4 - 11 year olds. Lollipop challenges very popular and kept me rushing about! 30 seconds hula hoop, 5 yards for pedalo and hand held stilts for example.

Tuesday 12th August - Hatchford Brook Primary School, Solihull

Balloon modelling workshop. All learnt how to make 3-twist poodles first. Next pirate cutlass making. The kids also learnt some balancing skills with these. Finally blew some balloon 6" hearts for them to adorn with messages.

Sunday 10th August - Circus Party, Wombourne, Wolverhampton.

Guide hut a venue for this circus party. Bullseye juggling target surprisingly popular with some lads. Gave tea break balloon modelling workshop to parents who then taught kids. Mum emailed later to say how much 7 year old Caitlin enjoyed the circus party.

Saturday 9th August - Moonlit Park, Birmingham

Family Fun Day organized by Optima Housing Association. Lovely sunny day where many of the community sat in chairs to watch the youngsters participate in all the fun ... tightrope, trampolines, spinning plates, stiltwalking, hula-hooping etc

Friday 8th August - Circus Party, Barnt Green, West Midlands

7 year old Niamh enjoyed her circus party to the full. 3-twist balloon poodle making featured for the first time at a circus skills party.

Thursday 7th August - Frank Barnes School for the Deaf, London

The staff were deaf too for this very enjoyable circus workshop playscheme. Again the balloon modelling was popular. Made lots balloon flower bracelets and balloon twirly hair extensions too.

Wednesday 6th August - Heanor Children's Centre, Derbyshire

Circus skills workshop for a playscheme. Mums and kids enjoyed making their own 3-twist poodles. Mums minibike race too! Foot twisters difficult to ride on these rough children's playgrounds.

Tuesday 5th August - Lighthouse Children's Centre, Walsall

Provided a circus skills workshop for their family fun day. Event abandoned at midday due to rain. Returned home to start drying out equipment. Mats draped along my neighbours walls ... !

Friday 1st August - Stevenage Playscheme, Hertfordshire

2 groups of 18 special needs (mld/sld/autistic) (5-19years) kids enjoyed circus skills sessions in the playground. Staff worked enthusiastically engaging the kids and themselves on all the fun stuff.

Thursday 31st July - Lutley Acorns Playscheme, Halesowen, West Midlands

A record 48 kids at this lively indoor workshop. Staff worked excellently to keep session trouble free. Good hall with wooden floor. Pedal go challenge featured successfully.

Wednesday 30th July - Coppice Care Club Playscheme, Birmingham

Outside workshop in the playground with over 40 kids. Tightrope, trampolines, foot twisters and minibikes. Minibike races very popular for lollipop prizes.

Tuesday 29th July - Keele University Playscheme, Staffordshire

Ten bullseyes for a lollipop extremely popular. One playworker sat there the entire session. Lots of younger children this time with stiltwalking again popular. Finished with rocket balloons.

Monday 28th July - Ty Gwyn Playscheme, Cardiff

23 PMLD children and 9 able bodied youngsters enjoyed a circus workshop held outdoors. A couple of the girls managed to stiltwalk whilst making balloon models for the wheel chair bound participants. Came up with the ten bullseyes for a lollipop target here.

Sun 20th to Sun 27th July - European Juggling Convention, Millstreet, Ireland

A wonderful week with 2000 other juggling enthusiasts. Learnt backgammon and more magic tricks, gave some lovely balloon modelling workshops and just ... enjoyed myself!

Saturday 19th July - Smith's Wood Primary School, Solihull

Walkabout magic at this community fun day. Cups and balls table popular. Roccy raccoon again a useful addition.

Friday 18th July - Meadows Primary School, Madeley Heath, Staffordshire

Circus Show outside on hottest day of the year! Used balancing flowers for first time. Worked nicely. Good acoustics outdoors too. Whole school show enjoyed by all.

Thursday 17th July - Lakeside Primary School, Doncaster, Yorkshire

Circus show for infants, Circus workshops am & pm for juniors. This was a 100% attendance reward. Very pleasant day. Amusing little ones with my magic in hall at lunchtime.

Wednesday 16th July - Billesley Primary School, Birmingham.

Nice to do circus workshops at a local school. This was a reward day for 100% attendance. Added balloon balancing to some classes.

Tuesday 15th July - Heathfield Community School, Taunton, Somerset

Secondary school pupils responded well to the program I usually do for the brownies circus performer badge. Also let them make balloon cutlass.

Monday 14th July - Ystruth Primary School, Blaenau Gwent, Wales

Circus Show for whole school. End of term treat. Nice little trip into Wales.

Sunday 13th July - Rosie's Walk, Walsall

Windy but good weather for this annual event. Stiltwalking very popular. Extra chairs for outdoor events good idea too. Quite a few people asked for cards.

Saturday 12th July - Circus party, Great Malvern, Worcestershire

Joint fifth birthday party for Zac + Hugo. Hall a little small so dispensed with clown costumes. Put Jack in the boxes and magic roundabouts on the stage instead. All worked well. Made Zac a balloon elephant + rabbit before departing.

Friday 11th July - Elms Farm Primary School, Birmingham

Slightly surprised to be asked to do my show outdoors in playground. Went better than I expected. Useful to know for the future.

Thursday 10th July - Burnt Tree Primary School, Dudley, West Midlands

Circus show for nursery to year 2 pupils. Gets quite noisy with over 100. Blind pupil had a bit of fun after show bursting balloons. Lovely lad. Offered to lend rebound rollers to workers with the blind.

Wednesday 9th July - 1st Waterhouses Brownies, Ipstones, Staffordshire

Circus performer badge for these brownies. Delightful evening. Lovely drive back through the countryside.

Wednesday 9th July - Darlaston Children's Centre, West Midlands

Balloon modelling at a leaving party for the nursery pupils at this children's centre.

Monday 7th July - Mayflower Primary School, Leicester

Fun day for year 6 leavers. Balloon modelling 'picnic table' set up a nice addition. Girls outperforming the boys in 20p's earnt from challenges and far better at stiltwalking too.

Saturday 5th July - Southco Family Fun Day, Worcester

A great success as usual. 'Jack-in-the-box' gazebo set up. Trampolines, tightrope and of course extremely popular stilt walking. Not forgetting the penny farthings too.

Thursday 3rd July - Woodstock Primary School, Leicester

Circus morning for 2 year 1 classes to conclude their 'circus topic' studies. Lovely old fahioned big hall to work in! Enthusiastic TA taking mirror around hall to 'showcase' pupils in one of the classes.

Wednesday 2nd July - Worple Primary School, Hounslow, London

Circus show for reception + nursery pupils. Nice hall adjacent to car park to work in. Hot weather for water squirting at end of show - they loved it!

Monday 30th June - 8th Coventry Brownies, Coventry

Circus performer badge for oversubscribed brownie pack. These leaders do a good job of keeping this tradition up. All the usual fun.

Sunday 29th June - Circus Party, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Joint circus party for 2 very energetic 6 year old girls! Again made balloon dogs + swords in second half of party.

Saturday 28th June - Circus Party, Lickey End, Worcestershire

Circus party in school hall of Lickey End First School. Worked fabulously well. Joint party for two 5 year old boys. One of the bookers had used me 4 years earlier. Made balloon dogs + swords this time.

Friday 27th June - Eldene Primary School, Swindon, Wiltshire

Circus workshops for five half hour infant classes. Usual introductory show at start. Benched off area for juggling balls into target. Wolly the Clown did show and workshops for the Juniors. Wolly also did end of day assembly for all very successfully.

Thursday 26th June - St Mark's Catholic Primary School, Birmingham

Circus show for children due to join reception class. 'Animal Antics' were there too. Finished off making balloon models for all the kids. Minor adaption to roccy raccoon sketch as no older pupils present.

Sunday 22nd June - Hall Green Conservative Club, Birmingham

Big family gathering. I provided a mixture of circus skills + balloon modelling to keep the kids - all ages - happy!

Wednesday 18th June - Bank's Road Infant School, Nottingham

Foundation stage leader booked me as a retirement gift for herself! She so enjoyed my last visit a few years previously there was only way to go out. Circus show + workshops for reception + nursery classes.

Sunday 15th June - Defence Medical Services, Whittington, Staffordshire

Father's day treat - barbecue + circus workshop for officers & their kids. Minimal rigmarole getting photographed for entry pass to military camp. Nice area to work in. Paving for carts + bikes. Grass for tightrope.

Saturday 14th June - Nimmings Park Community Funday, Longbridge, Birmingham

Housing Association Funday. Successful low key event. Set up 'jack in the box' table in gazebo with chairs for todlers + adults - looked very good. Perhaps should teach diabolo at next one of these events?

Thursday 12th June - 3rd Broughton Astley Brownies, Leicestershire

Circus perfomer badge for this brownie pack. Dads invited to this evening as a treat.

Thursday 12th June - Newton Burgoland Primary School, Leicestershire

Circus workshops as a treat for whole school. Worked outside as hall too small. Hot day - a little sunburnt! Gave older ones 20p challenge for tightrope and hula hoop. A few successful stiltwalkers.

Saturday 7th June - Minera Village Funday, Wrexham, Wales

Forecast washout failed to materialize! Caged tennis court a wonderful spot to locate my circus workshop. Minibikes and penny farthings very popular. 2 lads managed £5 for 5 yards on a unicycle challenge.

Friday 6th June - Yorkmead Primary School, Birmingham

Circus show for after school event organized by PTA. Kids enjoyed seeing headteacher on stage as a clown! Offered free balloon modelling workshops to PTA.

Thursday 5th June - Dove Bank Primary School, Leicestershire

Fairground topic. Wonderful day with quite a few of the kids learning hands-free stiltwalking outside. Balloon modelling and toothbrush twirling amongst the assortment of other skills learnt.

Wednesday 4th June - St Clare's Primary School, Birmingham

Nursery & Reception pupils enjoying a circus workshop day for 'circus topic' studies. Special needs pupils participating well.

Tuesday 3rd June - Great Heath Primary School, Mildenhall, Suffolk

"Funniest circus show I've seen" commented one lad ... before it had started! Pedal go lollipop challenge surprised me with it's popularity. Year 1 & 2 pupils enjoying a circus workshop day for 'circus topic' studies.

Sunday 1st June - Robert Wilkinson's Fun Fair, Canon Hill Park, Birmingham

Circus workshop booked by Robert Wilkinson to add to the overall fun in the park. Gorgeous day. Ground a little wet still. Must remember to take plastic cover for under the tightrope mats in future.

Saturday 31st May - Circus Party, Solihull

Circus party for 5 year old Luke. Introduced shorter poles for walking the tightrope with. Will use these for all primary children in future. St Phillip's Church Hall a good venue for circus parties.

Friday 30th May - Newbridge Preparatory School, Wolverhampton

Circus workshop for holiday club. Lollipop challenge for pedal go amongst assorted activities. Made balloon hearts and poodles for kids to decorate and take home towards end of session.

Wednesday 28th May - Harlington Young People's Centre, London

Circus workshops for 2 groups of young carers. 5-9 year olds in the morning and 10-15 year olds in the afternoon. Introduced idea of making the balloon dogs for the children to decorate themselves. Must remember balloon hearts next time as well.

Tues 20th to Sun 25th May - Danish Clown Convention, Svendborg

Entertaining at schools/hospitals by day and partying by night basically. Usual fun filled days with 50/60 other entertainers - mostly clowns. Came back with a note book full of new ideas!

Monday 19th May - St John's Primary School, Kenilworth

Fairground topic for year 2 pupils. Tightrope, mechanical ponies, hula hoops, minibikes, toothbrush twirling, pedaloes, magic roundabouts all featuring. 20 pence challenge giving a motivational edge to some activities.

Saturday 17th May - Circus Party, Bubbenhall, Warwickshire

Lovely sunny day for Sebastian's 5th birthday party. Parents sat chatting outside in the sun on the recreation field. Grandads very helpful in getting stuff to and from van. Usual great fun for all the kids.

Thursday 15th May - Longmoor Community Primary School, Liverpool

Nursery + Reception workshop day. Taught staff balloon modelling at lunchtime. Circus show so loved by nursery pupils - one went red with laughter a member of staff mentioned approvingly. Did the roccy raccoon sketch for afternoon nursery.

Tuesday 13th May - Bottesford Infant School, Scunthorpe

Flo a local clown joined me for the afternoon and invited me for tea afterwards! Lovely large hall. Whole school (200 pupils) came to very successful end of day show. Success of show helped by teacher warning pupils to 'hush' when necessary prior to show.

Saturday 10th May - Shipley Town Centre, Yorkshire

Provided street entertainment with my minibikes and penny farthings. Event leading up to Tour de France starting in Yorkshire later this year. Not my usual stuff but great fun. A challenge for the public to actually ride these bikes!

Thursday 8th May - Bushmead Primary School, Luton

4 reception classes came as clowns for the day! Makes for more interesting photos with all the imaginative ideas. Regular bookers who are looking forward to seeing me again next year! Performance related plate-spinning challenge again ...!

Tuesday 6th May - Bryn Deri Primary School, Cardiff

Circus day for nursery & reception children. Afternoon nursery children so enthusiastic in the show laughing so loudly! One even asked me to do more 'funny stuff' in the workshop part. Great day.

Saturday 3rd May - Camping Rally, Combrook, Warwickshire

Circus Workshop to accompany 'Penny Fair' at this Camping & Caravanning Club Rally. Farm barn, concrete surface to work on. Very enthusiastic adults and children enjoyed the penny farthings, tightrope, foot twisters, hula hooping and much more!

Thursday 1st May - Whitfield Valley Primary School, Stoke

Year 3 studying circus topic. Three of them did hands free stiltwalking at the end of day performance for the parents. 20p challenge for tightrope walking, hula hooping and pedal walker.

Sunday 27th April - Circus Party, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Ten year old Amber enjoyed a circus party at her Dad's school ... he's the headmaster! Stiltwalking very popular. Started party with toothbrush twirling before free play. Her brother and his friend learnt balloon modelling at tea and then taught the guests.

Saturday 26th April - Circus Party, Wimbledon, London

5 year old Alicia had a rather lively girls circus party. Magic table again very popular. Slightly longer show with magic sketch added. Fun continued long after party with Alicia and her brother Michael.

Thursday 24th April - Warwick Racecourse, Warwickshire

Sofie helped me today. Practised her unicycling and got her photo taken with Frankie Dettori. Magic table very successful. Lovely event. Walked round course afterwards.

Tuesday 22nd April - Keele University, Staffordshire

Got the pedal go races going successfully today with lollipop prizes. Staff joined in. One 7 year old girl got very good beating me in a number of races!

Tues/Wed/Thur 15th/16th/17th April - Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

Lovely setting for 3 days of circus workshops as added children's entertainment. Fascinating place this museum too with the historical 'transplanted' buildings.

Saturday 12th April - Circus Party, Countesthorpe, Leicestershire

Lovely village hall for Joshua to celebrate his 5th birthday party. Due to a competing girls party it was mostly boys hence dressing up a little neglected. Boys will be boys and love to race around on the carts!

Friday 11th April - Oakwood Infant School, Derby

2 circus shows to culminate week of circus studies for reception, year 1 & year 2 children. Staff had made circus tent from gazebo covered with parachute. Great idea ... !

Thursday 10th April - Albert Bradbeer Primary School, Birmingham

Circus day for 2 year 1 classes coming to the end of their circus topic studies. Finished the day with the parents invited show. Both classes recreated w/shop scenario followed by the balloon balancing clown sketch. Also uncluded hula hooping.

Wednesday 9th April - Saint Nathaniel's Academy, Stoke

Two circus shows. First for Nursery + Reception, next for Year 1 & year2. A lot more background noise in the first show an interesting point to note.

Tuesday 8th April - Orrell Lamberhead Green Primary School, Wigan

Circus show for the holiday playscheme put on by the children's centre. Two year olds wandering across the stage!

Monday 7th April - Withymoor Primary School, Brierley Hill, West Midlands

Circus show and circus workshops for year 2 pupils coming to the end of their circus topic. 20p tightrope challenge very popular and focussing attention.

Sunday 6th April - Baptism Celebration, Balsall Heath, Birmingham

Balloon modelling in the back room of a pub for this family get together.

Saturday 5th April - Circus Party, Twyford, Berkshire

Lovely scout hut for Emily's 6th birthday party. All girls. Slightly quiet at start of free play. By end just as wild as mixed parties. Had seen me at Harpenden previously.

Friday 4th April - Tyn-Y-Wern Primary School, Caerphilly, Wales

Attendance/behaviour reward. Show for Infants followed by workshop for Juniors. Did hula hoop challenge instead of peacock feather balancing. Gave more time for balloon modelling at end.

Thursday 3rd April - Bathford Primary School, Somerset

Lovely village school. Enthusiastic headteacher. Year 2 studying circus. Toothbrush twirling together followed by free play. 30 second hula hoop challenge to earn peacock feather very popular.

Tues/Wed 1st/2nd April - Cranford Park Academy, Hillingdon, London

Two great days teaching nursery and reception pupils. Re-introduced small red table and elephant and lion chairs. This time with the clown jack in the boxes. Worked delightfully. Did the hand clappy thingy with 2 hand puppets. Children responded as expected.

Monday 24th March - 304th Birmingham Scouts, Birmingham

Female scout group had a great evening earning their circus performer badge. 30 second hula hoop challenge to win peacock feather worked nicely.

Friday 21st March - Willows Infant School, Milton Keynes

Circus topic for 2 reception classes. Recreated workshop scenario for end of day - parents invited - show. Followed up with balloon balancing sketch. This formula a great success - will use in future. HLTA won 'Performance Related Plate spinning' challenge.

Thursday 20th March - Anderton Park School, Birmingham

Balloon modelling for circus themed fundraiser event after school.

Wednesday 19th March - Stogursey Primary School, Somerset

Healthy living topic for all pupils in this village primary school. Year 5 & 6 pupils enjoyed the 20p tightrope challenge plus win a peacock feather for hula hooping for 30 seconds. A teacher won the 'Performance Related Plate spinning' challenge in final show.

Friday 14th March - Halesowen Primary School, West Midlands

Circus day for Nursery & Reception pupils studying 'circus'. Arrived at school 7.30. Saves a rush setting up - must arrive that time in future. Two boxes of chocolates for secretary!

Wednesday 12th March - The Lancaster (Infant) School, Lincoln

Circus day for Nursery to year 2 pupils studying 'circus'. A46 is dual carriaged all the way to Newark! Lunch ladies had quick go on didicars!

Wednesday 5th March - Etchells Primary School, Stockport

Circus day for Nursery & Reception pupils studying 'circus'. Helpful school secretary making things easy at end of day packing away.

Monday 3rd March - 253 Northfield Brownies, West Heath, Birmingham

Circus performer badge for a dozen brownies. Took plenty of modelling balloons already blown up in preparation for 3-twist doggie making. Sainsburies carrier bags were filled with the girls creations to take home. Lovely evening.

Saturday 1st March - Circus Party, Kingswinford, West Midlands

Two 4 year old girls sharing a circus party in a huge sports hall. everyone seemed delighted - even the hall hirer wants some video footage to promote birthday parties at the venue.

Friday 28th February - Circus Party, Walsall Wood, West Midlands

Home schooled pupils had the opportunity to enjoy a circus party wuth 2 friends celebrating birthdays (6 & 8). Lovely big hall to entertain in.

Thursday 27th February - Kestrels Field Primary School, Leicester

'Circus topic' being studied by year 2 pupils. What better excuse for giving both classes a fun day on all the exciting equipment plus dressing up as clowns?

Tuesday 25th February - Furze Platt Infant School, Maidenhead, Berkshire

'Best day of my life' said a 5 year old girl to the headteacher! 3 year one classes studying 'circus' topic. Grumpy caretaker!

Friday 21st February - Hatchford Brook Infant School, Solihull

Half term playscheme for a dozen kids. Kept them amused with the balloon modelling and minibikes.

Thursday 20th February - Summerfield Centre, Winson Green, West Midlands

Not far from 'Benefits Street'! Billed as a community fun afternoon for 11-19 year old's. In the end all ages turned up. I mostly entertained the little ones with my circus equipment whilst the teenagers 'hid' in the pool room.

Wednesday 19th February - Lutley Community Centre, Halesowen, West Midlands

Slightly short of space at this playscheme. Didn't restict the fun however. Had a word with the centre manager who will let us use the bigger hall in future.

Tuesday 18th February - Keele University, Staffordshire

Didn't take the clown clothes for a change. Very successful without these. Probably will do this for playschemes in future. Will still take the clown clothes for schools and birthday parties as the photos are rather more important in those settings.

Saturday 15th February - Circus Party, Walsall

7 year old Racqel one of the smallest at her party. Again very good help from all the adults in keeping everthing in order for this very lively bunch of 7 year olds.

Friday 14th February - Circus Party, Temple Grafton, Warwickshire

5 year old Jessica enjoyed her circus party in a countryside village hall. Good help from all the adults present to keep things tidy.

Friday 14th February - Hodge Hill Primary School, Birmingham

100% attendance reward shows. I gave one to 150 Infants. my colleague 'Wolly' gave one to a similar number of Junior pupils. Assistant headteacher seemed delighted with both shows and said we would both be back one day.

Thursday 13th February - John Fisher Primary School, Derby

Behaviour reward day. Just a few children missed out. Circus Show for KS1 pupils. Circus workshop for each of years 3 - 6. Hoping to do more of these in schools.

Monday 10th February - Greenford Primary School, Maiden Newton, Dorset.

Circus Workshop day for KS1 children. Popped the pink clown dress on headteacher during end of day circus show in front of parents. Bit of a rush to finish show.

Sunday 9th February - Brewers Fayre, Rubery

Balloon modelling for Chinese new year celebration in 'play' room. Mostly dogs + swords.

Monday 3rd February - William Austin Infant School, Luton

Circus workshops for 150 reception children. Put carpets under the 'Spin discs'. Good idea to stop the carts crashing into them. Balance beam not used much - possibly should get xtra spin disc?

Friday 31st January - Wylde Green Primary School, Birmingham

Gave a show for the younger ones and a workshop for the older children. Plus made a few balloon swords for the late departers to take home.

Thursday 30th January - Longford Primary School, Cannock

Parents invited to a circus day for nursery + reception classes studying this topic. Very smooth running school. Lovely when parents are invited to join in.

Wednesday 29th January - Avenue Primary School, Leicester

'Best day of my life says Elle'. Along with the rest of year 1 she enjoyed 2 circus workshops and 2 circus shows and they all took a balloon sword home.

Monday 27th January - Grangehurst Primary School, Coventry

Topic of 'Happiness' was the excuse for bringing me in to deliver circus workshops to year 2 pupils. A few learnt to stiltwalk too. One girl did a school tour on stilts in full costume!

Saturday 25th January - St Helen's Church, Worcester

Balloon modelling workshops for children's conference.

Tuesday 21st January - William Austin Infant School, Luton

Circus show for 150 reception pupils. Bit of a cold ... the show must go on! Added a bit of diabolo after the plate spinning ... higher!

Sunday 19th January - Circus Party, Upper Rissington, Gloucestershire

Circus party for 9 year old girl. She and her brother both learnt to stilt walk as I was setting up. Lovely weather outside so carts and stilts took advantage of the extra space. Taught the 3-twist balloon poodle too.

Saturday 18th January - Circus Party, Leamington Spa

Circus party for 5 year old Victoria. Pedal go go, ring throw and throwing game added to usual mix. Parents delighted and offered to send reference.

Friday 17th January - St Mary's Primary School, Staffordshire

Attendance reward for pupils. Circus show for Nursery - year 4. Circus workshop for year 5 & 6 pupils. All done in an afternoon.

Monday 13th January - Leigh Primary School, Coventry

Circus day for year 2 class studying circus topic. Two lads did the hands free stiltwalking to meet + greet parents at end of day show where pupils showed off skills learnt.

Thursday 9th January - Poplars Farm Primary School, Bradford

Circus day for nursery + reception pupils. Parents invited to end of day circus show. Helpful cook allowed us to use short cut through kichen to get equipment in. She enthusiatically watched some of the fun too. Her grandaughter in reception class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Circus Skills Workshops, Circus Shows and Circus Parties in 2013

Sunday 29th December - Henrys Cantonese Restaurant, Birmingham

Annual piano playing event. Provided a circus show + balloon modelling at end of both sessions.

Monday 23rd December - Yenton Primary School, Birmingham

Holiday playscheme. Only half dozen kids. Very pleasant afternoon. Hula hooping and balloon modelling also included. One helper is thinking of continuing the hula hoop to lose weight!

Thursday 19th December - Holy Trinity Primary School, Liverpool

Circus Show followed by circus workshops for nursery, reception + infant classes. Lovely huge hall. Swept hall with huge 'v' broom. What fun!

Wednesday 18th December - Busill Jones Primary School, Walsall, West Midlands

Circus day for nursery, reception + infant pupils. Autistic pupils enjoy this style of education. Helpful caretaker makes it easy for me to unload + load.

Tuesday 17th December - St Luke's Catholic Primary School, Telford

Attendance reward circus workshop for year 3/4 class. 90 minutes of all sorts of fun. Toothbrush twirling and balloon modelling just 2 of the skills taught.

Monday 16th December - Hanborough Manor Primary School, Oxfordshire

Circus show for 90 reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils. Teachers enjoyed this as much as the pupils. Again adjusted roccy raccoon sketch getting nicely bedded in.

Saturday 14th December - Circus Party, Cheltenham

Circus party for 7 year old Madeleine. Older brother had a great time too! He did the tightrope challenge successfully. Loads of balloon swords taken home by party participants.

Friday 13th December - Braintcroft Primary School, Brent, London

Circus day for nursery + reception classes. Started with show for all. One useful advantage for school is pupils who struggle with English can still participate fully. The autistic lad enjoyed it. He said "Again" on having to finish!

Monday 9th December - Bilston Primary School, Wolverhampton

Circus show for two year 1 classes studying circus. Headteacher ended up dressed as a clown in final sketch. Adjusted roccy raccoon sketch going nicely now.

Sunday 8th December - Circus Party, Wolverhampton

Circus Party for 5 year old Harry. Held in Scout Hut in Sedgeley. Santa made an appearance at end. Harry wore red starry jacket throughout.

Thursday 5th December - Chalet Special School, Swindon, Wiltshire

Nice to see this school acquiring equipment I'd introduced previously. Autistic pupils love the sort of things I do. Shown garden at lunchtime ... good use of raised beds.

Wednesday 4th December - Stratford-upon-Avon Primary School, Warwickshire

Circus show for 90 reception, year 1 and year 2 pupils. Amended roccy raccoon sketch slightly ... "should we cover him with custard?" ... when he misbehaves etc.

Tuesday 3rd December - Mayflower Primary School, Leicester

Circus workshops for 6 infant classes. Day started with show for all 180 children. Teachers from the junior classes dropped in to see all the fun! Headteacher too.

Thursday 28th November - 2nd Lapal Brownies, Birmingham

Circus Performer Badge. Pumped balloons up at home ready for 3-twist doggie making. Useful improvement for delivery of this entertainment package. Must remember to take mop for toothbrush twirling!

Wednesday 27th November - Osbaston CIW School, Monmouth, Wales

All day with year 1. Started with show for whole school. Finished day with show with parents invited. Children sat either side of tightrope. Class teacher excellent at organizing pupil's spots in show. A lovely day.

Sunday 24th November - Circus Party, Dunchurch, Warwickshire

Village hall here a great venue for parties. Lovely stage area for dressing up in clown clothes. Third birthday party for this family.

Saturday 23rd November - Circus Party, Hatton, Warwickshire

Two 6 year olds sharing a circus party. Useful idea to reduce cost and share the workload. Considering not taking foam pole stilts in future as not too popular. Everything else spot on.

Thursday 21st November - Tyn-y-Wern Primary School, Caerphilly, Wales

Behaviour/Attendance reward package. Circus show for all including Nursery pupils who are not yet assessed. Then circus skills workshop finishing with balloon modelling for Junior pupils.

Wednesday 20th November - St Edmund's Primary School, Birmingham

Circus Show for Infants and Circus Skills Workshops for years 3,4,5 & 6. Everybody entertained! New package I am marketing to schools at a good price.

Friday 15th November - Oakhill Primary School, Stoke, Staffordshire

Performed 2 circus shows to reception and infant pupils. Had lunch with Wolly who was doing the afternoon show for older children. Nice day out!

Wednesday 13th November - Southam Primary School, Warwickshire

Mixed circus show sketches with teaching circus skills to this group of 50 after school club kids of all ages. Style works nicely.

Tuesday 12th November - Newstead Primary School, Stoke, Staffordshire

Year 3 are studying 'circus' as a topic. Started with a circus show to include younger pupils. Then the rest of the morning teaching circus skills including tightrope + stiltwalking to year 3 pupils.

Sunday 10th November - Circus Party, Solihull, West Midlands

1st birthday party. Mixed age group of up to 12years. Happily playing on novelty carts and tightrope. More of a family celebration.

Saturday 9th November- Circus Party, Claines, Worcestershire

Beautiful circus birthday cake made for 5 year old Annie by a relative. Stage area for dressing up a great success too. Mats great for children to sit for show before placing circus tents on them.

Tues/Wed 5th/6th November - Westdale Infant School, Nottingham

Two wonderful days entertaining all the infants. Each child got to see 2 shows and play + dress up in a circus workshop. Circus tents popular too. Zane was memorable as the fat clown star of the show attended by parents.

Tuesday 29th October - Keele University, Staffordshie

Did the colouring book magic sketch at the start of this playscheme. Had lollipops to give away for tightrope challenge. Took unicycles too. Must take magic table sometime.

Saturday 26th October - Sickle Cell Association, Tipton, West Midlands

Took along a few circus skills items to amuse the kids at this fund raising evening. Interesting to discover more about this condition.

Thursday 24th October - St Paul's Primary School, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Circus worksops + shows for year 1/2 pupils at the conclusion of their circus topic. Teachers commented on 'no arguments between children' and how well the special needs pupils could integrate seamlessly in.

Wednesday 23rd October - Penns Primary School, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands

Balloon modelling workshop for after school club. Started with roccy raccoon sketch, then two ball trick and toothbrush twirling. Kids went home with carrier bags full of three twist doggies they had made.

Mon/Tues 21st/22nd October - Ystrad Mynach Primary School, Wales

Circus workshops for 'WOW' week. Really enjoyed these. Working with Nursery to year 2 groups. Parents often in attendance. Had a curry and games of pool with Russell on the Monday evening in Barry.

Saturday 19th October - Circus Party, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

8 year old Emma had a fabulous circus party. She had enjoyed a workshop at her school a couple of years previously. Funny thing was I got home to find an email from that same school requesting another day of shows and workshops!

Tuesday 15th October - Hatchford Brook Primary School, Solihull.

Circus workshop + show for after school club. Must get scarfs for scarf juggling as another activity. Resurrect old magic routines too.

Sunday 13th October - Circus Party, Norton Canes, Walsall

A social club setting for Hayden's 5th birthday party. He seemed to particularly enjoy the dressing up side of things.

Saturday 12th October - Acorns Hospice, Walsall

Provided a circus skills workshop for the fundraising 'Lantern event'. Stopped raining for the duration of my spot fortunately. Pole stilts a nice outdoor addition.

Thursday 10th October - St John's Primary School, Kenilworth, Warwickshire

Show + balloon modelling workshop for after school club. Format for these is developing nicely. Reducing number of kids means I can make some more complex models for the last few children.

Wednesday 9th October - Birthday Party, Selly Oak, Birmingham

Home party for 4 year old Arian. Bit of a magic show followed by balloon modelling.

Monday 7th October - Worcester Mencap, Worcester

Entertained at the Gateway Club with a bit of balloon modelling and circus skills. Adds a little fun to their tea + biscuits. Teddy bear in heart balloons much in demand.

Saturday 5th October - Circus Party, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham

Pole foam stilts from America are the latest additions to these circus parties. 6 year old Josh enjoyed himself. Put out a few rocket balloons too in second half of party.

Friday 4th October - Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School, Yardley Wood, Birmingham

After school club in smallish room. Did roccy raccoon routine to start. Confession routines memorable. Boys + girls seperately did beanbag juggling + toothbrush twirling due to space shortage. Finished with balloon modelling and lastly a card trick.

Thursday 3rd October - St John's Primary School, Ladywood, Birmingham

Mini circus workshop for 30 kids at after school club. After tea break did hula hoop challenge and 3-twist doggie making. Couple of rubber band tricks using 160 balloons really got the kids going. Great fun.

Tuesday 1st October - St Patrick's RC Primary School, Winson Green, Birmingham

Balloon modelling workshop for after school club. Wonderful staff, great session (9 kids). Used rocket balloons. One girl, scared of clowns loved these. Changed her mind about clowns and shouting bye to me!

Tuesday 24th September - Anderton Park School, Birmingham

Balloon modelling workshop at the breakfast club. Added a bit of fun to the start of the day. Each child's balloon creations put into bin bag to take home later.

Sunday 22nd September - St Matthews Church Hall, Boughton, North Wales

Very lively group of kids for this joint 7th birthday party. Nice day so they had tea on tables outside hall - more space to whiz around inside.

Monday 16th September - 4th Shirley Brownies, Birmingham

Circus perfomer badge. Usual great fun. Leaders known by first name rather than 'Brown Owl' etc

Saturday 14th September - Brownhills Children's Centre, Staffordshire

Circus Workshop in school playground. Hard surface. Tightrope trampolines and foot twisters all worked well together with hand held new style stilts. Taught animal man how to make balloon dog.

Saturday 31st August - Three Roses Homes, Clent, Worcestershire

60th birthday party for mentally handicapped adult at a care home. Set the lawn out with circus equipment. Wonderful staff helped participation by all. Kids of some of the staff had a great time too.

Friday 30th August - St Martins School, Oswestry, Shropshire

One girl enjoyed the circus workshop so much she took her leg off! Skidding around on the didicars so much easier without the artificial limb. Mixed in the balloon modelling well which is proving very popular. One lad made himself a costume!

Thursday 29th August - Airbus Playscheme, Broughton, North Wales

Circus workshops just as popular in Wales! 20p tightrope challenge again netted the kids a bit of pocket money. Must take the hands free stilts next time.

Wednesday 28th August - Selly Oak Methodist Church, Birmingham

Circus workshop in beautiful hall just a few hundred yards from home! About 25 2-14 year olds. Taught balloon modelling to a couple of parents at start. They then passed on skills to anyone wanting a go.

Tuesday 27th August - St Francis Primary School, Handsworth

New set up for clown clothes with 4 tidy rails. Worked brilliantly! So easy to pack away at end. About 28 4 year olds who laughed very enthusiastically at initial show.

Sunday 25th August - King's Arms pub, Mickleton, Gloucestershire

Landlord's birthday. A singer to entertain the adults and me to entertain the kids. Lovely weather, stayed till nearly dark. Good opportunity for handing cards out.

Friday 23rd August - Ashgate Special School, Manchester

Interesting day with 3 differing classes of special needs pupils. One autistic girl responded well to gymspin and pull buoy pole stilts. Calmed her down and allayed staff fears by putting own shoes on when it was time to leave.

Thursday 22nd August - Keele University, Staffordshire

Circus workshop held in huge sports hall. 35 kids so a bit hectic. Play mats under circus tents worked well. Did show at start as plenty of new younger kids.

Wednesday 21st August - Valley Infant School, Solihull

Coordination skills workshop for playscheme. After 2 ball trick and toothbrush twirling most of session devoted to balloon modelling.Took along Russell's flying mouse tube.

Sunday 18th August - Mickleton Family Fun Day, Gloucestershire

What a great pub garden! Even the morris dancers joined in the circus fun. The pub landlord wants me back next Sunday for his birthday party!

Friday 16th August - Crossley Park, Ripley, Derbyshire

Lovely outdoor setting for my circus workshop. Kids whizzing around the bandstand on the novelty carts. One of my favourite venues.

Wednesday 14th August - Baby Gems Playhouse, Ladywood, Birmingham

Very enthusiastic bunch of youngsters here. Staff were magnificent in helping throughout. Some did the teaching of balloon modelling in an adjoining room.

Tuesday 13th August - Denbigh Playscheme, Tipton

8 - 14 year olds learned a variety of skills in the first hour including balloon modelling. Free play in the second hour with the 20p tightrope challenge proving popular.

Sunday 11th August - Circus Party, Birmingham

Lively 7 year old enjoyed his circus party at Willclare Social Club. Adults could enjoy watching whilst drinking! Tightrope outside as a little short of space.

Friday 9th August - Pitcheroak Special School, Redditch, Worcestershire

Balloon modelling workshop for these MLD and autistic pupils. 3 twist dogs and swords made. Staff + pupils practiced their balance on the nose skills with the swords. Rocket balloons to finish proved popular.

Wednesday 7th August - Ironville Children's Centre, Derbyshire

Hard playground only today. Still had the tightrope + trampolines up without any accidents. Quite a few families with toddlers. Must get those some of those play mats.

Tuesday 6th August - Keele University, Staffordshire

Lots of kids today. Put the circus tents up as an extra. Staff did the balloon modelling for me. Added toothbrush twirling too.

Saturday 27th July to Sunday 4th August - European Juggling Convention, Toulouse, France

A week of fun in the sun! Ran magic + balloon modelling workshops. Lots of new ideas to integrate into my shows + workshops.

Wednesday 24th July - Ty Gwyn School, Cardiff

PMLD playscheme. A chance to entertain the hard working staff as well as the pupils. Some fun races and competitions included.

Tuesday 23rd July - Bilston Primary School, Wolverhampton

Circus workshops for year 2 & year 4 as attendance treats. One of the staff remembered me from 5 years ago at Kennedy House MENCAP.

Monday 22nd July - Keele University, Staffordshire

First time at this playscheme with the new design of stilts. Should be good to see progress over the holidays. 3 more playschemes over the summer break.

Sunday 21st July - Rosie's Charity, Aldridge Airfield, Walsall

Lovely outdoor event. Helped by RAF cadets to set up. Busy throughout. Booked again for next year!

Saturday 20th July - Circus Party, Kenilworth

Parochial hall a wonderful venue for this twins club party. Used lawn outside for trampolines, balance beam, hand held stilts & circus play tents.

Friday 19th July - Cropthorne & Charlton First School, Worcestershire

End of term circus show for whole school. Narrow hall but worked well all the same. Saw pictures of a previous visit.

Thursday 18th July - Hamilton Community College, Leicester

Secondary age pupils enjoying a playscheme. Lovely event. A reminder to get more 'walkaroo' stilts.

Wednesday 17th July - Anderson Park School, Birmingham

Circus workshops as a 100% attendance reward. Watched 'staff versus pupils' football match at lunchtime!

Monday 15th July - Whitley Abbey Primary School, Coventry

Seven classes from reception thru year 6 all had a 45 minute circus workshop today. End of year treat! Paid for by parents.

Sunday 14th July - Circus Party, Bournville, Birmingham

After the success of his brother Oliver's party, Benjamin wanted the same! His Dad reckoned it was even better! Used the corrider for stiltwalking practice and the balloon modelling.

Saturday 13th July - St Mary's Church, Selly Oak, Birmingham

Summer fete in the boiling heat! Pleasant afternoon. Alex ready stilts given a good workout. Subsequently received a booking at Selly Oak Methodist Church from reccomendation.

Friday 12th July - Billesley Primary School, Birmingham

Balloon modelling workshop for after school club. 5 & 6 year olds. Used new idea of getting leaders to pinch balloons while kids twisted.

Wednesday 10th July - Uplands Manor Primary School, Smethwick, West Midlands

Circus workshops as a reward for 100% attendance. Circus show to start with. Then nursery/reception, yr1/yr2, yr3/yr4, yr5/yr6 workshops. Had to cart equipment up fire escape to 2nd floor hall!

Monday 8th July - Mayflower Primary School, Leicester

Circus Workshops as a leaving treat for year 6. New style of hand held stilts is working well. Tightrope 20p challenge a great success. Will be back in December for early years.

Sunday 7th July - 1st Water Orton Brownies, Warwickshire

Circus performer badge for this group held at the Mancetter scout quarters. Plenty of time so added the hula hoop challenge.

Saturday 6th July - St George & St Teresa Primary School, Solihull

Circus Workshop on a hot sunny day. Glad I've added the gazebos to my outdoor workshops. One little lad loved the jack in the boxes and was playing for ages with them. Shaded by the tent.

Wednesday 3rd July - Mansfield Green Primary Academy, Birmingham

Balloon modelling workshop for after school club. Plenty of fun + laughter with staff at the school too. Great idea these workshops at after school clubs.

Monday 1st July - Fairway Primary School, Birmingham

Balloon modelling workshop for after school club. Discovered a nice technique for helping the 5 year olds do the balloon modelling. Someone older pinches the balloon while they do the twisting. A very happy club for all.

Saturday 29th June - Company Fun Day, Warndon, Worcestershire

Yet another glorious day at this annual outdoor event. Took 2 gazebos. Walkeroo stilts had their debut too. 'Alex ready stilts' proved their worth.

Friday 28th June - Circus Party, Edgbaston, Birmingham

Circus party for 6 year old girl. St Germain's churh hall a great venue. Party mum booked me after seeing me at Calthorpe Special School. Pretty much a perfect party.

Thursday 27th June - Greenholm Primary School, Birmingham

Balloon modelling workshop for a dozen year 6 pupils. They are learning the skills to perform at their school fete. Finished with twister hat after dog, sword and flying mouse.

Thursday 20th June - St Mark's Catholic Primary School, Birmingham

Introductory day for preschoolers. They loved the short show. Queued up for balloon swords + dogs afterwards. Other entertainment included animal antics + face painting.

Tuesday 18th June - St Sebastian's RC Primary School, Salford

Circus show for nursery to year 2. A teacher literally picked up by another teacher from her seat to be a 'volunteer clown' on stage! One of those 'wilder' shows you don't forget. This after all is Salford!

Thursday 13th June - Lethbridge Primary School, Swindon

Leaving treat for year 6 pupils. Toothbrush twirling + balloon modelling amongst the skills taught in the morning. Free play in the afternoon included tightrope walking and hands free stiltwalking.

Wednesday 12th June - Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Leicester

Circus Show for 110 nursery, reception, year 1 & year 2 pupils. Parents filled the back row of seats - a lovely idea! Had a bit of extra pre-show fun entertaining the waiting adults.

Saturday 8th June - Circus Party, Polesworth, Staffordshire

Polesworth working men's club was a delightful venue for this party for 6 year old Grace. Both a big floor for kids to play and a big seating area + bar for the adults!

Friday 7th June - St Barnabas Primary School, Birmingham

Circus show for 120 nursery, reception, year 1 & year 2 pupils. Loads of laughter from pupils who are usually expected to be quiet!

Thursday 6th June - Wilbarston Primary School, Northamptonshire

Circus workshops + circus shows for the infants. Each child had morning + afternoon show + workshop. Beautiful day. One lad exclaimed "This is the best time ever!".

Tuesday 4th June - Burchetts Green Infant School, Berkshire

Circus workshop split between school hall and soft play area. Great headteacher. Helped load, unload and supervised tightrope at lunchtime so kids could play extra! Kids studying circus as a topic.

Sunday 2nd June - Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham

Circus workshop next to Robert Wilkinson's funfair. Gorgeous day. Really did enjoy it. Must do more of these outdoor events in the summer.

Saturday 1st June - Birthday Party, Centennial Centre, Birmingham

Indian 1st birthday party. Extravagant event. Fire juggler, animal man, and soft play were amongst other entertainment. Ten year olds loved playing football with the juggling balls! 14-10 was one score I overheard.

Tuesday 28th May - Keele University, Staffordshire

36 kids today. Gym instead of usual rooms. Large space meant great for viper trikes. Staff good at teaching the balloon modelling while I concentrate on the stilt walkers. As usual just great.

Friday 24th May - Calthorpe Special School, Birmingham

Entertaining lots of PMLD children today. Many in wheelchairs being dressed as clowns. One blind PMLD pupil managed to walk the tightrope to the delight of her teachers.

Thursday 23rd May - Sacred Heart primary School, Tipton, West Midlands

Year 6 were away on a trip. The rest of the school enjoyed a circus show followed by circus workshops. One year 5 lad toured the school after learning to stilt walk.

Wednesday 22nd May - Redwell Infant School, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

One of my regular bookings. A circus day provided as a treat by the parents. Circus Show followed by 6 half hour circus workshops.

Tuesday 21st May - Ocker Hill Infant School, Tipton, West Midlands

Am & pm shows for nursery to year 2 classes. School split so full age range in each show. Ideal solution to give morning and afternoon nurseries both a chance to see circus show.

Saturday 18th May - Holy Communion Party, Hall Green, Birmingham

Provided the circus fun for a party celebrating 2 girls holy communion. Stilt walking outside one of the highlights.

Wednesday 15th April - QE Hospital

Plaster removed from hand with broken little finger ... let's see how it goes!

Sunday 12th May - Circus Party, Bournville, Birmingham

Oliver's 6th birthday party. Slightly smaller halls this weekend mean no room for trampolines. Don't think it really matters. Suggested singing 'HB' at start of tea break which was taken up.

Saturday 11th May - Circus Party, Great Barr, Birmingham

Joint circus party for 5 & 6 year olds. Parents delighted. Sang 'Happy Birthday' at start of tea break. Good idea! No rounding up of children needed later.

Thursday 9th May - Bushmead Primary School, Luton

Regular circus workshops booking for 4 classes of reception pupils. The teachers of course join in the fun and play on everything.

... Broken little finger - means lot of shows postponed!

... Hand has been put into plaster to help heal.

Friday 19th April - Billesley Primary School, Birmingham

Circus workshops for 100% attenders. Staff really joined in the fun on this reward day. A reward they will remember.

Wednesday 17th April - First Napton Brownies, Warwickshire

Circus performer badge for this lively bunch of brownies. Held at a school. Headteacher heard all the commotion and laughter and took a card.

Wednesday 17th April - Woodcock Hill Primary School, Birmingham

Circus skills workshop for year 3. Gave the program I deliver to the brownies for their circus performer badge. Also did the 2 little dickie birds magic trick.

Monday 15th April - Fairway Primary School, Birmingham

This school converting to Academy. Provided tightrope for a little entertainment as part of the celebrations.

Wednesday 10th April - Christ Church Primary School, Oldham

Circus workshops for infant classes studying circus. Taught balloon modelling to some staff at lunchtime. Very helpful staff with my broken finger problem.

Saturday 6th April - St Martins School, Oswestry, Shropshire

Delivered circus workshop to 6-16 year old's in the sports centre. Lovely venue again in these easter holidays. Snow on the hills. Sofie helped me out.

Friday 5th April - Hatchford Brook Primary School, Solihull

Circus show for playscheme. Following doctor's orders not to juggle my balls for 6 weeks(broken little finger). Substituted teaching the staff balloon modelling to teach to the kids.

Thursday 4th April - Company Playscheme, Broughton, North Wales

Lovely big hall. Kids enthusiastically learnt tightrope walking, stiltwalking, balloon modelling as well as energetically playing on novelty carts. Nice set up.

Tuesday 2nd April - Keele University, Staffordshire

Two large carts very popular - must take all four next time for these sports centre halls. Arrived home to find them wanting 4 more dates for circus workshops.

Thursday 27th March - Longford Park Primary School, Coventry

First show for nursery pupils went particularly well. Parents in attendance were roped in. Second show for a reception class. Last shows with undiagnosed broken finger.

Wednesday 26th March - St Matthews Primary School, Birmingham

Circus show as a reward for 100% attenders. Dished out food and drink before show too ... mmm! Really need more staff to 'make' the show.

Tuesday 25th March - Summerhill Primary School, Sandwell

Hand very sore from yesterday. Two attendance reward shows. One teacher turned away she was laughing so much!

Monday 24th March - Jubilee Park Primary School, Sandwell

Circus show in a nice hall. What was not so nice was the snow - slipped and my hand is very sore. Teachers need to knuckle down and clear it properly! (Broken finger eventually diagnosed)

Sunday 23rd March - Circus Party, Fairfield, Worcestershire

A nice hall for a circus party for a 7 year old girl. Six of her friends won a peacock feather for crossing the tightrope unaided - a bit of a record!

Friday 21st March - Bloxwich Children's Centre, Walsall

Balloon modelling for a change at this celebration event. Teddy bear in heart, monkey holding banana and penguin all very popular.

Thursday 20th March - Woodcocks Well Primary School, Cheshire

Circus workshop day for Nursery, Reception & Year 1 children studying circus. Balloon doggie workshop in staff room at lunch time a great success. All the kids went home with one!

Tuesday 19th March - Holy Cross & All Saints RC Primary School, Salford

Just 30 nursery children enjoyed this circus show. Taught the teachers how to make a 3 twist balloon doggie as an extra. All the kids went home with one.

Monday 18th March - Bushmead Primary School, St Neots, Cambridgeshire

Circus show for year 1 & 2 pupil's. A circus had visited town recently. Most hadn't seen it. Their teacher thought it a nice idea to book me so they could enjoy a 'circus experience' together.

Saturday 16th March - Birthday party, Wall Heath, West Midlands

Birthday girl so enjoyed her brownie circus badge evening she wanted similar for her party. They did extra balloon modelling with all 3 Filbert pumps in action.

Friday 15th March - Chalet Special School, Swindon, Wiltshire

Circus workshops for the autistic pupils here. Lovely day. As a regular visitor the staff know how all the equipment works.

Thursday 14th March - Woodlands Infant School, Solihull, West Midlands

Two male teachers in clown dresses! A first for my circus show. Enjoyable local show. Not far from a great venue for my circus parties.

Wednesday 13th March - Llangors CinW Primary School, Powys, Wales

Circus show after a lovely drive into Wales. On the ball youngsters with great reply's for a suitable punishment for my misbehaving puppet!

Tuesday 12th March - Corngreaves Primary School, Cradley Heath, West Midlands

Such a lot of laughter from the Nursery + Reception pupils! Slightly squeezed conditions in a classroom probably made it more noticeable. Circus shows very popular at the moment.

Monday 11th March - St Mark's Catholic Primary School, Birmingham

Seem to be doing a lot of shows for Catholic schools lately. 'Molly' delightful as the magician(ess) helper. Shows are better without the unicycle routine.

Monday 11th March - St Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School, Birmingham

Freezing this morning! Lovely huge hall for a circus show for reception to year 2 pupils. Week off to a good start!

Thursday 7th March - Great Addington Primary School, Northamptonshire

Circus show for 45 Infants in small hall. Lots of these shows are helping me make a quick adaption to conditions presented. Left circus tent and table in van.

Wednesday 6th March - Borderbrook Primary School, Tallarn Green, Cheshire

Smallest space I've ever done my circus show in. After school club with one teacher and 20 pupils. Older pupils took place of teacher volunteers. Roccy raccoon disappeared with one of the pupils afterwards!

Sunday 3rd March - Circus Party, Berkswell, Warwickshire

Caitlin's 7th birthday party followed on from Thomas's. One way to ensure the family all sleep well! Girls love the tightrope walking.

Sunday 3rd March - Circus Party, Berkswell, Warwickshire

Nice trip to the countryside for Thomas 5th birthday party. Even though hall was reasonable size had just trampolines in hall for first half of party to give carts plenty of room to whiz around.

Friday 1st March - J H Godwin Primary School, Chester

Circus show for 85 reception, year1 + year 2 pupils. Sat reception pupils on benches at back. A common ploy nowadays. Trapezium shaped hall.

Thursday 28th February - St John Fisher Catholic Academy, Derby

Circus show for 60 reception + year 1 children. Catholic schools are always nice to perform at. Gave balloons from show to secretary. Backjacks arrived but not used.

Tuesday 26th February - Furze Platt Infant School, Maidenhead, Berkshire

Circus show to start the day. 3 workshops for the year 1 classes studying 'circus'. A final end of day show. Everyone delighted ... except perhaps the year 2 classes who wished they too were studying 'circus'!

Friday 22nd February - St Annes Catholic Primary School, Wrexham

Circus show for 60 reception, year 1 & year 2 children. Staff including headteacher participated magnificently!

Thursday 21st February - Hopping Hill Primary School, Northampton

Circus show for 120 year 1 & 2 pupils. Did elephant + jack in the box to class beforehand to reassure 'nervous of clowns' children.

Wednesday 20th February - Keele University, Staffordshire

Balloon modelling the success story of the day with 2 Filbert pumps being used by the kids. One lad (7) mastered the new hold on stilts and spent most of session on hands free stilts.

Tuesday 19th February - The Abbey Primary School, Northampton

Circus skills workshops for the 2 reception classes followed a show for all of KS1. Tiger and pony successfully returned to action in workshops.

Monday 18th February - Birthday Party, Stirchley, Birmingham

House party for 4 year old. Magic show and balloon modelling for an hour.

Sunday 17th February - Birthday Party, Birmingham

Indian 1st birthday party in central Birmingham hotel. Last minute booking as 'Animal Man' wasn't allowed to bring animals in!

Saturday 16th February - Circus Party, Bedford

Tenth birthday party for Cleo. A very chuckly girl from St John's School. A lovely get together of parents, teachers and pupils. Spinning tops arrived too.

Friday 15th February - Grindleford Primary School, Derbyshire

Circus Show went very smoothly in tiny school. Staff very helpful in providing the space in a classroom. Nice view outside!

Wednesday 13th February - Busill Jones Primary School, Walsall

Circus show + workshops am & pm for nursery pupils + their parents. Promotional day for Bloxwich children's centre. Must remember to take elephant rocker!

Tuesday 12th February - 40th Coventry South Brownies, Coventry

Circus performer badge in a cozy carpeted church hall. 3 leaders managed to hula hoop for 60 seconds!

Monday 11th February - William Austin Infant School, Luton

Circus day for 5 reception classes. Got the staff to demonstrate equipment after show. All togged out in clown coats/dresses and giant clown boots! Workshops flowed very smoothly.

Sunday 10th February - Circus Party, Dickens Heath, Solihull

Two great halls in 3 days for my circus parties. This a joint party for two 6 year old girls. Their 81 year old grandad joined in all the fun too ... you are never too old!

Friday 8th February - Circus Party, Weobley, Herefordshire

Lovely big hall and great access for this birthday party. Let the children use the filbert pump to blow up modelling balloons towards end of party. They love to have a go! Must leave a bit earlier for these Herefordshire parties.

Tuesday 5th February - Busill Jones Primary School, Walsall

More clowning around in playground at start of day. Telling children to come to circus show following week. Bloxwich children's centre project.

Monday 4th February - 2nd Wall Heath Brownies, Dudley

Circus performer badge. Lively group who went home with armfuls of balloon dogs they had made!

Monday 4th February - Busill Jones Primary School, Walsall

Clowned around in playground at start of day. Parents were being encouraged to attend Bloxwich Children's Centre. Promotional stuff.

Saturday 2nd February - Circus Party, Vernon Lodge School, Staffordshire

Hall so small the tightrope was set up outside on the grass. Children don't mind the cold. Parents happily chatting. Parties are a great success even in less than ideal conditions.

Thursday 31st January - Coney Hill Primary School, Gloucester

Circus show for reception, year 1 (who were studying circus) and year 2. Usual comment of " ... never seen the children laugh so much!"

Monday 28th January - Worcester Gateway Club, Worcester

Balloon modelling workshop kept this group of adults entertained + happy.

Saturday 12th January - Circus Party, Bubbenhall, Warwickshire.

Trampolines in first half of party, tightrope + single trampoline after tea as hall slightly on small side. All the good fun as usual - especially enjoyed by grandad!

Friday 11th January - Avenue Primary School, Leicester

Circus show followed by circus workshops for classes studying 'circus'. Nice feedback on circus books by hlta.

Thursday 10th January - Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Swindon

Circus show followed by circus workshops for classes studying 'circus'.

Wednesday 9th January - Arden Primary School, Sparkhill, Birmingham

Circus show followed by circus workshops for classes studying 'circus'.

Monday 7th January - Foley Infant School, Staffordshire

Circus skills workshop for staff of Foley Infant School + Brindley Heath Junior School as a 'getting to know you session' after federation.

 

 

 

Circus Skills Workshops, Circus Shows and Circus Parties in 2012

 

Thursday 28th December - Henrys Cantonese Restaurant, Birmingham Music event. Children displaying mostly piano skills to their parents. Provided a show, magic and balloon modelling afterwards.

Wednesday 19th December - Cwm Glas Infant's School, Llanbradach, Caerphilly Circus show for a lovely little school in South Wales. Gave away first of the dotty teaspoons. Pushed off wall with unicycle - minor improvement to use in future.

Monday 17th December - Ulverley Primary School, Solihull Circus show for 110 foundation stage pupils. One little lad didn't want to leave at end. I gave him my puppet's tail to hold and led him back to the clasroom.

Sunday 16th December - Circus Party, Moira Village Hall, Leicestershire. Popcorn + candy floss available at this party. Possibly distracting. Usual loads of fun for 5 year old birthday girl + her friends.

Friday 14th December - St John's Special School, Bedford Efficient organization from staff. Usual enjoyable day for staff + pupils. Circus tent successful addition for these students.

Wednesday 12th December - 2nd Aldridge Brownies, West Midlands Hula hoop 60 second challenge again worked well. Demonstrated balloon ball making. Circus performer badge acheived by all.

Sunday 9th December - Circus Party, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire 5 year old Paige's party. Hall a little small so trampolines in first half of party and tightrope second half.Introduced giant ball I'd bought at Leeds juggling convention.

Saturday 8th December - Sense, Leeds Family day for the deaf/blind organisation. Taught a little balloon modelling too. Leeds juggling convention attended afterwards!

Thursday 6th December - Wennington Hall Special School, Lancashire EBD school. 3 classes of 20. All the pupils gave me a ten so a teacher said. One teacher on stilts did a school tour! Hula hoop 60 second challenge worked nicely.

Saturday 1st December - Circus Party, Sutton Coldfield. 5 year old Bethany's party. Mum was a teacher and took a photo of each child enjoying themselves. Mini circus tent popular.

Friday 30th November - Wolverhampton Mencap, Wolverhampton. Balloon modelling workshop. Well, ended up me making whatever they wanted - penguins were pretty popular - much like my balloon modelling days at university balls.

Wednesday 28th November - Nursery Hill Primary School, Nuneaton, Warwickshire Very lively show in front of whole school of 150 pupils. Caretaker as third clown. Joshua a star as magician.

Tuesday 27th November - Guardian Angels Primary School, Shard End, Birmingham Two circus shows. One for Nursery, the second for reception & KS1. Year 2 teacher says she'll book me up for her circus topic in the summer.

Friday 23rd November - Palmerston Special School, Liverpool Pupils won the tightrope challenge 6-3 versus the staff. So easy to prove the pupils are more talented than the staff in special schools. Lovely hall to work in.

Wednesday 21st November - Kings Norton Primary School, Birmingham Two circus shows. First for Year 1 & Year 2. Then a show for reception. Very enjoyable. First full shows since the summer.

Tuesday 20th November - Bryn St Peter's Primary School, Nr Wigan Year 3 studying circus topic. Great to have the whole day with them. They learned a bit of balloon modelling in the afternoon skill building session.

Sunday 18th November - Circus Party, Claverdon, Warwickshire Hectic circus party enjoyed by all. A little oversubscribed at nearly 40 kids! Didn't want to leave either.I don't mind as I only do one of these a day.

Saturday 17th November - Bournville Garden Centre, Birmingham A very pleasant gig balloon modelling at a local garden centre. Lovely relaxed atmoshere.

Thursday 15th November - Newstead Primary School, Stoke Year 3 are studying 'circus'. Gave show for years 1, 2 and 3 followed by workshop for year 3 class. Toothbrush twirling and hands free stiltwalking both featured. Very helpful staff.

Thursday 8th November - Witham St Hughs Primary School, Lincolnshire Year 1 & year 2 are studying 'Circus'. Circus show then am & pm workshops for each class. One teacher learned ballon modelling skills to pass on. First use of circus play tent.

Sunday 4th November - Circus Party, Dunchurch, Warwickshire Evie's 4th birthday party. She learned to ride the action ponies and novelty carts before her friends arrived. Small party of 16 kids. Made her a balloon teddy to take home.

Saturday 3rd November - Circus Party, Bournville, Birmingham 7 year old Sofia deemed her party a "Great Success". Nice to do a local party. Gave out loads of cards which were enthusiastically taken with promises to spread the news ...!

Friday 2nd November - 7th Aldridge Rainbows, Walsall 25th anniversary bash. Small show followed by workshop. Girls had a great time as did the older girl helpers!

Thursday 1st November - Keele University, Staffordshire Introduced magic table to the circus skills workshop today. After a demonstration of cups + balls kids loved having a go themselves! Took mini penny farthings along too.

Wednesday 24th October - Bush Babies Day Nursery, Sutton Coldfield Balloon modelling workshop for staff. A lot of laughter - I used to entertain t student balls in the 90's with this. Perhaps I should teach flying mouse in future workshops?

Sunday 21st October - Circus Party, Abberley Village Hall, Worcestershire Birthday party for 6 year old Emily. Great hall to work in. Kids very happy. Grandad greeted the guests on stilts dressed as a clown!

Friday 19th October - Corpus Christi Primary School, Coventry Wow day for year 1 & year 2 to finish their circus topic. Teachers as wowed as the pupils at all my equipment. Finished with a show for whole school + parents. Dads had a minibike race dressed as clowns.

Wednesday 17th October - Brookfields Special School, Reading Quite a few pupils more talented than their teachers! Able to walk the tightrope, Primary aged classes of MLD, PMLD, SLD and autistic pupils.

Monday 15th October - 260th Birmingham Brownies, Hall Green 2 brownies and 1 leader won a peacock feather from the hula hoop 60 second challenge. Circus performer badge for brownies with the standard fayre.

Thursday 11th October - Shenstone Lodge Special School, Nr Lichfield An EBD primary school. Teachers of course have the wrong approach. These kids need staff passing them on skills rather than exclusively worrying about behaviour. A wonderful day with the kids thorougly enjoying learning a variety of circus skills.

Wednesday 3rd October - 3rd Southam Brownies, Southam, Warwickshire Hula hoop challenge added to the standard fayre for their circus performer badge. Worked well. Have to get larger hoops for leaders challenge.

Sunday 30th September - Birthday Party, Selly Oak A bit of magic & balloon modelling for a local ten year old boy & his mates. He was more interested in playing with his train set in the garden.

Wednesday 26th September - Green Rock Primary School, Walsall Circus topic booking. Yr 1 & Yr 2 pupils lucky enough to have circus workshops morning & afternoon. Teaching assistants enjoyed learning balloon modelling to add to afternoon sessions.

Saturday 22nd September - Circus Party, Harpenden, Hertfordshire Scout hut was massive! Wonderful venue for this circus party for a 6 year old girl. Her Dad greeted guests on stilts!

Friday 21st September - Millstead Special School, Liverpool 3 PMLD classes and 3 SLD classes. Working hard to improve all aspects of PMLD entertainment. Couple of male teaching assistants provided the biggest laughs!

Sunday 16th September - Weoley Castle Festival, Birmingham Lovely afternoon. Kids thoroughly absorbed on all the activities. Tightrope challenge particularly popular.

Monday 10th September - Fishtoft Primary School, Boston, Lincolnshire Circus skills workshop followed a show for the infant pupils. After school balloon modelling workshop for the staff. They liked the flying mouse!

Saturday 8th September - Circus Party, Delves Batist Church, Walsall Beautiful sunny day. Circus party held inside hall + outside on green in front of church. Circus Parties make for lovely gossip gatherings for the adults too!

Friday 31st August - Autism West Midlands, West Bromwich, Sandwell Some of these autistic kids are more talented than their siblings! Great little family event.

Friday 24th August - St Francis Primary School, Handsworth, Birmingham Playscheme for new intake of 4 year olds to this school. Thinking about getting more elephants for the circus?

Wednesday 22nd August - Keele University, Staffordshire Such a big sports hall for this playscheme, I took the penny farthings along too. Playworkers helped the kids make balloon doggies. Also taught the playworkers to make cutlasses for the boys + girls.

Sunday 19th August - Longbridge Summer Festival, Birmingham Very pleasant afternoon. Re-introduced the clown picture colouring table. Half a dozen diabolos too were popular. Several participants wanting to get their own.

Saturday 18th August - Circus Party, Romsley, Worcestershire Olivia's 5th birthday party. Organised chaos as one of the parent's described it.

Wednesday 15th August - St Edwards Primary School, Nottingham Ex professional footballer taking charge of this playscheme at an inner city school. Brian Clough once sent him out to do his bit for the community. Good day as usual.

Tuesday 14th August - Tipton Playscheme, Tipton, West Midlands 8 - 16 year olds on this playscheme. Tightrope challenge popular. These older children really need to have more skills. Offered 'free workshop for lazy youth workers' to playscheme leader who may take it up.

Monday 13th August - Kings Heath & Mosely Youth Project, Birmingham 11 - 16 years Asian group. One lad learned to unicycle. Made extensive use of 20p challenge. Gave nearly 50 quid away! 20p challenge in particular for 3 ball juggling progess.

Sarurday 11th August - SMILE, Dudley, West Midlands SLD & PMLD special needs social group having a summer meet to break up the long holiday. All the usual fun. Finished off with balloon modelling to give them something to take home.

Friday 10th August - 50th Birthday Party, Harborne, Birmingham Balloon modelling for this celebration at Harborne Hall Hotel. Just like I used to do at Student Balls.

Friday 10th August - Kingsland Special School, Wakefield, Yorkshire No teachers at these special needs playschemes! Pupils get a proper learning experience combined with great fun! Even the caretaker dressed up and walked the tightrope!

Wednesday 8th August - Keele University, Staffordshire Second of 3 circus workshop playschemes. Minibike races popular! All made a 3 twist doggie at half-time to take home.

Tuesday 7th August - SWIIS Foster Care, Edgbaston, Birmingham Circus skills workshops for 15 - 20 kids in foster care. Varying ages and attitudes. The diversity of circus offers hope for all!

Monday 6th August - Ashgate Special School, Manchester Playscheme for the pupils and some of their siblings. Great fun day enjoyed by all. One staff member was even playing on all the equipment in her break time!

Saturday 28th July to Sunday 5th August - 35th European Juggling Convention, Lublin, Poland A truly memorable juggling convention accompanied by great weather!

Friday 27th July - Keele University, Staffordshire Playscheme for the little ones. A regular booking this. 3 bookings over the summer hols. They already know just how good it is.

Thursday 26th July - Ripley Children's Centre, Derbyshire One of my favourite events of the year. Set in Crossley Park around the bandstand. Toddlers to ten year olds playing on all the equipment. Beautiful weather of course.

Wednesday 25th July - Piper Hill Special School, Manchester "The staff have enjoyed it as much as the kids". Quote heard a couple of times during the day. Photos compiled into a slide show at lunch time.

Tuesday 24th July - Stonehouse Gang, Selly Oak, Birmingham Circus Workshop for local youth group. Leader even expressed an interest in my 'free workshops for lazy youth workers' scheme!

Monday 23rd July - St Gregory's Primary School, Coventry Fitted 7 classes in a day(first time) for this treat for the all the kids. Hectic and successful. Used twin class intoduction idea.

Friday 20th July - 255th Birmingham Brownie Pack, Great Barr, Birmingham Circus workshop for their circus performer badge. Nice hall to work in.

Friday 20th July - Moons Moat First School, Redditch, Worcestershire Circus skills workshops a leaving gift for year 4 pupils. For this school it's always held in the playground. Weather held out!

Thursday 19th July - 172nd Birmingham Rainbows, Quinton, Birmingham. An hour of circus fun before these Rainbows and their leaders break up for the summer holidays. Nice old fashioned hall with wooden floor.

Thursday 19th July - Hamilton Community College, Leicester. Circus workshop for special needs group at this secondary school. Enjoyed by all. Workshops are a lot easier with recent improvements.

Wednesday 18th July - Whitley Abbey Primary School, Coventry 100% attendance reward. 3 schools came together for a day of fun at the War Memorial park. St Anne's and Stretton were the other two.

Tuesday 17th July - St Paul's Primary School, Tipton, West Midlands 100% attendance reward. Good school to work at. Local, enjoyable and appreciative pupils for the circus workshops.

Sunday 15th July - Rosie's Charity Walk, Aldridge Airfield, Walsall Church service to kick off this event. Added hand held stilt challenge to 20p tightrope challenge. Also took along small hula hoop. Might try 60 second hula hoop challenge in future.

Friday 13th July - Greenacre Special School, Barnsley, South Yorkshire Pupil's presented a lovely circus show for the parents. Used a little of my equipment. Mostly though it was a superb effort by pupils and staff.

Thursday 12th July - Bishop Challoner Secondary School, Kings Heath, Birmingham Treat for year 7 pupils. Made offer of 'Free workshops for lazy teachers' too. The more interesting skills teachers have the better for pupils.

Wednesday 11th July - Greenacre Special School, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Helping out with preparations for a circus show for the parents.

Monday 9th July - Mayflower Primary School, Leicester Annual trip a leaving gift for their year 6 pupils. Solid skills including balloon modelling taught in the morning. Free play including the 20p tightrope challenge in the afternoon.

Saturday 7th July - Camping & Caravanning club, Hyde Farm, Worcestershire Laying straw down to cope with weather! Circus workshop held in marquee. 20p tightrope challenge a success once more. Had to wash mud off penny farthings etc back home!

Friday 6th July - St Francis Primary School, Handsworth, Birmingham Circus skills workshops in a classroom rather than a hall. Part of a fun day for the pupils. Split the classes into half to cope with small working area. Still a success.

Thursday 5th July - Mulberry Bush Day Nursery, Ashbourne, Derbyshire A bit of a tight squeeze today! Lots of laughs again for the circus show for about 30 toddlers,staff and parents.

Wednesday 4th July - Dee Road Infant School, Flintshire, Wales Circus show for 166 pupils. Kids dressed up in circus costumes for their party day. Staff dressed up too. A wonderful site to behold!

Monday 2nd July - SWIIS Foster Care, Edgbaston, Birmingham Balloon modelling workshop for half a dozen staff. Hilarious fun for an hour.

Sunday July 1st - Sparkbrook Unity Olympics Event, Sparkbrook, Birmingham Introduced '20 pence if you cross the tightrope challenge'. Enthusiastically taken up and useful idea for future events.

Saturday 30th June - Company Fun Day, Warndon, Worcestershire One of my favourite events of the year, everyone just enjoying themselves in a relaxed atmosphere. Careful not to eat too much of the free ice cream!

Friday 29th June - Ifield Special School, Gravesend, Kent SLD/MLD pupils have a day of fun on all my unusual equipment. Teachers playing on the equipment almost as much!

Saturday 23rd June - Wyboston Watersports Centre, Bedfordshire Corporate event. At least one company making electron microscopes is booming. Delightful venue to provide my circus skills workshop to adults and children.

Tues/Wed 12th/13th June - Beech Hill Primary School, Wigan Two days of circus skills workshops as a reward for getting out of special measures. Any excuse for circus fun will keep your pupils very happy!

Monday 4th June - Druids Heath Festival, South Birmingham A lot warmer today. All enjoyed the activities. Got a nice balance to the outdoor circus workshops now.

Sunday 3rd June - Pembroke Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales Wonderful - although a little cold and wet - day here! First ever castle - must entertain at more.

Friday 1st June - Thornwell Primary School, Chepstow, Monmouthshire Circus show for reception - year 3 pupils as part of their Jubilee celebrations.

Thursday 31st May - Hallmoor Special School, Birmingham This special school was celebrating it's 60th anniversary too. What better than to book the best in circus skills workshops!

Wednesday 30th May - Eye Primary School, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Pupils and teachers came dressed as clowns - so much better for photos - other schools take note! End of day show where teachers raced minibikes with clown boots on!

Wednesday 23rd May - Sunday 27th May - Danish Clown Festival An opportunity to socialise with colleagues and entertain the folks of Svendborg.

Monday 21st May - Stogursey Primary School, Somerset Hectic fun in a morning of circus skills after a circus show. Several successful stilt walkers.

Wednesday 16th May - Ysgol Bro Tryweryn, Gwynedd, Wales Circus show for school studying circus as a topic. Then a balloon modelling workshop for the older kids. Used clown shoes in show for volunteers which worked nicely.

Monday 14th May - Chalet Special School, Swindon Circus skills workshops for six groups of autistic pupils. 2 new pairs of clown shoes were very popular. Some pupils just loved clumping around in them - often with other clown gear on too. Gave staff ten minute intro at start of day.

Sunday 13th May - Birthday Party, Selly Oak, Birmingham Local party for 6 year old. His dad works in the post office. Just balloon modelling + magic as no room for my circus stuff.

Thursday 10th May - Ysgol Terrig, Flintshire, Wales Circus show for 70 odd pupils. Must remember slow lorries on the A5 in future! Roccy back in show again.

Monday 7th May - Circus Party, Hinstock, Shropshire Circus Party for 11 year old girl. Stiltwalking popular towards end of party.

Wednesday 2nd May - Barcroft Primary School, Walsall, West Midlands Circus Show for presentation of awards ceremony at early evening event.

Wednesday 2nd May - Woodland Grange Primary School, Oadby, Leicestershire Circus skills workshops for year 1 + year 2 pupils in a lovely big hall. Whirl-o-wheel popular, should I get another one?

Sunday 29th April - Circus Party, Hatton, Warwickshire Terrible weather! Action ponies popular and questions asked were they came from. A 4 year olds party. Parents laid on an arts + crafts table as an extra.

Saturday 28th April - Circus Party, Bearwood, Birmingham Repeat booking of a circus party. Jonathon enjoyed his 3rd birthday and had me back for his 4th birthday party. Whizzing around on the didicars early, later riding the mechanical ponies.

Friday 27th April - Billesley Primary School, Birmingham Circus workshops as a reward for over 100 pupils who had achieved 100% attendance at this school which had fallen into special measures. Great day.

Monday 23rd April - Ulverley Primary School, Solihull, West Midlands Circus show + circus workshops for two year 1 classes about to study circus. Teachers always wonder how I pack so much equipment in my van.

Sunday 22nd April - Circus Party, Bournville, Birmingham All girls party for a six year old. Fun exploring the sorts of things they just don't have at home. Walking the tightrope long past the end of the party.

Saturday 21st April - Highbury Hall, Moseley, Birmingham 20th Wedding Anniversary. Ideal opportunity for all the hosts relatives to play on my circus equipment! One could juggle as he walked the length of the tightrope. Penny farthings popular too.

Friday 20th April - Long Cross Primary School, Bristol 45 minute circus show for nursery pupils. Quite a few special needs pupils attended too.

Thursday 19th April - Newydd Housing Association, Barry, Wales Rain put a bit of a dampener on it for me. Not for the kids though - they enjoy any weather when they are having fun! Nice mix of people there.

Tues/Wed 17th/18th April - Long Cross Primary School, Bristol Circus show followed by 4 circus workshops each day. For Reception to year 4 pupils. Stilt walking enjoyed by year 3 & 4 children.

Wednesday 11th - Sunday 15th April - British Juggling Convention, Southend-on-Sea, Essex Always take my circus workshop to this. All ages enjoy the fun. The convention itself is always a wonderful opportunity to get new ideas to improve.

Friday 6th April - Pitmaston Primary School, Worcester Community fun day raising money for local charities. First outdoor circus workshop of the year. Stiltwalking very popular.

Thursday 5th April - Stonehouse Gang, Selly Oak, Birmingham Yippee ... a local playscheme! Usual fun for one of these hour and a half sessions I find a good length of time.

Tuesday 3rd April - Squirrels Holiday Club, Halesowen, West Midlands Chaotic! I think there were 40 kids. Good help from the staff ensured the success of this holiday playscheme.

Monday 2nd April - St Joseph's Primary School, Tredegar, Wales Circus show for whole school. I always enjoy the drive through Wales. A world away from the M1!

Friday 30th March - St Paul's Primary School, Tipton, Sandwell Circus skills workshops as 100% attendance reward for pupils.

Thursday 29th March - Goxhill Primary School, North Lincolnshire Did some magic in the playground at lunchtime. Another lovely sunny day. Great hall to work in too. Nursery to yr 2 pupils kept very happy with show + workshops.

Monday 26th March - Addington Special School, Reading, Berkshire Started day with circus show where I also introduced equipment. Lovely sunny day so workshops extended outdoors. Kids loved scooting carts down slopes.

Saturday 24th March - St Peter's Church Hall, Balsall Common, Warwickshire Brownie & Guide activity day. Introductory circus show followed by 3 circus workshops. Stiltwalking very popular.

Thursday 22nd March - Bushmead Primary School, Luton Repeat booking for a circus day for 4 reception classes. They came all dressed up. Wonderful!!

Wednesday 21st March - Ridge Special School, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Youngsters with untapped potential at this EBD school. With more skills their behaviour would automatically improve. Easy access to hall which I always love.

Monday 19th March - Broadfield Primary School, Rochdale, Lancashire Circus skills workshops for 2 nursery + 2 reception classes plus a balloon modelling workshop for KS2 pupils. Clown boots again popular.

Sunday 18th March - Circus Party, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire Took along some unused clown boots to see if the kids would like them. Indeed they did! One dressed in full clown attire including clown boots. Looked brilliant.

Thursday 15th March - 21st Shrewsbury Brownies, Shrewsbury, Shropshire Brownies respond so well to the simple circus sessions I give for their circus performer badge. Always a pleasure to teach.

Wednesday 14th March - Oakwood Special School, Nuneaton, Warwickshire Always enjoy doing special schools. Did 6 classes here today. Lots of lovely photos taken by the teachers.

Sunday 11th March - Circus Party, Bicton, Nr Shrewsbury, Shropshire Nice to see the daffodils on the verge in this country village. 5th birthday party for Daisy.

Friday 9th March - West Hill Primary School, Hednesford, Staffordshire Free balloon modelling workshop for a year 3/4 class. Great fun. Showed some magic too. Teacher standing on table at end of class taking photographs.

Thursday 8th March - Weston Coney Infant School, Staffordshire Clever teachers here! Using circus workshops to check on physical development of nursery + reception pupils to satisfy goverment regulations. What a fun way of doing it ... !

Saturday 3rd March - Circus Party, Harpenden, Hertfordshire Yet another circus party held in a scout hut. Packed hectic fun as usual. Adults very helpful coping with a little less space than ideal.

Friday 2nd March - Phoenix Special School, Walsall, West Midlands Lovely morning teaching circus skills to EBD kids. Several got the hang of stiltwalking.

Thursday 1st March - St Paul's Primary School, Tipton, West Midlands Free balloon modelling workshop for year 6 class. Teacher standing on chair to take photos of colourful scenario!

Wednesday 29th February - Hallmoor Special School, Birmingham Circus workshops for secondary pupils at an MLD school. Great for their physical coordination skills.

Tuesday 28th February - Weoley Community Church, Weoley Castle, Birmingham Youth club for 7 -11 years. A couple of skills taught first. Next on to all the fun equipment.

Monday 27th February - Thornbury Primary School, Bradford, Yorkshire Myself & a colleague gave 4 shows to cover the whole school. I did 2 for the infants and Wollly www.wolly.co.uk did 2 for the juniors.

Saturday 25th February - Circus Party, Oldbury, West Midlands Joint party for 5 & 8 year old girls. Very chaotic lively party enjoyed by all. Parents provided a bouncy castle too in the lovely large hall. I do so love laaarrge halls!

Thursday 23rd February - Thackley Primary School, Bradford Circus shows morning + afternoon for nursery classes. Reception pupils joined the audience. Amending elephant sketch.

Tuesday 21st February - Holy Cross Primary School, Birmingham Circus show for whole school followed by circus workshop for year 1 pupils studying circus topic.

Monday 20th February - 3rd Lapal Brownies, Halesowen, West Midlands Gave a circus workshop enabling the girls to gain their circus performer badge. Finishing with balloon doggie making which they could take home!

Saturday 18th February - Circus Party, West Bromwich Joint birthday party for two 5 year olds. They had seen one of my circus parties in Great Barr previously. Once seen, never forgotten!

Thursday 16th February - Bright Futures Children's Centre, West Bromwich, West Midlands Circus show for tiny tots. Car had been in the garage all week with starting problems so glad I could make it.

Friday 10th February - Hill Top Primary School, Bradford, Yorkshire Circus show for reception to year 3. Circus workshop for year 1 who have been studying circus. A fun filled aftenoon.

Thursday 9th February (pm) - Bro

  

Suppliers

Juggling equipment www.butterfingers.co.uk including stilts

Modelling balloons www.playtimeballoons.co.uk

Hula hoops www.jazzphab.co.uk

Unicycles www.unicycle.uk.com

Sound equipment for schools www.coomber.co.uk

Wonderful customer service for at least ten years from all the above companies