CAN YOU HELP US KEEP CHARLIE CAIROLI’S LEGACY ALIVE?

Well, I’m hoping you lovely people can help me out!

We currently have 658 followers on this page, and I would absolutely love it if just a small percentage of you would consider becoming official members of the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society.

Membership is just £25 a year – that’s less than 50p a week! so, why am I asking?

Well, quite simply, keeping Charlie’s legacy alive comes at a cost. Your membership helps keep our website online, supports the various heritage projects we undertake and contributes towards the everyday running costs of the Society.

Around 90% of the work I do is personally self-funded.

And believe me, I’m not complaining! I don’t do any of this for the money. I do it because I have a genuine passion for Charlie Cairoli, his extraordinary career and the wonderful legacy he left behind.

But there are expenses. Not just the big projects, such as statues, heritage plaques, books and exhibitions, but all the little things behind the scenes. Administration, printing, postage, website costs, telephone calls and the phenomenal mileage I cover every year!

It all adds up.

Since establishing the Society back in 1994, I've dedicated a huge amount of my time, energy and personal finances to ensuring Charlie is never forgotten.

And I have absolutely no intention of stopping now!

 AND HERE'S SOMETHING VERY EXCITING!

We currently have a major secret project underway, which is due to come to fruition in the New Year!

Oh, how I would love to tell you what it is! Believe me, I'm absolutely bursting to share the news, but unfortunately, at this moment in time, I have to keep my lips firmly sealed!

What I can tell you is that it's something very special, something I'm incredibly proud to be involved in, and something I genuinely believe you will all be just as excited about when the announcement is finally made.

The estimated cost of bringing this one project to completion is around £1,000!

And that's just one project!

This is exactly why your membership and donations are so important. These things don't happen by magic. They take months of planning, countless telephone calls, emails, meetings, travelling and, inevitably, money.

We've achieved some remarkable things over the years, and there is still so much more I want us to accomplish.

But a little financial support really does make a difference.

Just imagine if 10% of our 658 followers joined. That would bring in around £1,650 a year, which would make an enormous difference to what we can achieve!

In fact, just 40 new members at £25 each would cover the estimated cost of this exciting new project!

Of course, if you don't wish to become a member but would still like to make a small donation, that would be equally appreciated.

I'm not asking anyone to fund my hobby or pay me for my time. I'm simply asking for a little help towards the genuine costs of preserving an important part of British entertainment and Blackpool's circus heritage.

JOIN US IN BLACKPOOL!

For those of you joining us in Blackpool over the weekend of 27th and 28th November, I will have our lovely new Society membership certificates and exclusive pin badges with me!

So, if you've been thinking about joining, why not come and see me, sign up in person and collect your membership certificate and pin badge while you're there?

It would be wonderful to welcome some new members into the Society, especially over what promises to be a very exciting weekend in Blackpool!

£25 a year. One wonderful legacy. And a Society determined to keep it alive for future generations.

So, come on, you lovely people! If you enjoy following what we do, reading our stories and seeing our achievements, please consider officially joining us.

And who knows, perhaps by becoming a member, you'll be helping us make the next exciting chapter in Charlie Cairoli's remarkable legacy a reality!



Thank you, as always, for your friendship, encouragement and continued support. It really does mean a great deal

Welcome to the our NEW website for our Charlie

SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL COULD BE COMING IN 2027!

Well, I've let a few little spoilers slip, haven't I?

But seriously, as much as I would absolutely love to tell you what's going on behind the scenes at Cairoli HQ, unfortunately, at this moment in time, my lips have to remain firmly sealed!

However, what I can tell you is that the project we're currently working on is something rather special. In fact, it's potentially such a significant occasion that I think it could justify a proper celebration!

 And what better way to celebrate than with a CHARLIE CAIROLI APPRECIATION SOCIETY GALA DINNER?

I'm thinking of the wonderful Imperial Hotel in Blackpool, sometime in the spring of 2027.

Imagine an evening bringing together Charlie's family, friends, former colleagues, circus enthusiasts and Society members, all celebrating the life, career and extraordinary legacy of Britain's most celebrated clown.

Now, before anybody gets too excited, nothing is confirmed! It's simply an idea at this stage, but one I would dearly love to make happen.

And while we're on the subject, I'd love to hear your thoughts about other events and occasions where we could all get together.

 How about a public screening of some of the long-lost BBC television series Right Charlie, featuring Charlie Cairoli himself?

A chance to enjoy these wonderful programmes together, share memories, perhaps hear a few stories from those who knew Charlie and celebrate an important part of British entertainment history.

Perhaps we could organise other informal gatherings, special presentations or heritage events too.

 AND DON'T FORGET — THERE'S A NEW BOOK COMING!

As if all that wasn't enough, we're also looking forward to the publication of the new, expanded edition of Charlie Cairoli – 39 Years Under the Tower, produced in association with our wonderful friends at Showtown, Blackpool!

Due in the New Year, this exciting new edition will bring Charlie's remarkable story to a new generation, with additional chapters, fresh research and fascinating material celebrating his life, career and enduring place in Blackpool's entertainment history.

It's another project I'm incredibly proud to be involved in, and I cannot wait to share the finished book with you.

After all, the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society isn't just about preserving the past. It's about bringing people together, sharing our enthusiasm and keeping Charlie's memory alive for generations to come.

We've achieved some remarkable things since 1994, and believe me, there is still plenty more to come!

So, over to you lovely people!

 Would you be interested in attending a gala dinner in Blackpool?



 Would you come along to a special screening of Right Charlie?

 And what other events would you like to see the Society organise?

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments. Your suggestions really do matter, and I'd love to know whether there's enough interest to make some of these ideas a reality.

As for our secret project... well, you'll just have to be patient a little longer! Sorry! But trust me, I'm bursting to tell you!

ANOTHER TRUE STORY FROM THE CHARLIE CAIROLI ARCHIVES – THE MYSTERY OF THE MISSING MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS!

Well, I'm certainly on a roll tonight! And here's another remarkable story that takes us back to 2016. I remember it as though it were yesterday! I was driving up to Blackpool, literally making my way down the main road into town, when my phone rang. The gentleman on the other end was rather mysterious, and what he had to tell me certainly caught my attention! He explained that he had in his possession TWO of Charlie Cairoli's original musical instruments, including a Martin's horn! Now, how on earth had he come by them?

Well, here's where the story gets interesting!

Apparently, during renovation work at the Blackpool Tower, around the time when the original walk-through Charlie Cairoli exhibition, created by the late Brian Nicholson, had been taken out of service and put into mothballs, the instruments had somehow ended up in a rubbish bin!  Yes, you read that correctly. A BIN!   No he nicked it!  According to the story I was told, an engineer working on the renovations had spotted the instruments, retrieved them from the rubbish and decided to take them home.

Now, whether you call that rescuing priceless pieces of circus history or simply helping yourself to something that didn't belong to you, I'll leave you to decide!

But the fact remains that two original musical instruments belonging to one of Britain's most legendary clowns had apparently been sitting in somebody's home for years!

For whatever reason, it seems the engineer's conscience eventually got the better of him, and his son decided that the instruments should be returned to their rightful custodians. And to his credit, that's exactly what happened.

The instruments were subsequently handed over to Showtown and the Blackpool Museum collections, where they are now safely preserved and cared for as part of Blackpool's remarkable entertainment heritage.

And thank goodness for that!

Just think about it. Had those instruments remained in the bin, they could so easily have been lost forever.

Instead, thanks to a rather unexpected telephone call and somebody eventually doing the right thing, another piece of Charlie Cairoli's history was saved for future generations.

It's funny how these things happen, isn't it?

You can spend years researching somebody's life, collecting photographs, documents and memorabilia, and then completely out of the blue, the telephone rings and another extraordinary chapter unfolds!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly why I love doing what I do!

After more than 30 years with the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society, I still get an enormous thrill when a forgotten piece of history comes to light.

You simply never know what's going to turn up next!

ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE OF CAIROLI HISTORY REVEALED!

See, I'm on a roll tonight! And here's another fascinating little discovery that I simply had to share!

If you've seen my previous post about the return of the soprano saxophone to the Freedman family, take another look at the group photograph. Now, look carefully at the wall in the background. You'll notice three paintings hanging there. Well, here's something I certainly didn't know!

Those three paintings were actually given to Paul Freedman by none other than Jean-Marie Cairoli!  And it turns out that Jean-Marie was a very talented artist!

Now, that's something I personally never knew, and after more than 30 years of running the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society, it's wonderful to think that I'm still discovering new things about the Cairoli family!

It just goes to show how much fascinating history is still out there, often tucked away in people's homes, photograph albums and personal collections.

And sometimes, as with these paintings, it's literally hanging on someone's wall!

What started as the return of a historic saxophone has revealed yet another wonderful connection between the Cairoli and Freedman families.

Every photograph, every painting, every letter and every memory helps us piece together another little part of this remarkable story.

And who knows what we might discover next?

To see the paintings in detail

ANOTHER WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT FOR 2026 – A PIECE OF CIRCUS HISTORY RETURNS HOME!

Here's another lovely story from the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society, and another achievement that we are particularly proud of this year!

Earlier in 2026, we were contacted by a lady whose late father had been a bandleader at the Blackpool Tower and the Blackpool Hotel Circus.

Many years ago, her father had purchased a soprano saxophone from Charlie Cairoli. Following her father's passing, his daughter very kindly contacted us through the internet, hoping to return the instrument to its rightful family.

What followed was a wonderful little journey into circus history!

After Charlie and Claudi had examined the saxophone, it was established that the instrument had originally belonged to none other than Paul Freedman!

We then set about tracing Paul's family, determined to see this wonderful piece of musical and circus history returned to where it belonged. And we succeeded!

Together with Neal Peyre and Jill Caruthers from Showtown, I had the enormous pleasure of personally returning the saxophone to Paul's son Jules and his wife Vivienne.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet them both, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to Jules and Vivienne for their wonderful hospitality and the warm welcome they gave us. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together and very much look forward to seeing them again soon.

 BUT THE STORY DOESN'T END THERE!

I've recently received a lovely message from the family telling us that the saxophone has now been restored!

Even better, Jules and Vivienne have very kindly promised that we will have the opportunity to hear this historic instrument being played once again in the future.

And that is something we are all very much looking forward to!

Just imagine, after all these years, an instrument with such a wonderful connection to the golden years of the circus being brought back to life, not simply as a museum exhibit, but as a living, breathing musical instrument!

A huge thank you to the lady who originally contacted us, to Charlie and Claudi, to Neal Peyre, Jill Caruthers and Showtown, and of course to Jules and Vivienne Freedman.

This is exactly what the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society is all about. It's not just about remembering Charlie himself, but preserving the extraordinary history, friendships, families and performers associated with the wonderful world of circus.

Another little piece of circus history preserved, another family reunited with its heritage, and another achievement for 2026!



And to think, it all started with a simple message through our website

Saturday 7th November 2026

ANOTHER WONDERFUL ENCOUNTER – AND ANOTHER PIECE OF CIRCUS HISTORY!

And while I'm sharing some of our adventures and achievements from 2026, here's another little story!



The day before we visited Jules and Vivienne Freedman to return Paul Freedman's historic saxophone, we had the great pleasure of travelling to Eastbourne, where we caught up with none other than Paul Connor – one of the legendary Three Pauls!

It was an absolute pleasure to visit Paul at his home in Eastbourne, catch up, reminisce and talk about those wonderful years of circus entertainment.

These are the moments that make all the hard work so worthwhile. Meeting the people who were actually part of that extraordinary era, listening to their memories and ensuring their stories are preserved for future generations.

And there's much more to this particular story!

 You'll be able to read more about our visit to Paul Connor in the forthcoming new edition of Charlie Cairoli – 39 Years Under the Tower, being produced in association with Showtown, Blackpool.

Another wonderful chapter in our continuing journey to preserve Charlie's remarkable legacy and the history of those who shared the ring with him.

And believe me, there's still plenty more to come!

Saturday 7th November 2026

 
CHARLIE CAIROLI – THE MOVIE!

Now, here's a true story that not many people will know about!

Before COVID, the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society was approached by a Blackpool-based film director who had a rather ambitious and exciting idea – to bring the life story of the legendary Charlie Cairoli to the BIG SCREEN!

Yes, an actual feature film about Charlie's extraordinary life!

From what I remember, the intention was to tell the story through Charlie's experiences of being interned during the Second World War, with flashbacks taking audiences through his remarkable career, his personal life and, of course, his legendary years entertaining millions at the Blackpool Tower Circus.

One particularly poignant scene would have featured Charlie standing on a Blackpool pier and throwing his cigarette case into the sea. A powerful moment that would undoubtedly have added an emotional dimension to the story.

Just imagine it! Charlie's incredible journey, the laughter, the tears, the struggles, the triumphs and the wonderful characters he encountered along the way, all brought to life on the cinema screen.

Sadly, for reasons I can't quite remember, the project never came to fruition, and the idea quietly disappeared.

And what a shame that was!

I've often wondered what might have been. Charlie's life really did have all the ingredients for a wonderful film, combining comedy, drama, history and the extraordinary story of a man who became one of Britain's best-loved entertainers.

Who knows? Perhaps one day someone might revisit the idea!

After all, Charlie Cairoli's remarkable story deserves to be told to a whole new generation.

 WOULD YOU GO TO THE CINEMA TO WATCH CHARLIE CAIROLI – THE MOVIE?

Wednesday 4th November 2026

There really is an awful lot going on behind the scenes at Cairoli HQ! Some incredibly exciting developments are taking place, and sadly, I’m not in a position to share them with you just yet. Believe me, I’m absolutely bursting to tell you all! But all will be revealed in due course!

However, one thing I CAN tell you is that our brand-new membership certificates have now arrived, along with our society pin badges!

For those of you who have been patiently waiting for your membership documentation, please accept my sincere apologies for the delay. We can now start getting everything sent out.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that membership of the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society is just £25 per year. This modest contribution helps us keep our website online and supports the ongoing work of preserving and celebrating Charlie’s remarkable legacy.

And talking of the website, I must apologise that there hasn't been a great deal of new content added recently.

As many of you will know, we have been incredibly busy working on the brand-new biography of the legendary Norman Barrett MBE. It has been a huge undertaking, but I’m delighted to say that the book has now gone to print!

This means I can finally turn my attention back to the society website, and over the coming weeks and months, you can expect to see lots more photographs, historical information, fascinating stories and previously unseen material being added.

After all, we have over 30 years of society history to share, not to mention the extraordinary life and career of Charlie himself!

There are some wonderful things happening behind the scenes, and I genuinely believe we have an incredibly exciting future ahead of us.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who continues to support the society, whether through membership, sharing memories, contributing photographs or simply taking an interest in the work we do. Your encouragement really does mean a great deal.

I’m also very much looking forward to seeing so many friends, old and new, in Blackpool on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th November, when we gather to celebrate the publication of Norman’s new biography.

And don't forget, it's still not too late to join us!

Thank you all once again for your continued friendship, encouragement and support.

The Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society

Established 1994

Keeping Charlie’s Legacy Alive for a New Generation.

Tuesday 14th April 2026

Paul Freedman

Paul King

Paul Connor

Good morning everyone,

Well… here we go again — another day still off the road as my car remains in the garage! 🚗

I’ve had to hire a vehicle just to keep things moving this week… but hey ho!

On the plus side, I’m in the office this morning and getting more Write Charlie content uploaded.

Now for the exciting bit…

We had a real breakthrough last night! I received a message from Louise Nolan, who it turns out is the great niece of Paul Freedman.

After leaving the Tower, Paul and his wife Vera moved to London, and later to Smallhythe, Tenterden in Kent. They had three children — Jules, Lanny and Harriet — with Jules, the eldest, going on to become a musician.

Louise has very kindly shared a number of photographs of Paul, Vera and the family, which we’ll be sharing in due course. I’m also hoping to speak with Jules very soon.

And here’s the truly amazing part…

The Freedman family had no knowledge at all of the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society until now.

Louise actually came across one of my original invitations to the launch of the Society, which she purchased on eBay. Out of curiosity, she did a search — never imagining that such a Society even existed.

To say she is overwhelmed by the information we’ve gathered and the achievements of the Society is an understatement.

I’m really looking forward to working with the Freedman family going forward and bringing this important part of Charlie’s history to light.

And, in a further twist… it has also come to light that Paul’s surname is spelt incorrectly on the blue Heritage plaque!

This is a huge step forward, and it means that when we reissue Write Charlie, we’ll be able to include a brand new chapter dedicated to Charlie’s partners:

• Paul Freedman (1948–1960)
• Paul King (1960–1968)
• Paul Connor (1968–1970)

We are now in touch with the families of all three — something I never thought I’d be able to say!

I’m also hoping to catch up with Paul Connor himself in the very near future… so watch this space 👀

Monday 13th April 2026

Please Note

When reading the original Write Charlie newsletters, please bear in mind that they were written and published in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

As such, any offers, addresses, names, or telephone numbers mentioned are likely to be outdated — after all, we’re looking back nearly 30 years!

These publications are shared for historical interest and to preserve the legacy of Charlie Cairoli and the era in which they were produced.

I currently have multiple copies of various issues of The Write Charlie's available.

If you would like a copy, they are £4 each (including postage).

Available issues:

• Issue 52
• Issue 51
• Issue 50

All copies are complete and include both black-and-white and colour photographic inserts.

Please note, this is not for profit — all proceeds will go towards the continued hosting and running of the website. We are, and always have been, a non-profit-making organisation.

If you’re interested, please get in touch — first come, first served!

New Content "Hyperlinked" in RED

Write Charlie June 2007, Issue 52

Write Charlie, March 2007, Issue 51

Write Charlie, December 2006, Issue 50

1935 Cairoli Trio Cirque d'Hiver

Clown Stamps

1937 Medrano

Good afternoon everyone,

Well, it’s been quite a while since the 17th of March! A lot has happened, and it’s certainly been a very busy period.

Some of you may already know that my father sadly passed away in early March, so things have been a little chaotic. Alongside that, I’ve recently launched a new business, which has taken up a great deal of my time.

However, I’m now back to my hobby, my mission, and my passion. Today I’ve been back in the office and have managed to get things moving again — new pages are now being added to the website.

I do apologise for the recent lack of new content, and I really appreciate your patience.

On another note, if you haven’t already heard, myself, Bev Caroll and Neil Peyre are currently working on Norman’s new biography. This will be available to pre-order in early October, just in time for Christmas.

In the meantime, if you have any memories, photos, anecdotes, or anything you’d like to share, please do get in touch — my phone line is always open.

Once again, my apologies for the delay, and I hope you enjoy the new content that’s been added to the website today.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement — it truly means a great deal.

Update: Charlie Cairoli – 39 Years Under the Tower (Revised Edition)

It’s been something of a bittersweet journey working on the revised edition.

Recently, I received a memory stick from Helen, Steve’s partner. On it were all of Steve’s original working files — his thoughts, drafts, and multiple versions of Charlie Cairoli – 39 Years Under the Tower. It’s taken a bit of time to get my head around everything, but it’s been incredibly special to go through.

We do know that when we originally went to print, we were working from version 12. However, frustratingly, we’ve had to step back and continue from version 8, as the later file can no longer be located.

I have to say, the time I spent in Steve’s company truly inspired me to keep this project going, and I’m proud to continue his work.

The revised edition will be available for pre-order in October, just in time for Christmas.

This new version will include:

• A substantial new chapter covering the acquisition of the heritage collection purchased from the Cairoli family
• An additional chapter on slosh
• Corrections of a number of clerical errors
• A brand new cover designed by Curtis Tappenden

The book will also be dedicated to Brian Nicholson and Steve Richley

More details will follow soon, and we’re hoping to organise a launch event in Blackpool to coincide with the release of Norman’s new book — so watch this space.

The new revised edition is being produced in association with Heritage Blackpool, who have very kindly provided funding and sponsorship — for which we are extremely grateful.

For those of you living in or around Blackpool, I’ll be visiting on the following dates:

• 27th & 28th April
• 22nd & 23rd June
• 26th & 27th July

If you’re around and fancy catching up for a beer or a coffee, it would be great to see you

Statue Update

As for the statue, my understanding is that it will shortly be moved from Level 5 in the gift shop (near the disabled toilets) down to the ground floor on Bank Hey Street, where it will form part of the new tourist information office.

I’m just waiting for confirmation that the move has been completed, and then we’ll get some photographs taken and shared.

The Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society — keeping Charlie’s legacy alive for a new generation.

Tuesday 17th March 2026

My apologies for lack of new content, lots going on behind the scenes, and visits to Blackpool.  Also dealing with family bereavement.  Normal service to resume soon, thanks for the understanding!

Friday 16th January 2026

Good afternoon. Not a great deal happening today, apart from steadily working my way through a big box of assorted bits and pieces — with plenty more unseen photos, articles, and memorabilia still to come.

The website is enjoying lots of hits every week — which is fantastic to see — but I’d really love a bit more interaction from you!

If you’ve been here, let me know 👋

Leave a comment, tell me what you think so far, and what you’re enjoying most.

What else would you like to see on the website?

More photos? More stories? Deeper dives into memorabilia? Behind-the-scenes snippets?

Go on… humour me!

In the meantime, I had a lovely phone call from a lady in Blackpool whose father was a band leader at the Blackpool Tower Circus during the 1960s and 1970s. She has very kindly donated a soprano saxophone that once belonged to Charlie Cairoli. Charlie had owned more than one over the years and sold this particular one back in the day, so it’s wonderful to have it returned to the collection after all these years.

A perfect example of the power of the internet — and the generosity of people who care about preserving circus history.

Well, good morning everyone!

Following my post yesterday, yes, there really is an awful lot going on behind the scenes at Cairoli HQ! Some incredibly exciting developments are taking place, and sadly, I’m not in a position to share them with you just yet. Believe me, I’m absolutely bursting to tell you all! But all will be revealed in due course!

However, one thing I CAN tell you is that our brand-new membership certificates have now arrived, along with our society pin badges!

For those of you who have been patiently waiting for your membership documentation, please accept my sincere apologies for the delay. We can now start getting everything sent out.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that membership of the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society is just £25 per year. This modest contribution helps us keep our website online and supports the ongoing work of preserving and celebrating Charlie’s remarkable legacy.

And talking of the website, I must apologise that there hasn't been a great deal of new content added recently.

As many of you will know, we have been incredibly busy working on the brand-new biography of the legendary Norman Barrett MBE. It has been a huge undertaking, but I’m delighted to say that the book has now gone to print!

This means I can finally turn my attention back to the society website, and over the coming weeks and months, you can expect to see lots more photographs, historical information, fascinating stories and previously unseen material being added.

After all, we have over 30 years of society history to share, not to mention the extraordinary life and career of Charlie himself!

There are some wonderful things happening behind the scenes, and I genuinely believe we have an incredibly exciting future ahead of us.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who continues to support the society, whether through membership, sharing memories, contributing photographs or simply taking an interest in the work we do. Your encouragement really does mean a great deal.

I’m also very much looking forward to seeing so many friends, old and new, in Blackpool on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th November, when we gather to celebrate the publication of Norman’s new biography.

And don't forget, it's still not too late to join us!

Thank you all once again for your continued friendship, encouragement and support.



The Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society

Established 1994

Keeping Charlie’s Legacy Alive for a New Generation.

Monday 12th January 2026

Well, to be honest, I’ve hardly scratched the surface of this box yet — but there’s been a lot added today. Have a look around the site and you’ll see some new highlighted areas where fresh content has gone up.

I’d better go and do some proper work now… the car needs picking up from the garage, the house needs a tidy, Phoebe needs collecting from school, and I’ve got dinner to get on!

Enjoy the content — and don’t forget to like, share and follow

As ever, any comments and corrections always appreciated.

N.

Charlie Makes the Russians Laugh

Charlie needs no aids to laughter

Charlie has a pleasent job to do

Charlie has flu and will miss tv appearance

Charlie in Pantomime

Charlies Hobbies

Fun Days with the Cairolis

The Statue

Gallery

Stamps

Ken Robinson

Thursday 8th January 2025

I hope everyone is well, staying warm and dry, and not being blown around too much with the storm that’s on its way!

To be honest, not a great deal has happened here since New Year’s Eve, mainly because I managed to come down with a cold – you know, the classic “man flu” type. I’ve never been completely knocked off my feet before, but this one hit me harder than expected. I’m finally starting to feel a little better now, and things are moving again, so I thought it was time for an update.

Charlie Cairoli – 39 Years Under the Tower

Our hope had been to publish a revised edition in spring 2026. However, following the loss of Caroline at Showtown, there has understandably been unprecedented pressure placed on the remaining management team. In light of this, it would be unrealistic and unreasonable for me to push them to provide their chapter for the new book at this time.

Because of this, I’ve taken the decision to delay the publication of the revised edition until autumn 2026. At present, this is likely to be launched over the weekend of 31st October and 1st November, which brings with it a slight sense of déjà vu.

Charlie Cairoli Mural

The Charlie Cairoli mural is still very much an active idea and something I remain committed to pursuing. The proposed location is the former Daish’s Hotel, which has recently changed hands and is currently undergoing refurbishment and rebranding. I spoke to the new owner back in December, and while nothing is confirmed, he – and possibly his directors – seemed open to the idea.

At the moment, there isn’t a great deal happening beyond initial correspondence, and funding will almost certainly be required. I’ve started putting feelers out within Blackpool, and I’m being advised that an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund could be worthwhile, as the project we’re proposing may meet their criteria. Fingers crossed.

The intention is to create a lasting, public tribute that properly reflects Charlie’s legacy and his deep connection with Blackpool.

In the meantime, I’m continuing to work through a lot of new material. You may see various random bits and pieces appearing on Facebook over the coming weeks as things take shape. There is still plenty more to do, and as always, any suggestions, thoughts, memories, photographs, or comments that you feel able to share would be very much appreciated.

Monday 29th December

I had a good day yesterday, and I’ve added lots of new content to the Facebook page. Today and tomorrow I’ll be adding even more. I’m back to work tomorrow night, so I’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to interact with the posts.

Your comments, suggestions, and memories would be greatly appreciated — they all help bring the page to life!

Saturday 27th December

You may have seen that over Christmas, Kim, Phoebe, and I made a surprise visit to Blackpool. We had to keep everything very quiet, as the trip was to celebrate the 90th birthday of our dear friend, Norman Barrett MBE.

The gathering took place in the tea rooms at Stanley Park, followed by an evening get-together at Russ Brown’s House of Secrets. Norman had a fantastic day and was genuinely overwhelmed. We presented him with a specially commissioned gift by Curtis Tappenden — you can see it in the photos.

It was wonderful to be back in Blackpool. We even managed to pop into the Tower to see the blue plaque proudly in its rightful place.

It was a busy weekend — we left home at 1:15 pm on Friday and arrived back at 1:15 am on Sunday! On the way home, we stopped via Liverpool to see our friend Bippo in pantomime. A perfect ending to a memorable trip.

More content to be added over the next few days!

Norman's 90th Birthday Photos

New Entree's, Descriptions and Photos, The Yellow Lines 1972 and The Stocks 1950 and 1961 (Members Only)   JOIN HERE

Thursday 25th December

Thank you so much for all your love and support throughout 2025. The Blue Heritage Plaque weekend will truly go down in history – a weekend I am incredibly proud of. It marked the rebirth of the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society, allowing us to continue Charlie’s wonderful legacy for a whole new generation of fans.

The Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society is, as it has always been, non-profit-making, and exists only through the continued love, trust, and support of the Cairoli family, for which we are deeply grateful.

As we look ahead to the New Year, we do so with excitement and ambition, with many new projects already in the pipeline. At this time, I would also like to remember our dear friend Steve Richley. My thoughts are with Helen and Steve’s parents as they face their first Christmas without him.

I would also like to say a heartfelt thank you to Bev, Neale and Curtis – I truly couldn’t have done it without you guys.

We have plenty planned for the year ahead, and any help or support will be hugely appreciated. We have been given the opportunity to create a permanent mural in Blackpool. A location has been proposed, and an artist is ready to create it, but there are mountains of paperwork to complete and many hoops to jump through. It is likely we will need to apply for lottery funding, but we are determined to see this project through.

I’m also pleased to announce that Charlie Cairoli: 39 Years Under the Tower second edition will be available from spring 2026, and pre-orders are very welcome.

The other photograph included in this post was taken by Gazette photographer Daniel Martino. I literally received this image on the 23rd of December, and as soon as possible it will be turned into a huge canvas for my dining room wall.

Once again, thank you all for your continued support. Have a fantastic Christmas, and here’s wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2026.

Merry Christmas

If you have access to the "MEMBERS AREA" then there is a little Christmas Treat for you! Enjoy. If you don't have "ACCESS" JOIN HERE

This is the other image! Could not help myself but to use it as a advert, I want to reach out to the Infant and Primary Schools is Blackpool, and help or suggestions would be appreciated.  May be some collaboration with the schools, and copies of the new book to every school, (this initiative may help us secure lottery funding for the Mural Project?  ( have ordered a 100 x 75 cm canvas for my dining room)

Thursday 18th December 2025

Well, my apologies — yesterday didn’t quite go to plan 😅

I went to my daughter’s carol concert 🎶 and she made me incredibly proud ❤️ Bless her.

Right in the middle of her part of the show, my phone rang 📱 I ignored it at the time (as you do), but when I rang back afterwards it turned out to be an urgent catering job for today (Thursday) 🍕🔥 That meant all my plans for yesterday went straight out of the window 🤦‍♂️

I won’t be doing much now until at least Tuesday next week, so my apologies for not uploading any new material as promised 🙏 However, Christmas is coming 🎄 and I’m not working again until the 4th of January, so I’ll have plenty of time ⏰ Expect a bit of carol overload 🎼, along with lots of photos 📸 and updates from what I’m up to in Blackpool this weekend 🎡🌊  We are staying at the Imperial, (my favourite hotel) I have booked a late check out, so Kim can have a lie in, and my ne Phoebe are off to the Sandcastle Swimming before we head to Liverpool, and if I am really lucky ill get an hour in the Ballroom, to people watch.

Have a great day ☀️😊



There are three additional pictures to share today.

The first shows Charlie Junior in pantomime during the 2018/19 season, performing a Slush act alongside Phil Walker— a lovely moment captured from the show.

The second is Kate Shane from the Tower and Blackpool Entertainment Limited, who has recently received her MBE from Princess Anne. Congratulations, Kate — thoroughly well deserved. We look forward to working closely with you going forward through the association.

Finally, we say goodbye (for now) to Caroline Hall, (far right in Red Dress) curator at Showtown and the Blackpool Heritage Service, who is moving on to new projects. Thank you, Caroline, for everything you have done for the association — your support has been greatly appreciated. As a small thank you from all of us, I’ve sent Caroline a bouquet of flowers today as a leaving gift 💐 Please do keep in touch.

Wednesday17th December 2025

Good morning! Hope this post finds everyone well.

Not a huge amount to report over the last few days – just the usual Christmas prep and me running around chasing my tail, as always… some say at about 1,000,000 miles an hour! 😄

This morning I’m off to see Phoebe in her carol concert, then it’s back home to concentrate on the website and hunt down some more goodies and exciting content to add.

We’re also heading off on a top-secret mission to Blackpool on Friday. Phoebe finishes school at 1 o’clock and we’ll be heading straight up. We’ll be in town Friday night and Saturday, then leaving on Sunday afternoon, travelling back via Liverpool to see Bippo in pantomime at the M&S Arena – so it’s going to be a busy few days!

If anyone is in Blackpool over the weekend, it would be lovely to catch up with friends.
More details on that secret mission to follow… 👀✨

Thursday, 11th December 2025

I’ve added another six images today and really need your help identifying and finding out more about them!

They include:
• Charlie in the Circus ring boxing!
• Jimmy Buchanan at the top of a ladder with a bucket (we all know what’s coming!)
• Three Circusettes I’d love to put names to
• And one of my favourite sketches of Charlie & Co.

As always, any information, memories, or clues you can share are hugely appreciated. Thank you!

Tuesday 9th December 2025

🎉 A Record Day for the Charlie Cairoli Website! 🎉
Yesterday, we had 70 visitors — the highest number to date! That’s absolutely fantastic — thank you so much to everyone who took the time to explore Charlie’s legacy. 🙌

But… did you know there’s a members-only area on the site?

🗂️ It’s packed with exclusive unseen footage, rare documents, personal archives, and content that’s not available anywhere else — and it’s growing every single week.

🌐 Membership helps keep the website online. It costs around £25 a month just to host the site, and every penny of your support goes directly into preserving and sharing Cairoli’s story.

The Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society has always been non-profit, run with love and dedication. Any support, no matter how small, helps keep Charlie’s memory alive for generations to come. ❤️🎪

👉 Visit: www.charliecairoli.com
📘 Or find us on Facebook: Charlie Cairoli   OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

Thank you for keeping the legacy alive.
#CharlieCairoli #LegacyOfLaughter #CairoliForever #PreserveThePast

Mystery Items – Can You Help?

Every so often, while going through the collection, I uncover documents or photographs that I can’t date or fully identify. This page is dedicated to those mysteries.

If you recognise anything—people, places, events, or even small details—please get in touch.
Your knowledge could help piece together important parts of circus history.

If you can shed any light on these items, drop me an email.
All help is genuinely appreciated.

Follow this link to the "Mysteries"

Sunday Update – 7th December 2025

Well, it’s Sunday the 7th of December, and here I am sat in the office at 9:25am while the rain absolutely pours down! I’d planned to take Phoebe and Kim to Hayling Island today so they could finally ride their horses along the beach — something they’ve both dreamed of doing — but the tide times and the weather had other ideas. So, instead, I’m tucked away here, going through old editions of The Write Charlies. It’s incredible how many unfinished projects are still waiting to be brought to life!

You may have seen the picture I posted yesterday of a wall at Daishes Hotel, North Shore, Blackpool. Back in the summer, I was approached by mural artist Chris Moore — a Blackpool lad born and bred. His grandfather was Charlie Cairoli’s tailor, and Chris has wonderful memories of being in the shop with his mum while Charlie was there. He’s expressed a genuine wish to create a permanent mural of Charlie & Co. in Blackpool.

Well, we’ve found a potential location — and the new owners of Daishes Hotel are very keen to explore the idea and collaborate to make it a reality. All we need now is to raise the funds! Lots of ideas are bouncing around, including the possibility of applying for Lottery Heritage funding. If any of our members have suggestions or experience in this area, your thoughts would be hugely appreciated.

On another note, I’ll be in Blackpool on a secret mission on the 19th, 20th, and 21st of December. If you’re in town and fancy catching up for a drink, let me know — it would be great to see some familiar faces.

Do keep an eye on the website over the next few days — there’s plenty of new and exciting material on the way. While looking through the September 2003 issue of The Write Charlie (Issue No. 37), I noticed that editor Wilford Fitton mentioned that Daniel was working on two more descriptions of Slosh  entrées, as well as several of Charlie’s musical presentations. He also noted she’d started a massive task: transferring over 10,000 of his 35mm circus slides onto CD-ROMs! I would love to find those CDs — hopefully they’re tucked away somewhere in the heritage collection, but that’s another line of inquiry to follow up…

Have a great day everyone — rain or no rain — and thank you as always for your continued support.

It’s almost impossible to believe that 45 years have passed since we lost Charlie.

Forty-five years… yet for so many of us, his laughter, his music, his gentle magic, and that unmistakable warmth feel as alive today as they ever did.

I often find myself wondering what he would think if he could see everything that has happened since — the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society, the statue, the book, and now the blue heritage plaque. So much love, respect, and admiration continue to surround his name.

And whenever this anniversary comes around, I return to the same memory:

I was only 10 years old.

Just a child… yet I can still remember the moment the news came, John Craven on Newsround and then on the radio and BBC Teatime news . At ten, you don’t understand the world, not really — but you do understand when someone who made you laugh, someone who felt larger than life, is suddenly gone. I didn’t fully grasp the meaning of legacy then. I had no sense of how deeply he would shape my own life. But even at ten, I knew enough to feel the loss.

I could never have imagined that one day I would grow up and dedicate so many years to keeping his memory alive — through the society, through the statue, through the book, through every story collected and preserved. And now, through the heritage plaque that will mark his place in history forever. What began as childhood admiration has grown into a lifelong mission.

I often wonder what Charlie himself would think of all of this.

Would he ever have believed that, decades after his last performance, people would still speak his name with the same affection they did when he was the heart of the circus ring? That children not yet born in his lifetime would discover him and fall in love with that same timeless charm?

I think he’d be touched, Quietly proud, Perhaps even a little overwhelmed that the world has not forgotten him — that so many still care, still remember, still smile at the very mention of his name.

Forty-five years gone…but never forgotten, Not for a moment.  Now what can I do next?

My earliest memories of seeing Charlie Cairoli were on television — on the BBC’s The Right Charlie, and later in the magical Christmas and Easter circus specials. I was captivated from the start.

In 1979 my parents saved hard to take me to Blackpool, and they booked ringside seats at the Tower Circus so I could finally see Charlie perform in person. We took our seats, full of excitement… but then an announcement came over the loudspeaker:
Due to illness, Charlie would not be appearing.

I never did get to see him work live, or to meet him — something I’ve always regretted. And yet, out of all the photographs of Charlie, there’s one that has stayed with me as my absolute favourite. If only…

Blackpool Loved Charlie and Charlie loved Blackpool   Added 19th November 2025

Charlie's everything to everybody, a press cutting from 1956

NEW TO THE MEMBERS AREA

If you joined us in Blackpool for the weekend, you were probably at this event, an once in a lifetime Q&A with Charlie and friends, the presentation was written and presented by our friend Bev Carroll, it was a wonderful hour full of memories and stories.  Bev has allowed me to share it with you.  Enjoy.

Sadly you have to be a member to view this.

Join us here for full access

Find out how the Blue Heritage Weekend went here!

Write Charlie June 1996, Issue 8

Write Charlie September 1996, Issue 9

Write Charlie December 1996,  Issue 10

Write Charlie March 1997, Issue 11

Write Charlie September 1997, issue 13

Write Charlie December 1997, Issue 14

Write Charlie March 1998, issue 15

Write Charlie June 1998, Issue 16

Write Charlie September 1998, Issue 17

Write Charlie December 1998, Issue 18

Write Charlie March 2000, Issue 23

Write Charlie June 2000, Issue 24

Write Charlie December 2000, Issue 26

Write Charlie March 2001, Issue 27

Write Charlie June 2001, Issue 28

Write Charlie September 2001, Issue 29

Write Charlie December 2001, Issue 30

Write Charlie December 2002, Issue 34

Write Charlie, December 2002, issue 35

Write Charlie, Issue 36, June 2003

Write Charlie, Issue 37, September 2003

Write Charlie December 2003,  Issue 38

Write Charlie March 2006, Issue 47

Write Charlie March 2008, Issue 55

Write Charlie June 2008, Issue 56

Write Charlie September 2008, Issue 57

Write Charlie, December 2008, Issue 58

Write Charlie, March 2009, Issue 59

Steve Richley

Charlie the Statue - Brian Nicholson 

39 Years Under The Tower

Blackpool Loved Charlie and Charlie loved Blackpool 

Random Pictures from 1950

Blackpool Gazette Archives

ITV Granada Reports Coverage of Blue Plaque weekend

BBC Northwest Coverage of Blue Plaque Weekend

Medrano 1937

Cairoli, Porto and Carletto

Jimmy Buchanon (Little Jimmy)

Notable dates 1938 - 1980

London Palladium Pantomines

Pantomimes

1959

1970

1972

Ill Health, Retirement and Death

Charlie Makes the Russians Laugh

Charlie needs no aids to laughter

Charlie has a pleasent job to do

Charlie has flu and will miss tv appearance

Charlie in Pantomime

Charlies Hobbies

Fun Days with the Cairolis

A little note for all our members:

As you enjoy re reading The Write Charlies newsletters from the late 1990s and early 2000s, please remember that the names, addresses, and merchandise offers printed in those editions are now out of date.
If you have any questions, need information, or wish to enquire about anything mentioned, please contact me directly and I’ll be more than happy to help

Inaugurated on 17th June 1994

This Society is dedicated to perpetuating the memory of our best-known and loved clown, Charlie Cairoli.

For 39 summer seasons, Charlie entertained and delighted audiences with his hilarious antics at the world-famous Blackpool Tower Circus. A celebrated and much-loved clown, his trademark bowler hat, red nose, and baggy trousers became synonymous with the Tower Circus. Sadly, he is no longer with us.

This site has been launched in his memory. Its purpose, like the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society, is to preserve the legacy of the king of slapstick and master of ad-lib.

Charlie Who Was He ?

Charlie Cairoli starred at the Blackpool Tower Circus for thirty nine years !!, undoubtedly creating a world record for any artiste appearing at the same venue.

He replaced another famous clown there, Scotsman Doodles, whose appearances totalled thirty. 

Born in Milan, on February 15th 1910, on his fathers only visit to Italy, Charlie made his performing debut at the age of seven. Jean-Marie Cairoli and his son, then known as Carletto, joined Auguste Porto to star at the Cirque Medrano in Paris from 1929 to 1937, Charlie's brother Filip replaced Porto. After travelling Europe they went to Blackpool Tower in 1939 and were so 

successful that Charlie remained there the rest of his career. Filip returned to France when war broke out, and Jean Marie retired at the end of the 1947 season.

From 1948 to 1979 Charlie was partnered by four different white face clowns, Paul Freeman, Paul King, Paul Conner and Charlie Cairoli Jnr. For many years Jimmy Buchanan was an important member of his company which also played in theatres, cabaret, pantomimes, ice shows and on television. A master of many musical instruments, Charlie became one of the most celebrated and popular clowns in the history of the circus. Ill health forced his retirement in November 1979 and he died on February 17, 1980

When in Blackpool next why not pop in and see our friends at Showtown, tell them we sent you!

Showtown