Page 10 - link magazine

10 TOOTHILL
Circus family return to show off talents

A family which has been touring Europe for the last 15 years has settled in Toothill and will be soon be displaying its amazing talents,
and teaching others how to take up circus skills.
John and Pauline Griffiths and doing musical numbers for the A new Swindôjyfamily Circus Sardin ready to perform Pauline
their three children left Britain 15 family and we decided to develop and John GriVjths, with, left to right, Mini, Victoria, Meisje, WOrty;
years ago to join a circus. Now our hobby in Europe where there front, Wimble and Charlene
they have seven children, all of is a long tradition of clowning,
whom perform as the Circus Sardin. street entertainment and human
Although John is from Deptford circus acts."
and Pauline is from Stroud, they The family have performed ex-
actually met as teenagers in Swin- tensively in most European coun-
don, at The Moonrakers pub in tries, North Africa, Turkey and the
Gorse Hill. near East, the children picked up
"We come from a long line of skills as soon as they could walk,
music hall artists and have lots of and also learnt five languages.
relatives in music and perform- John is a musician and coordi-
ing," said John. "We were always nator of the troupe, Pauline is a
magnificent clown and fire show
artist.
Two children live away from
home: David, 24, a juggler and
motor cycle stunt rider in Berlin.
Is your kitchen suffering Charlene, 18, is a singer songwriter
from sagging doors is an expert in balancing tricks.
and droopy drawers? At home there is Wimble, 15,
who specialises in stilt walking,
We can repair with new hinges
Worty, 13, born into the circus and
and solid base drawers
one of the best unicyclists around,
• Replacement door service (60 styles)
Victoria, 11, who does the unicycle
• New worktops, over 80 textured or
smooth styles and rollerboard, Mini, 10, an acro-
bat and one of the world's top five "We're just starting to think community here, by running cir-
• Additional cabinets in matching colours
rollerboarders, Meisje, 7, who is about going public again, now that cus skills workshops and helping
• Complete kitchens in rigid or flatpack
developing her talents and can we're settled," said John. "We less advantaged people have a go."
• Full installation by local craftsmen
charm any audience. never envisaged entertaining in The Link has put John in touch
To view in the comfort of your own home,
Most recently the family were Britain, but the children just de- with the organisers of July's Old
call us for a free quotation based in Vienna before coming to vour audiences. Town Festival and has suggested a
(01793) 871229
Swindon in January. "Apart from performances, we number of other ways to put the
had a lot of success with young Circus Sardin in the public eye.
offenders. We'd like to work in the Look out for them soon.
EVERYTHING
Playgroup closes with a party
FOR THE HOME West Swindon's oldest playgroup is closing down with a celebration
and all former children and parents are invited to attend.
AND GARDEN 4 July. With pre-school children taking up the free nursery at Toothill
After 20 years, the Toothill Farm playgroup will be shutting down on
School, there are not enough in the area to keep going.
at MBROS Chairwoman Belinda said, "it's very sad that we have to close, but
it cannot exist without children and the income they bring. The group
has been important for the area; we would like to thank all the children,
THE BARGAIN STORE WITH
parents and the businesses who have helped us over the last 20 years."
The farewell party takes place on Saturday 4 July and costs SOp per
A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR
child accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available from Belinda
EVERYONE Harrington on 539604.
Eight of the last 15 children at Toothill Farm with supervisor Tina Lewington
Footwear, kitchenware, household and chairwoman Belinda Harrington, rear from left, Liam Emms, Charlotte
Port, Harpreet Kairgill, Amber Downey. Front, Bradley Steenson, lake Savin,
goods, gift sets, exquisite ornaments, Samuel Paget, Dominic Morgan
picture frames, mirrors, DIY tools,
radio cassettes, radios, calculators,
watches, stationery, electrical appliances,
disposable tableware, wide selection of toys,
scented candles,
Watch Battery fitting
cards and paper service only £2.50

MBROS, 79-83 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill, Swindon
THE NON FOOD CASH & CARRY
Tel: 01793 430484