By Isle of Wight ObserverSeven year old Freddie – a star of Jay Millar’s circus
Jay Millar’s circus has left the Island for pastures new until next year but has left precious memories for seven-year-old Freddy Cooke from East Cowes. He’s taken part in the show for the last two years, and they must be impressed with his potential because this year they booked him again to appear in their final Island performance.
Three years ago when Freddy found out he was going to the circus he begged his mum, Nicky Symmonds to let him dress up as a clown. His eye-catching outfit caught the eye of the ringmaster and Freddy’s career in the big top was launched.
This year Freddy also helped out at the booking office, taking tickets and showing people to their seats. He then went backstage to prepare for his comedy sketch. Peppi the lovable clown was trying hard to lift dumbbells when Freddy came along, and proceeded to show Peppi and the audience how easily he could lift the heavy weights.
He was then chased out of the ring by Peppi for showing him up. The crowd loved it and gave a huge cheer.
Nicky told the IW Observer: ”The whole team were wonderful and I can’t thank them enough for giving Freddy this experience. It’s an amazing memory to grow up with.”
If Queensgate Primary, Freddy’s school, want to encourage him in his ambitions for circus stardom then surely they must give him a full set of useful skills. Could knife-throwing, snake charming and training as a human cannonball be on the curriculum?
