Send in the Clowns.

Blackpool is famous for many things, the pleasure beach, the golden mile, its three piers,  landau rides along the promenade plus the sporting prowess of its football club.

But what most people remember about the town of Blackpool is its Tower, and the World Famous Blackpool Tower Circus.

The circus was a wonderment, not only for children but for adults as well, with the lions, tigers, elephants, horses, acrobats, trapeze artists, show girls and the clowns.

A name that always topped the Tower Circus was that of Charlie Cairoli, the famous red nose clown.

On Friday, 26^th, March 2010, Charlie Cairoli Junior was initiated into Emblem Lodge No.6727 at the Masonic Hall, Adelaide Street, Blackpool.

The work in the Lodge was shared by W. Bro. Warren Plant and W.Bro. Bill Done. P.Pr.J.G.W. and the 65 guests packed out the Top Lodge Room to witness what was an excellent ceremony.

Following on at the Festive board, W.Bro. John Taylor. P.Pr.G.Reg. gave the visitors response.

The Brethren were treated to a superb concise history of the famous Cairoli family and their Blackpool roots which spans over 70 year’s involvement in the entertainment business.

One point which held the brethren spellbound was the story of Charlie (senior) when in 1939 he appeared at the Circus Krone in Munich, this was a special performance which was attended by Adolph Hitler, who afterwards presented Charlie with a gold watch.

In September, when World War Two broke out, Charlie Cairoli was performing at the Tower Circus for the first time; in response to the news of war, Charlie walked to the end of the North Pier and threw the watch into the Irish Sea.

His choice was to make his home in Blackpool, where the Cairoli family have lived ever since.

During the evening Bro Charlie, was ushered out of the festive board under the guise of discussing the format for the raffle.

On his return to the festive board Charlie was shocked and delighted to be met by a sea of red noses.

The raffle which was run by W.Bro. David Boswell raised the magnificent sum of £203-00p.

Bro Charlie handed over the cheque to Bro. Mark Raffles who accepted it on behalf of the Equity Organisation.

Bro Mark a retired entertainer and life member of Equity is also in Symphony Lodge No.4924, which is a member of the Blackpool Group of Lodges.

It is the custom at each regular lodge meeting of Emblem Lodge that the brethren are joined in the bar by the Ladies of the Lodge, and on this occasion over 20 ladies were there to greet and welcome Brother Charlie including his wife, Claudie.

Brother Charlie with members and guests.

Club President, Colin Goodwin with W.Bro. Warren Plant leaving for home.