PAST

Clown International is the oldest established organization for Clowns in the World.It was founded in 1946-1947 as the "International Circus Clowns Club" in England. The Founders were Stan Buit ( a Victorian gentleman with a great love of clowns), Edward Graves, ( Editor of Motley Columns in "Worlds Fair" ) and Coco the Clown. Most of the clowns came from Bertram Mills Circus then.

Early enthusiasts of the organization include Clowns: Chester Field, Harold "Rainbow" Whiteley, Trevor "Tommy" Bale, Tony Gerbola, Albert "Bandbox" Austin, Carlo Kasen, Butch Reynolds, Percy Huxter, Smokey, Albertino, and long-serving Organizer-Jack Gough. In 1978 member Tommy Keele successfully proposed the name be modified to "Clowns International" indicating the wider spheres of life inhabited by Clowns.

PRESENT

The steadily increasing membership is truly international, and currently emdraces most of Europe. Affiliations have been established with other organisations connected with Clowning. Countries worldwide that currently boast either affiliation with, or are members include : U.S.A., U.S.S.R.,Australia, Canada and Hong Kong. The membership is open to Clowns in every field of Entertainment. Reflecting the wider interest in Clowns and Clowning. A "Friends of Clowns" section has been added; This may be joined by anyone, WHY NOT JOIN

FUTURE

Clowns International is run by a committee of professional and semi-professional Clowns, whose President is Ron Moody. The aims of Clowns International are to further the Art of Clowning, To promote Clowns throughout the world, and provide contact between Clowns and Clown aficionados. The organization is Non-political, Non-Profit and Non-Sectarian.

THE CLOWNS CHURCH

You can be assured a warm Welcome at the Clowns Church, especially the First Sunday in February when we hold the Joseph Grimaldi Memorial Service

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Beechwood Road, Dalston, London, E8. United Kingdom.

CLOWNS GALLERY AND ARCHIVES

Hillman Street, Hackney, London, E8

ENGLAND

Open between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. On the First Friday of every month. Alternatively by special appointment. Prior notice of group visit essential

For more information The Secretary BLUE "CLOWN BLUEY" BRATTLE. 30 Sandpiper Close, Marchwood, Southampton, SO40 4XN United Kingdom

or you may E-Mail r.stafford@ndirect.co.uk for more details