Friday, June 11, 2010

From Jim Clubb

Hello Buckles,

Norman Barrett received his MBE from the Queen yesterday. Jamie has mentioned it on his blog with good links. Please could you post up on the blog.

Regards Jim

Posted by Buckles at 6/11/2010 06:02:00 AM

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

From Bucks Free Press 21st May

WHEN Norman Barrett was 12 he wanted to be a wild animal trainer but it his ringmaster performance which has given him a place in the nation's heart and an MBE from the Queen.

Barrett has been ringmaster for Zippos Circus since 2001 which is coming to High Wycombe at the start of June and will be the first British performance since he was honoured.

The 74-year-old was recognised in the new year's honours for his services to the entertainment world and is the first ringmaster to be awarded the honour.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled- how you imagine it would be. I was excited for myself and happy for my profession in general.

“So many times the circus gets passed by and the awards go to TV people. I am the first in line for many years.”

The day after the circus leaves Wycombe Barrett is heading to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and receive his award.

Barrett was born and brought up in his family's own show and first performed at the age of 12 with his first 'animal act' which consisted of a goat and three dogs.

He said at the time he wanted to be a wild animal trainer but his dad soon put him off when he said: “Lion trainers get more money, but ringmasters live longer!”

He became an equestrian performer and it was at the world famous Bertram Mills Circus which he joined in 1958 where he learnt the difficult 'Courier of St Petersburg' routine.

This sees the rider stand astride two galloping horses while another six pass beneath. Even to this day Barrett still suffers with knee trouble sustained during the act.

He said: “I was brought up with my horses. We used to live in a village in Yorkshire. When we wanted to go to a shop which was a mile and a half away we jumped on a horse and would leave the horse outside when we popped in.”

Barrett was ringmaster at Blackpool Tower Circus for 25 years but is seen today as part of Zippos circus which tours the country. His wife, Sally, tours with him.

The circus present a new show called 'Encore' which includes a high-wire act from Colombian father and son duo Chico and Enesto, hand to hand acrobatics from Chines artist Ying and Yang, liberty horses and the Konyot slapstick clowns- all presented by Norman.

He said: “I love being a ringmaster. I always consider myself a very lucky person- I get paid to do what I want to do.

“If I didn't love doing it I would have stopped by now. Most people retire from a job they don't like doing. Thankfully I still have the energy.”

He also presents his budgie act which sees his 10 budgies create mayhem with slides, see-saws and cars.

He said: “Animal welfare is very important to what we do in our show. All through my life I was always taught good animal welfare.

“Animal husbandry is first class. The horses are exercised regularly. You are not going to invest a lot of money in anything and not look after it. That is pointless.”

11 June, 2010 14:21

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