Roll up! Roll up! Former circus performer visits Newbury's Great Christmas Carnival

Lionel 'Bill' Fowle, 92, was recently reunited with his daredevil circus roots in a visit to The Great Christmas Carnival at Newbury Racecourse.

Mr Fowle, who now lives with dementia at Argyles Bupa Care Home in Newbury, performed as a circus motorcyclist for more than 10 years in India throughout the 1950s. Astride a bright red motorbike and wearing a shirt adorned with tassels, he accomplished a range of daring feats.

Organised by Argyles senior activities co-ordinator Emma Povey-West, the special visit saw Mr Fowle joined by his daughter Debbie and activities co-ordinator Mollie Ballard as he ventured back into the circus fold.

Mr Fowle told the Newbury Weekly News about the experience: "My favourite bit was seeing the globe and the motorcycles. I used to ride the motorcycles myself, so it was especially exciting.

"I felt very happy and had a lovely time. I got to speak with and have photos with the bikers and the ringmaster. I was even offered a spot in the circus next year.

"I have lots of incredible memories of life in the circus, including tending to the elephants and taking them to the river alongside the elephant keeper; having a close friendship with the circus' resident 'Strong Man' and being proud of my mother for being one of the few women performing circus tricks in the 1940s."

Mr Fowle travelled the length and breadth of the country, executing wild stunts including the 'Ring of Fire', which saw him jump through a hoop of flames aboard a motorcycle. Another included 'The Globe', in which he drove vertically round a suspended hoop clockwise, while his father did the same anti-clockwise. His bravery and skills earned him the nickname of 'Daredevil Bill'."

"I have lived in Newbury since 1965 and love it," Mr Fowle added. "My favourite thing about Newbury is my memories of driving my taxi around Newbury and chatting to lots of people."

Speaking about the visit, activities co-ordinator Mollie Ballard said: "Bill is so passionate about the circus and is always entertaining us all with his amazing stories, so we were delighted to be able to take him back to the circus.

"Here at Argyles, we love providing our residents with mood boosting trips that bring a smile to their faces."

Home manager at Argyles Jane Edwards added: "One of the care home team initially spotted the advertisement for the circus and mentioned it to our activities team.

"I'm proud that my care staff continue to think outside of the box and flag activities that the residents would enjoy, based on their knowledge and personal relationships."

Mr Fowle became a resident at Argyles Bupa Care Home in 2021 while his wife Valeria remained in their family home. He continues to enjoy his passion for performance and looks forward to more circus trips in the future.

Argyles Bupa Care Home in Newbury provides nursing and residential care, including to those living with Parkinson's and Huntington's Disease.