You are quite right about his outfit at the time,although he had different outfits.His hand was held by the string,and as he gyrated down below,it gave the impression of waving
@COINSLOTPORN is it the same clown that lived at Clacton Pavillion. I wish people had pics from around the 90s/early 2000's before it was removed - i loved that clown, as sad as it sounds!
@TheAngelwings321 its not "THE" same clown but it is the same model. There was also I believe a laughing policeman made by the same company, I think they had the policeman in the JOYLAND amusement park on GT Yarmouth seafront, I might be wrong? The house of fun at the pleasure beach was done up and changed, so theres no telling what happend to the clown from that attraction.
Where did you find the clown, I believe there was 3 of these, can anyone confirm one was in the center front part of the fun house at great yarmouth pleasure beach?
Theres somthing not right about this. He clown has a slightly different appearance to what i am familier with, possibly the face has been painted? Whats also interesting is that it seems the Clown on the pier and the clown outside the pavilion are identical which would indicate there was only ever one clown, and it moved from the pier to the pavilion. The only difference I can see if that it has different trousers, I assume these could of been replaced after fading from sunlight?
Outisde the pavilion he wore distinctive yellow trousers, while on the pier they are blue check. Was the machine coin operated? Certainly not when it was at the Pavilion, it was definately an attraction, perhaps for the wrong reasons as it scared 99% of kids.
He laughed all day long from what i can remember. He moved back and forth in a glass cabinet and laughed, but sure you never needed coins towards the later years of his prescence... i miss that clown!!!
Hi Alan and evryone else. Just to let you know, all of this nostalgia has inspired me to come up with a film idea about the clown, which has now evolved into an idea for a comic strip, since this will be much more achivebale in the short run. It's a story about someone looking back over the past in Clacton, and fondly remembering the clown, with a twist at the end! As well as Alan, I will be very interested in any information on hum. I want to be as faithful as possible.
@animatorhaynes Hello Richard,what a great idea,I do wish you luck with it,if I can be of help let me know.I have been looking for some trousers for him, similar to the ones he was wearing in the Pet Shop boys video,also some shoes
MrLittlelil - congratulations on such a fantastic find and with the restoration. It would be wonderful if you could get him to look exactly as he did in his heyday. I'm a professional animator, and I was even thinking of possibly recreating him digitally, and then animating his very movements as everyone remembers him - what do you think?
ljtharper - I would LOVE to see your photos if you're happy to share them. I would be so grateful to see him again.
@animatorhaynes It was a piece of luck finding him was'nt it?,I feel so lucky.You would be most welcome to come and meet CoCo,AKA Charley, so I have just been informed.Keep in touch.
I have so many memories of this wonderful clown - he was THE icon of Clacton to me, and it was haunting to hear his laugh get louder as you approcached the Pavillion. I remember he was moved around a couple of times, but my main memory is of him just to the right of the entrance. Does anyone remember whether you had tyo press a button to make him move and laugh, or whether he did it constantly?
brilliant! ive got a picture of me and my cousin and her friend in our pushchairs in front of him. type in facebook "Memories of growing up in Clacton in the 70s and 80s" and the main picture on the page is there for all to see :0)
also found this on here. its a snippet of the pet shop boys "it couldnt happen here " musical movie that was out in about 85/86 ish???? and it seems he was moved onto the pier for this scene.
@fatboyz78 Thanks so much for steering me to the "Memories" site on facebook,what a terrific and iconic shot of you and your cousins in your pushchairs with CoCo,overlooking the sea. The film scene with the Pet Shop Boys was a bit spooky was'nt it? cheers,alan
the clacton clown,,wow i remember this as being the signal you had really arrived in cacton..
i sed to go on holday there when i was a kid..my grandad used to tell me i could go iside and talk to him ha ha..but i never did...its amazing it lasted all day..but strangley enough it never annoyed me..added to the atmosphere....firmly stuck in my mind forever...
i hope they keep him there...its clactons trademark....
one of the most memorable things about my honeymoon in clacton ,1982, he was always laughing ,even been back many years later,was sad to see he had gone .hope you get him restored ,
I have some old photos of "Charlie" as I knew him from bi-annual holidays in Clacton from 1975-85. I'll get them scanned and send them to you if it will help with the reconstruction. He's a big part of my childhood memories. I remember being scared witless of the "space bouncer" inflatable down the corridor to the back of the pavilion, and the turning gorilla head on the back wall of the open part. And the train ride round the top of the pavilion. Magical days in a magical place for a
Hello,I don't think I got the hang of answering comments,I thought I had answered yours,sorry if it's late.It was good to hear your memories of dear old Clacton.
I wondered what happened to him! I can't believe they just dumped him! He should be uin a museum or something! I'd say you'd get quite a few bob if you wanted to sell him. Good find! (I'm sure he used to have big red hair? - Either way, I used to be really scared of him, lol).
The area has a massive place in my heart as I spent some 8 years holidaying in Walton and visiting Clacton at least 3 times a year (some 18 years ago now)....and yes visiting the Clown was part of my ritual too.
It's bizarre to me seeing how much both places have changed even though it wasn't all that long ago that my brother was working the Waltzer in Walton.Sad factof the drop in holidaymakers I guess which makes me thankful people like you are trying to save part of history.Thank MrLittlelil
@bensonrecon Thank you,comments like yours mean such a lot,knowing coco has rekindled your happy memories of Clacton and Walton;things do change unfortunately but you still have your happy memories.Coco sends his regards. I am treating him to a new suit of clothes and shoes but I dare not tell him as he gets so excited.best wishes.
I can't believe anyone can say the clown was 'evil' that's just crazy!
My brothers and I grew up in Clacton and have nothing but fun and happy memories of him sitting down on the front, can't believe that anyone was so precious to suggest it terrorised them!! I'd say the kids were more scary than the bleedin' clown!
Well done Mr Little Lil for saving a legend...WE LOVE YOU COCO!!
@suzielilly1 CoCo was very pleased to get your support,in fact he loved your comment;you may like to see his response to the "evil" comment.He sends his love to you and his adoring public
@18633199 Many thanks for your comment which I have conveyed to Co-Co;he is somewhat distressed that your comment should be so opprobrious,but in mitigation he would like to stress that he has a vast experience of little children and has always found them,and especially on holiday,to be unpleasant,selfish,evil little oiks,deserving to have the shit scared out of them.kind regsrds
I just cant believe they just dumped him like that- I use to love going to see him. I wish I'd passed that dump b4 anyone else...I would of paid money for him in working order....what a shame ;-(
Was this the clown that spent its entire existence laughing its head off??? Haven't lived in Clacton for many years, but that is part of the furniture! How could they remove him? (although turning down the volume a bit might have been good!)
@MarkPMus He is certainly the one.Some folk have no sense of the past which is quite sad,but he is safe now,as is going to make an appearance at the Westcliff theatre on May 1st.Thanks for your interest.
hey guys, I believe that the clown was removed around about 2001/2002, and according to my brother would have first arrived mid 1970's. He was in a white and red striped box which later went to yellow and blue stripes. Talking about old things being saved just thought i'd mention that the old gallopers that were on walton pier until sold recently are now in great yarmouth in yesterdays world. please dont forget any photos etc or info gladly recieved.
thank goodness someone saved him, i saw him being taken away and sobbed, i wanted to run after the lorry myself but couldn't. The suit he is wearing was his final costume but the ones i remember most were a white suit with a red glittery jacket later changing to a more harlequin style patterned trouser suit. I christened him Charlie and used to always have to go and see him when holidaying here. If anyone has any more details on him or any photos or videos i would love to see them.
Thanks for your info.When did you see him being taken away?Must have been somewhat sad for you but it is good to get info like this.Another viewer saved Dracula from Walton Pier,he is SkidKid1965 if you want to see his video.Good to hear from you.
Ur welcome bud. & ur right about ppl not understanding about saving such thjings, i was sort of lucky as a child being brought up on the fairgrounds & goin 2 traction engine rallies & so i know the importance of saving such things no matter whether there big or small. Some ppl save/collect stamps, records or books etc, where we by accident decide 2 save a clown & count dracula :) :) :) Good luck wit wot cud b a new hobby or at least an experience or ex- PIER rience pardon the pun lol
Thank you for that encouragement,not many people understand how important it is to save things like this.Well done on saving Count Dracula,what an excellent thing to do.best wishes to you.
You are quite right about his outfit at the time,although he had different outfits.His hand was held by the string,and as he gyrated down below,it gave the impression of waving
MrLittlelil 2 months ago
Does anyone anywhere have any pictures of the clown from around 1999 to 2001 or before, because all i found were pics from 70s and i'm a bit younger.
Any information, pics or memories you can share on Facebook Group.
MrYoule86 2 months ago
OMG, i loved this clown!!!
In fact, i have just started a Facebook group: The Clacton Pavillion Laughing Clown.
And i hope you don't mind, but i used a snap of this video.
I have a few questions specifically to MrLittlelil.
When did you find him, because i recall not seeing him anytime after 2001?
I remember he had reddish hair, white gloves, silver shoes and a bit of string or wire that held his arm up or to stop it falling off, perhaps?
Have you restored hime yet?
MrYoule86 2 months ago
Check out Madess - House of Fun Music Video. There is a small clip of the fun house at the pleasure beach and it has "the" clown in his glass case.
any of your guys still interested in this clowns history I have alot more info.
COINSLOTPORN 4 months ago
@COINSLOTPORN is it the same clown that lived at Clacton Pavillion. I wish people had pics from around the 90s/early 2000's before it was removed - i loved that clown, as sad as it sounds!
TheAngelwings321 4 months ago
@TheAngelwings321 its not "THE" same clown but it is the same model. There was also I believe a laughing policeman made by the same company, I think they had the policeman in the JOYLAND amusement park on GT Yarmouth seafront, I might be wrong? The house of fun at the pleasure beach was done up and changed, so theres no telling what happend to the clown from that attraction.
COINSLOTPORN 4 months ago
When did you find the clown, because i can't remember when it vanished?
TheAngelwings321 4 months ago
Where did you find the clown, I believe there was 3 of these, can anyone confirm one was in the center front part of the fun house at great yarmouth pleasure beach?
COINSLOTPORN 5 months ago
Theres somthing not right about this. He clown has a slightly different appearance to what i am familier with, possibly the face has been painted? Whats also interesting is that it seems the Clown on the pier and the clown outside the pavilion are identical which would indicate there was only ever one clown, and it moved from the pier to the pavilion. The only difference I can see if that it has different trousers, I assume these could of been replaced after fading from sunlight?
COINSLOTPORN 5 months ago
Outisde the pavilion he wore distinctive yellow trousers, while on the pier they are blue check. Was the machine coin operated? Certainly not when it was at the Pavilion, it was definately an attraction, perhaps for the wrong reasons as it scared 99% of kids.
COINSLOTPORN 5 months ago
@COINSLOTPORN the clowns face was painted a few times, so was his costume from time to time.
TheAngelwings321 5 months ago
Hi Alan,
I've sent you a private message regarding Coco - and due to the fact I'm writing a comic about him I was wondering if I could possibly meet him...?
Richard
animatorhaynes 7 months ago
Glad he has rekindled your happy memories
MrLittlelil 9 months ago
He laughed all day long from what i can remember. He moved back and forth in a glass cabinet and laughed, but sure you never needed coins towards the later years of his prescence... i miss that clown!!!
TheAngelwings321 10 months ago
Hi Alan and evryone else. Just to let you know, all of this nostalgia has inspired me to come up with a film idea about the clown, which has now evolved into an idea for a comic strip, since this will be much more achivebale in the short run. It's a story about someone looking back over the past in Clacton, and fondly remembering the clown, with a twist at the end! As well as Alan, I will be very interested in any information on hum. I want to be as faithful as possible.
Thanks,
Richard
animatorhaynes 1 year ago
@animatorhaynes Hello Richard,what a great idea,I do wish you luck with it,if I can be of help let me know.I have been looking for some trousers for him, similar to the ones he was wearing in the Pet Shop boys video,also some shoes
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
Hi Richard. I've sent you an email. Will look out my photos this weekend.
ijtharper 1 year ago
@ijtharper Hello,I would be grateful if you could e-mail me any photo's too.best wishes
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
MrLittlelil - congratulations on such a fantastic find and with the restoration. It would be wonderful if you could get him to look exactly as he did in his heyday. I'm a professional animator, and I was even thinking of possibly recreating him digitally, and then animating his very movements as everyone remembers him - what do you think?
ljtharper - I would LOVE to see your photos if you're happy to share them. I would be so grateful to see him again.
Richard
animatorhaynes 1 year ago
@animatorhaynes It was a piece of luck finding him was'nt it?,I feel so lucky.You would be most welcome to come and meet CoCo,AKA Charley, so I have just been informed.Keep in touch.
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
I have so many memories of this wonderful clown - he was THE icon of Clacton to me, and it was haunting to hear his laugh get louder as you approcached the Pavillion. I remember he was moved around a couple of times, but my main memory is of him just to the right of the entrance. Does anyone remember whether you had tyo press a button to make him move and laugh, or whether he did it constantly?
animatorhaynes 1 year ago
He was just to the right as you went in The Pavilion,I suspect cash would have been involved to set him off.
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
brilliant! ive got a picture of me and my cousin and her friend in our pushchairs in front of him. type in facebook "Memories of growing up in Clacton in the 70s and 80s" and the main picture on the page is there for all to see :0)
also found this on here. its a snippet of the pet shop boys "it couldnt happen here " musical movie that was out in about 85/86 ish???? and it seems he was moved onto the pier for this scene.
type in "Clacton Pier Clown"
fatboyz78 1 year ago
@fatboyz78 Thanks so much for steering me to the "Memories" site on facebook,what a terrific and iconic shot of you and your cousins in your pushchairs with CoCo,overlooking the sea. The film scene with the Pet Shop Boys was a bit spooky was'nt it? cheers,alan
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
the clacton clown,,wow i remember this as being the signal you had really arrived in cacton..
i sed to go on holday there when i was a kid..my grandad used to tell me i could go iside and talk to him ha ha..but i never did...its amazing it lasted all day..but strangley enough it never annoyed me..added to the atmosphere....firmly stuck in my mind forever...
i hope they keep him there...its clactons trademark....
kneecapped10 1 year ago
@kneecapped10 Thanks for sharing your memories,childhood ones do stay forever don't they? I feel privileged to have this piece of Clacton's history.
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
one of the most memorable things about my honeymoon in clacton ,1982, he was always laughing ,even been back many years later,was sad to see he had gone .hope you get him restored ,
hoyteytoytey 1 year ago
Thanks for your comment,it means a lot to me,I feel privileged to have him as he is such a big part of people's lives
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
Hi there
I have some old photos of "Charlie" as I knew him from bi-annual holidays in Clacton from 1975-85. I'll get them scanned and send them to you if it will help with the reconstruction. He's a big part of my childhood memories. I remember being scared witless of the "space bouncer" inflatable down the corridor to the back of the pavilion, and the turning gorilla head on the back wall of the open part. And the train ride round the top of the pavilion. Magical days in a magical place for a
ijtharper 1 year ago
Hello,I don't think I got the hang of answering comments,I thought I had answered yours,sorry if it's late.It was good to hear your memories of dear old Clacton.
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
I wondered what happened to him! I can't believe they just dumped him! He should be uin a museum or something! I'd say you'd get quite a few bob if you wanted to sell him. Good find! (I'm sure he used to have big red hair? - Either way, I used to be really scared of him, lol).
LadyHarrington2k 1 year ago
The area has a massive place in my heart as I spent some 8 years holidaying in Walton and visiting Clacton at least 3 times a year (some 18 years ago now)....and yes visiting the Clown was part of my ritual too.
It's bizarre to me seeing how much both places have changed even though it wasn't all that long ago that my brother was working the Waltzer in Walton.Sad factof the drop in holidaymakers I guess which makes me thankful people like you are trying to save part of history.Thank MrLittlelil
bensonrecon 1 year ago
@bensonrecon Thank you,comments like yours mean such a lot,knowing coco has rekindled your happy memories of Clacton and Walton;things do change unfortunately but you still have your happy memories.Coco sends his regards. I am treating him to a new suit of clothes and shoes but I dare not tell him as he gets so excited.best wishes.
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
I can't believe anyone can say the clown was 'evil' that's just crazy!
My brothers and I grew up in Clacton and have nothing but fun and happy memories of him sitting down on the front, can't believe that anyone was so precious to suggest it terrorised them!! I'd say the kids were more scary than the bleedin' clown!
Well done Mr Little Lil for saving a legend...WE LOVE YOU COCO!!
suzielilly1 1 year ago
@suzielilly1 CoCo was very pleased to get your support,in fact he loved your comment;you may like to see his response to the "evil" comment.He sends his love to you and his adoring public
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
That thing was evil in that glass box it should be destroyed for all the years of terror it brought on young kids in clacton
18633199 1 year ago
@18633199 Many thanks for your comment which I have conveyed to Co-Co;he is somewhat distressed that your comment should be so opprobrious,but in mitigation he would like to stress that he has a vast experience of little children and has always found them,and especially on holiday,to be unpleasant,selfish,evil little oiks,deserving to have the shit scared out of them.kind regsrds
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
@MrLittlelil Hahaha! Brilliant response!
LadyHarrington2k 1 year ago
If I'd seen them take him away I would of asked and said I'd buy it b4 they skip it
EdithSWhite 1 year ago
@EdithSWhite Thankfully there are folk like you,me and others who value things like dear old Coco.
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
I just cant believe they just dumped him like that- I use to love going to see him. I wish I'd passed that dump b4 anyone else...I would of paid money for him in working order....what a shame ;-(
EdithSWhite 1 year ago
@EdithSWhite Anyway he is safe now and enjoying his retirement,and looking forward to a new suit of clothes.
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
Is that the one that use to laugh in the box? I wanted him ;-(((
EdithSWhite 1 year ago
@EdithSWhite He certainly is,he terrified lots of holidaymakers laughing away in his box.I don't have the box but will try to get one for him.
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
Was this the clown that spent its entire existence laughing its head off??? Haven't lived in Clacton for many years, but that is part of the furniture! How could they remove him? (although turning down the volume a bit might have been good!)
MarkPMus 1 year ago
@MarkPMus He is certainly the one.Some folk have no sense of the past which is quite sad,but he is safe now,as is going to make an appearance at the Westcliff theatre on May 1st.Thanks for your interest.
MrLittlelil 1 year ago
hey guys, I believe that the clown was removed around about 2001/2002, and according to my brother would have first arrived mid 1970's. He was in a white and red striped box which later went to yellow and blue stripes. Talking about old things being saved just thought i'd mention that the old gallopers that were on walton pier until sold recently are now in great yarmouth in yesterdays world. please dont forget any photos etc or info gladly recieved.
tiggerlynsey 2 years ago
Comment removed
fatboyz78 2 years ago
thank goodness someone saved him, i saw him being taken away and sobbed, i wanted to run after the lorry myself but couldn't. The suit he is wearing was his final costume but the ones i remember most were a white suit with a red glittery jacket later changing to a more harlequin style patterned trouser suit. I christened him Charlie and used to always have to go and see him when holidaying here. If anyone has any more details on him or any photos or videos i would love to see them.
tiggerlynsey 2 years ago
Thanks for your info.When did you see him being taken away?Must have been somewhat sad for you but it is good to get info like this.Another viewer saved Dracula from Walton Pier,he is SkidKid1965 if you want to see his video.Good to hear from you.
MrLittlelil 2 years ago
Ur welcome bud. & ur right about ppl not understanding about saving such thjings, i was sort of lucky as a child being brought up on the fairgrounds & goin 2 traction engine rallies & so i know the importance of saving such things no matter whether there big or small. Some ppl save/collect stamps, records or books etc, where we by accident decide 2 save a clown & count dracula :) :) :) Good luck wit wot cud b a new hobby or at least an experience or ex- PIER rience pardon the pun lol
SkidKid1965 2 years ago
Well done u saved a bit of Clacton heritage there, i myself rescued Count Dracula from the old ghost train that was on Walton pier :)
SkidKid1965 2 years ago
Thank you for that encouragement,not many people understand how important it is to save things like this.Well done on saving Count Dracula,what an excellent thing to do.best wishes to you.
MrLittlelil 2 years ago