Memories of Being in the Circus

An opportunity that today’s children shouldn’t be deprived of.

With the passing of time, we tend to forget the formative periods of our childhood. We’re usually so busy struggling to orient ourselves within a stress-fueled, hyperactive world that we often overlook major contributions to who we are. It’s there of course, in the sepia-toned recesses of memory, but rarely does it come to the forefront without the aid of some sort of aid.

You could be forgiven for thinking I’m talking about trauma or repression, but I’m actually referring to experiences that were mainly positive and constructive: the halcyon times that speak to our childhood selves, capture our imaginations and galvanize our incipient drives for self-improvement. When you have had the privilege to bear witness to such a fruitful time in your childhood, it deserves celebrating.

It's difficult to accurately recall my first experience of Albert & Friends Instant Circus. When I joined they were based at Heathem House Youth Centre in Twickenham. Wide-eyed and unsure of what to expect, I entered the indoor skate-park festooned with psychedelic graffiti and began my childhood career as one of the many players within the legendary troop. Little did I know what adventures lay in store.