Archive Search Page

The children obviously enjoying themselves.
Comedian Colin Crompton, the funny cloth-capped MC of the television programme "Wheel Tappers and Shunters Club," helped to make Susan Hargreave's 14th birthday one of the best she has ever had. Susan, along with more than 80 other children, went to see the comedian in the pantomime "Robinson Crusoe," at Davenport Theatre, Stockport, on Friday. Blackburn girl Susan went on the trip, organised by Burnley Paper Works and Co Ltd, because her father is a shift supervisor there. For Susan there were two special treats in store. Number one came when Colin Crompton announced her birthday from the stage, and then came the most exciting part of the day for her, when she was invited down to the comedian's changing room where he gave her his autograph. For most of the children whose parents work at Burnley Paper Works, it was their first pantomime. Their response to the good old fashioned knockabout humour was summed up by Susan's 11-year-old brother, Anthony: "It was absolutely great. I hope we can come again next year." The trip was organised by Mr Sidney Cornall, personnel manager of the Burnley firm, who received valuable assistance from eight adults. Said Mr Cornall: "The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. For years we have gone to Belle Vue Circus, but with the response to the pantomime this year, I think we will go to one next year."