Much Fellowship in Covent Garden

Mark Andrews October 2009
(Courtesy of the PJF website)

Our annual PJF October Festival in Covent Garden on Sunday 4th October was possibly one of the best attended, by way of performers and audience, for a very long time. The day started early, with four booths already set-up in the North Hall of the Piazza, well before 7.00am!

By the time the public were waiting for the first show to start, there were some 11 performers ready to fill the air with the sound of “that’s the way to do it”. Performing on the day were Paul Jackson, John Thursby, Geoff Felix, Mark Andrews, James Arnott, David Wilde, Martin Battey, Gary Wilson, Glyn Edwards, Clive Chandler and Bryan Clarke. At just twelve years of age, young Martin Battey travelled down from Suffolk to perform in the “Search for the most promising young Professor” - a joint venture between the PJF and the Punch & Judy College of Professors. What a great show he gave too.

The PJF publicity machine had certainly been working overtime in order to make this year’s Festival a huge success. It was heavily promoted to enthusiasts and members of the public in the national newspapers, on-line forums, whats on guides and social networking websites - and boy did it show! The sun shone and the crowds came, stayed and enjoyed show after show from each of Punch Professors.

BBC Radio London were there to cover the Festival too, with three Professors giving two separate interviews live on air, during the Lesley Joseph Sunday breakfast programme. Not bad considering she had also featured the May Fayre just a few months before, so Lesley is obviously a fan of Punch & Judy!

As always, plenty of sales were made by Wilma Tucker on the sales stand. Throughout the day bottling was carried out by various PJF members. Great to see several bank notes in amongst the coins and a substantial amount was raised for PJF funds- so it just proves Mr Punch is more popular than ever.

Following the day’s activities the Fellowship held their AGM during which Bryan Clarke was welcomed back as chair. The evening was rounded off with excellent entertainment and much jolity.

(Mark is the secretary of The Punch and Judy Fellowship and is responsible for the re-vamp of the PJF website, which is well worth a visit. And don’t forget if you have an interest in Punch and Judy (not just as a performer) the PJF is always keen to welcome new members).