Elephants and CMP

[Andrew H.]

I remember Bullens and Ridgeway circuses coming to New Zealand, when I was a kid. I don't know of a CMP connection, but I do remember two elephants dying from tutu poisoning in the 1950s. They were parked in an open-topped truck at a railway siding and reached up to sample the local greenery. Unfortunately for them it was tutu (Corearia Arborea) which is one of the most toxic plants in NZ.

[Lang]

Richard

Beat me to it.

Bullens and Ashtons were the two circus families in Australia (and also visited NZ). Although there were, and still are, many smaller circuses they were institutions attracting hundreds of thousands during the course of a year. Small names that come to mind, some still operating, are Perry, Wirth, Sole and Silver. Sadly their audiences are dominated by parents and under 12 year olds these days. Adults are catered for by the sophisticated Cirque du Soleil but a far cry from the old traditions.

The big circuses became more and more corporate in the 60/70 period and drifted away to safari theme parks etc. I think Ashtons has revived the name.

I will look for more photos because I am sure I have seen other military vehicles in that role. They certainly had them. Perhaps the Europeans could put up some photos of the huge number of military vehicles used there by circuses

From little things big things grow.

Photo of Bullens Circus 1920 and one of their 4 three-ring tents operating around Australia in 1970.



Lang

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Lang

I will look for more photos because I am sure I have seen other military vehicles in that role. They certainly had them. Perhaps the Europeans could put up some photos of the huge number of military vehicles used there by circuses

From little things big things grow.

Hi Lang,
As a kid in 50's and 60's, the circus lorries interested me more than the show itself, nearly all ex-WD at that time. The circus in UK has changed now as it is more acts than animals.
A friend of mine ran a circus, started by his father, he stopped running it some years back, but has some great stories to tell. He has now got into military vehicles and enjoys his Bedford MJ 4x4, bringing it to rallies.
The bigger circus over here, like Billy Smarts and Chipperfields ran WW2 Macks as well as other makes.

regards, Richard

[Lang]

Here are a few, mainly GMC, over to the other people to show what you had in the military circus line.

[Lang]

Here are a few to get you stared.

[Tony Smith]

Linked from the "In the background" thread:

https://www.facebook.com/10000611578...9167388630437/