Reg Bolton elected president

On With the Show's

Flashback to 1994

WESTERN Australia-based Reg Bolton has been elected Honorary President of the British National Association of Youth Circus.

At the inaugural meeting in Warwick, England, the association unanimously elected Reg to the top position, in view of his pioneering work in the field, his influential books, his achievements in Australia and his continued interest in developments in Youth Circus around the world.

"When I received the letter from England saying I had been elected Honorary President of this great new organisation, I was overwhelmed ... totally delighted," said Reg.

"I've been in Australia nearly 10 years now so it's very gratifying to realise that the community of people working in Youth Circus in Britain recognise the work I did way back then."

Reg established Britain's first Community Circus in Edinburgh in 1977, and in the same year launched Britain's first Circus School. There are now estimated to be more than 100 such groups in Britain, and hundreds more throughout Europe.

The aim of the association is: to advance education of young people through the arts, especially circus; to encourage sharing of ideas, training, resources and expertise; and to establish links and partnerships with the growing European and International network.

"I've never had any doubts about the brilliant potential of Youth Circus for kids growth and confidence and I won't drop it until enough other people pick it up," said Reg.

Reg has since helped over 30 groups become established world-wide, including the Balga Supertroupers, the Belmont Community circus and the Flying Fremantle Circus in WA. He was Director of the Denmark Clown Convention and is currently developing three new school circuses, teacher at Edith Cowan University, running training programs with groups including the Australian Institute of Management and establishing the Circus Shop in Subiaco Pavilion.

"I expect to visit Britain again before too long but West Australia is home now, and this is where I shall continue to work," said Reg.

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