Monty Python star wows the crowds in Brampton

MONTY Python star Terry Jones proved to be a great crowd pleaser on Sunday when he braved the wet weather to open the summer fete held at the Leonard Cheshire Home at Brampton.

Although the event had to be moved indoors because of the rain, lots of visitors went along to meet the star – and plenty of cash was raised for the charity.

Billy Smith, the volunteer and activities co-ordinator at the home which cares for adults with disabilities said: “The fete was a great success, even though the weather was against us. Terry Jones was great; he spent a lot of time talking to our service users and our young volunteers.

“Everyone got wet, but the atmosphere was amazing, and we had plenty of visitors who came to see the star and support us.”

This was the first time that Terry Jones had opened a fete – he is usually remembered as part of the iconic team of comedians that featured in the hugely successful TV comedy sketch show Monty Python’s Flying Circus in the early 1970’s, alongside John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Graham Chapman.

Other attractions at the fete included street entertainer and stilt walker Alex Icon; a penalty shoot out football game, and a fire engine that young visitors were able to climb aboard. A potter’s wheel was set up during the afternoon, and visitors had the chance of throwing a pot.

A cake stall that groaned under the weight of a fabulous array of confectionary raised more than �400 alone; and other stalls did a roaring trade, selling plants, books, and bric-a-brac.

Billy said: “We are not sure how much was raised in total; but it was a very successful event. We would like to thank everyone who contributed, by running stalls or making donations. Thanks also to Huntingdon local radio for making our announcements.”