THE year was 1955. The date was Sunday, May 15, the venue was the Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham. For 12 hours, I was in charge of Billy Smart's Circus new four-pole Big Top, having taken out an insurance policy for one million pounds!

Billy Smart's Circus was founded in 1946 and the radio comedian, Tommy Handley of ITMA fame, opened the first show.

Billy Smart, the Guv'nor, was a successful fairground entrepreneur who loved horses and was keen to have a show in which his large family could all participate. It rapidly expanded and became one of the three major touring shows in the country.

It was televised on numerous occasions and when they came to Nottingham in 1955, they had a herd of 10 elephants, horses, ponies, Highland cattle, lions, chimpanzees and Polar bears.

Three years' earlier, I instigated an inter-denominational church service in Bertram Mills Circus tent, which was a great success. So when I knew that the Smarts were coming in 1955, I approached the directors and offered them a similar service. They were very keen on the idea and asked whether, during the service, the local vicar would perform an act of dedication and blessing on their new big top and the circus family and artistes.

It was a full house and the Guv'nor, his son Ronnie and other members of the family, together with the circus artistes attended. Massed bands of the Salvation Army accompanied the hymn singing in the ring which was led by a choir of over 200 from various churches.

The address was given by the Chief Constable of Northampton with personal testimonies from members of the Metropolitan Police. A year later, I offered a similar service to Chipperfield's Circus but they were not a bit interested!

Surprisingly, Billy Smart's Circus never came to Bournemouth or Poole. The show ceased tenting in 1971 but continued to stage shows for television until 1983.

With the blessing of the Guv'nors remaining son, Ronnie, and his wife Kay, and the rest of the Smart family, the circus has been brought back to life in a new format. There are no horses or animal acts but these are made up for by super hero human performers who will amaze, excite and thrill today's audiences.

The show opens on Easter Tuesday, March 25 and continues until Sunday 30 at Canford Park Arena, Poole. If it is laughter you are after, then Chico Rico from Mexico will delight with his slapstick antics, whilst Ross Presto and company will amaze and confound with their magic and illusions.

High above the circus ring are the Bull Dancers, an unusual name for five fantastic trapeze artistes, performing the legendary triple somersault. Other acts include acrobatics, foot juggling, balancing and aerial feats.

The box office number is 0870 444 1505. You can also get discounted tickets on line at billy-smarts-circus.co.uk. There are two performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm Tuesday to Friday, three at 2pm, 4.45pm and 7.30pm on Saturday and 1pm and 4pm on Sunday.