Description:Beppo, the clown of Bertram Mills Circus, otherwise known as Johnny Newbold, receiving his Oddfellows' badge from the Provincial Grand Master, brother L. Morris at the Stafford Juvenile Lodge of Oddfellows. The event was part of the Oddfellows' annual party held at Oddfellows' Hall, Greengate Street, Stafford.
Later on in life, Johnny Newbold became the Steward of Lancashire Dynamo Electronic Products Ltd's factory at Brereton, near Rugeley and still performed at charity events. In 1959 he dived into Loch Ness from Bernard Mills' boat as a publicity stunt, looking for the monster. He was an experienced swimmer and diver but was brought to the surface after 10 minutes in a semi-conscious state.
Published in the Staffordshire Newsletter on 5 March 1955. Reproduced by kind permission of the Staffordshire Newsletter who retain copyright.