Biography

Vernon Stumcke (1926-2017) aka Joe, was a third generation showman, with strong links to Bertram Mills Circus and the UK fairground entertainment industry. Vernon, his father, Gordon and his grandfather Frank, all worked in the fairground industry at Southend on Sea, particularly at the Kursaal, but also at other sea-front locations during the early 20th Century.

Vernon and Gordon Stumcke also worked for Bertram Mills Circus from the 1930's to the 1960's. They both worked for many years for Betram Mills travelling around the country while on tour and at Olympia in the winter seasons. Additionally, they managed their own fairground attractions in the summer.

Vernon collected the material over the years, and in later life compiled them into folders with notes, recording his personal memories.

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