Colourful character

SIR, I wonder how many Peebleans still remember Steve Howitt, who before the war every year at the Beltane dressed up as a clown and led both the Beltane Parade and Cycle Parade. On both occasions he danced in front of the bands all round the town - shouting greetings to everyone. He was a very colourful character and very popular with everyone - especially the children. He also held concerts in the old Empire Cinema in the Briggate - telling jokes and leading the community singing with old favourites I still remember - “Come up an’ see ma garret” and “Here we are again, Happy as can be”.