Golfers
🏌️♂️Click Here and Tee Off for a Cause at the Go-Happiness
Charity Golf Tournament on 4th October 2025 🏌️♂️
THE LITTLE MUSEUM OF BIFFOONERY IN SUPPORT OF THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS FOUNDATION
A heart-warming reminder that silliness, smiles, and spontaneous joy
still have a home in the heart of Southport.
SATURDAY - 16/08/2025 and Sunday 17/08/2025 - WAYFARERE ARCADE SOUTHPORT
FROM 1 PM TO 4 PM ON BOTH DAYS!
PLUS THE ANKLE-BITERS, MUMS AND DADS CAN HAVE A GO
ON WILLIE ECKERSLIKE'S SMALL UNICYCLE!
ON WILLIE ECKERSLIKE'S SMALL UNICYCLE!
🎈BUFFOONERY FOR ALL THE FAMILY🎈
FREE
IMPROMPTU, INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCES AND SILLINESS
GIVEN BY THE ONE AND ONLY
WILLIE ECKERSLIKE (aka Clown Eckie)
Make an appointment to join us most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Noon and 4 pm,
to meet the mastermind behind this whimsical museum,
Eddie Haworth FRSA, whose eccentric vision brought it all to life.
to meet the mastermind behind this whimsical museum,
Eddie Haworth FRSA, whose eccentric vision brought it all to life.
While we are getting ready to reopen, here's a little story to wet your appetite...
For six years, Clown Eckie dazzled audiences with his weekly performances and TV appearances at the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, perched on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
For six years, Clown Eckie dazzled audiences with his weekly performances and TV appearances at the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, perched on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed, soon, he was head-hunted by the Royal family's favorite luxury retreat, the Dusit Thani, where he entertained guests every week for another five years.
Eckie never arrived quietly, he rolled up in the only Clown TukTuk on the planet, making him the only ex-pat to legally drive a proper Thai TukTuk almost daily for over a decade! His journeys took him beyond Bangkok, deep into Northern Thailand, where he brought laughter to thousands of migrant families in refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border.
In 2021, Clown Eckie bid farewell to his beloved Clown TukTuk, donating it to a remote village in Northern Thailand. Even in 2025, it continues to serve as a makeshift school bus and even transports livestock!
But a few legendary relics remain, treasured parts like the big brass bell, roof horns, and most iconic of all, the Clown Head that once adorned the back of this one-of-a-kind TukTuk. These prized pieces now reside at the Museum of Buffoonery in the Wayfarers Arcade, Southport, where Clown Eckie curates the collection.
But a few legendary relics remain, treasured parts like the big brass bell, roof horns, and most iconic of all, the Clown Head that once adorned the back of this one-of-a-kind TukTuk. These prized pieces now reside at the Museum of Buffoonery in the Wayfarers Arcade, Southport, where Clown Eckie curates the collection.
To mark their mum’s birthday and the joyful revival of the Little Museum of Buffoonery, Clarke and Guy Foster teamed up with the ever-ridiculous Clown Eckie for a playful celebration in Southport’s beloved Wayfarers Arcade.
A Whimsical Note on Independence From Founder, Eddie Haworth FRSA
GREAT NEWS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE LITTLE MUSEUM OF BUFFOONERY!
From Shadows to Spotlight: A Life of Resilience and Recognition
The Early Years
Growing up in Manchester and Bolton, my childhood was challenging, marked by dyslexia and social exclusion. These early adversities set the stage for a life defined by perseverance. I delve into the lasting impact of early trauma and my adult pursuit of control, purpose, and meaning. My early life was characterized by poverty and feelings of abandonment due to my parents' long working hours. I recount the traumatic experiences of being sexually abused by various adults starting at age six, which profoundly affected my mental health and sense of self. This abuse continued into adolescence, leading to further struggles with identity and self-worth, and coping mechanisms such as petty crime and substance abuse.
Adulthood and Relationships
In adulthood, I describe my tumultuous relationships, including a challenging marriage marked by financial strain and infidelity. Despite becoming a parent, I struggled to connect with my children due to unresolved trauma. A severe accident in 1979 led to years of recovery and a transformative journey into street performance and buffoonery as means of survival. My travels across Europe, Lapland, Asia, and beyond exposed me to a wide spectrum of human behaviours, from the absurd to the wise, reinforcing the old Lancashire mantra "There's Nowt Su Queer as Folk." I transitioned to a more stable existence, thanks to my second wife, who helped lift me from a life of chaos. We ran a small business together in Scotland and later became travelling artists, living in various unconventional homes and travelling across Europe, Scandinavia, and the Middle East. I earned a living as a street performer and professional circus clown.
Healing and Self-Discovery
I also reflect on my inability to sustain relationships with my children and most of my grandchildren. After my second wife left and I attempted suicide, I began to confront the profound wounds inflicted during childhood. This painful reckoning marked the beginning of a long therapeutic process, which ultimately paved the way for the third and most transformative chapter of my life.
During part of my therapeutic journey, I visited poignant sites like Auschwitz and reflected on the lingering shadows of fascism and greed, expressing sorrow for past and present injustices. Intense personal experiences, including a fraught relationship in Greece and the sorrow of a loved one’s decline due to Alzheimer's, plus the brutal murder of another partner, committed by her son, my one-time stepson, underscored themes of love and grief.
From the corruption in Turkey and Arabia to the absolute poverty and generosity from the poorest people in India, I have observed contrasting facets of humanity and survival under adversity. I reflect critically on contemporary issues such as consumerism, western humanity’s obsessions with sports and celebrity worship, and I remain totally dumbfounded by the idea that human beings are still killing each other in the name of chosen religion, despite the advent of the world wide web offering overwhelming evidence that they are all nothing more than fairy stories produced in times when people were unable to question the purveyors of such ludicrous stories.
Yet, I also reflect on environmental neglect and the impact of technology on youth, highlighting a sense of generational regret. Despite the early hardships and later joyful discovery of my ability to turn my pain into joy for others, I found solace in the art of buffoonery, maintaining a museum of memories and passing on laughter as a form of connection and resilience.
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout my journey, I have been recognised for my contributions and achievements. I am the founder of a Thai registered Charity with Royal approval, and I have been recognised by many British Ambassadors since 2005 to date. I am honoured to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London and have received numerous circus industry awards. Additionally, I am a recipient of the prestigious Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship.
I conclude with my journey towards healing, which included therapy and self-exploration. I emphasize the importance of confronting past traumas and using my experiences to help others facing similar challenges. Despite numerous hardships, I continue to show a desire to help others, emphasizing the importance of confronting one’s past to move forward.
The Early Years
Growing up in Manchester and Bolton, my childhood was challenging, marked by dyslexia and social exclusion. These early adversities set the stage for a life defined by perseverance. I delve into the lasting impact of early trauma and my adult pursuit of control, purpose, and meaning. My early life was characterized by poverty and feelings of abandonment due to my parents' long working hours. I recount the traumatic experiences of being sexually abused by various adults starting at age six, which profoundly affected my mental health and sense of self. This abuse continued into adolescence, leading to further struggles with identity and self-worth, and coping mechanisms such as petty crime and substance abuse.
Adulthood and Relationships
In adulthood, I describe my tumultuous relationships, including a challenging marriage marked by financial strain and infidelity. Despite becoming a parent, I struggled to connect with my children due to unresolved trauma. A severe accident in 1979 led to years of recovery and a transformative journey into street performance and buffoonery as means of survival. My travels across Europe, Lapland, Asia, and beyond exposed me to a wide spectrum of human behaviours, from the absurd to the wise, reinforcing the old Lancashire mantra "There's Nowt Su Queer as Folk." I transitioned to a more stable existence, thanks to my second wife, who helped lift me from a life of chaos. We ran a small business together in Scotland and later became travelling artists, living in various unconventional homes and travelling across Europe, Scandinavia, and the Middle East. I earned a living as a street performer and professional circus clown.
Healing and Self-Discovery
I also reflect on my inability to sustain relationships with my children and most of my grandchildren. After my second wife left and I attempted suicide, I began to confront the profound wounds inflicted during childhood. This painful reckoning marked the beginning of a long therapeutic process, which ultimately paved the way for the third and most transformative chapter of my life.
During part of my therapeutic journey, I visited poignant sites like Auschwitz and reflected on the lingering shadows of fascism and greed, expressing sorrow for past and present injustices. Intense personal experiences, including a fraught relationship in Greece and the sorrow of a loved one’s decline due to Alzheimer's, plus the brutal murder of another partner, committed by her son, my one-time stepson, underscored themes of love and grief.
From the corruption in Turkey and Arabia to the absolute poverty and generosity from the poorest people in India, I have observed contrasting facets of humanity and survival under adversity. I reflect critically on contemporary issues such as consumerism, western humanity’s obsessions with sports and celebrity worship, and I remain totally dumbfounded by the idea that human beings are still killing each other in the name of chosen religion, despite the advent of the world wide web offering overwhelming evidence that they are all nothing more than fairy stories produced in times when people were unable to question the purveyors of such ludicrous stories.
Yet, I also reflect on environmental neglect and the impact of technology on youth, highlighting a sense of generational regret. Despite the early hardships and later joyful discovery of my ability to turn my pain into joy for others, I found solace in the art of buffoonery, maintaining a museum of memories and passing on laughter as a form of connection and resilience.
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout my journey, I have been recognised for my contributions and achievements. I am the founder of a Thai registered Charity with Royal approval, and I have been recognised by many British Ambassadors since 2005 to date. I am honoured to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London and have received numerous circus industry awards. Additionally, I am a recipient of the prestigious Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship.
I conclude with my journey towards healing, which included therapy and self-exploration. I emphasize the importance of confronting past traumas and using my experiences to help others facing similar challenges. Despite numerous hardships, I continue to show a desire to help others, emphasizing the importance of confronting one’s past to move forward.
Aww... Little Kitty, so cute and bright, sighs as laughter takes its flight! - Off goes the buffoon, bold and free, to sprinkle joy across the sea! - So smile, dear Kitty, giggle away, for fun and folly lead the way!
"Follow the Buffoonery as Eckie and his merry team of volunteer buffoon’s spread joy amongst more than a 1,000 ankle-biters in the slums of Bangkok and the hill tribes of northern Thailand",
here> https://www.gohappiness.org/latest-news
"Follow the Buffoonery as Eckie and his merry team of volunteer buffoon’s spread joy amongst more than a 1,000 ankle-biters in the slums of Bangkok and the hill tribes of northern Thailand",
here> https://www.gohappiness.org/latest-news
"Enjoy this charming video by Michelle Foster, capturing the Little Museum of Buffoonery in action during
the Easter Egg Hunt at the Wayfarers Arcade, Southport."
the Easter Egg Hunt at the Wayfarers Arcade, Southport."
"Now Artfully Signed and Open to Visitors"
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A Special Announcement The Museum of Buffoonery has now been Officially Opened by the latest Apprentice Brothers of Buffoonery, Master's Guy and Clark Foster, Southport, UK. |
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Here's a little taste of what you will see when you visit the Little Museum of Buffoonery in Sunny Southport by the Sea
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The Little Museum of Buffoonery is the creation of world-renowned slapstick comedy entertainer and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Mr. Eddie Haworth FRSA (also known as Clown Eckie). This unique museum, likely the only one of its kind, finds its perfect home due to Eckie’s strong ties with the former owner of Wayfarers Arcade, Arthur Pedlar, a world-famous clown under whom Eckie trained in the 1990s.
In collaboration with University of Manchester academic Dr. Eric Lybeck, Eckie has brought the museum to The Engine Room, an experimental social enterprise aimed at revitalizing unused high street spaces.
Right at Lord Street’s heart is Wayfarers Shopping Arcade, open since 1898. This Grade II listed building boasts a stunning glass-domed roof, impressive period décor and a range of exclusive stores. Their Engine Room coffee shop or the café beneath the amazing glass canopy offers the perfect setting to soak up the Arcade’s atmosphere before or after visiting the unique “Little Museum of Buffoonery”.
In collaboration with University of Manchester academic Dr. Eric Lybeck, Eckie has brought the museum to The Engine Room, an experimental social enterprise aimed at revitalizing unused high street spaces.
Right at Lord Street’s heart is Wayfarers Shopping Arcade, open since 1898. This Grade II listed building boasts a stunning glass-domed roof, impressive period décor and a range of exclusive stores. Their Engine Room coffee shop or the café beneath the amazing glass canopy offers the perfect setting to soak up the Arcade’s atmosphere before or after visiting the unique “Little Museum of Buffoonery”.
Before you visit this unique little museum... Meet Clown Eckie: The Jester Extraordinaire!
"DO YOU DRESS-UP AS A CLOWN?"
People often ask if I dress up as a clown and perform magic or make balloon animals at children’s parties.
The answer is a definite NO.
Also, I steer clear of anything resembling those creepy clowns from so-called block buster movies!
This honorable profession is still respected by those who know all about the
"Art of the Clown"
Clown Eckie is an EQUITY registered stage name for Eddie Haworth FRSA - More of Eddie's stage names are; Willie Eckerslike, Humphrey Boggins, Saramango and Dr Percey Veer. |
Sir Ken Dodd loved to see Clown Eckie Tickling Audiences
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Presentation of this award was on stage at the Southport Arts Centre/Atkinson in 1996
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Introduction: Clown Eckie, affectionately known as the “The Clown Prince of Thailand,” is a master of mirth, a virtuoso of vaudeville, and a connoisseur of comedic chaos. Let’s delve into the colourful world of this delightful entertainer...
Professional Qualifications: Eddie Haworth FRSA, AKA Dr Percey Veer … Yes, that’s our man! A professional entertainer with credentials that sparkle like a confetti shower. Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts . Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. But wait, there’s more! Gift of Happiness Foundation: Eckie wears his heart on his oversized sleeve. As the founder and director of this registered charity in Thailand, he spreads joy like a giggling contagion. |
CLOWN ECKIE PERFORMANCE AT AN ORPHANAGE IN BANGKOK
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Possibly the Only Clown TukTuk on planet earth? Shame it cannot be displayed at the Museum of Buffoonery in Southport, UK. It's now being used to ferry hill tribe kids to school in the jungles around the Thai/Burma border...
Worldwide Performances:
Eckie’s passport has more stamps than a circus ticket booth. From Europe to Scandinavia, the Middle East to India, and China to the lush corners of South East Asia, he’s left audiences in stitches. His technical prowess? Unmatched. His endearing stupidity? Unquestionably endearing.
Training with Top-Class Tutors: (Including Arthur Vercoe Pedlar, Southport)
Picture this: Eckie juggling baguettes in Paris, miming under Venetian bridges, and honing his pratfall technique in Munich. His training grounds span London to Athens, and he’s picked up more tricks than a magician’s hat.
Silent Eloquence:
Eckie’s secret weapon is knowing that “WE ALL LAUGH IN THE SAME LANGUAGE”. His playful antics don’t need words when his expressive face and silly props tell the whole story. Whether he’s mimicking everyday tasks or creating hilarious scenes out of thin air, he’s a master of visual comedy on the global stage.
Eckie’s passport has more stamps than a circus ticket booth. From Europe to Scandinavia, the Middle East to India, and China to the lush corners of South East Asia, he’s left audiences in stitches. His technical prowess? Unmatched. His endearing stupidity? Unquestionably endearing.
Training with Top-Class Tutors: (Including Arthur Vercoe Pedlar, Southport)
Picture this: Eckie juggling baguettes in Paris, miming under Venetian bridges, and honing his pratfall technique in Munich. His training grounds span London to Athens, and he’s picked up more tricks than a magician’s hat.
Silent Eloquence:
Eckie’s secret weapon is knowing that “WE ALL LAUGH IN THE SAME LANGUAGE”. His playful antics don’t need words when his expressive face and silly props tell the whole story. Whether he’s mimicking everyday tasks or creating hilarious scenes out of thin air, he’s a master of visual comedy on the global stage.
Professional Affiliations:
CLOWN ECKIE PERFORMANCE AT AN ORPHANAGE HOUSING KAREN HILL TRIBE CHILDREN - LOCATION IS LOPBURI, THAILAND - DECEMBER 2024
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Eddie Haworth, FRSA Self Proclaimed Professor of Buffoonery
“Not Just a Clown!”
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World Clown Association (Past member): Eckie’s membership card probably has a squishy red nose on it. He’s part of the global clown fraternity, where oversized shoes are the dress code.
Clowns International (Past member): Because every clown needs a support group. They discuss custard pie techniques, and the existential crisis of being funny.
L&W Circus, Southport UK: Founder alert! Eckie birthed this circus like a giggling midwife. Trapeze artists, fire eaters, and unicyclists owe him a debt of gratitude.
Clowns International (Past member): Because every clown needs a support group. They discuss custard pie techniques, and the existential crisis of being funny.
L&W Circus, Southport UK: Founder alert! Eckie birthed this circus like a giggling midwife. Trapeze artists, fire eaters, and unicyclists owe him a debt of gratitude.
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Operation Smile Thailand: Eckie dons his red nose for a noble cause. As a clown doctor, he heals hearts with laughter, one giggle at a time.
Camillian Centre: Here, he’s not just a clown; he’s a beacon of hope for children with HIV/AIDS. His painted face brings light to their world. Television Stardom: From the cobbled streets of London to the neon glow of New York, Eckie has graced screens worldwide. Picture him on TV sets in Holland, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore, and even the land of precision engineering Germany. So, next time you see a silly wig or hear an old-fashioned Taxi horn, remember, somewhere out there, Clown Eckie is turning frowns into somersaults. |
CLOWN ECKIE IS BACK FROM THE JUNGLES OF SOUTH EAST ASIA AND DELIGHTED TO PRESENT HIS AMAZING STORY AT THE MUSEUM OF BUFFOONERY!
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