Leader reporter meets Timmy Mallett
The Leader's Gemma Gadd reports on meeting cult TV presenter Timmy Mallett after he visited Mablethorpe on Saturday to officially open Sharky's Bar.
I was a little apprehensive at the prospect of meeting Timmy Mallett – the eccentric kids' TV presenter I had grown up watching on Wacaday. But fuelled by fond memories of his famous pink and yellow mallet, I went along armed with a camera and notepad.
When I arrived I was surprised by the diminutive, smartly-dressed chap who politely greeted me and shook my hand. Timmy told me he had visited Mablethorpe twice previously, once to turn on the town's illuminations in the early 'nineties and more recently at Golden Sands holiday park.
I asked him what he thought of the town, he said: "Each time I visit I am impressed by the beautiful beaches and how great the local people are. It's a lovely atmosphere and I can see why people come on holiday here."
Once he had changed into his old florescent shirt and novelty glasses, the cult persona emerged and the show began. In a rendition of his hit song Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini I was called out the crowd to participate by donning a yellow skirt. This turned out to be one of the most surreal experiences of my life, rendered somewhat embarrassing by my inability to keep up with Mallett's dance moves.
Most of the children in the crowd looked entertained but slightly bemused, their singing drowned out by that of their parents, perhaps more familiar with the kitsch celebrity.
Timmy was friendly to everyone who approached him, even some children who interrupted his post-show refreshments outside to demand he autograph their bare arms. The amount of people I witnessed clambering for photos and autographs showed he still has many fans today.
Benjamin Sharpe, 29, from Boston summed up the experience: "It was 'utterly brilliant' to meet the legend that is Timmy Mallett and it was a great day out in Mablethorpe overall!"
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Weather for Sleaford
Friday 10 February 2012
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