Tribute to WN entertainer Kernel Marvo
THE closest relative of popular West Norfolk children's entertainer Keith Hodson, better known as Kernel Marvo, has revealed the quiet and private core behind the on-stage persona.
The Kernel died at Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on December 19, aged 70, after a long-running battle with respiratory condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung disorder emphysema.
He had brought hours of joy and laughter to schools, children's parties and events across the borough and far beyond for decades and continued to battle to perform until recent months despite the onset of illness.
The unmarried entertainer and magician from Marsh Farm Cottages, Wolferton, would often be spotted complete with clown car or stilts at Festival Too in Lynn.
Brother Neville Hodson (64) said: "Latterly he was much more outgoing, but in many ways he was a quiet and private sort of person who really came alive when he was on the stage. When he was entertaining he suddenly blossomed."
Mr Hodson said his brother had a tremendous love of children and animals – he featured goats, ducks and rabbits in his shows – and remembered him once nursing a deformed calf after saving it from slaughter at a farm. The Kernel, who adopted that spelling of the name to save youngsters struggling with colonel, had performed with Lynn Players and was also a great musician, clasping symbols between his knees to create a one-man band as well as turning his hand to everything from bagpipes to euphonium.
Long-held friend Mrs Joan Brown (48), of Runcton Holme, said: "He was a big character."
His funeral will be held at Wolferton on Friday, with burial at 2pm. Family flowers only and donations will go to the Norfolk Hospice Tapping House, Snettisham.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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