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NINETY-NINE years after he first set foot on Clacton Pier, and 77 years after his last performance there, Filbert the dummy returned to the scene of his many triumphs and enjoyed a ride on the town s new Big Wheel. Between the wars, every summer season from 1922 until 1939, Filbert, along with mentor and best friend Clown Bertram, entertained millions of youngsters and parents on the pier and were the most popular double act ever to appear in Clacton. They performed to sold-out houses in the 1,000 seat Jollity Theatre, with queues for the 7pm performance forming as soon as the curtain went up on the 4pm show.