Reynolds, Robert 001

Reynolds Robert (Owd Chipper)rnBorn at Cuerden Green in 1824, Robert's parents settled in Knuzden when he was eight years old.rnAlways fascinated by the theatre, of which his father disapproved, he set parental control at defiance by acting as an extra in a play called "A Chip off the Old Block" and thus acquired his curious nickname. A spinner by profession, he conceived the idea of becoming a showman by mounting a large box on wheels, with two broom handles for shafts. Upon this foundation he erected his puppet show, consisting of a few war pictures and a number of toy soldiers, which came into action when he pulled certain strings. For a handful of rags or a few empty bottles any inquisitive schoolboy might see re-enacted the battle of Waterloo or the defence of Spion cop.rnPicture postcards of Chipper and his show were sold by the hundred, many going to former townsmen overseas, so that if this humble Thespian never achieved his ambition to become a great actor, he at least acquired a local fame of which he was very proud.rnRobert Reynolds died in1912