He was really funny. Had one of those 'bird call' things in his mouth you used to be able to get in the Wizard's Den, Ellisdon's catalogue etc and chirped away at passing kids, most of whom thought he was great and flocked round him. A few of the smaller kids were clearly- and understandably- terrified, however, and were less than keen when urged forward by their parents to chuck some coppers into his bucket. Bit like my memories of being forced to sit on some smelly old Blackler's or TJ's Santa's knee when very small. No thanks very much.
I caught him in a quiet moment for the photo- but he fixed me with his beady eye when I took the picture and chirped like mad- yes, I chucked in a quid, it was worth it. What a character.