The ‘clever’ man who entertained Cambridge crowds by putting mice in his mouth
This man was awarded an MBE in 1995 for his charity work
Snowy Farr(Image: Cambridge News)
Within communities, there are always a few people who stand out as local legends. One considered a local legend in Cambridge’s past is former road sweeper Snowy Farr.
Snowy was known in the city for his eccentrics and antics. Many locals will remember him for his famous outfit – a bright red tunic, black boots and shiny medals.
Born Walter Farr, he was also known for his bright white hair, which he sported since childhood and therefore gave him his Snowy nickname. He was mainly based in Petty Cury or Cambridge’s market square.
He would mostly be seen with a cat sitting on top of his hat and a mouse in his mouth. At other times, mice would also be running across his hat, as well as pigeons balanced on the end of his umbrella.
Other animals that joined Snowy for his antics included dogs, guinea pigs and chickens. Although these seem like odd antics, Snowy had good intentions in mind.
He would perform for crowds with the aim to raise money for charity. Over time, he raised nearly £70,000 for charities supporting blind and partially-sighted people.
In 1995, he was recognised for this charity work as he was awarded an MBE. Sadly, Snowy died aged 88 in 2007.
He was found at his home in Oakington. Snowy’s popularity was proved at his funeral, as around 100 mourners attended the service at St Andrew’s Church in Oakington.
Snowy was familiar to the church as he used to tend to the ground as he said “God had told him to do so”. At his funeral, Reverend James Alexander said: “We all have our memories of Snowy, with his long white beard, performing animals and cart, in the middle of Cambridge.
“It was an amazing sight, and crowds of people used to gather to watch him. He was awfully clever with animals, and when people asked me how he did it, the answer was he simply spent all day, every day with them.”
In 2012, a sculpture was installed outside the Guildhall in Cambridge to commemorate Snowy. It was designed by artist Gary Webb and features a cat-topped hat with mice running around the brim.