North Devon charity founder stunned by unexpected national television thank you

A lifelong Mr Men fan and the founder of a Bideford charity dedicated to helping young people was stunned to discover he was making a surprise appearance on The One Show.

Paul Bowser had no idea the ‘local news’ event he was asked to attend to promote a new Mr Men book was actually a set up dedicated to him in the BBC One show’s One Big Thank You feature, which focuses on those who have done outstanding work for their communities.

At the event in Wings Hall, Paul was asked to read the book, a new Little Miss Marple adventure called Bump in the Library, but was told he must read to the very end.

Above: Filming for The One Show at Wings Hall in Bideford – charity founder Paul Bowser thought it was for a local news segment but instead he was about to receive the One Big Thank You. Credit: Wings South West

As Little Miss Marple summed up, she said: ‘There is someone who creates a place to belong, someone who builds opportunities, someone who never gives up and behind every second chance at Wings SW is Paul Bowser’.

A surprised Paul was then told by presenter Kevin Duala he was actually on The One Show and receiving its One Big Thank You for all the work he had put into Wings during the past 25 years.

Mr Men author Adam Hargreaves, son of the series creator Roger Hargreaves, had also created a special ‘Mr Bowser’ Mr Man character and Paul was presented with the framed drawing, signed by the author.

Paul told the Gazette he wasn’t entirely sure to begin with what the event was about. He said: “I was not quite sure what was happening but I started to read the book and had to read right through to the end – then the interviewer came in and sprang the surprise.

“If I am honest, I don’t like being the centre of attention at all, it’s a bit strange talking about myself. It was a lovely honour to do it and it comes over quite well, especially for Wings and 25 years for all the work we have done.

“My hope is it will boost Wings in some way when people see it.”

Above: Wings founder Paul Bowser looks at the original drawing of his own ‘Mr Bowser’ Mr Men character created and signed for him by author Adam Hargreaves. Credit: Wings South West

Wings South West marked its 25th anniversary in October and is holding a series of anniversary events to celebrate.

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At the big surprise on Thursday, as seen by those who watched the show, a series of video tributes were played from people who had been helped by the charity over the past quarter century.

Wings offers a wide range of services in Bideford and the surrounding areas for people who are marginalised but in particular young people.

What started as an idea for a cyber café to give young people in the town somewhere to go has grown into a youth club, Wings College to help those aged 16-plus struggling with further education, the Unity group for people with disabilities, fitness sessions, Trax – offering motor mechanics training and even a Ukrainian Hub for those displaced by the war.

Andy Best, Wings operations manager, was responsible for springing the surprise on Paul and he said: “Being our 25th anniversary, we wanted to do something that marked what Paul and his wife Anne have done for the charity over those 25 years.

“I think he was very surprised and did not know quite what to make of it, but he was very pleased to see people that had been impacted by the various groups Wings had run during that time.

“In many cases, not just individuals but whole families have been transformed.

“For us it’s been a real privilege to be part of something that has been running for this time and the generous nature of Paul and Anne and all that they have done has been an inspiration to us as staff.”

You can watch The One Show episode featuring Paul on iPlayer by CLICKING HERE

To find out more about the work of Wings South West, visit https://wingscharity.com

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