The Rev Frank Larkworthy was born and brought up in South Devon at or near to Newton Abbot. The annual visit there each August bank holiday of Anderton & Rowland's fair, including the spectacular Golden Dragons Scenic, inspired his lifetime interest in travelling fairs.

His first career was working for a major biscuits manufacturer. As national sales manager he pioneered the introduction of own-label biscuits into the supermarket chains.

A change of direction during the 1960s saw him train as a minister in the United Reformed Church. His first parish was in south Wales but he later moved to Wiltshire where he remained for the rest of his life. It was whilst at Westbury that he became chaplain to the Western Section of the Showmen's Guild. His enthusiastic support of all travelling showmen was such that, in 1988, he was able to persuade BBC Television to record an edition of Songs of Praise on the fairground at Witney Feast. He died in retirement at Devizes in 1992.