There are many large fairs in October along with smaller ones which take place each year, and these are important to the showpeople who attend them regularly. It was pleasing to see that the lessees had these events very well advertised.
St Neots fair
It was a larger than usual presentation by James W Harris at the Riverside car park in St Neots, with two extra large rides present, both of a type not often seen in these parts. John Groom brought his XLR8 Booster and Mark Thurston Jnr presented his Chaos Freak Out, alongside the lessee’s Supreme waltzer, dodgems, Joker Miami and Crooked Cottage. Spencer Smart was here with his Orbiter and Crazy Jungle fun house, and John Woodward Snr presented his Wild West Mine Train.
We called in on the final day and found a general satisfaction with the business here. James told us that he was pleased to be able to present two fresh thrill rides for the customers this time.
Market Deeping
The John Eves recreation ground at Market Deeping hosted a nicely varied array of amusements during Larry Gray & Sons’ autumn visit to the town. Richard Hart & Sons’ Thriller Matterhorn and Brooklyn Beach’s lifting Paratrooper were on first visits here, and once again, most were happy with the stay.
Other major attractions present were:
- Larry Gray Jnr’s Mega Spin waltzer
- Sheldon Gray’s Twist
- Darren Boxhall’s The Cage Meteorite
- Jonathan Scarrott’s High Flyer
- Oliver Gilbey’s Bounce Jumper and Aqua Labyrinth Mirror Maze
- Rennie Gray’s Eliminator Miami
- Joel Bunn’s tagada
- John Fowkes Jnr’s ghost train
- Harry Gilbey’s colourful runaway train
- Junior Harris’ helter skelter.
Brackley
When the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II was announced, Tommy Wilson pulled down his fair at Brackley and left. However, Tommy returned to the Market Place a few weeks later to give the town its annual fair, and we were told that it was all worthwhile.
Presented here were the lessee’s Dance & Smile Jumper and Evolution Extreme, Joseph Danter’s Twister and City Limits Miami and William Porter’s waltzer.
Earl Shilton Wakes Fun Fair
The Wakes Fair at Earl Shilton presented by Barkers Amusements took place on the Wood Street recreation ground, some of the attractions having made a quick move from Ledbury Mop.
Heading the list at Shilton were Jonathan Barker’s Hot Wheels dodgems and Extreme Jumper, David Rogers & Son’s Meteorite and Jordan Cotton’s Ice Kingdom Mirror Maze.
Main photo: Oliver Gilbey’s Bounce Jumper at Market Deeping.
