Following their early season mini tour of mid Wales towns, a three-weekend stay at Shrewsbury and a May Day weekend at Bridgnorth, Graham Stokes and son-in-law Liam Edwards aka Orbital Fun Fairs began their tour of Cannock Chase communities with visits to Cannock and Hednesford respectively.
There have been several changes with the firm’s equipment this winter. The most notable is the sale of the Thunderdome waltzer, which has been in Liam’s ownership for around 15 years. It has been replaced by a Fairtrade waltzer from London Showman David Guyatt. These machines are very striking, drawing riders up the steps as if by magnet. Further changes include the sale of the Crazy Jungle fun house to Alfie Appleton and the purchase of a set of cups & saucers.
The visit to Cannock Park lasted from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 May, followed by four days in Hednesford Park from Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 May. Business at both places was very pleasing, with the weekend being particularly busy.
The fairs were the same at both places with tenants seemingly in short supply. On offer were the F1 dodgems, Fairtrade waltzer, Sizzler Twister and Hard Rock Miami. In support were the firm’s toy set, train ride, cups & saucers, carousel inflatable, hook a duck and food court. The next port of call was Telford town park.
Return to Pelsall Common for Harry Jones
The following weekend Harry Jones Fun Fair presented their annual May Fair at Pelsall Common on the Southern end of Cannock Chase, and when we called in on the Saturday afternoon business was very brisk.
Due to commitments elsewhere the line-up was a little different this year. On offer were William Porter’s excellent dodgems, Tommy Wilson’s Evolution Orbiter, Harry Jones’ Hysteria Miami and Bronson Moran’s Sizzler Twist and Frogs.
Jonny Humphreys was here with his waltzer and World Tour fun house, while William Henry Jones’ presented his helter skelter. There was also a good selection of juvenile rides, hoopla joints and traditional fairground food.
Main photo: Liam Edwards’ (Orbital Fun Fairs) Fairtrade waltzer at Hednesford Park
