Classic Mode

Mechanical Memories Magazine

Issue: 2007-July - Issue 15

their set; he also taught them how to 'drive' the engine. The engine which powers the
yachts is not operated by simply flicking a switch or pulling a lever; it has to be 'driven',
and Harry Lee was probably the only surviving showman who knew the art of driving a
yacht engine.
On my final visit in 1988 (which I believe was the last year Carters attended
Blackheath), I witnessed their latest attraction: The Original Allwins Old Penny Arcade.
At this time, the only previous occasion I had played on vintage penny slot machines
(apart from when I was a boy, and they weren't vintage) was in John Hayward's Old
Penny Palace in Brighton, a couple of years earlier. I can still remember the thrill of
playing the old machines in Carters' new arcade, and my visit to Blackheath in 1988
may well have 'tipped the balance', and prompted me to start collecting a few years
later. So I could have John Carter to thank (or blame) for my now wholly unhealthy
obsession with penny slot machines! Being the constant victim of sod's law, on this
occasion I did not have my camera with me, so I don't have any early pictures of the
arcade. If anyone has 'photos of the arcade in it's original form, please let me borrow
them as I intend to feature the arcade next month.
A rare opportunity to view the Centre Engine powering the Steam Yachts, which on this
occasion were built-up with just one yacht. The gentleman driving the engine could well
be Harry Lee - unfortunately, I can 't remember which year I met him! Blackheath 1987
Page 10
The next major addition to the fair was the Dodgems, in 1990. The track is by Supercar
of Warwick, built in 1975 and is a 64' X 40' version. It was the last round-ended track
built by them, all subsequent tracks having square ends. The cars are also by Supercar,
and being of late 1960s vintage could now be the oldest in regular operation. They are
billed as the 'Rock 'n' Roll Dodgems', and a ride (to the accompaniment of appropriate
rock 'n' roll music from John Carter's collection of original 45s) is guaranteed to evoke
fond memories of that era.
Following my visits to Blackheath in the '80s, I was unable to revisit Carters' Fair
until the late '90s, by which time the fair had grown further. By this time, two more
adult rides had been acquired: Octopus and Jets. The Octopus is a Hayes Fabrications
machine built in England in 1961. It was part of the 'lost fair' of Tom Smith & Sons,
and came to Carters via Gerry Cottle in 1993. The Jets were built in the early '50s by the
London firm Langwheels, and were renamed by the Carters 'The Zodiac Jets'. They
ceased travelling a couple of years ago and have since been sold.
Children have always been well catered for at Carters' Fair, and among the delights
in store for the youngsters are: 1950s Austin Car ride; 1930s Maxwell Train ride; 1920s
Halstead Toytown rounderbout and a beautiful set ofDobbies, also by Halstead.
So, Carters' Steam Fair really is a great family day out, and whether your interest
lies in vintage fairground or transport, or you just want to play on the vintage penny slot
machines, do try to pay a visit - you won't be disappointed!
To be continued next month
Carters' Run Aug. & Sept. 2007
• 1 us1ve
•
4th - 19th A ug. me
Battersea Park, South London.
Open daily, noon- 6pm
24 th - 2?1h Aug. inclusive
Victoria Park, South Hackney.
1 st & 2nd Sept.
Ravenscourt Park, near Hammersmith.
8 11i & 9 1h Sept.
Wheatsheaf Common, Woking.
15 th & 16 th Sept.
Croxley Green, near Watford.
22 nd & 23 rd Sept.
Englefield Green, Surrey.
29 th & 30 th Sept.
Holyport Green, near Maidenhead.
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