Mechanical Memories Magazine

Issue: 2007-September - Issue 17

WHAT A NICE SURPRISE
By The Old Devon Codger
The weekend of 11/12 August 2007 saw the South Devon Railway (SDR) hold an "Old
Fairground" weekend at their wonderful station at Buckfastleigh in South Devon. The
South Devon Railway maintains a beautiful stretch of line running through gorgeous
Devon scenery following the river Dart valley. The restored steam engines puff up and
down between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside via Staverton and provide not just a
fun day out but also a scheduled service used by locals and visitors alike.
In keeping with their Heritage railway status the SDR hold different themed
weekends during the summer and I went along early to take some photographs of the
event for the organisers. I saw a very attractive round stall being set up and was
immediately drawn to it. At that, stage the stall was just a shell and I went off to take
more pictures, including pies of the excellent restored rides, stalls and shooting gallery
belonging to Mike Stabb.
Brian Ward 's ex Carters' round stall along side his 'Wonderland' mirror show.
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When I returned it was being transfonned into something rather special! I saw from a
distance Allwins being set up and very nice they looked too. On the ground, leaning
against the lower boards, I saw the familiar red signs of "Carters Fair" and obviously
was curious. I found the owner carrying a machine with a big grin on his face and this
was the story:
The round stall belongs to Brian Ward who bought it after the Carters auction. Brian
told me that Gerry Cottle was very pleased to see it go to someone who would use it
again. Indeed, the Bryans Bullion and Challenger actually came from Carters Arcade.
The round is now presented by Brian with the assistance of Georgia Roberts, and this
outing to the SDR was the first time it had been re opened to the public. Brian pointed
out only half the stall was out due to site and safety restrictions but it still looked really
good. I can remember what it looked like when fully set up - great. Along side the
round (or half round) was another of Brian's finds, his Wonderland Mirror Show
together with a Striker - great fun for all ages. On show and in use amongst others I
saw the following machines: -
Bryans Bullion; Old style Challenger; The Gypsy; Rotamat; Film Stars; White City;
Elevenses; Pete Barson Waterfall; Bryans Clock; Players All win; Spitfire All win.
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