News and Coming Events
Tragic Pier Fire
The devastating fire on Weston Super-Mare' s Grand pier is by now old news. As far as
I can ascertain, the cause of the fire still hasn't been established, although investigations
so far point to an electrical fault in a deep fat fryer. However, it transpires that the scale
of devastation could have been avoided had the fire service been alerted earlier. The
pier's fire alarm was activated at 1.35 a.m., but the fire brigade did not arrive on the
scene until 6.46 a.m. and only then as a result of a 999 call by a local resident. A private
security firm was responsible for monitoring and actioning the pier's alarm system, and
an investigation is now trying to establish why the fire service were not alerted when
the alarm was activated. In an incredible act of understatement, the chief fire officer
said that it appears the fire started "sometime before we got there:·
Although the pier's owners have vowed that the pier will be fully restored, it does
seem all the more tragic that what started as a small fire should end in such devastation
- possibly as a result of sloppy procedures by a private security company.
Auction News
Well. there's plenty to keep us occupied in the coming months! First on the list is the
Cameo auction to be held on Tuesday 9 th Sept. I received my catalogue a few weeks
ago, and there are certainly some impressive lots on offer, although some of the
estimates appear a little over-optimistic to say the least. It will be interesting to see how
many lots actually sell. I hope to be able to attend, so look forward to seeing a few
familiar faces.
Southern counties sent me a catalogue for the sale of the Peter Arnett collection.
which takes place on Saturday 13 th Sept. This sale will appeal particularly to circus
fans, with a considerable number of posters on offer. There doesn't appear to be any
slot machines included, but there are some very impressive fairground lots, including:
an original 1930s show front, est. £20.000 - £25,000; 97 key Mortier organ, est.
£90.000 - £ I 00,000; Aveling & Porter traction engine, est. £35.000 - £45 ,000 and a
Scammell tractor, estimated at a mere £6,500 - £7,500. I just wish I had that sort of
money! Southern Counties can be contacted on: 01722 321215
Laurence Fisher sent me a list of the coin-op lots to be included in Bonhams sale on
30 th Sept. This comprises approx. two dozen wall machines, mostly allwins, including:
Bryans Fivewin, Bullion, Clock and Fruit Bowl; Spangles allwin; B.M.Co Little Gem;
R&W Many Happy Returns; rare Love Nest fortune teller; Bradley Challenger; rare
Speedway allwin, plus an almost complete set of Nostalgic Machines allwins.
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