Mechanical Memories Magazine

Issue: 2012-October - Issue 69

Editorial
Hello, and welcome to the October magazine, which if all goes to plan should reach
you all a little earlier in the month than last time. As a special treat, I'm not going to
moan about Brighton this month, but my likely departure from that 24 carat dump
(whoops, sorry) does make me wonder how many vintage penny arcades will be left in
the coming years. As some of you may know, Clive lost his site on Southport pier
earlier in the year, in addition to losing a smaller site at Swanage. I also know of
another long-established penny arcade that is likely to close in the near future.
Clive has managed to re-site some of the Southport machines, although the long-
term future of his new sites is doubtful. Some of the machines can now be found on
Blackpool's North pier, where they have been operating throughout the summer.
Whether or not the site can be sustained remains to be seen. The fact is, no one makes
money from operating vintage machines, and I do have concerns for the future,
particularly in these recessionary times. Anyway, I intend to publish an overview of
penny arcades in the magazine early next year.
On a brighter note, I expect you're all looking forward to Coventry auction,
which at the time of writing, is just six weeks away. More details on page 8, but just a
gentle reminder to get those entry forms filled in and returned to me before the closing
date, which is Monday 5 th November. Please, please don't leave it to the last minute as
usual, after all, you have had almost a year to think about it!
Well, that's it for now
Until next time, all the best
Jerry
Front Cover Picture: BMCo Airplane automatic payout al/win (see page I OJ.
Page 3
Dreamland
MARGATE
Save Dreamland Update October 2012
PROJECT UP-DATE
Works are still progressing on the Dreamland Cinema building, under Thanet District
Council's urgent work notices served last autumn, with the only remaining work being
the reinstatement of the concrete windows. The initial window installation has taken
place to the Hall by the Sea facade, and was successful, with off-site manufacturer
progressing. Further deliveries will be made to enable completion of that fai;;ade prior
to progressing to the Seafront elevation and curved corned units.
Organ enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that measures have been taken to
safeguard the cinema's historic Compton Noterman organ from any further
deterioration under a new urgent work notice. This Notice includes for the clearing of
debris from the chambers and pipes and the completion of a full survey to determine
the repair strategy. An order will shortly be placed with a well-known local organ
expert - who has looked after the Dreamland instrument for many years - to begin the
initial survey work.
Surveys are also taking place on the Scenic Railway to verify the condition prior
to issuing tenders for the rebuild of the structure, running gear and trains.
MARGATE HOSTS HAMMER STUDIO'S SOUTH ENGLAND
FILM PREMIER!
In celebration of Dreamland' s cinematic heritage, The Dreamland Trust is bringing
Hammer Film Studios to Margate for the South of England premier of the restored,
1957 Gothic classic, The Curse of Frankenstein (Cert 15), as part of Margate's
Halloween Horror Feast this October.
The matinee premier screening, on Sunday 28 October, includes a presentation
and talk by Hammer's official historian, Marcus Hearn, on the studio ' s important
place in the history of the horror genre. Formerly an editor at Marvel Comics, Marcus
has written for The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, Doctor Who Magazine
and SFX. His numerous books include The Hammer Story, Hammer Glamour, The
Art of Hammer and The Hammer Vault.
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