Mechanical Memories Magazine

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.
Page 11
,