Mechanical Memories Magazine

News and Coming Events
Dreamland
Back in May, I reported on the fire of 7 th April, which destroyed part of the historic
Scenic Railway at Dreamland, Margate. Work was due to commence on 29 th September
to start clearing the damaged parts of the structure. Before removal, all parts will be
photographed and measured, and all mechanical parts will be securely stored to ensure
the ride can be faithfully and accurately restored. I shall update in the coming months as
further news becomes available.
On a brighter note, the Dreamland Trust has now secured the acquisition of the
whip that has been operating at Blackpool Pleasure Beach since 1914. It is hoped that
Dreamland can eventually reopen as a Heritage park, and the whip (the last operating in
this country) will be an important asset. The original Dreamland whip was my favourite
ride as a boy, and I remember my horror when one year (sometime in the late '60s), I
arrived at Dreamland to find it had gone. Actually, the track and running gear were still
there, but the cars had been removed, and the track was being used for battery-operated
kiddies dodgems ........ bloody philistines!
The Whip at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in 2005. Picture courtesy Nick Laister.
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