Mechanical Memories Magazine

The Road to no Return
By Angie Dobney
It was way back in the 1990s that Trevor and I started on the road to no return, when
we got the bug for collecting the lovely machines that we all rush to Coventry once a
year to buy and sell. Some people think we're mad (especially when they find out we
collect classic cars too - we have three at present, but that's another story). In fact, it
was at a classic car show that we first saw a collection of antique amusement
machines being displayed. These belonged to Dave Wright; many of you may
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remember him.
What struck us was not only the look of these lovely machines, but the interest
everyone showed and the laughter and fun everyone was having enjoying the simple
pleasure of playing them. We nearly bought a Parkers Carousel allwin from Dave, but
not knowing their true value at the time declined, thinking it was too expensive. We
later found out when we bought one, that his offer was a bargain. Hey, come on, we
were novices!
As we lived in Southend, Essex at the time, we thought we'd just trawl around
the amusement arcades and ask if anyone had any machines lying out back waiting to
be restored. Yeah, I know, we did sound like a pair of prize idiots, as unfortunately,
most of the owners had thrown them out to make room for the more moneymaking
modem machines. Some people, especially at the Kursaal, did agree it was sad that
these lovely old machines had been destroyed.
Eventually we found out about an auction at the Elephant House in Leamington,
and bought our first Five-Win allwin, which we still have to this day. That was it, we
were hooked on the machines and being at the auctions. I don't know if this strikes a
chord with some of you, but once you start collecting one or two machines, you just
want more and your love for them grows.
Now, I must add at this point that I suppose Trevor is lucky that I am so
enthusiastic about the machines (remember to tell him how lucky he is next time you
see him at an auction)! In fact, I did suggest that if we ever win the lottery we could
maybe buy an old fire station and then fill it with steam engines (my other love), old
fire engines (our son ' s love), classic cars, buses and slot machines.
But I digress. So off we travelled to all the various venues: Cherry Hinton,
Junktion, Kempton Racecourse and not to be forgotten, Saffron Walden, where we all
met up and enjoyed a lovely breakfast in the local cafe and then sat in the pub, taking
it in turns to see when the machines were being auctioned after the very long list of
memorabilia.
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