Mechanical Memories Magazine

Editorial
Hello again - it's been a while, hasn't it? Yes, this really is the March magazine, and
yes, we are now heading towards the end of May. I fully accept that the magazine is
always late, but this one has certainly surpassed all previous lateness. Many of you
will be aware of the reason for this, and for those who are not, here it is ...... .
On the evening of Friday 14 th February (ironically the day I posted out the Feb.
Magazines), the south of England was hit by a monumentally ferocious storm. It was
the Southwest that bore the brunt of the unprecedented winter storms and flooding that
hit the country, almost relentlessly, from last December through to February.
However, on this occasion the entire south of England was on the receiving end of
what was probably the worst (and fortunately the last) storm of the winter.
Unfortunately (or perhaps I should say tragically), my arcade in Brighton was
seriously trashed by the storm. So, as I am sure you will all understand, since then the
magazine hasn ' t been very high up on my list of priorities.
AFTER THE STORM
I have to admit that I was a little nervous during that Friday evening, with Brighton
never far from my mind. Even living some fifty miles from the south coast, the storm
here at home was particularly violent. In the aftermath of the storm, there were many
homes and businesses much further inland that lost roofs, fences, trees fallen onto cars
etc., so it must have been horrendous on the coast. I just hoped that the steel flood
barrier that I have at the entrance to the arcade would be enough to keep out the sea,
should it reach that far.
I hadn't intended opening at Brighton on the Saturday, as the weather was
forecast to be wet, windy and generally miserable. However, at about 10.00 in the
morning, I received a call from Carl, who runs the cafe next door to me at Brighton.
He wasn't overly specific, but said I should get down as soon as possible as there had
been some damage. I was obviously very apprehensive as I drove down to Brighton
that morning, not knowing what I was going to find. But not in my wildest dreams
could I have imagined the absolute carnage that would greet me when I arrived.
continued on following page ..... .
Front Cover picture: Jamiesons sweet payout Rotolite, the only known example.
See Stuart 's story on page 12.
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