National Fairground Archive

London Calling

The following images and notes come from Jack Leeson's visit to the London area fairs on Saturday 21st May 1960. Jack notes that this is his longest home-based expedition to date. For the trip Jack meets Philip Bradley at Euston, with the aim of visiting Tooting Bec, Battersea, plus possibly another fair. His day begins at 6-45 when he treats his family to tea in bed, then it is a drive to Rugby station to catch the 8-24 to London (fare is 19/6 for a cheap day return). The train arrived punctually in London at 10-15. The return journey is stated as leaving Euston at 9-20 and arriving at Rugby at 11-40, with Jack using the time to compile these notes.

Len Bibby's Waltzer at Tooting Bec

Jack makes over 4 pages of notes and diagrams of this machine, adding a brief history of the ride as Orton and Spooner make, and formerly owned by the Corrigan family. The ride was converted to an 'optional Waltzer' in 1955, and Jack gives a detailed list of the structure of the ride. The ride remains with the Bibby family.

G. Nichols' Ghost Train at Tooting Bec

Jack isnt able to obtain an accurate history of the ride, but suggests it as being quite old with an ornate front porch that mimics early railway stations. The ride is actually an early Orton and Spooner machine, new to the Smart family. It is still travelling, with David Twinn in 2006.

Bowman's Cakewalk at Tooting Bec.

Again, little research existed on Cakewalk machines, which were prolific up until the 1940s and then went into decline. Bowman's machine was travelled as the 'Jolly Jersey Bounce' and its origins are not determined. Jack notes that is was sold to Albert Davenport in 1961. After a few more owners it passed into preservation and is now stored in Switzerland.

Rose Brothers' Jets at Putney Heath.

Philip and Jack travelled on to Putney Heath where Rose Brothers were presenting a fair. These Jets are a Lang Wheels set and according to Philip Bradley were one of the first sets. The centre-piece is a large wooden rocket, whilst the cars are refitted in the modern style. Subsequent research suggests that the machine was new in 1954 and was in fact the debutant Lang Wheels Jets. Later owners included John Scarrott and John Studt.

Cecil Wynn's 8 wheel ERF lorry at Putney.

This 8 wheel ERF (JRE353) was used with Cecil Wynn's Rotor. The Rotor was new to Bernard Cole (supposedly self-built), and still travels, last recorded (2006) with Scottish showman Graham Sedgwick.

Rose Brothers' Scammell tractor at Putney Heath.

Jack notes that this is a 'special Scammell tractor' - supposedly the only one of its kind to be built. The radiator is similar to the ex-WD examples, whilst the cab and lorry are similar to the 'Pioneer' versions. The colour is given as maroon with gold lining, with lettering shaded in pink and green.

Griggs' Ark.

Jack again makes detailed notes of this Lang Wheels Ark, and photographs the centre and mounts here as typical Lang Wheels examples. The ride was sold later in 1960, and was later used with the Wright family in the far north of Scotland.

John Biddall's Ben Hur Ark, Battersea.

Jack and Philip arrived at Battersea around 5-30, the park being very busy in those days. This Ark is a famous Lakin machine, and spent many years with the Biddall family before being sold to the north-west showman Victor Manders. The breath-taking Hall and Fowle artwork is very much in evidence.

Botton Brothers Dodgem cars at Battersea.

Botton Brothers' Battersea track was a massive Dodgem track, with 30 sections including 8 straight sections. In later years it was sold out of the park and split into two tracks - one squared using part of the centre section, and the other in a traditional shape with curved end sections plus the remainder of the centre. The cars shown here are a new style from Whittaker - utlilising a token slot for the first time.

Harry Gray's Monte Carlo Rally at Battersea.

Another classic ride that has now all but vanished. Monte Carlo Rallies involved either petrol cars or electrical pick-up using metal / wooden strips (as shown here). Some tracks included banked corners (Brooklands), but the general feeling was that incredible speeds could be reached on the long straight sections. The set here included an island paybox with a room up in the roof section!