Cash boost for Margate's Dreamland park
Comments |
by Martin Jeffries
Repairs to an iconic funfair ride in Margate that was severely
damaged by fire have been given a major cash boost.
The world's largest club of amusement park enthusiasts, the
American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), has donated $5,000 towards the
restoration of Dreamland's Scenic Railway.
The Grade II-listed ride, which is the country's oldest
rollercoaster, was partly destroyed by fire in 2008.
It is set to be repaired in time for the planned opening of the
world's first heritage amusement park on Margate seafront in
2012.
Nick Laister, chairman of the Dreamland
Trust, said: "I'd like to thank all of the members of ACE for
this very generous donation.
"This demonstrates the level of international interest in the
future of the Scenic Railway, which is a remarkable and fragile
survivor.
"We'll ensure this donation is used entirely for the restoration
of the Scenic Railway and I look forward to welcoming members of
ACE to Dreamland for the reopening."
ACE was founded in 1978 as a not-for-profit organisation of
volunteers who promote the conservation, appreciation, knowledge
and enjoyment of classic and contemporary rollercoasters.
Mark Cole, president of the group, said: "The Scenic Railway is
one of very few coasters of this type in the world.
"Preservation is a major part of our work and we look forward to
returning to ride Scenic Railway in the not too distant
future."
Work on the heritage amusement park, which will cost around
£12.5 million, is expected to start later this year.
As well as the Scenic Railway, the tourist attraction will
feature a number of vintage rides that have been rescued from other
amusement parks around the UK.
They include the Caterpillar, Water Chute, Whip, Wild Mouse and
River Caves, some of which are the last surviving examples of their
type.
Monday, July 05 2010
The KM Group does not moderate comments.
Please click here for our house rules.