Joyland Books

Thurston's Fun Fair has set up show at the Rotunda for the second season running, although this time only with their Waltzer, Twister, bouncy Castles, a few side shows and dry 'ice rink'. It is under a year since my last visit but a number of other rides have now gone, as has atleast one of the rows of side shows. Recentle the remaining kids rides have been removed (including the convoy) as besides the helter skelter and carousel.

Only the log flume, ghost train and runnaway coaster remain. All in all a very sorry afaire. Some steel builders fencing now surrounds a corner of the Runnaway. I am unsure whether this is in preparation for its demise or because it is now becoming stucturely unsound. On a plus note it would still appear to be in slightly better nick than Leap the Dips was when restoration began so atleast in theory not all hope is lost.

Builders were smashing down more parts of the park. Luckily they did let me have some signs. There is actually a few signs in a pile that have been taken from Dreamland rides. If you are in the area, depressing as the site is, it may be worth a visit as you may well leave with quite a few souviners of both parks. As a builder said "better these things end up in the homes of enthusiastes than a land fill site". I fully agree.

I was nearly tempted to visit this old park the other week to take some shots when I went to Romney Marsh. As it was a family visit I decided not to, however I thought it would only be rather gloomy to do so afterwards.

I can't really say that I ever particularly liked this park too much but it was popular with families and with the additional crazy golf and cafe/ restaurant and bar attractions. The Runaway Coaster was indeed quite a classic and I am very pleased to have experienced it in its first season in 1997. Sadly I always remember it was the day after Princess Diana's death. Hopefully it can be preserved at a new location.

Martin