Animal cages

[dreamland]

how come its taken all this time to know that these cages still exist in dreamland ? by looking at the pictures they are visable but not sure if the pictures were taken after the discovery ?

[Greg Pryce]

I didn't think this was news though, I remember them being there years ago, quite visable as well

[dreamland]

so an old story trying to be new ?

[Greg Pryce]

Well I don't know, I just thought anyone who's ever been to that part of the park would know that they were there?
Especially when Bemboms went in there and cleared most of the trees, landscaping etc, that's all that was really left
Then again as we on here have a keen interest in Dreamland, finding these Cages is probably not news to any of us but I suppose the people unearthing them now may not of even been to the Park before and may think they have found something new, so would of been quite exciting really.

[dreamland]

gregg your the one that said you have family in margate or ramsgate and said you would photo copy me all them bembom leaflets

[vince69619]

Ok for us people who have not wandered around the site to the same degree as others, where on the site is this? I don't recognise it.

Vince.

[dave771]

The cages in question have been there for many years and were visible in the Bemboms time 1982-1995 and could be seen at the rear of the kids playground running alongside the NCP car park near Arlington House. There used to be a Gus the Ghost character in the building behind a curtain that would appear if you put 20 pence in the machine on the kids play area. Will look through photos to see if any show any part of this building that has recently been uncovered.

[vince69619]

Thanks for the update. Just shows how much detail you miss when choosing a ride to go on.

Vince.

[micktee]

A great photograph of the park, [top story] the building behind the Ladybird ride for many years was the house that the late Harry Williams [the head of the gardeners] lived in, in the early 1970's when the a Safari Park was on site, a gentleman from Gerry Cottle's Circus lived there with a range of snakes that he would display to the public. The house was neglected, and then Bemboms, as previously stated had 'Gus' the ghost looking through a window.
The 3 cages that have been the subject of the local press, are to the left of the picture, [behind the Melody Swing] slightly out of shot. they are in amazing condition, except for the metal bars at the front.
When the Magic Gardens were in operation in the 1950's, animated animals were used in these cages, and lit at night.

[paul69]

its quite funny because i took the picture years ago and i always wondered what the building was ! would be a great building for the haunted swing.

[Nick]

For those just arriving at this discussion, the photograph in question can be seen on our news page: http://www.joylandbooks.com/scenicrailway/news.htm

[EAS]

I think Sarah's quick thinking and concern, and a bit of urgent phone calling to various people and organisations has possibly halted/prevented damage/demolition of some of the structures. Good! At least a preservation order will allow time for more research and some consideration to see if they can be listed.

[Nick]

Another update regarding the Sanger relics on the News page. If anybody has any information on the tower and/or cages, please send them to the campaign at the email address given on the News page:

http://www.joylandbooks.com/scenicrailway/news.htm

[EAS]

There are further pictures on this news report:

http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/margate/Zoo ... ticle.html

More about the er- colourful life and times of Sanger here:

http://www.berksfhs.org.uk/journal/Sep2 ... Circus.htm

including further refs and a picture of his rather spectacular grave in Margate cemetery.

Some fascinating stuff on the Theatre Museum site:

http://www.peopleplayuk.org.uk/guided_t ... sanger.php

[Slapavision]

Gus the Ghost is actually the only thing I can actually remember from my early years at Dreamland, I must have spent at least 5 pounds worth of 20p's on him. I think Gus had a sibling in 'CoCos' which is now still that buffet place?

I have a question - can I have Gus if your throwing him away? lol otherwise I'd say incorporate him into the Heritage park that's if he's even still in there actually?