We’re going back to the funfair this week, not with the Ektar diptych maker, but my beloved Contax Aria.
A tiny History Bit
The Funfair is officially known as Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, which sounds very Victorian, which is no surprise as she was Queenie in 1899 when the fair became a permanent fixture. Mostly it’s known as The Fair, as there isn’t another one in our county unless you call Diggerland in Durham a fair, which I don’t.
Prior to 1899, travelling fairs would come along in summer, park up by the market and only be allowed legally to start up once the ordinary market stalls had finished for the day. Eventually they had their own space and could run rides any time. One of the first permanent rides was the Aerial Flight, built in the 1910’s-20’s and cost 1d (old pence) (which would be 0.23 cents in $) for a ride, and advertised that it is suitable and “approved” for all ages. (But not any of my ages, ever.)
All gone now, and things are a bit more modern. Well a little bit at least.
There were a few Marvellous rides (this is the little bit of modern)
This chap is doing well for a 94 year old.
Would have had a go on this next one if it had been an option!
These next ones are to do with Peter Pan. Firstly a galleon which swings up high at the front, then wangs itself backwards and swings high at the back. You have a bar to hold onto, which you need when it goes back as your bum leaves it’s seat. I know as I’ve been on one prior to being in my dotage, had to hold my lad from falling out. Very scary biscuits.
This a faceless Captain Hook I believe, he was at the bottom of the steps up to the galleon.
you can have
and have lots of
and for your little bambinos
Finally, some surprised elephants. I did wonder if it was a Disney Dumbo thing, but the ears are not long enough and there isn’t a feather in their trunks, so they’re just your average surprised elephants.
My favourite is the Zombie enclosure at the top of the post, might have to go in there when it all opens up again. That’s it for this week, but stay tooned, there’s a few more to come from outside the fair.
📷 🎞️ 😊
fragglefilm 
The Zombie bit does look the most interesting thing about it. I’ve never been a fan of rides at the fair, but quite enjoyed the dentist fodder as a child.
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I’m about the same. Cheers April.
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I always loved to look at funfairs, and walk around them enjoying the colours and atmosphere. But my stomach couldn’t tolerate the fast rides. So I held the coats and watched.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yep, that was me too, apart from the odd one I couldn’t escape because I was Mum!
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Love pics of old funfairs. But is it a funfare or a funfair?
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It’s ambidextrous.
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I stand corrected. Have you seen Alex’s house yet?
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I did. You are a naughty boy.
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That faceless Capt Hook is just disturbing for some reason. I’ve given up on all rides that leave the ground myself, so you’re in good company 😀
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Cheers Booky!
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The Sweet Treats made me think of Willy Wonka and then of course Hansel and Gretel. But Willy Wonka is more fun.
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That’s true! Cheers ToC!
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Love that they just pasted some Marvel posters onto their rides to modernize them….that’s ingenuity.
When I was a kid, my mom would sit on the bench and hold the coats, and I used to wonder how anyone would want to do that instead of riding the rides.
Now I sit happily on the bench with the coats and wonder why anyone would want to ride the rides!
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Haha what goes around…… which thinking about it is pretty apt for a funfair/fare 😁
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Fun!
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Cheers Marland.
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I have a hunch that the Zombie Haus is going to have some real bargain-basement zombies in it. But I’ll wait for your full report. Otherwise, this seems like the best sort of amusement park: one with nobody in it.
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Hah! Indeed!
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This has to be the most colorful depiction of England ever, in a very pleasant way; the attractions look artisanal somehow, as it is here too and that is a nice surprise. Thank you, fragglerocking for sharing the Victorian Marvel Ocean Beach Pleasure Park.
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Thanks for visiting as always X
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I would definitely be tempted by the zombie enclosure.
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I thought you would 😁
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I grew up in a seaside town and worked all my spare time at The Amusementa from the age of 13 (mad now I think of it) so this looks like home 🙂
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Good memories I hope!
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This looks like huge fun. You captured all the photos beautifully. Hugs.
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Thanks Teagan – a good place to hide a body! 😀
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Or for re-animated Uncle Salty to show up. 😉
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