Not So Jolly Boys
Britain’s oldest rollercoaster immortalised in Only Fools and Horses destroyed in arson attack.
Britain’s oldest rollercoaster immortalised in Only Fools and Horses
destroyed in arson attack.
It’s seen some ups and downs over the years. But sadly, Britain’s oldest
rollercoaster may have finally met its end after being damaged in a
suspected arson attack. The 88-year-old wooden Scenic Railway rollercoaster
at Dreamland fun park in Margate, Kent, went up in flames shortly after 4pm
on Monday 7th April 2008.
Police were at the scene carrying out investigations while smoke could be
seen rising from the ashes up to 20 miles away. Fire crews rush to the scene
after the historic Scenic Railway Coaster was set alight in a suspected
arson attack
The ride was the last remaining attraction at the once-bustling seafront
leisure park, visited by millions of holidaymakers when traditional “bucket
and spade” holidays were at their peak.
More than 50 firemen battled to put out the blaze well into the evening but
the coaster is expected to be destroyed beyond repair.
Crew manager Mark Fishlock said: “With this sort of fire on a wooden roller
coaster it is pretty devastating. It is not likely to be worth their while
to repair it.” Shop assistant Neil Hazelton, 23, who works near the seafront
site, said: “It’s the end of an era. The Scenic Railway has always been a
part of Margate – I can’t believe it. “Everyone in the town will be really
gutted about what’s happened. It’s like part of the family for us.”
The Scenic Railway – immortalised in a classic episode of BBC comedy Only
Fools and Horses – was given Grade II listed status by English Heritage in
2001. It was the UK’s only listed ride but has not been in operation this
year. Millions of television viewers saw Del Boy and Rodney Trotter take
their pals to Dreamland during a seaside “beano” trip in the feature length
“Jolly Boys Outing” episode shown in 1989.
Dreamland and its famous coaster were still attracting more than two million
visitors a year up until the mid-90s – but locals have watched as it became
increasingly run down.
Dave Collard, of the Save Dreamland Campaign which secured the ride’s
heritage status in 2002, said he was optimistic the rollercoaster could be
rebuilt, although that would depend on the full extent of the damage.
“There are eight other coasters in the world that have similar trains,” he
said.
“There’s no reason why it couldn’t be done, but it will take a lot of work
and a lot of money to do so.”