Barnsley’s First Fair for 2006

by Richard Sissons

Barnsley was host to its first fair of the year when Roger Tuby and Sons returned to the car park of the town’s football club for the second consecutive year, opening from March 16 to 19.

As at many other fairs that took place over this period, sub zero temperatures, rain and even light snow showers did little to encourage the public to depart from their warm houses. This resulted in poor business that the showmen were hoping would soon see an upturn with spring just around the corner, hopefully bringing some warmer weather.

A ride that became the talking point by many at last years fair, having not seen a ride like this here before, was Graham Sedgwick’s ‘Freakout’ Afterburner. Not only did this ride return this year but the same owner also brought along his Superspin, which standing side by side looked an impressive sight.

Missing from last year’s line up, when it occupied a central position, was Billy Caris’ Ramba Zamba, a ride that has now been sold. Standing here this time was Jamie Raywood’s ‘Planet Earth’ Meteorite, which had attended here four years ago when it stood on a different position by the entrance.

It was by the entrance that a main row of major attractions began commencing with a newcomer at last years fair, Scott Pullen’s ‘Extreme’ Tagada next to Stewart Robinson’s ‘Speed Raiser’ Waltzer and beautiful Adesko fold out Dodgems; Roger Tuby’s ‘Hollywood’ Arcade; James Robinson’s ‘Terminator3’ Matterrhorn and the two previously mentioned rides presented by Graham Sedgwick.

The centre of the ground housed Roger Tuby’s ‘Crazy Hopper’ Frogger ride, formula and ‘Disco Fever’ Miami, Curtis Eddy’s ‘Big Apple’ Coaster and Jay Dean Storey’s smaller ‘Crazy Croc’ version along with a selection of smaller rides and hooplas. These included Jamie Raywood’s mini ski jump coaster; Stewart Robinson’s cups and saucers; Carl Foreman’s Jumping Jack; Curtis Eddy’s trampolines; Charles Tuby’s’ Safari train ride; Jonathan Hart’s toy set and Glen Jones’ chairs.

Spanning the top of the ground and parts of the perimeter were some more larger attractions namely Scott Pullen’s Ghost Train; Asa Johnson’s ‘Funfair Crazy’ Fun House; Matthew Owen’s ‘Energy Rush’ Rotor; Jonathan Hart’s ‘Lost Jungle’ Fun House and Barry Turvill’s giant slide. Selections of assorted games were presented in trailer mounted units by George Thomas Varley, Ena Gavan, Reece Storey, Barry Turvill and Carl Foreman.

Adding the finishing touches were the hoopla’s presented by Glen Jones, Robert Jones, Sammy Ashcroft, John Edward Tuby, Martine Johnson, Matthew Owen and George Tomas Varley along with a selection of catering units.

PIC CAPTIONS
1.    A general view of the ground.
2.    Jay Dean Storey's 'Crazy Croc' coaster.