Travels in North Devon and Somerset

A week before we travelled down to the Great Dorset Steam Fair, we spent a very wet several days in North Devon and Somerset. In order to beat the weather it was thought favorable to seek indoor attractions if possible. So without any hesitation I decided that Dingles Fairground Heritage Museum was the order of the day. It was several years ago when I last visited this centre and was pleased that money from the Heritage Lottery Fund was wisely spent. A brand new purpose built shed has been erected to house just some of the vast number of rides they own.

The centre is too far away from any reasonable power supply to run these of the national grid.

They would have to install a sub station in order to do so. Generating sets have been installed.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had purchased a complete Compton cinema organ, and was in the process of restoration. This is the manual/keyboard. For those with memories, there were two principal cinema organ builders, Compton's from North London and Wurlitzer from the USA.

This is an Orton and Spooner (Burton on Trent) 'Switchback' ride. Age unknown, but restored to full working condition. The tilt also revolves with the ride. Just £1 per person

Another Orton and Spooner ride, the Super Chariot Racer. A stunning restoration and fully operational, and at £1 a go, it was operating at full speed!

Now the Dodgems. We spend about £15 each on this ride, Tremendous thrill and whole heartedly enjoyed by all.

During a lull in the bad weather we spend a day out at Bideford, and Appledore on the Barnstable Bay shore. There is a lovely little place on the north shore called Instow. This is all that remains of the Torrington to Barnstable line.

A day was spent on the West Somerset Railway. This runs from Minehead to Taunton and is Britain's longest preserved steam railway at 20 miles each way.

At Bideford there were many boats of all types, but this one caught my eye. I do not know too much about it, but on early investigation, it was originally steam powered, now diesel, and we think it was either a tug, but more likely to be a fire boat. I will be making further enquiries. It is badly in need of restoration.