This is the Shooting Gallery I wrote about in an earlier post. I took this film clip at the Wensleydale Show, North Yorkshire. It belongs to Craske’s Traditional Amusements who specialise in Vintage Fun Fairs. I love the moving targets.
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yFVC9A1Jr8]Some might say that this type of amusement encourages an interest in guns. I think it’s harmless fun. what’s your view?
Kiddies Roundabouts are always a crowd pleaser at family events. It’s just not a show without them. Finding someone with good clean rides can be tricky. I met Frank Watson down at Ripon recently and was impressed with his set up. His catering and ice cream vans were both excellent ( friendly staff, immaculately clean and good food ) and the rides looked great. There was a Fun House, Toy Set and a Hook a Duck all from Frank Watson. If you are looking to hire a Fun Fair contact Frank on Tel 07973 533651 or mob 07976 956873.
Toy Set ( Frank Watson and Son )
Fun House ( Frank Watson )
Catering Van ( Frank Watson )
Ice Cream Van ( Frank Watson and Son )
What is your favourite kiddies ride ?
There’s something special about Traditional Amusements. This is a perfect example of a good old fashioned shooting gallery. Available to hire from Craske’s it looks ever so impressive with its delightful artwork, bold colours and of course the Union Jacks flying fluttering proudly in the wind above.
Not only does the stall look fabulous, it’s great fun to have go. There are a variety of targets to choose from including moving targets in the form of ducks going from left to right and little balls floating on jets of water. It’s even interesting just standing and watching if you are not the sporting type.
In addition to the Shooting Gallery, Craske’s also have a Coconut Shie, Roll A Penny and an excellent Striker too. All of these will go well at any fete, show, gala or corporate event. They are perfect for historical events ie Dickensian, Victorian, Edwardian etc.
Shooting Gallery
For more information call Jeremy Craske on 01609 777238 or Andrew Craske on 01969 663408
This vintage fairground ride is available to hire for fetes, galas, family fun days and events. It is called ‘The Rocket Ride’ and dates back to the 1940’s. If you are interested in having this kiddies ride at your event call Terry Storey on 0777822519.
The Rocket Ride
Other vintage rodes are available from the Storey family.
Try these numbers too B Storey mob 0781244448 and S Storey 0784341198
I absolutely love these beautiful donkeys. They belong to Mark Ireson who quite rightly is very proud of them. I’ve met Mark quite a few times over the years and I’ve always been impressed with the kindness and care with which he treats his animals. As you can see from these photos Marks donkeys are in perfect condition. They are always a big hit with children at events and there’s nearly always a queue waiting for a ride.
Donkey Rides are great as part of the children’s entertainment programme.
The donkeys are available to hire for birthday parties, fetes, galas, shows, summer fairs and family fun days.
Contact Mark on Tel 01924 437529 or mob 07946 189514
Real Donkeys
Real Donkeys
Donkeys For Hire
Real Donkeys
Whilst working at Carlisle Racecourse one day we met Petwise Petting Zoo. They are based in Sheffield but travel to events anywhere in the Midlands and the North. They have a fantastic selection of small animals of all kinds which they bring along to display. Most of them can be handled by the public. All of the animals are in cages or small enclosures which makes for an interesting exhibition area.
Petwise Petting Zoo
Petwise can be hired for events, schools and children’s parties. Great family and children’s entertainment.
Contact Petwise Petting Zoo on mob 07525 487458 or via their web site www.petwisezoo.co.uk
Mechanical Bull machines and Bucking Broncos are popular attractions. These days many bouncy castle companies and companies hiring out inflatables own and operate these rides. They are supposed to be for adults but kids love them too. Although not strictly children’s entertainment they are often booked as part of a family fun day entertainment package.
The rider climbs onto the back of the mechanical bull and then holds on tight, trying to stay on for as long as possible whilst the machine spins and tips up and down with varying speed and direction. Inevitably the rider is flung off and lands ingloriously in a heap on the inflatable air bed surrounding the machine.
As the ride is open to the elements and requires electricity to power both the fan for the air bed ( usually ) and the motors, operating in wet weather can present safety problems. In addition surfaces become wet and slippery when it rains thus creating a hazzard and discomfort for potential customers.
Jason Harney of Castles4kids has found the perfect solution. He has in inflatable structure which fits nicely over the top of his mechanical bull machine which completely protects the equipment, his staff and the public from inclement weather.
I thought this was a really good idea as often this type of ride has to shut down in the rain. With the addition of this dome over the top it becomes an all weather ride.
Inflatable dome over mechanical bull machine
Rodeo Bull Hire by Casles4kids
For more information contact Jason and Alison Harney Tel 01661 962 6000 or mob 07762 308080
Web site www.castles4kids.co.uk
Have you ever been on a Mechanical Bull machine? Describe your experience here, what was it like? How long did you stay on for?
More about Birds of Prey:
I came across a man who visits shows and events with his display of Birds of Prey and allows members of the public to hold them in return for a small fee. The cost to hold this magnificent Eagle Owl is three pounds. Quite good value considering that it’s not every day you will come so close to a fabulous creature like this. All of the birds I saw looked in really good condition, well looked after and cared for. There were lots of children and adults waiting to have a go holding them and plenty of people just interested in watching.
Eagle Owl
Find out more about Bird of Prey Displays for your event by calling Terry on 01928 592591
Falconry UK is Thirsk’s Bird of Prey and Conservation Centre. Here are some photos I took whilst visiting their stand at the Hawes Gala recently. I was there performing Punch and Judy but luckily I had time to go over and take a look.
Birds of Prey make popular entertainment. Falconry UK can be contacted on Tel 01845 587522 for information about displays and events etc.
