Comments on: Carters Steam Fair For Sale

By: Nigel Hawkes

Nigel Hawkes — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 19:47:55 +0000

I dreamt for over 30 years of riding again on what we knew in the 1960s as the “Aero Planes”-this was a ride at the annual Derby Day big fair. You could control the vertical ascent and descent and, of course, most of us boys took the planes up to the very top! I eventually got my wish when we visited Carters at a country event in Surrey; they call this ride the “Dive Bombers” and I’m ashamed to say that the years had not been kind to me and I panicked on the ride and largely kept the plane on the low level!

Surely this National Treasure can be saved and most importantly kept together on a permanent site?

Beamish has been mentioned-an excellent idea and very appropriate; the addition of this fair would be a real additional crowd puller.

Another possible would be one of the larger steam collections; or how about a heritage railway?

Last but not least, what about one of the larger National Trust properties?

What must not be allowed to happen is for the collection to be broken up-that would be a National Disgrace.

By: Nick Tisi

Nick Tisi — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 13:02:12 +0000

Carters are, as we speak, packing up round the corner from me in Promenade Park, Maldon after a wonderful few weeks here.

I managed to get my 3 & 4 year old girls there five times during the stay, and we loved every minute!

By: Jo Ross

Jo Ross — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 20:10:26 +0000

This is very sad news. I have such happy memories of Carters when they used to visit Turnham Green, Chiswick in the early 90’s. My son who would have been aged 8 or 9 at the time found it magical – especially the big pennies that he won on the old-fashioned arcade machines. I sincerely hope a buyer can be found.

By: Tim Chamberlain

Tim Chamberlain — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:54:18 +0000

Always loved visiting Carter’s Steam Fair when they came to Clissold Park in Stoke Newington. Sad to hear it’s closing. Hoping it finds a good home where it can be preserved, even if it can’t continue working.

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 15:50:06 +0000

A very sad day indeed. My married home was at Pinkneys Green in Maidenhead for 30 years, and Carters was ‘our Fair’. I learned a few weeks back that the Fair was going to be it’s final appearance at Pinkneys Green, but when my children were growing up, we also went every year to the Knowl Hill Steam Fair not 5 miles away. I’ve even taken friends children there too over the years. Carters will be sadly missed, especially in Berkshire where they’ve had a presence for many years.

By: MD Smith

MD Smith — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 12:56:49 +0000

What about Beamish, up near Durham? Would they buy it?

By: Emma Hardy

Emma Hardy — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:55:36 +0000

So very sad. A huge part of my children’s childhood, they’ve gone nearly every year since 1990 ! Even as adults. A lovely part of summer holidays going to Priory Park Hornsey , finishing with fireworks, chips and candy floss.

By: David Antscherl

David Antscherl — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:18:20 +0000

Wonderfully evocative images. The typography and paintwork alone are worth the price of admission. Hopefully someone will step up to keep this unique fun fair going.

By: pete

pete — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:21:21 +0000

wonderful can almost smell the fried onions and candyfloss

By: Helen

Helen — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:11:28 +0000

I really hope someone worthy comes forward to save this wonderful piece of fairground history. My husband is a huge fan of Carter’s and I contacted them to buy one of their books for him. Well, the wrong book was sent, and when I called them again to arrange exchange, I actually spoke to Anna herself. She was absolutely lovely. We ended up having a bit of a chat and told me I could keep the wrong book even though I insisted on sending it back! And the right one arrived a day or two later. Hub couldn’t have happier!