The Rodeo Switchback becomes the priority

Following a review of the collection, the items in store and the available resources, the Trustees of the Fairground Heritage Trust have agreed that the Trust’s next priority should be to bring the Rodeo Switchback back into operation as a priority campaign.

The Trust had initially hoped that the Rodeo Switchback would feature at the National Fairground Museum. However, following a preliminary inspection, it was decided that significant work would be required to bring it up to museum standard. Its restoration has therefore become a longer-term aspiration, and it is that challenge the Trust is now focused on addressing.

Why the Switchback matters

The Rodeo Switchback is recognised as the sole surviving spinning-top Switchback. Its importance is fully understood by the Fairground Heritage Trust and by the Lee family, owners of Statfold Country Park, who are themselves well known within the railway preservation movement.

As a historic fairground ride, the Switchback is more than a static object. Its value lies in the possibility of seeing, understanding and ultimately experiencing it as a working exhibit, while also preserving the craftsmanship, character and engineering that make it such an important survivor.

For more details of the ride, click here.

The restoration challenge ahead

The next step is to find a suitable covered site where the ride can be assembled and independently assessed for the remediation work required. Only then will the Trust be able to establish the scale of the task and the resources needed to return the Switchback to museum standard.

The Trust remains a small organisation, with a core team of just a few people involved in day-to-day matters. That makes partnership, practical assistance and public support essential if the Rodeo Switchback is to be restored and brought back into operation.

For anyone who values fairground history, the campaign offers a chance to help secure the future of a remarkable survivor. After the successful establishment of the National Fairground Museum, the Rodeo Switchback now stands as the Trust’s next great restoration challenge.

How to help

The Trust welcomes support from people able to assist with the campaign and what is probably a five year plan to rebuild this historic ride.

Enquiries can be made via the Trust’s website or by writing to the Treasurer, Rodeo Switchback Appeal, The Fairground Heritage Trust, c/o 11 Orchard Coombe, Whitchurch Hill, Reading RG8 7QL.