Weird and wonderful things you used to find at Cleethorpes
JUST as Alice had a Wonderland, so o did Cleethorpes - packed full of curi- ous entertainment. Although much has ebbed away y over time, memories and photo- graphs continue to amuse, with the e variety of beachside activities.
From helter skelters to flights and d sea cars - the resort had everything g the fun-loving, thrill-seeking tourist t wanted.
Some beach based arcades suffered at the hands of the weather, whilst others simply fell out of f favour.
We’ve rounded up a selection for you to enjoy and perhaps evoke elements from your childhood.
BIRDMAN CONTEST
On June 11, 1973, the Grimsby Evening Telegraph (as it was then known) published Brian Cottingham’s attempt to become Cleethorpes’ first birdman. Unfortunately the attempt didn’t quite take off and poor Brian ended up in the wet sand off the Pier; swiftly followed by him travelling in an ambulance to Grimsby General Hospital.
He was taken there with a suspected broken ankle, after his bid to ‘fly’ off the end of the Pier failed.
Despite his obvious pain, 23-yearold Brian still smiled as he was being put on the stretcher said: “Anything for charity.”
AERIAL RIDES
The Martin Aviation Company staged aerial joy ride flights from Cleethorpes beach in the 1920, 1921 and 1922 seasons.
Martin was a Nottingham aviator who had served in the First World
War with the Royal Flying Corps. After he was demobilised, he decided to purchase an ex-military aircraft to give pleasure flights. ‘The Aeroplane’ magazine stated in 1920, Mr Bernard Martin was awarded the flying rights for the 1920 season at Cleethorpes using a DH.6 G-EAQC.
For the plane enthusiasts, the Martin Aviation Co later operated a DH.6s G-EAWT, G-EAWU and G-EAWV plus an Avro 504K G-EAOE.
Bernard moved to Canada in 1929 and he continued both stunt and pleasure flying for a time.
CINDERELLA
COACH
The ride was operated by the Bee family for many years in the late 1950s on Cleethorpes beach. The pictures above shows Nina Varley waiting for a ride on the coach on Cleethorpes beach, back in 1957. Sadly not much more is known about this decorated coach being pulled across the sand by a solitary horse. Does anyone know more about how long it was an attraction for, or how much is cost to take a ride?
HELTER SKELTER TER
One of the most traditional of English seaside attractions, the term helter-skelter was first recorded in the UK just across the River Humber, at Hull Fair in October 1905.
Cleethorpes first had a helter skelter next to Warwick tower on the Wonderland side of the prom but it eventually moved directly onto the beach, next to Hancock’s Palace of Pleasure.
Another interesting photo does reveal the presence of two such rides, seemingly located side by side on the north prom beach, next to a foreign live animal zoo and monkey house.
It was also known as the tower slide, perhaps due to its castle turret appearance and was built by Thomas Warwick who also gave the town the first observation tower and subsequent swing ride. A postcard dated August 1913 also shows a different shaped helter skelter on the beach. In 1925, Mr John Hawkey applied to retain his beach ride and was granted assent. Rough coconut mat in hand, you took a swift climb to the top, either inside or to the side of the helter skelter, before sitting on the mat to slide down the curved structure. In more modern years the seasonal beach ride, was replaced with a helter skelter resembling a colourful, spotted snake.
THE TWO BIG DIPPERS
A figure of 8 big dipper roller coaster was constructed at the far end of the North Prom, to accommodate the Wonderland hall.
The roller skating rink was next to the big dipper, which it later became more commonly known. During the First World War, blackouts in force meant the big dipper had to be run in total darkness at certain times; using the light of a candle to get people on and off the ride. At the height of the summer season, the cars left on the big dipper every half-minute and it was a popular ride for many years. Eventually wear and tear took its toll and it was demolished in 1980. Another dipper was also nearby next to the helter skelter and running alongside the railway line. You can see both dippers in action on the 35mm film footage, captured by Samuel Barnes of Cleethorpes.
In the 1930s, the Dips cost three old pence per ride, with open cars fronted by dragon’s heads. The ride gathered speed up and down the rail slopes until it reached the long straight where the man on the brake ended the fun - until you queued up once again!
BOAT RIDES
Herbert Wilkinson and Harold Steel were involved with the land and sea cars at Cleethorpes. Mr Wilkinson was part of a consortium who owned Wonderland. Popular in the 1930s, the founders, Jack Keightley, Charles Mathieson and Harry Wilkinson, launched their venture shortly after the First World War. The “cars” were almost an overnight success, offering a new delight to the many visitors.
Described in its 1922 literature as “The very latest thrill”, the new mode of fun transport was said to combine the joys of road driving and motor boating “and is more enjoyable than either.”
“There is no changing seats or launching to do. Simply sit still and drive into the sea. The propeller starts as the road wheels stop. “Stable, smooth, sweet-running and perfectly balanced, the sea car will provide pleasure to thousands wherever level land and water meet.” A long gangplank enabled you to board the craft which had small wheels at one end and large ones on the seaward side. Two men wearing waders held the gangplank steady, helping passengers to board. These boats with wheels also plied for trade opposite the railway station. Holding around 25 people, four of these vehicles drove into the sea until the water was deep enough for the propeller to work.
Also known as floating charabancs, they lasted until the late 1930’s.
What curios do you miss from the beach or sea front?