HOLLYCOMBE Steam in the Country is preparing to open its doors for the Easter weekend, following a busy programme of winter maintenance.
Pride of place in Hollycombe’s Edwardian Fairground will go to the restored Haunted House.
Constructed in around 1915 by master fairground manufacturers Orton and Spooner, the Haunted House is set to scare new generations of thrill seekers, with many original features having been put in place. The exterior has been restored by artist Wayne Osborne, of Osborne Signs, Midhurst.
Wayne said: “It is not every day that you get a commission to restore the painting on a fairground attraction, and as this is the world’s oldest Haunted House, it has been a very special job and an honour to be involved.
“The team used early photography and a lot of desk research to help recreate the characters shown on the Haunted House – I’d like to think that it will set pulses racing and raise the expectation for what lies within.”
Elsewhere Hollycombe’s small band of volunteers has been busy attending to ground work on the fairground and ensuring rides are looking their best following the winter break.
“At this time of year we are putting the finishing touches to all our rides,” said Hollycombe trustee Brian Gooding. “Just a few weeks ago the fairground looked like a bomb site but it is now transformed and we are just waiting for the rides inspector to visit and give us the all- clear for the new season.”
Works have been ongoing at the Hollycombe Quarry Railway, which has been regraded with new track in place, while volunteers have cleared areas of the gardens. A new face at Hollycombe will be site engineer Keith Hawkins. “I’m really looking forward to the season starting,” said Keith.