by Philip Sedgwick

GROWING up in the 1960s, fairgrounds could seem intimidating places at times – run by devil-may-care young men and frequented by scary Mods and Rockers.

However, for Jeremy Craske from Wensleydale, the fairground was always a magical place. The bright lights, music, and fun of the fair inspired a passion which has become more than just a hobby.

Since his childhood, Mr Craske, of Askrigg, always accompanied his father Andrew to steam rallies and fairs. Now, between them they own four fully-preserved and working fairground sideshows, plus a number of partially restored pieces of equipment; they have their sights set on several more.

Mr Craske explained: “I first became interested in fairs and fairgrounds in the 1970s. We used to help a chap who had a show engine and as dad is an electrician, he got the lights going.

“From 1900 to the 1920s and 1930s was the heyday of the fair with their opulent carved displays; however, I like the 1950s' era best.”

After leaving college in 1992, Mr Craske spotted an advertisement for the "mortal remains" of a 1920s' shooting gallery. Contacting the owners in Leamington Spa, he and his father set off to have a look.

He continued: "It was a bit shot up. The ducks and elephants which had been used as the targets were bent like bananas. They’d used live ammunition from Winchester rifles.

“I was always going to have it. We agreed a price, brought it back in bits but there were no guns.

“I didn’t have a plan at this stage other than an idea to take it to steam rallies. I actually intended to sell it and buy a steam roller.”

The pair set about task of renovating it and with help from some friends over the next six months it began to take shape.

Twelve months later, seeing a Leyland lorry advertised in the same magazine, a trip to Stamford secured their second purchase. It had been used to transport a fairground organ and with its side opening would be ideal for the shooting gallery.

Deciding against using live ammunition, they settled on .22 air rifles and soon acquired a small collection of weapons. They now have six for the range and a few spare, as they occasionally malfunction.

Finally, after two years, following a trial run with friends, it was time for the real thing. Corbridge Show was selected for the restored shooting gallery's first excursion. Reflecting on the day, Mr Craske said: "We wanted to have a go and were happy just to cover our costs.

“We got a really good reaction and soon did another show.”

Deciding to keep their collection to side stalls or games rather than rides, the remains of a coconut shy was the next buy. Although this has yet to be fully restored, they have since bought another in working order, which is in constant use.

Other attractions came their way. Mr Craske continued: "I got chatting to a showman who had a 1950s' roll-a-penny and wanted it to go to a good home.

“ It was black and purple and not very inviting, but we agreed terms, I brought it home and a friend painted it in Romany fairground colours – green, yellow and pink.”

A trip to Preston produced their next acquisition. The High Strike entails swinging a hammer to ring a bell 26 feet above the ground. Getting it working needed more brains than brawn at first.

He explained: “We hadn’t a clue how it worked. We set it out on the lawn and spent a few weekends trying to put it together.

“It needs five people to put up, you assemble it flat on its side and then push it up.”

Since then, they have bought or been given many other fairground relics which they plan to restore and use again. Most are kept in a friend’s barn, along with the ongoing projects.

Asked what is missing from his collection, he said: "I would really love a set of laughing clowns. But they are a phenomenal price as they are now a collector’s item.

“I keeping looking and live in hope.”

Most of the family are involved, especially his mother Hilda, his wife Margaret, and son Jonathan. During the summer they travel to events such as Food and Drink Festival, the 1940s' weekend in Leyburn, summer balls and parties. Several celebrities have had a go on the attractions, including the Hairy Bikers, Rick Stein and Clarissa Dixon-Wright.

Mr Craske senior thinks their fairground attraction started with his grandfather, an electrician who worked at fairs; showman Billy Butlin was a customer long before he was famous.

He said: "Jeremy has always been fascinated by fairgrounds; other teenagers liked cars but he saved up and bought the shooting gallery. I am pleased that between us we have restored it.

“ It is important we preserve the real thing for the future generations to see and enjoy.”

For a hobby that started as a money making venture to buy a steam engine it has developed into something that gives the present generation the chance to experience the pleasures of the past.

For Jeremy Craske there are good reasons why it is worth the effort. He said: "I like nothing better than when kids come and have a go.

"I help them set it up and when they go away beaming, with a paper target with a few holes in it, it makes it all worthwhile.”