Rodeo Switchback at Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre, Lifton, Devon

Believed to have been built by Savages of Kings Lynn for James Pettigrove, possibly as a Velocipede, as early as 1880, this is the last remaining Spinning Top Switchback in existence, and probably also the oldest surviving fairground ride in the country. Originally a very plain machine, it later became one of the most ornate switchback rides to travel. William Wilson, who was based at The Rendezvous, Peckham Rye, acquired it around 1905, travelling it until his death in 1942, when it passed to his son-in-law George Studd. It remained with the family until 1947, when sold to Billy Manning. During Wilsons’ ownership, it was extensively rebuilt, with Orton & Spooner building a complete new bottom for the machine during the winter of 1926/7. A year later the steam centre engine was discarded, when the ride was permanently electrified by Allens of Oxford.

Billy Manning did travel the switchback occasionally, but for most of the time opened it at his Clarence Pier Amusement Park in Southsea, where it remained until sold to Jimmy Williams in 1973. Williams restored the ride, and travelled it in 1974, selling it at the end of the season to the Six Flags theme park in New Jersey, USA. In 1982 a consortium was formed to rescue this important, historic ride, and return it to the UK before it was destroyed. This was successful, and Switchback Ventures was set up to restore and operate the ride. It made its debut at the Great Dorset Steam Fair in 1984, and continued to travel for seven years. In 1992 the decision was made to sell the ride, and in 1993 it was acquired by the FHT.