Hosting A Dreamland Veteran
26 August 2022
On Saturday 20th August 2022 we were delighted to welcome 94-year-old John Sharp to Dreamland along with two generations of his family for their annual trip to Margate.
Back in 1946, at just 18 years of age, John worked at Dreamland as a labourer. He started off looking after two rides, originally owned by Billy Butlin – The Gallopers and The Whip, before moving on to look after Dreamland’s matriarch, The Scenic Railway (celebrating its 102 birthday this year).
John worked on preparing The Scenic Railway and painting its carriages and along with the over-powering smell of creosote, he remembers frequently having splinters in his bum from the wooden seats of the Scenic carriages!
John went on to tell us that he worked with a great team of people, particularly Paddy who when out in Margate socializing after work, would take his teeth out, put them in an old rag from his pocket and ask John to hold them, whilst Paddy had a punch up!
Born and bred in Margate, John lived in All Saints Avenue. His parents owned a greengrocer shop in Cranbourne Alley – sadly, the shop and in fact the whole alley were demolished in 1962.
63 years ago, to the day, John married his wife Dora at All Saints Church in Margate, having met her on a blind date. Although Dora stayed at home to look after the dog last weekend, she gave John strict instructions NOT to ride the Scenic Railway…. Sorry Dora, we couldn’t stop him!
Joined by his daughters and granddaughters, John jumped on board the Scenic Railway for a celebration ride, which he said was brilliant made him feel very nostalgic and brought back many happy memories. The last time he rode the Scenic was 50 years ago.
We loved hosting John and his family and we’re so thrilled that Dreamland and The Scenic Railway hold such a special place in his memories.
We look forward to seeing John and his family again next year.