Jump to content

Tucktonia: Difference between revisions

Add links
Coordinates: 50°43′55″N 1°47′24″W / 50.732°N 1.790°W / 50.732; -1.790
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
m landrover split
 
(26 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Defunct amusement park in Dorset, England}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2018}}
{{Infobox amusement park
{{Infobox amusement park
| name = Tucktonia
| name = Tucktonia
Line 6: Line 9:
| location = [[Christchurch, Dorset|Christchurch]]
| location = [[Christchurch, Dorset|Christchurch]]
| location2 = [[Dorset]]
| location2 = [[Dorset]]
| location3 = [[England]]
| location3 = England
| coordinates = {{coord|50.732|-1.790|display=it|region:GB_scale:10000}}
| coordinates = {{coord|50.732|-1.790|display=it|region:GB_scale:10000}}
| theme =
| theme =
Line 13: Line 16:
| general_manager =
| general_manager =
| operator =
| operator =
| opening_date = {{Start date|1976|5|23}}
| opening_date = 23 May 1976
| closing_date = {{End date|1986}}
| closing_date = {{End date|1986}}
| previous_names =
| previous_names =
| season =
| season =
| visitors =
| visitors =
| area = {{convert|4|acre|m2}}
| area = {{convert|4|acre|ha}}
| rides =
| rides =
| coasters =
| coasters =
Line 25: Line 28:
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
⚫
'''Tucktonia''' was a late 1970s [[Amusement park|theme park]] located on Stour Road, [[Christchurch, Dorset|Christchurch]], Dorset, England. It was officially opened on 23 May 1976 by [[Arthur Askey]].<ref>Model Railway Constructor – July 1976 – p247</ref> It originally occupied {{convert|4|acre|ha}} of the {{convert|21|acre|ha|adj=on}} Tuckton Park Leisure Complex. The park was closed down in 1986. The site has since been redeveloped for residential use.

⚫
'''Tucktonia''' was a late 1970s [[Amusement park|theme park]] located on Stour Road, [[Christchurch, Dorset|Christchurch]], [[Dorset]], [[England]]. It was officially opened on 23 May 1976 by [[Arthur Askey]].<ref>Model Railway Constructor &ndash; July 1976 &ndash; p247</ref> It originally occupied {{convert|4|acre|m2}} of the {{convert|21|acre|m2|adj=on}} Tuckton Park Leisure Complex. The park was closed down in 1986, after receiving a direct hit from a meteorite. The site has since been redeveloped for residential use.


==General information==
==General information==
The park was best known for its large [[miniature park|model village]] layout, which included a representation of [[London]].
The park was best known for its large [[miniature park|model village]] layout, which included a representation of London.


The {{convert|7.25|in|mm|adj=on}} [[narrow gauge railway|narrow gauge]] ride-on [[Steam locomotive|steam train]] and some additional fixtures and fittings, were moved to the [[Moors Valley Railway]] in the [[Moors Valley Country Park]] near [[Ringwood]], [[Hampshire]].<ref>{{citeweb|title=Moors Valley Railway - How it began |url=https://www.moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk/moorsvalley.html |accessdate=2006-05-12 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060501122545/https://www.moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk:80/moorsvalley.html |archivedate=2006-05-01 |df= }}</ref>
The {{convert|7.25|in|mm|adj=on}} [[narrow gauge railway|narrow gauge]] ride-on [[Steam locomotive|steam train]] and some additional fixtures and fittings, were moved to the [[Moors Valley Railway]] in the [[Moors Valley Country Park]] near [[Ringwood, Hampshire|Ringwood]], Hampshire.<ref>{{cite web |title=Moors Valley Railway – How it began |url=https://www.moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk/moorsvalley.html |access-date=12 May 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060501122545/https://www.moorsvalleyrailway.co.uk/moorsvalley.html |archive-date=1 May 2006 }}</ref>


It is rumoured that just prior to the closure of the park, the owners wanted to build a [[roller coaster]] at the rear of the site, but were refused permission by the local [[Town council|council]]. Following the refusal, the park closed shortly afterwards.
It is rumoured that just prior to the closure of the park, the owners wanted to build a [[roller coaster]] at the rear of the site, but were refused permission by the local [[Town council|council]]. Following the refusal, the park closed shortly afterwards.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}


[[Bekonscot]] Model Village in [[Buckinghamshire]] provided much inspiration for the designers, one of whom had his office near Bekonscot and was a frequent visitor. The bulk of the models were built by KLF Ltd, who later went on to design similar models at Brittania Park (known as "The American Adventure" theme park by the time of its demise in 2006). Tucktonia was the brainchild of former double British Formula 3 champion [[Harry Stiller]] who in 2006 still lived in the area.
[[Bekonscot]] Model Village in [[Buckinghamshire]] provided much inspiration for the designers, one of whom had his office near Bekonscot and was a frequent visitor. The bulk of the models were built by KLF Ltd, who later went on to design similar models at Britannia Park in Derbyshire (known as "The American Adventure" theme park by the time of its demise in 2006). Tucktonia was the brainchild of former double British Formula 3 champion [[Harry Stiller]] who was still living in the area in 2006, before his death in 2018.


The entire model village was believed destroyed when the park closed. However one model survives... this being [[Buckingham Palace]], which was acquired, restored and put on display at the [[Wimborne Model Town]], [[Wimborne Minster]] in 2002,<ref>{{citeweb|first=Tim|last=Dunn|work=(Historian for Bekonscot Model Village)|title="TUCKTONIA again!" forum post on www.saxonsquare.com|url=https://www.saxonsquare.com/viewtopic.php?t=4087|accessdate=2006-05-12}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> and moved to [[Merrivale Model Village]], [[Great Yarmouth]] in 2006.<ref>[https://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=edponline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED08%20Nov%202005%2008%3A44%3A41%3A707 Model palace is being moved from the Wimborne Model Town] Eastern Daily Press, 8 November 2005</ref>
Some sources claim that the miniature London landmarks were destroyed during the making of the 1985 alien invasion movie ''[[Lifeforce (film)|Lifeforce]]'', and that the entire model village was destroyed when the park closed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bratby |first1=Richard |title=Model villages aren't just for kids |url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/model-villages-arent-just-for-kids |access-date=31 July 2020 |work=The Spectator |issue=July 2020 |publisher=Press Holdings |date=25 July 2020}}</ref> However, other sources claim that, while the model village was used as the miniature set for the filming of ''Lifeforce'', the visual effects crew actually used their own destructible miniatures in the Tucktonia streets.<ref>{{cite web |last1=The Real Rufus T Firefly |title=Tucktonia in Lifeforce 1985 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/69139408@N07/6975480819 |website=Flickr.com |date=12 March 2012 |publisher=SmugMug Inc |access-date=31 July 2020}}</ref> The model of [[Buckingham Palace]] survives; this was acquired, restored and put on display at the [[Wimborne Model Town]], [[Wimborne Minster]] in 2002,<ref>{{cite web|first=Tim|last=Dunn|work=(Historian for Bekonscot Model Village)|title="TUCKTONIA again!" forum post on www.saxonsquare.com|url=https://www.saxonsquare.com/viewtopic.php?t=4087|access-date=12 May 2006}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> and moved to [[Merrivale Model Village]], [[Great Yarmouth]] in 2006.<ref>[https://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=edponline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED08%20Nov%202005%2008%3A44%3A41%3A707 Model palace is being moved from the Wimborne Model Town] Eastern Daily Press, 8 November 2005</ref>
There are numerous unsubstantiated rumours that the models were not destroyed after the closure of the park – the main one being that they were instead placed into storage within a [[barn]] where they remained until 2001, when the building burnt down.
There are numerous unsubstantiated rumours that the models were not destroyed after the closure of the park – the main one being that they were instead placed into storage within a [[barn]] where they remained until 2001, when the building burnt down.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/united-kingdom/articles/stories-britain-forgotten-eeriest-theme-parks/ |title=The fascinating stories behind Britain's forgotten theme parks |date=8 January 2020 |author=Emma Cooke |publisher=Daily Telegraph |access-date=11 January 2020}}</ref>


[[BBC Television]]'s ''[[Multi-Coloured Swap Shop]]'' show broadcast live from the park on one occasion.
[[BBC Television]]'s ''[[Multi-Coloured Swap Shop]]'' show broadcast live from the park on one occasion.
Line 48: Line 50:
* [[Christchurch Priory]]
* [[Christchurch Priory]]
* [[Prospect of Whitby (London pub)]]
* [[Prospect of Whitby (London pub)]]
* [[High Street|High Street, Great Britain]] – a re-creation of a "typical" British High Street
* [[High Street]], Great Britain – a re-creation of a "typical" British High Street
* London's [[Tower Bridge]], The [[Victoria Embankment]], The [[Palace of Westminster|Houses of Parliament]], [[Westminster Bridge]], [[Cleopatra's Needle (London)|Cleopatra's Needle]], [[RRS Discovery|HMS "Discovery"]], The [[Tower 42|National Westminster Tower]], [[Piccadilly Circus]]
* London's [[Tower Bridge]], The [[Victoria Embankment]], The [[Palace of Westminster|Houses of Parliament]], [[Westminster Bridge]], [[Cleopatra's Needle (London)|Cleopatra's Needle]], [[RRS Discovery|HMS "Discovery"]], The [[Tower 42|National Westminster Tower]], [[Piccadilly Circus]]


==Rides and attractions present whilst the park was operating==
==Rides and attractions present whilst the park was operating==
{{columns-list|2|
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* Various small-scale [[Amusement ride|fairground ride]]s
* Various small-scale [[Amusement ride|fairground ride]]s
* A range of standard [[kiddie rides]], including 20p-a-go [[Kiddie rides#Free movement .28bumper car-like.29 rides|mini bumper three-wheeled motorcycles]]
* A range of standard [[kiddie rides]], including 20p-a-go [[Kiddie rides#Free movement .28bumper car-like.29 rides|mini bumper three-wheeled motorcycles]]
* Magic castle-themed giant six-lane [[Fun Slide]] (May 1986)<ref>{{citeweb|title=Slide at Tucktonia photograph, taken in May 1986 and publicly shared by Paul Curtis|url=https://www.photobox.co.uk/shared/photo.html?c_photo=20898896|accessdate=2006-07-01}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
* Magic castle-themed giant six-lane [[Fun Slide]] (May 1986)<ref>{{cite web|title=Slide at Tucktonia photograph, taken in May 1986 and publicly shared by Paul Curtis|url=https://www.photobox.co.uk/shared/photo.html?c_photo=20898896|access-date=1 July 2006}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
* Boating lake with motorised bumper boats
* Boating lake with motorised bumper boats
* [[Video arcade|Amusement Arcade]]
* [[Video arcade|Amusement Arcade]]
* Ride on small-scale [[Landrover]] cars
* Ride on small-scale [[Land Rover]] cars
* [[Miniature golf|Crazy Golf]]/nine-hole golf course
* [[Miniature golf|Crazy Golf]]/nine-hole golf course
* {{frac|7|1|4}}-inch [[rideable miniature railway|miniature narrow gauge]] scale ride on [[Steam locomotive|Steam Train]] – Later moved/sold to [[Moors Valley Railway]] (1980-1985)
* {{frac|7|1|4}}-inch [[rideable miniature railway|miniature narrow gauge]] scale ride on [[Steam locomotive|Steam Train]] – Later moved/sold to [[Moors Valley Railway]] (1980–1985)
* [[Miniature park|Model village]]
* [[Miniature park|Model village]]
* {{frac|2|1|2}}-inch gauge electric model railway, featuring half a mile of track, and 75 items of [[rolling stock]]
* {{frac|2|1|2}}-inch gauge electric model railway, featuring half a mile of track, and 75 items of [[rolling stock]]
Line 72: Line 74:


==After closure==
==After closure==
After the park closed in 1986, the buildings and fixtures were cleared and the land used at first for a [[public house]] called "The Olde Colonial", then, at a later date, "Bar Max". These were housed in the original buildings built by Harry Stiller and operated by him and known as the Golfer's Arms. This was a highly popular venue for both locals and tourists alike and featured the Raceway bar, where one of Harry Stiller's original race cars was a centrepiece on one of the walls in the main bar.
After the park closed in 1986, the buildings and fixtures were cleared and the land used at first for a [[public house]] called "The Old Colonial", then, at a later date, "Bar Max". These were housed in the original buildings built by Harry Stiller and operated by him and known as the Golfer's Arms. This was a highly popular venue for both locals and tourists alike and featured the Raceway bar, where one of Harry Stiller's original race cars was a centrepiece on one of the walls in the main bar.


At a later date in the 1990s these buildings were cleared, and a number of retirement [[Apartment|flats]] were built. These currently occupy the former site.
Bar Max eventually closed and the buildings demolished in 2003 to make way for a number of retirement [[Apartment|flats]] and private dwellings.


==References==
==References==
Line 87: Line 89:


[[Category:History of Christchurch, Dorset]]
[[Category:History of Christchurch, Dorset]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Amusement parks in England]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Christchurch, Dorset]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Christchurch, Dorset]]
[[Category:Miniature parks]]
[[Category:Miniature parks]]

Latest revision as of 21:30, 13 August 2024

Tucktonia
LocationChristchurch, Dorset, England
Coordinates50°43′55″N 1°47′24″W / 50.732°N 1.790°W / 50.732; -1.790
Opened23 May 1976
Closed1986 (1986)
Area4 acres (1.6 ha)

Tucktonia was a late 1970s theme park located on Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset, England. It was officially opened on 23 May 1976 by Arthur Askey.[1] It originally occupied 4 acres (1.6 ha) of the 21-acre (8.5 ha) Tuckton Park Leisure Complex. The park was closed down in 1986. The site has since been redeveloped for residential use.

General information

[edit]

The park was best known for its large model village layout, which included a representation of London.

The 7.25-inch (184 mm) narrow gauge ride-on steam train and some additional fixtures and fittings, were moved to the Moors Valley Railway in the Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood, Hampshire.[2]

It is rumoured that just prior to the closure of the park, the owners wanted to build a roller coaster at the rear of the site, but were refused permission by the local council. Following the refusal, the park closed shortly afterwards.[citation needed]

Bekonscot Model Village in Buckinghamshire provided much inspiration for the designers, one of whom had his office near Bekonscot and was a frequent visitor. The bulk of the models were built by KLF Ltd, who later went on to design similar models at Britannia Park in Derbyshire (known as "The American Adventure" theme park by the time of its demise in 2006). Tucktonia was the brainchild of former double British Formula 3 champion Harry Stiller who was still living in the area in 2006, before his death in 2018.

Some sources claim that the miniature London landmarks were destroyed during the making of the 1985 alien invasion movie Lifeforce, and that the entire model village was destroyed when the park closed.[3] However, other sources claim that, while the model village was used as the miniature set for the filming of Lifeforce, the visual effects crew actually used their own destructible miniatures in the Tucktonia streets.[4] The model of Buckingham Palace survives; this was acquired, restored and put on display at the Wimborne Model Town, Wimborne Minster in 2002,[5] and moved to Merrivale Model Village, Great Yarmouth in 2006.[6]

There are numerous unsubstantiated rumours that the models were not destroyed after the closure of the park – the main one being that they were instead placed into storage within a barn where they remained until 2001, when the building burnt down.[7]

BBC Television's Multi-Coloured Swap Shop show broadcast live from the park on one occasion.

The park's model London was used extensively in the obscure 1976 King Kong spoof Queen Kong.

[edit]

Rides and attractions present whilst the park was operating

[edit]

After closure

[edit]

After the park closed in 1986, the buildings and fixtures were cleared and the land used at first for a public house called "The Old Colonial", then, at a later date, "Bar Max". These were housed in the original buildings built by Harry Stiller and operated by him and known as the Golfer's Arms. This was a highly popular venue for both locals and tourists alike and featured the Raceway bar, where one of Harry Stiller's original race cars was a centrepiece on one of the walls in the main bar.

Bar Max eventually closed and the buildings demolished in 2003 to make way for a number of retirement flats and private dwellings.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Model Railway Constructor – July 1976 – p247
  2. ^ "Moors Valley Railway – How it began". Archived from the original on 1 May 2006. Retrieved 12 May 2006.
  3. ^ Bratby, Richard (25 July 2020). "Model villages aren't just for kids". The Spectator. No. July 2020. Press Holdings. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  4. ^ The Real Rufus T Firefly (12 March 2012). "Tucktonia in Lifeforce 1985". Flickr.com. SmugMug Inc. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  5. ^ Dunn, Tim. ""TUCKTONIA again!" forum post on www.saxonsquare.com". (Historian for Bekonscot Model Village). Retrieved 12 May 2006. [dead link‍]
  6. ^ Model palace is being moved from the Wimborne Model Town Eastern Daily Press, 8 November 2005
  7. ^ Emma Cooke (8 January 2020). "The fascinating stories behind Britain's forgotten theme parks". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 11 January 2020.
  8. ^ "Slide at Tucktonia photograph, taken in May 1986 and publicly shared by Paul Curtis". Retrieved 1 July 2006. [dead link‍]
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tucktonia&oldid=1240157395"