The Coin Operated Kiddy Ride Of Bowes Road

Just along the  Bowes Road - near the junction with Brownlow Road - is a sight that is rarely seen anywhere apart from the seaside ... and even then, not seen so often since the 1960s or 70s... so it's a little odd to encounter it on the edge of the North Circuar Road.

Outside Nitin Cash and Carry is a Kiddy Ride in the form of a horse - I understand from the shop owner that this fine creature has been in our neighbourhood for almost 30 years. Well worth a 20p investment!

The rather startling looking stallion (lovely eyelashes!)  was originally manufactured by South London Fairground Ride Manufacturer Edwin Hall and Co. of Streatham. From the early 1950s Edwin Hall designed a series of so-called "Kiddy Rides" which were built by hand in their workshops and distributed across the UK to seaside amusement arcades and occasional department stores. When production  closed another south London firm Savills took on the maintenance and distribution of Hall's remaining stock but they have now also sadly ceased trading.

Animals like our local horse were very popular and an early exclusive licensing deal on TVs Muffin the Mule proved a particular favourite. The range developed to include rockets, a helicopter and a very desirable Dalek ride.

In their heyday Hall's workshop were featured in a contemporary news report by British Pathe News - Click the image below to witness the delightful scene of a middle aged man in a tweed jacket squeezed into "Kiddy Ride".

Next time you are along there do stop by for a closer look at the Bucking Bronco of Bowes Road!