A FASCINATING project which could see a jobs and business boost in West Devon has taken a major step forward, thanks to a substantial grant from DEFRA. The £1 million project to create a Fairground Museum at Dingles Steam Village in Lifton has been awarded £175,000 from DEFRA?s Rural Enterprise Scheme ? one of the biggest grants ever awarded by them in this area. It means work on the first stage of the scheme can now begin, a 25,000sq ft building to house the National Fairground Collection. Michael Smith, secretary of the Fairground Heritage Trust, said: ?Essentially we will be recreating a period working fairground within the building. It?s going to be a serious museum, it?s not just another tourist attraction because it?s a museum collection, but obviously we need to interpret it in a way the public can understand ? we have to make it exciting and interesting, not just have things under glass. ?I think it?s going to be good for the whole area. It will create jobs on site and will hopefully bring more people into an area of West Devon which has been a little bit dead in the last few years. I hope it will help the accommodation providers in this area ? and the pubs and shops.? Another important part of the project will be the restoration of the rides, some of which date back to the 1880s. The work will involve traditional skills including painting, gilding and woodwork in addition to engineering. Mr Smith said: ?It will be nice to actually pass on some of these skills, which will be in danger of dying out otherwise.? The trust is now applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for further grants and has launched a major fundraising appeal to bring the project to fruition. The massive National Fairground Collection, containing many unique pieces, has been assembled by the trust over the past 20 years. It was brought to Devon more than two years ago by Mr Smith and Dingles Steam Village owner Richard Sandercock, in order to save it from being broken up. Mr Sandercock said: ?It?s a substantial grant from DEFRA?s point of view, I think it?s the biggest in the South West they?ve dealt with, and certainly the officers have been most helpful. ?I think this will be a big building block in the project. The South West is certainly now a centre for niche attractions like the Eden Project, the National Maritime Museum ? we are slap bang on the A30 so hopefully we will attract people.? A spokesman for DEFRA said: ?This is a large project and quite unusual. They gave us good market research, Mr Sandercock is experienced in this area and we felt it would bring wide benefits to the location and create some employment.? Simon De Vay, Showmans? Guild member and a newly appointed trustee of the collection, said: ?I think it?s great DEFRA has recognised the importance of this national historical collection ? it will be a wonderful attraction to have in the Westcountry. ?From a showman?s point of view it?s great the heritage of the fairground industry is being acknowledged ? I think it?s going to create a lot of interest.? Dingles Steam Village is hosting a special Vintage Fairground Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, when a turf-cutting ceremony on the Saturday will launch the new building. In addition to the normal museum exhibits, visitors will be able to ride a set of Victorian galloping horses, see engines in steam, listen to fairground organs and see a large display of models from all over the country. There will also be trade stands and refreshments available. l Anyone who wants more information regarding the Fairground Museum Appeal should call Michael Smith on 01805 601581 or e-mail michael_a_smith@talk 21.com
