Today sees the doors closing on Whittaker Brothers (Amusement Rides), the company that for many years produced leading pusher machines for the seaside amusement industry.
The company, based in Oldham, was one of the longest-established and still existing amusement suppliers in the UK.
The company was formed in 1961 when it became an agent for the French-made Reverchon dodgem cars. It also made the Monte Carlo Rally, Kentucky Derby, Grand Prix Racer and Grand National Racing machines. It also produced a number of small stakes and prizes games themed on roulette.
David Robinson of World of Rides, informed us of the closing down of the factory in Oldham. He said: “At the peak of their business, Whittaker Brothers had almost every FEC in Britain as customers.”
Whittakers went on to build static kiddie rides and battery cars, including making the first Gino Rondino hydraulic helicopter under licence and before long they found themselves exporting to over 40 countries.
An early exhibitor at the old ATE trade show, Whittakers, led by Alan Buckley and John Whittaker, were founding members of the BACTA Kiddie Ride Steering Committee.
Said David Robinson: “They were an invaluable and respected source of technical advice to the committee, right up to when they closed.”
He added: “Without anyone wishing to invest in new models to continue the business and property developers knocking on their door to buy their large premises in Linney Lane, Shaw, they finally bowed to the inevitable and closed their doors. They will be badly missed by their friends and customers.”
