I was only following orders...

[arrgee]

Welcome to the forum stevec, I too have fond memories as a kid in the 1950s playing the machines, especially at the seaside, which subsequently lead me to obtaining my first allwin a number of decades ago. There are always machines on fleabay but some are grossly overpriced and some are not what they appear to be - so beware.
If you do come across one and have some questions there are many on this site that will be more than willing to help and answer any queries.
Good luck in your quest to 'make amends'

[coppinpr]

Belle Vue was certainly something unique in the UK and was truly massive. At its peak, it had a permanent circus, fairground, Zoo,water park and TWO 30,000+ seat stadiums.Here are two maps one early one later, also the only two photos I know of that show the amusement arcades and a very early view of the fair. My favorite memory of Belle vue was when my speedway team (wimbledon) beat Belle vue to win the KO cup ....on my wedding day

[aristomatic]

Unfortunately the glass reflector sign is not mine... However, I do have a rare Belle Vue lightup sign. It's reverse screen-printed pictorial image of clowns, horses, ringmaster etc with a silver revolving plate behind to give the illusion of moving water being thrown over clowns, promoting ticket sales for the Winter Season Circus. Had it 20 years, never seen another or an image.

[stevec]

I jest of course, but there are some happier examples of surviving examples. Over the border here in Yorkshire there is a former showman who squirrelled away his entire hoard of operating machines and kept them, until now.
He's endured all the, "if ever you want to sell that..." and, "I just want one for the kids..."
Now he's started to sell them at £1,000 a piece. That's his tipping point price; some are worth less; some are now worth more, but he won't sell any more than one at a time and he's drip feeding them out.

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Thanks for this info - I would be very interested in contacting this fellah in Yorkshire. Is there any way I can find out his contact details, i.e. phone or email?
Kind regards
SteveC

[coppinpr]

My guess would be.......................No.

[aristomatic]

Here is a picture of Belle Vue light-up sign.

[gameswat]

Great sign, love the simple animation ideas that were used to such brilliant effect.

[geordy55]

Thanks for this info - I would be very interested in contacting this fellah in Yorkshire. Is there any way I can find out his contact details, i.e. phone or email?
Kind regards
SteveC

Nice try Stevie