Family fair's historic carousel in arson attack

A 120-year-old fairground carousel, renowned throughout the country for its galloping horses and decorative timber, was partially destroyed by fire in Petworth Square on Friday evening, following an arson attack.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Nov 2005, 10:24 BST

Updated 8th Jun 2018, 03:35 BST

The historic carousel is a star piece in the family fair run by the Harris brothers of Ashington.

Fourteen depictions of the Green Man around the centre of the carousel, and the yellow and green canvas top were destroyed in the blaze, but the horses and remainder of the roundabout escaped with smoke and heat damage.

Fred Harris said on Monday: "We will replace the Green Men in time, but they will no longer be the originals.Friends and volunteers, who have heard about the blaze, are already busy helping us restore the carousel."

He added that the carousel was not insured against fire, because the only protection offered for fire insurance was when the roundabout was in use, in transit on the road or being stored.

Full story in West Sussex Gazette, November 24

Ashington West Sussex Gazette