spring newsletter: april 2014. - Association of Independent Showmen

Association of Independent Showmen
This is the Web site
version of the
Newsletter.
Members can get a
full copy from the
Secretary.
SPRING NEWSLETTER:
APRIL 2014.
In this edition:
Spring Meeting
Discussions.
Meeting in
Glasgow.
Caravan Act
Exemption.
Weil’s Disease:
A warning.
.John Boyce’s Juvenile Teacups ride. Anyone for an afternoon cuppa?
and more.....
Members of the Association of Independent Showmen
operate within the Fairground and Circus industries.
Please note:
The AIS cannot accept responsibility for errors / inaccuracies in this newsletter.
Articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the AIS committee or AIS members.
1
Index to the Spring Edition.
2
Membership Reminder
2
Calendar Reminder
3
Spring Members Meeting Notes
10
Spring Committee Meeting Notes
11
Members Meeting in Glasgow
13
Wintering – Caravan Act Exemption
14
The Great Lorenzo
15
HSG 175
16
Weil’s Disease: A Heath Warning
17
AIS Shop
18
AIS Directory
Welcome to the Spring Newsletter. I hope that the season ahead will
be dryer and more prosperous for you than last year. RH
MEMBER’S ADVERT.
Inflatable and Tilt Repairs, Testing & Manufacture.
PIPA & ADIPS Inspections for Inflatables.
Steve Welling of Warminster
Contact: 01985 988085 or 07514004517
fullofbounce@hotmail.co.uk
2
MEMBERSHIP REMINDER.
Have you paid your subs?
If the front of this Newsletter has got a blue letter ‘R’
stamped on it, that means that we have no record of your
subs being paid for 2014. Please contact the Membership
Secretary if there appears to be an error, and please pay
your subs if this is correct.
In search of calendar photos.
Please remember to send in your photos
for the 2015 calendar.
Photos should be sent to Robert Crane at ais.it@live.co.uk
or by post to the secretary.
A possible contender for the Calendar from Michael Starmar
3
Notes from the Spring Meeting of the AIS
26th January 2014
Woodford Workingmen’s Club
The full Minutes are available on request.
President, John Crane, opened the meeting, and handed over to the
Chaplain, for a short memorial for the Late Des Taylor of Stamford.
Des, who was in his mid 40's, a showman of south Lincolnshire, and a
member of our association for a number of years, died after a short
illness caused, we're told, by contamination from rats as he cleared
out his yard ready for use. [Weil’s Disease AKA Leptospirosis – see
item later in the Newsletter - RH]
Members were reminded that the human body is not as robust as we
sometimes might think it is, and pride can get in the way of safety
and safety equipment (eg. like wearing tough gloves for that sort of
job.)
The Chaplain led a meditation on Psalm 23 and ended with all
members present standing for a time of silence, followed by a
Showman’s Prayer.
The AIS was represented at the funeral by Fred Meakin.
John Crain continued the meeting by thanking those who had
assisted the AIS in recent months and those who had made the
meeting (especially the buffet lunch) possible. He also thanked the
committee members for their continued work and spoke on the
following issues:
Secretarial Support for the AIS.
John noted that Mr. Os Veli was settling into the role of Membership,
but that more folks were needed to take on roles within the AIS
4
currently done by Robert Hill. As the AIS has grown, so the secretarial
work has increased and it can’t be done by just one volunteer.
Graham Smith has agreed to sit on the ADSC but another
representative (or two) is needed.
Robert Crane will deal with the annual calendar.
There was also a call for a new Newsletter Writer/Editor.
After the meeting a number of members showed an interest in this
role. Amanda Murdoch has agreed to take on the role after this
current edition.
AIS promoted funfairs.
John had received numerous phone calls asking for the AIS to
promote funfairs. Some have not been genuine. The AIS is not in a
position to organise large fairs, nor should it be. Members in the area
that have equipment sought by organisers are sent details and are
free to talk to the organisers themselves.
A meeting for members in Scotland.
The committee agreed in 2013 that a meeting should be held in
Scotland for members in Scotland. John Crane and Robert Hill were
to attend the meeting to be held in Glasgow on February 4th.
Reg Olliffe gave the Transport Report.
Reg started by saying that he has received a number of phone calls
about having a meeting in Wales for members, and also potential
members who are dissatisfied with the SGGB.
Members were reminded to get their Special Vehicles registered with
the AIS (even if they don’t want an AIS Special Vehicle Card) as this
makes life easier when dealing with VOSA.
Reg said that he was involved with a number of cases but could not
comment on them at this time as they were subject to court rules.
5
Robert Wilkinson spoke on planning issues.
Housing Act 2004, states that Showmen have same rights as Gypsies
regarding planning exemptions. When Conservatives came to power
they seem to have thrown consideration away for use of green belt.
The general feeling in the media currently is that Showmen shouldn't
have more consideration than settled people, but that genuine
travelling showmen etc should be given more consideration. RW
feels that this should be really helpful and that the original intention
of the 2004 act is being revisited.
[Section taken directly from the Minutes]
Fred Meakin spoke on the changes to operating of Jump and
Smile/Frogs rides.
Only two AIS members are registered as having these rides. The new
rules on Frogs due to take effect in April are clear and firm: The foot
pedal must go.
Fred called for the AIS to host a meeting with the HSE to discuss
possible changes to Frog operations, including using bigger cylinders
top and bottom, but these cost a minimum of £3,000 per cylinder.
There is also the suggestion that CCTV should be installed to prove
that the ride is operated safely.
It was suggested by a member that those concerned should meet
with HSE at the Fairground Safety Day at Newark on 26th of February.
The moral of the whole Frogs story is to make sure that we are
squeaky clean on our running of rides.
John Crane continued..
Members were encouraged to attend the Fairground Safety Day on
26th of February at Newark Showground. This free event is to be the
first of a series of such events.
6
HSE are suggesting that the public are made more aware of their
responsibility for their own behaviour, and that of their children
whilst at fairs. It was suggested that signs are put out reminding
people of this.
John noted that the committee had been challenged to find
additional ways of getting information out to members – especially
those not able to attend the meetings. This particularly applied to
information about education. It was agreed that more could be put
on the web site and on facebook.
[We need someone to pick up on publications and publicity. Any
offers? - RH]
Helen Hatt gave the Education Report
The situation remains the same for education this year. Make sure
that your child is registered "T" for travelling in the register, not as
absent. "T" is only relevant if you are actually away travelling, not at
your home yard. The law hasn't changed at this point. We, and other
organisations made lots of representations last year and the results
of consultation are still not back. Education conference with NATT+ is
next weekend bringing together parents from both fairground and
circus industries. Work that was done in the past on Red Books and
distance learning has been rolled out by the government for excluded
children.
Headline News - Worcester County Council on 10th December 2013
had a High Court judgement against them regarding their behaviour
with a 3 year old special needs child. WCC tried to take their support
away when the family travelled and failed. The Judge said...
"the Local Authority have a duty of care to itinerant families,
even if they move away. Everyone loves a funfair. They are part of
the tapestry of our national life. There would be no funfairs without
7
the travelling families who own the rides and amusements, erect
them, maintain them and then take them onto the next pitch."
He also said "it is a hard life and a hard working one but it is a good
life and an honourable one which brings fun and joy to many people
and it is the life of the family’s culture and choosing."
The Equalities and Human Rights commission intervened to support
the application. The Judge examined for the first time the new
Children’s Act.
This High Court judgement backs up the legal right to travel with
support from base school (distance learning packs and internet
support). None of the prosecutions that have been contested have
been successful.
"Rethink" are being checked out. They will provide training and
bursaries free for all ages for AIS members. More information soon.
Helen will put a ‘Pack for Parents’ together for the website. It was
clarified that distance learning is available only when travelling.
David Konyot spoke on the application for exemption from planning
for temporary Wintering sites.
The Caravan Act of 1960 allows for an exemption from planning laws
for showmen who want to come off the road in the winter months.
AIS is developing a set of rules that will allow AIS members to use
that exemption. [see item in this Newsletter]
David also said that grants are available to travellers for solar
panels... as long as they settle!?! He will find out more and report
back to the AIS.
Robert Hill gave the Membership Report
Well over 200 members had renewed their membership at this point
so far this year. Members were reminded to ensure that any cheques
sent to them had the name of the member in full on the back: We
have a number of people with the same Initial and surname!
8
Peter Jackaman of Jackaman Insurance outlined his business and
the opportunities for AIS members.
.
In ‘Any Over Business’......
Brian Jarvis, AIS member and electrical tester with 15 years
experience introduced himself to the meeting. He has only been
testing small stuff for past few years but happy to test AIS stuff. See
his advert below.
Date of AGM.
23rd November 2014
MEMBER’S ADVERT.
Brian Jarvis-Kavanagh (Based in Brentwood, Essex)
is now available to do electrical testing of AIS members’
equipment,
and can be contacted on the following numbers
07930 405529 or 01277 223327.
For Sale
Large Inflatable Dome - 26ft x 26ft with porch £1400
Mobile Home: 35ft x 12ft Good Condition. Clean and Tidy. £4500
Heavy Duty Mains Cable – approx 100ft 300 amp. 110v DC (Orange)
£300
Contact Barry Print for further details.
07583 901331Spring
or barryprint@gmail.com
Committee
10
Meeting
The AIS Committee met on the 5th of March in The Big Top of Circus
Fantasia whilst at St Neots.
Some of the items discussed:
• A report was given about the meeting in Glasgow, and it was agreed
that this had been a very successful event. It was also agreed that the
first part (for AIS members) should be repeated each year.
• A possibility of similar meeting to be held in Wales was also
discussed and agreed. Where and when needs to be sorted out, but
the same format as happened in Glasgow would be useful.
•
•.
• It was formally reported that the AIS now has an exemption under
the caravan Act 1960 for members to use temporary Wintering sites.
Those who want to know more about this should contact the
secretary for further details of the AIS Policy.
•
RH
11
First AIS meeting in Scotland.
On Tuesday 4th February a meeting of AIS members was held in a
pub in Glasgow. The pub, The Wee Mill, is well known to showmen in
the Glasgow area as it lies close to many of the Glasgow Showmen’s
yards in that area just south of the river.
AIS President, John Crane, and Secretary, Robert Hill, had travelled up
that day by rail to join them for this first Scottish AIS meeting.
About 16 members gathered in the back room of the pub to hear
about the history and activities of the AIS, including an update on the
current situation regarding VOSA and MoT’s, membership and ADSC.
There were a number of lively and important questions asked by
members which were answered as well as possible.
John and Robert also learned much about the current situation
regarding Showmen’s yards in Glasgow – especially as preparations
get underway for the Commonwealth Games: Some families are
being forced to move, whilst, in other streets, walls are being cleaned
up or renovated to make them less obvious to Games visitors passing
through.
The meeting was then opened up to anyone who wished to attend.
At this point the small back room was filled with interested showmen
from across Scotland: Many being SGGB members. About 65 persons
crammed into a room that should have seated about 25 maximum!
Most were standing. It was a good job that the room didn’t actually
have doors but was open to the bar area – so the overspill could still
just about hear. John and Robert had to stand on their toes and
shout over the heads of those there to be heard at the back!
12
Again, a general outline of AIS history and current activity was gone
through and questions were asked on transport and other issues
before the meeting was closed.
Many who attended the second part of the meeting took
membership application forms – but only a few sent them back. The
event was not a recruitment drive. It was designed to be a way that
current AIS members can get to hear directly from representatives of
the committee and also be heard by the committee as the normal
meetings are too far away for a day-trip. It was agreed that such a
meeting could happen on an annual basis – but only normally open
for paid-up AIS members.
John and Robert expressed their thanks to Tommy Evans and his
family for their hospitality during their stay in Glasgow. Tommy’s wife
does an excellent soup will home-cooked ham-filled rolls!
For those interested in the finances: The whole cost of the event was
£207.70 ... easily covered by the subs paid by the members that
attended the meeting.
The date of the next meeting in Glasgow will be set later in the year.
MEMBER’S ADVERTS.
Wanted
A juvenile action ride, or bugs ride.
About £3000 if possible.
Should have appropriate test paperwork.
Contact Robert on 07778873184
or 01505 685041
13
Caravan Act Exemption
– Wintering sites for Travelling Showmen.
The committee are pleased to announce that the AIS has been
granted an exemption under the rules of the Caravan Act 1960 with
regard to temporary Wintering sites for Travelling Showmen.
Thanks have been given to those who prepared the documentation
for the application to Natural England: Especially to Robert Hill and
David Konyot.
14
Frank Wilson:
The Great Lorenzo – Lion Tamer.
This is the first of an occasion series on the forebears of some of our
members.
The first is Frank Wilson, the Great Grandfather of committee
member Fred Meakin and Great, Great Grandfather to Josh and
Chase Meakin.
Born in 1863 to a family already in the fairground industry. His father,
William, was recorded as a Showman in the census of 1861. By the
1871 census William was shown as a travelling photographer. It is not
known why Frank (8 years old by then) was not on the census of
1871, but he appears on the 1881 Census as an Assistant
Photographer. Exactly when he started his loin-tamer act is not clear
but he married Ellen, the daughter of William Sedgwick who had a
travelling menagerie and we know that he was performing the act
when he travelled with the menagerie after that. It was during this
time that he became known as ‘The Great Lorenzo’, alongside
William Sedgwick’s son Richard who was known as ‘The Great
Alphonzo’. It is recorded that ‘Professor Lorenzo presented his lions at
the World’s Fair, Portsmouth, in November 1899.’ But it wasn’t
always easy for him. It was also recorded that he was attacked by a
lion whilst at Bolton, and two of his lions escaped whilst at
Birmingham’s Onion Fair.
Frank attended the funeral of the well known Lord George Sanger
(who will be the subject of a later article here). At the funeral he
caught, what the papers of the time called ‘a chill’ and died soon
afterwards.
Thanks to Fred for the provision of newspaper cuttings that formed
the basis of this article.
15
HSE to retain ‘ownership’ of HSG 175.
Some folks within the industry may have been aware that the HSE
were considering stepping away from the document known as HSG
175 (Fairgrounds and amusements parks: Guidance on safe practice)
and instead get the industry to re-write and ‘own’ it. It was suggested
that the ADSC (which controls ADIPS) should take on this role.
However, we have recently heard that HSE will retain its ownership
and control over HSG 175 and the standards it maintains.
RH
16
In respectful memory of Des Taylor, we publish the following item
with the warning to all Showmen to be careful of handling material
that has been in contact with rats – especially when sorting through
barns, yards etc.
Weil’s Disease: Be careful what you handle.
This is caused by a bacteria called leptospira which is normally spread
through animals but can be picked up by humans. Most times (90%)
the bacteria causes only mild flu-like symptoms (headaches, chills
and muscle aches) and so is hard to diagnose, but in some cases it
can cause severe or even life-threatening problems such as organ
failure and internal bleeding. This severe form is called leptospirosis
or ‘Weil’s Disease’.
If you suspect that you might be infected by the bacteria, it is good
write a detailed list of the places you have been recently and any
animals you have been in contact with. You can catch leptospirosis by
touching soil or water contaminated with the urine of wild animals
that are infected with the leptospira bacteria.
Animals known to be carriers of the leptospira bacteria include cattle,
pigs, dogs and rodents, particularly rats. So be mindful of this when
clearing out forgotten corners of barns, yards and other storage
areas. You can help protect yourself from leptospirosis by wearing
appropriate protective clothing and by cleaning and dressing wounds.
For mild forms of leptospirosis, antibiotic tablets that can be taken at
home are usually used for about a week.
Most people with more severe leptospirosis will require admission to
hospital so the functions of their body can be supported while the
underlying infection is treated with injections of antibiotics.
This has been put together with information from the NHS website.
17
AIS Shop.
The following items are for sale from the Secretary or the
Membership Secretary (contact details on the back page)
Cheques, Postal Orders, cash or PayPal accepted.
Please add £1 to cover packing and postage.
Logo Stickers:
6 ¼” for sticking on the outside - £2.00
4” for inside of a window - £1.25
Key Fob: Gold lettering - £1.25
Showman’s Special Vehicle Cards. - £1.25
Available from the Secretary only.
Available for members who have registered their Special Vehicle with
the Secretary, and paid their subs for the year that the card is dated.
So a 2014 card will only be produced if the member has paid their
subs for 2014.
To register a Special
Vehicle, send a copy of
the second page of
the V5c log-book to
the secretary.
18
AIS Directory
President
John Crane 01733 751532
Chairman
Reg Olliffe 0787 5175743
regolliffe@gmx.com
Sectretary & Chaplain
Robert Hill 01536 523603
19 Greenhill Rd. Kettering. NN15 7LW
ais.sect@yahoo.co.uk
Membership Secretary
Os Veli
07929 293553
110, Markfield Rd. Ratby. Leics. LE6 0LQ
ais.memsec@yahoo.co.uk
Newsletters & Education Amanda Murdoch 0797 6548445
majicalyouth@gmail.com
Webmaster:
Robert Crane
ais.it@live.co.uk
Web page: www.ais.me.uk