Mr P

Hello, It's been a few months since I last updated you all on what's happening at the park, and Ballington ROCKS! has been and gone, so for those who missed the event I have gathered the best photos here. We'll start with a few from 2 days prior to the event. The food unit in Thrill Valley looking slightly shorter. The Beast Stage sits at the end of Thrill Valley. Dance Stage and the Lakeside Express. A view from the stage, you get a good idea as to it's position in relation to The Bug The Titanic Brewery Beer Tent is situated near to Victoria Bridge, ready to serve the masses! And now, we move on to the event itself! The Beast Stage with local band "LeStrade" playing. This guy was loving it! The all important Beer Tent received good number throughout the event Dance Stage between acts, the crowd was heading towards the Beer Tent. And last but by no means least, rides in the dark! The Ballington Beast was very popular over both nights. It's a very different ride at night! Unfortunately, due to reasons beyond our control, the Pyrotechnics company that were designing the fireworks display had to pull out at the very last minute, leaving us no option but to remove them from the bill. To compensate for this, rides were opened for an extra hour in the evening. Next update will include further details of next year's retheme of Thrill Valley, and possibly clues to the what the next coaster will be! Regards Cyrill Hunt, Manager, Ballington Woods

I had a really odd dream, I was riding Pepsi Max Big One, but it was in a blindingly white room, and a huge stone boulder was bouncing around the room trying to hit the coaster train, just as it hit I woke up.

If Nemesis at Alton Towers was set on a parking lot as opposed to in a deep hole, it would be a very different ride. The foot-choppers and near-death/misses add to the intensity of the ride so much. Theming can be key to some rides, yet others get away with being massively impressively looking on their own.

It's just a Beta version at the moment, still being tested and sorted.

Pushnote is a feature that allows you to comment on any website, and others can see it. Follow your friends and see what sites are hot at the moment! It was developed by non other than the British national treasure Mr Stephen Fry! If you haven't seen it, give it a go! It's still in it's infancy as a site, but spread the word!

I was 9 and at Alton Towers with my Dad, my first inverting coaster was Corkscrew. Followed shorty after by Nemesis! I preferred the latter of the two.

Good point, never thought of that!

This is brilliant! To be honest, I can't see a problem with it, the river would end up in the sea eventually anyway!

Love it! I used to spend all my time building coasters with k'nex, but mine were never as twisted as that baby! Keep it up dude

Me (on the right) dressed as a Scientist for a show/mini scare attraction I wrote/starred in. I seem to be in costume a lot, all for a steam railway in the UK!

Hello all, The season is going very well so far, and we have announced our first event to celebrate this. I present to you "Ballington ROCKS!", a fantastic summer festival! The Two stages will be "Beast Stage" (In Thrill Valley) where live bands will perform and "Dance Stage" (Adjacent to The Bug) which will be the home of the DJ's for the weekend. The Beer Tent will be sponsored by local brewery "Titanic Ales" (They always go down well) where a selection of their ales will be available. This is where the Dance Stage will be (To fit it on the edge of the lake, a section of the Lakeside Express will have to be re-routed) As you can see, work is progressing well. The hope is that for next season, this area will be used to house a ride relocated from elsewhere in the park. Beast Snacks is being shortened to allow a bigger area for guests to stand and watch the bands (The Beast Stage will be located behind the photographer). Fortunately, the buildings in Thrill Valley were only built to last around 2 years, as the plan is to give the area a real theme within that time span. Good news! The Bug has now opened! It has been decided to leave the building of the station until next year as the park needed it's second coaster open as soon as possible. And I sign off this update with a photo from the Garden Gallopers, looking down Garden Square. Just before I go, I would like to take some time to tell you the rough plans for the future Year 2 (Next Year) Re-theme of Thrill Valley which will include: - Relocation of Revolve - Construction of additional small-scale food/drink/merchandise outlets Year 3 Completion of Thrill Valley re-build including: - New Coaster - Restaurant Re-theme of The Bug's surrounding area. So, it's looks like we are going to be very busy over the next few years I Hope to see you all at Ballington ROCKS! Regards Cyrill Hunt, Manager, Ballington Woods

I've never tried to do custom supports on a suspended coaster, and I love a challenge!

Alton Towers-wise: -Next to the Lake and Sonic Spinball there is an old building that used to be a cafe, it's now shrouded in trees. -If you exit the Dark Forest at the far end and follow what looks like a lawn, you end up on an old path (Covered in leaves and layers of dirt). Keep following it around and you end up at some kind of stonehenge built into a rock face, the hinge holes for a gate are also visible as you walk through a rock arch to get there. -Coming in from Alton Village, heading towards the park, you see 2 former entrances. One is a stone gatehouse adjacent to the former Railway Station, the second is a plain road opposite the Chained Oak Bed & Breakfast. Bot are blocked. -The buffer stop at the Merrie England station on the park railway is still in place, as is the entrance to the queue (albeit now a Sales & Information point) -The original roof to "Something Wicked" (The Haunted House's shop) is still their behind the rebuilt one. I'm certain there are hundred more things like this in the park as the estate's history stretches back hundred of years Also, an interesting (And slightly relevant) footnote is that the gardens in the park were never mapped, they were just continually added to. The modern park team find old paths every year and are slowly piecing together a map of them.

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Ballington Woods has opened! As the park is now open, my workload has shot up, so this update is just a few picture from the first hour of the park being open. People flocked to the park from all over the county, making it the busiest day since the gardens opened in 1903. "Barry Ballington", the park's mascot, was entertaining the guests in Garden Square throughout the day. "The Fabulous Looper", looking fabulous as it loops it's first guests. It's great to see classic rides like the Gallopers still bringing a smile to the guests Guests who have just left the Lakeside Express head for "Revolve" and "The Ballington Beast". "The Bug" was testing today, but it's entrance is still blocked and scaffold still present. Due to one of our contractor's errors, it is likely that the station's roof will have to be rebuilt. And Finally, a view of the "Big Wheel". This may be staying with us longer than we thought due to The Bug's station needing extensive work. I hope that this update has shown you what a lovely place Ballington Woods is, please come and visit us soon. Regards, Cyrill Hunt, Manager, Ballington Woods. P.S. Thanks for the feedack, and the incredibly immature (Yet a tiny but amusing) comment...

Hello All, Only a few days until Ballington Woods opens it's gates as a theme park, so I thought I'd share with you a few photos now the park is very nearly complete. Here's the front gate, ready to let the first guests in in a few days. Garden Square, Rose bushes have been added in the flower beds. The original plan was to have trees here, but we thought they would make the are seem too enclosed. "Garden Gallopers" and "The Fabulous Looper" give the area a traditional feel. Their signs have been affixed above their entrances. Unfortunately, "The Bug" will not open with the park, as the station is still covered in scaffold. Due to "The Bug" being unavailable, we thought hiring an attraction temporarily would help. All we could get at such short notice was this ferris wheel. Once "The Bug" is open, this will be leaving the park. Up in Thrill Valley, "Revolve" is testing. "The Ballington Beast" has had it's computer issues sorted out and has been running faultlessly. The first drop follows the hillside very closely. Followed by a pop of airtime. Twisting into the banked corner. The whole layout, as you can see it stays very close to the ground (apart from the lift) giving a great sensation of speed as you rush past the trees. The stations on the Lakeside Express have received names, here we have Garden Square Central And Thrill Valley Halt. So, as night falls, Ballington Woods moves ever closer to opening. I hope to see you in a few days, as we fling the gates open to the public. Regards Cyrill Hunt Manager, Ballington Woods.

Seem very spooky, almost government conspiracy spooky! Keep it up, looking forward to seeing this one develop, and looking forward to more twists in the tale!

And so, the story telling continues! Hello all, Cyrill Hunt here with a brief update of what's going on here at Ballington Woods, including a few photographs of the work so far. It has been decided that the park will initially be split into two areas. The Entrance is the first area, known as "Garden Square". Shops include a Food outlet, a souvenir store and an information stand. Attractions in this area include the "Garden Gallopers", a Loop-O-Plane (Name to be confirmed, Ideas welcome) and "The Bug", a junior coaster aimed at younger kids. This coaster is situated just outside of the main square, and will eventually form the basis of a third area. The Second area is "Thrill Valley", located on the far side of the lake. As shops go, just a small fast-food outlet is here. As rides go, we have the park's Headline Coaster. The "Ballington Beast", a wooden coaster that races through the woodland. Also here we have "Revolve", a Top Scan. The Lakeside Express has also had some modifications, it's tunnel has been demolished and a station has been built it's place to serve "Thrill Valley", and a second train has been built (and exact replica of the original) to increase the throughput. The Entrance to the park is almost the same (and at the moment is doubling up as a Vehicle Storage area). The original framework structure has been modified with the addition of two small ticket offices, as well as added turn-styles. (Note the hole in the fence to allow construction vehicles in and out). Garden Square, just inside the entrance. The Lakeside Express is on the right, and the sales units are on the left. In the distance can be seen The Gallopers and the Loop-o-plane. Gallopers, Loop-o-plane and the sales units. Construction is still ongoing on the end unit. The Bug roller coaster is still under construction. As is the toilet block in Garden Square. Victoria Bridge has had a full restoration in it's original colour scheme Adjacent to Victoria Bridge, this stunning original water feature has been restored and the path to Thrill Valley routed passed it. Ballington Beast's station, simple but effective. Unfortunately, we've been experiencing a few problems with the block-section computer not recognising that a train is out of section. A view from the top. Revolve is raised slightly of it's pad for a bit of tweaking. The new Lakeside Express station, built in the same style as the first station. It's only a matter of months until the park is opened to the public for the first time as Ballington Woods, so once the infrastructure is completed I will share the photographs with you. Regards, Cyrill Hunt, Manager, Ballington Woods.

Thanks guys! To be honest, what you've seen is pretty much all that's there. I asked "Cyrill Hunt" about what else is left from the old days, he said: I'm really quite getting into this story-telling!

BALLINGTON GARDENS: A BRIEF HISTORY In 1903, Ballington Gardens were opened to the public. Initially they simply consisted of a landscaped garden set within Ballington Woods (Staffordshire, UK), this included a large man-made lake as the centre piece. The Gardens were open all year round, and the public could, for a small fee, wander at there own leisure through them. Small Shops were opened to sell drinks, Snacks and novelties. In 1905, The Lakeside Express was built around the lake. This miniature railway took visitors on a scenic tour of the gardens and woodland. A Small extension in the lake allowed for a bridge to be constructed. The outbreak of World War 1 meant that the Gardens were no longer open all year, only during the peak summer season, and continued to operate in this fashion for the remainder of the Garden's life. In 1935, a Carousel was built and named "Garden Gallopers", it's arrival brought a great boost in visitor numbers, but in 1939 with the outbreak of World War 2, the gardens shut completely. In 1977, a group of Railway Enthusiast contacted the Garden's Owners with the intention of restoring and operating the Lakeside Express. The Original Train was still on the grounds (Albeit in a terrible state, hidden in a barn) and the track was still in-place. So, work began on bringing the old railway to life, and within 2 years, it was running. To mark the 75th Anniversary of the Lakeside Express, It was opened to the public for 2 weeks during the summer of 1979, this tradition of opening has continued every year since then. In 1991, The Railway Enthusiast decided, using the funds raised by selling train tickets, to restore the Garden Gallopers in time for it's 70th Birthday, and in 1995 they succeeded. The next few photographs were taken during the last Open Day (Summer) The entrance to the gardens has remained the same since it first opened in 1903, although it's condition has deteriorated considerably. View from just inside the entrance, note the derelict remains of the old Snacks and Novelties stalls. The Saviour of the park, The Lakeside Express. Departing the Station. Crossing "Victoria Bridge" Through the "Tunnel" (this was built to keep the train in when not in use) "Garden Gallopers", the Antique Carousel. Many, including myself, thought that the Glory Days of the Gardens were long gone, but the owners of the land were approached by a consortium of local business men with the intention of re-opening Ballington Gardens as a Theme Park. This has now been given the go-ahead with the conditions that both the Lakeside Express and the Garden Gallopers remain operating within the park, the former will still be operated by the enthusiast who saved it. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Future of Ballington Gardens: Ballington Woods Theme Park I Hope to present an update to you soon, Kind Regards, Cyrill Hunt Manager, Ballington Woods Theme Park

Thanks for that, I've had Shy Guys Main Street for ages now and never noticed it! Will be having a play with that wood later ----UPDATE---- Hello loyal patrons of my Newton Lodge, It's Lord Newton here with an Autumnal Update! First up, what's this occurring in Marlin Creek? Ok, it;s interesting, but it's just a new Queue Time Board! Although, something else be occurrin'... It's a construction Fence around the former "Marlin Country Golf" mini golf! That's right folks, I got so annoyed with loosing my balls in the water (steady now, not those balls) that I've closed the Golf Course!, But what shall be replacing it? Well lets take a look at the signs on the fence! "Flash Floods", and the best part is, I know exactly what it is! Doesn't it look watery! More Fences and Signs visible from Turbo Trawlers. In other news, I've decided to hold my park's first event: "Newton Lodge SCREAM PARK". As you may be able to tell, it's a Halloween event! Adverts are displayed on new screens in Montgomery Avenue Preparation is well underway, and plans include a special "Haunted House" attraction opening in Creepy Hollow during the event (But I'm not going to show you any pictures of it yet! ) Srceam Park props are ready and waiting to be scattered through my park. Extra coloured lighting had been placed around the park ready to make it look Spooktacular! Hooked, ready in an aura of blue Thing, sporting a Green-Red-Purple combination And a Shot from Thing's station showing the park in all it's semi-spookyness! Hope to see you during the Creepiest Halloween ever! Regards Lord N

Ladies & Gentlemen, Boys & Girls, Newton Lodge is now ready for it's first summer season! I opened my Estate as a theme park earlier this year, but realised that on the whole it looked a bit bland in places and lacked in rides. So, I went back to the drawing board... The Park Entrance has had a mini spruce-up, and so has Montgomery Avenue... I got annoyed with the prices at Starbucks, so I closed it and replaced it with... Monty's Coffee! Yes, that's right, my coffee! Also on the Avenue we have "Sky Flyer" A Cableway that takes visitors over towards the new area of the park, but I'll save that for later. Ride Signs and Logos have also been added to all rides, we'll start with Marlin Creek: Here we have one of the entrances to Marlin Creek, also showing part of "Marlin Country Golf" Now we move further up the Creek "Caught"'s new signage Another view of Caught and it's theming A quick view of Turbo Trawlers Opposite Turbo Trawlers we have "Treats & Tackle", a sweet shop. I like sweets, that's why it's here! Also, we have lot's of theming additions to "Buccaneer" I thought, for a pirate ride, it needed more piratey things. So I told my Imagineers to sort it out, gave them a huge wodge of money, and they did it! Next up, lets head to Creepy Hollow... The new Entrance to the area, which I quite like. Sacrifice's new entrance sign. Witch's Tower and it's new sign. Onwards to the Major Improvements! The New gardens! I hired a new Gardener to re-design my front garden So, do you want to know where my Sky Flyer goes to? Well, just follow this path to my Back Garden and you'll find... "Monty Newton's Flying Circus!" Now a Couple of Views from my Drawing Room over the new area The Sky Flyer station & "Thunder-Bobs", along with my Summer House. The Summer House again, with the "Dive Bomber" ride. Thunder-Bobs entrance And a little tribute to the original Monty Python's Flying Circus So, that brings my Summer Update to a close! But what's planned for Autumn/Winter? Only time will tell! TTFN Lord N

Thanks for the feedback Will add Footers, fences, widen paths and get some guys in to clean up! Just going through and making all rides a logo/sign, will update again tomorrow Thanks!

Indeed, and a Warm Welcome it is! I am Lord Montgomery Newton, owner of Newton Lodge and it's associated Theme Park! Over the past few years I have been busy designing and building my very own themepark! I had more money than sense and a huge plot of land with very few planning restrictions, what else was I to do? Anyway, If you visit the park, chances are that you'll start it here: The Entrance! This Brings you out on to Montgomery Avenue: I can see my house from here! And I can see my Gift Shop, my Starbucks AND my Hyper Coaster! But more of that later, for now lets stick to the Avenue. Gift Shop Exterior Gift Shop Interior And if we follow the path around from the Gift Shop, we come to Marlin Cove: Home to my only inverting coaster... A B&M Floorless Coaster with 4 Inversions (Cobra, Loop & Barrel Roll) Here's where you go in Here's where you get on This is the first drop, followed by the rest of the track. After you go down, you go up again! Next up we have "Caught", an octopus ride. According to my "Imagineers", it's some kind of Squid that was caught, and as a trophy it's captors mounted it and made it into a ride. I Bought it because it looked fun, and it is! Also, we have "Turbo Trawlers", a Jet Ski ride on a small lake. Again, I bought it because I liked it! Just along from Turbo Trawlers is "Marlin Country Golf". It's a mini golf course set in a patch of woodland, seemed a good idea at the time The thing is, I keep getting balls lost in the trees...and the water! The next ride is one of my favourites, mainly because I love Pirates! I Present to you "Bucaneer"! (Imagineers wouldn't let me make a pirate area 'coz everybody has one, so I had to settle for one ride) (Also, forgot to get a Logo done for this 'coz I was out on a Pheasant Shooting Party on the Pointon Estate when the Graphic Designer Chap popped over...) The ride essentially takes you through a Pirate's Treasure Hunt, passing Castles and Pirates and Tombs on the way. The exit comes out through the "Fisherman's Inn" The ride Obviously ends in a stonking-great drop into the lake! This lake just so happens to be next door to... My House! Yes, I live here, in Newton Lodge, in a theme park! My theme park! Anyway, I'm sure you'd love to see inside my house, but alas we have more pressing issues, such as that Hyper Coaster i mentioned earlier... The tour takes us to the second area of the park, "Creepy Hollow"... Something lurks within Creepy Hollow, a Place where the Fearless go, and only the Bravest return. But, "what is this Something?" I here you cry! I Give you: THING Ok, not the greatest name in the world, but that's what it is! An absolutely massive Thing! You can just about see the whole Thing from here. First Drop The Turnaround, before you head back to Creepy Hollow The Second ride here is an Enterprise called "Sacrifice" Followed by a Helter Skelter that goes by the name of "Witch's Tower" I Hope you've enjoyed this peek at Newton Lodge, I hope to bring more stuff to you in the future., But, for now, I leave you with an overview of my estate: Toodle Pips! Lord N

I am still amazed at how awesome this place is! And I'm also amazed how much the Hogwarts Express looks like the actual Hogwarts Express! (By actual, I mean the British Steam Loco No. 5972 "Olton Hall" alias "Hogwarts Castle")