The Danson Park Whip
A Memory of Bexleyheath.
Whenever the annual traveling fair came to Danson Park in the 1960's for their Easter and Bank Holiday visits it was party time for the local teens, a golden oportunity to hang out and socialise, meet up with friends old and new and hopefully meet a potential date, or even a future partner. All the rides were fun but there was one that outshone all the others -The Whip. Built much in the style of a carousel, the ride consisted of two circular wheel-like turn-table platforms fixed on opposite sides of a permanent base. Motors turned a cable that led to a number of 2-3 person circular cars attached around a laminated wooden track. Once in motion the cars followed the track while the cable turned,, but when a car reached one of the two platforms, it dramatically speeded up forcing a violent 'whip' to one side. Cue for girls to scream and boys shout out loud in shock. Just like the rollercoaster, The Whip was one of those challenging rides you just had to queue up for and repeat again and again, hence its enduring appeal and popularity. For Danson teens it was the main attraction and they hung round it like bees to a honeypot.
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