Great Yarmouth theme park ride brings smiles one last time

After entertaining countless children and families, the log flume at the Pleasure Beach will be dismantled piece by piece over the next month, with theme park owner Albert Jones estimating it taking between four to six weeks.

However, the demolition of the ride and some of its parts being sold as memorabilia has given good causes a funding boost.

Online sales of parts of the log flume have raised over £5,000, leading to Mr Jones handing over cheques worth over £900 to six charities on Friday.

Pleasure Beach's Jamie Jones, centre with Gary Roper, Norfolk and Waveney Mind (left); Rev Ashley Hines, Pathway; Kelly Hutchinson, Shine East Norfolk; Karl Sandall, Round Table Children's Wish; Diana Staines, Centre 81; and Liz Townson, The Well. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Members from the charities Centre 81, Pathway, The Well, Round Table Children's Wish, Shine and Norfolk and Waveney Mind received their cheques from members of the Jones family and Pleasure Beach mascot Leo the Lion.

Mr Jones said the log flume - which had come to the end of its life - had brought so much joy to children and families since 1989, he wanted to make sure the ride's final chapter was just as positive.

"We never dreamed we would be able to raise enough for six charities," Mr Jones said.

FLASHBACK: Lots of smiling faces at the log flume. (Image: Newsquest)

"And now it feels like the right time to do it and it has been great to make connections with local groups who give so much of themselves for others.

"We'll definitely be staying in touch with these charities."

Mr Jones added that it was vital the money raised went to local groups.

"We wanted to keep the money local to benefit those we see every day," he said.
"Just a stone's throw away - at Pathway - meals will be delivered to families who are really struggling at the moment.

"It was important for us to make sure we could do our bit."

Reverend Ashley Hines from the Pathway Cafe and Resource Centre on Admiralty Road said the £947.71 donation has come at a time when it is most needed.

She said: "With continuing rising costs, this donation will help us do what we can for those in need."

Inside the theme park, a demolition team is preparing for the next step of the log flume's demolition.

It is expected to take up to six weeks for it to be completely dismantled.

Mr Jones said he is excited about the theme park's next addition. But for now, it remains under wraps.

The log flume at the Pleasure Beach waiting to be dismantled. (Image: James Weeds)