PW May 09 P12.qxd 4/23/09 1:15 pm Page 12
Park News
www.parkworld-online.com
BALPPA reveals
change in personnel
Nigoland’s
new wheel
Bollom in, Dawson to retire
A little bit of Bavaria is coming to
the Champagne-Ardenne region
The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers of France. Nigoland in Dolancourt
and Attractions (BALPPA) has a new chairman will soon unveil a new Ferris
in the shape of John Bollom, managing Wheel from the German
director of Ameco and owner of Mumbles Pier manufacturer Gerstlauer and not
in South Wales. Meanwhile the association’s only has the ride been built in the
chief executive, Colin Dawson, has revealed Bavarian town of Munsterhausen,
he is to retire in over a year’s time. it also features themed cars
Both announcements were made during reminiscent of the area.
the annual general meeting held at the While it may look traditional, the 50-metre tall attraction also features
Houses of Parliament in London on March state of the art LED lighting, creating an ever-changing display after dark.
16. The meeting also elected Adrian In total there are 36 gondolas and
Mahon of Merlin Entertainments as the thanks to the fact that they are
Colin Dawson
association’s new vice-chairman. suspended outside the wheel, the
Bollom, who takes over as chairman from Tim Batstone at HB Leisure, is no passengers’ view is never obscured by
stranger to BALPPA, and follows in the footsteps of his father Stan, who is the life the rim.
president of the association. He joined the management committee in the 1990s Gerstaluer recently set up the ride
and has been a very active member of the BALPPA Coin Operators Lobby Group outside its factory and offered free
for several years. In the mid-90s he also held the position of president of BACTA, rides to local guests, something it
the British coin-op trade association. does from time to time to foster
Dawson, meanwhile, has decided to retire after over 20 years in the strong relationships with the
attractions industry to “enjoy more time in my Kent garden and attempt to lower surrounding farming community.
my golf handicap.” He has served as BALPPA chief executive since 2001, but his “The owners of Nigoland wanted a
links with the association go back to 1988 when he joined Thorpe Park as a family ride that would allow visitors to
director and general manager. Last winter he also became president of the see for miles in any direction,”
lobbying group Europarks. reveals Siegfried Gerstaluer. “It really
Talking of his time in the amusement business Dawson remarked: “My only is a great attraction for them.”
regret is that I took me so long to find this industry from my previous occupations.
The last 20 years have been the most rewarding and enjoyable of my career,
which began in 1958. I shall miss the many friends I have made over those years,
but I think now is the right time to make this announcement and for BALPPA to Blue Fire at Europa-Park
have plenty of time to find my successor.”
Commenting on Dawson’s decision, John Bollom had this to say: “Colin has Europa-Park in Germany kicked off its new season on April 4 by unveiling its
guided the association for the last eight years, giving a period of stability and eagerly awaited Blue Fire Megacoaster. The new ride is the first launch coaster
achievement in all aspects of the association’s work. In particular his contribution by Mack Rides, as well as the first looping coaster at Europa-Park, and forms
to health & safety and parliamentary relations, together with his knowledge and part of the park’s latest European-themed area, devoted to Iceland.
contacts throughout the global industry will be sorely missed. I feel sure that all Joining the Mack family during the media preview on April 1 were various
members would join me in wishing both him and Jeanette a long and happy Icelandic athletes, reinforcing the ride’s speedy credentials. Like everything at
retirement – he leaves some very big boots to fill!” Europa-Park, the attraction is heavily themed, the Dutch company P&P Projects
Dawson plans to stay on as chief executive until July 2010. Potential candidates lending a hand.
for the position are asked to contact John Bollom: j.bollom@ameco.co.uk Full feature in next month’s Park World.
BlueFire is the first launch
coaster from Mack Rides
New BALPPA chairman John Bollom, association stalwart Angela Wright and new
vice-chairman Adrian Mahon from Merlin Entertainments
12 MAY 2009
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