Hi all and thanks for the invite
@texaskitty ! I love theme parks but rarely get to go as I have no body to go with
...totally open to offers if anyone fancies a day out!?
There's plenty I've been to and lots of great rides but I have so many distant memories of the English seaside towns that were prevalent during my childhood, some upsetting but mostly good, but I have to dedicate this post to Dreamland in Margate, Kent.
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The site has been used for amusement since 1880 but was given its Dreamland name around 1920. Sadly it closed for a brief period but has been rebuilt and reopened on several occasions since it has Grade II listed status on a certain roller coaster that means it can't be moved. It is home to one of only eight remaining scenic railways, some of which are no longer operational. It is the oldest roller coaster in Britain and up until recently was quite unique in that it required a brakesman to control the speed from the train itself.
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Unfortunately it was all but destroyed by fire in 2008 but has been rebuilt. It now has a modern braking system to keep up with current standards, but many believe that this has taken away some of its charm.
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Either way the park was never the best, and is easily beaten hands down by modern theme park standards, but I am a firm believer that, just like in life, it is the memories made which are far more important than any location or type of event/pastime/amusement.
Anyone, anything, and everything goes through differing stages in life; there will always be ups and downs; there will be times of utter destruction whether by the hand of another or complete coincidence, but from the ashes there can be opportunities to rebuild and renew.
Go and make some memories guys and gals. Whatever life you come from, whatever ails you, whatever trials you face, we all have the ability to make memories. Some of us have trouble recalling them, I know only too well, but often it is the simplest of things like a post in Jim's Cafe that can trigger a memory, a feeling buried long ago and deep within; they may bring sadness or joy, smiles or tears, happiness or anger, but they all make us who we are, what brought us here, what brings us together, what makes us unique, and what may just be our salvation in troubled times when all other remedies have failed.
I myself am now recalling times at Dreamland and various other resorts, including Hastings where my dad sadly died, but do I begrudge the memories? Do I shy away from the tears? Not at all. I am thankful for the reminder, for the thoughts of joy and excitement, the childhood memories of innocence and playfulness, the remembrance of loved ones lost but not forgotten. It will be different for everyone but no less special or relevant.
The past cannot be changed, but it can be thought of in a different light. Too long have I been encouraged to blame my past for current events and situations, but no more. I am me, I am Dave, and I am the result of many different experiences both good and bad, and I'm proud to still be here in whatever state I find myself because you know what? Just like Dreamland I have been given an opportunity to be rebuilt, to have a new lease of life, to make new memories with new people, and to still find purpose whatever has befallen me before.
I will now be planning a trip to Dreamland in the very near future, a place that I had long since resided to the archives of my mind; would I have done so if I'd not found SF? Would I have done so if I'd not found the need for a site like this? Probably not. It may seem simple and irrelevant to everyone else but that's only because these are my memories, no one else's. From the utter despair that I've assumed was my past has come a loving memory that I will cherish and relive if only to remind myself that the good times are there, as long as I look for them.
How many people will be reading this and wondering what on earth I'm talking about? It doesn't matter; the point is that from something so simple I have found a stepping stone, a relief from the torrent which heads my way, and you can too. The horrors of life can easily overwhelm the joys, don't let them. Look for even the smallest ray of light, and I believe you'll find hope.
Here's to Dreamland and making a new generation smile; long may it continue to thrive in an ever changing world and create new memories, as I will be doing for as long as I can.
Many {{{Hedgehugs}}} to you all and come share your memories of amusement parks or whatever else fills you with joy
@Kira @sassy123 @Acy @walker95 @Ash600 @Reaver @EmB @Mercedesgirl @Lulabelle @nobodyknows71 @Daíthí @bubblebear @Woowoo @rabitt3434 @Evangeline @unlucky me @BumbleBee @LonelyLuna @Shannew @Citizen Insane @shania @Cagla @Alwayswrong @Jolene @Kiwi2016 @JulieDegraw @Paisley @bobbob @Mylifeisamess @Diana222190 @Aprilflowers7 @Kalicka @Shadowlands @Freya @drinty @Unknown_111 @Innocent Forever @Petal @Deety @BeepBoop @MarkahMalady @MagickLynx @Mremptyinside @gypsylee @Bassettherapy @Sarahbeanie and so on and so forth! Bring 'em all and let's make some fantastic memories together. X
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PS: Please accept my apologies for yet another long post...if you've made it this far then guess what? You just made another memory, albeit a slightly disturbing one! Feel free to laugh at my ever present rants and musings...at the end of the day I'd rather you laugh at my idiosyncrasies than be dwelling on fears and anxieties.
:rolleyes::p X
I am so totally fu*€ing there!!!! PM me, Date/Time/Theme Park...I am THERE!!! :p