Carnival Scene

[Bruiser]

For those in NSW who missed Stateline last night on the ABC, there was an interesting story on the Bell family amusements and the travelling carnival scene. It is being repeated today and is just starting now for those interested. The story is basically about the families history and where they are today. The difficulties government regulations, insurance etc present for the industry are also discussed. Worth catching if you get the chance.

[Guest galbraith]

Over to Bus for wisecrack...

[Bussy]

Galbraith you have put me under a lot of pressure here. If it goes into the family history the family tree will be very flat. This is the case because usually a carnies sister is also their mother and the mother of their child. "The Bus is now leaving for Crackajack Rock, NSW"

[Nebuchanezzar]

As in when is it on? Saturday? Sunday?

[Bussy]

Look at when Bruiser posted the message for a clue. "The Bus is now leaving for Bruisers Lagoon, Tasmania"

[HussRainbow]

Damn I wanna see this.

[Bruiser]

Damn I wanna see this, fk

The story basically discussed how the Bell family went from Boxing Tents to the amusement/carnival business when the NSW government outlawed the boxing tents in the 70s. It goes on to show the history of the family business from the first stall they invested in, to today where they operate rides, games and stalls. Footage of the rides, games, stalls etc owned by the family was also included. The only cool ride I saw was the Scorpion. According to the Mr Bell, the family travels to over 50 shows a year and are based in Canberra. Mr Bell then went on to dicuss the difficulties the industry faced with insurance problems and complying with new government regulations. It concluded by saying the future was uncertain for the industry and the Bell family amusements in particular.

[Bruiser]

For anyone interested, Stateline now has the transcript online: http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/nsw/conten...04/s1263458.htm