David Rowland & Sons
David Rowland is the Son of the late Albert Rowland of J.Rowland and Sons and set out on his own in the 1970's when
he purchased most of the No 2 section of the T.Whitelegg business.
Photo: Photo The ex T.Whitelegg Ark/Waltzer when owned by D.Rowland. Note the roof has been changed to a flat roof
machine and the paybox and artwork have changed. (C) Unknown
David bought the Whiteleggs convertible Waltzer/Ark and Dodgems and a run of sites the other Whiteleggs set going to Tommy Rowland. The Waltzer came to Redruth as it did in it's Whiteleggs days, standing next to the Anderton and Rowlands ARK.
I don't think the machine stayed in David's hands for long as he soon purchased a much more modern Waltzer (W114) which remains with him today.
Photo: David Rowland's Groove Rider Waltzer (W114) (C) Greg Peters.
The firm of David Rowland's and Sons was primarily operated by David and his Son Shane Rowland. David Rowland junior was originally with the firm before setting up the successor business of David Rowland Jnr & Sons.
David's equipment list grew over the years building up a major list of equipment within the family including the West of England Gallopers, Sizzler Twist, Miami, Dodgems , Formula 3000 (toy ride). More importantly, David and Shane grew a sizable running list of venues including Dartmouth Regatta (the one a mention of Devon in this site!) and Summercourt.
New for the 2001 a set of Dodgems were commissioned and supplied by L&L Amusement Rides and were built to order in Belgium. This new set folded onto a single load and was always, immaculately presented. The photos below were kindly supplied by Trevor Langthorne of L&L Amusement Rides.
Photo: The man himself in Belgium (c) Trevor Langthorne
Photos: the 'new' dodgem in 2001 - click on each for larger image
The firm always kept their equipment in immaculate condition and this spread to the firms transport.
Photo: The Foden "Westcountry" pulling the Dodgems throughout the 1990's and early 2000's
Photo: David Rowland Living Van, arriving in Summercourt in 2005.
David Rowland & Sons grew to become one of the largest fairground businesses in the West Country but at the end of the 2010's David decided to retire. The equipment was therefore put on the market in 2020 and the firm has now closed.
While the travelling form of David Rowland & Sons is no more, David and Shane have, of course, done anything but "retired" Both have numerous business interests are lessee of several large fairs and are still active in the business.
The banner of "David Rowland" is now being taken forward by David Rowland Jnr who has his own equipment and circuit of operation built up over many years.