The
three-abreast Gallopers are Bressinghams centre piece. It is one of the finest
to be seen anywhere. Built by Savages of Kings Lynn in 1900 and owned and
operated by the Thurston family of Norfolk until 1934, the Gallopers later
operated at Whitley Bay and ended up in Brechin, Fife before finding a home at
Bressingham. The engine was originally built by Tidmans of Norwich but has been
completely rebuilt at Bressingham. The organ - a Bruder-built, 48 keyless
Chiappa - accompanies the Gallopers as they reach up to six revolutions per
minute and swing out some 15 degrees.
The set came to Bressingham in 1967 and has been delighting young and old as
the heart of the site ever since.
During the main season, The Gallopers operate every day, always bringing a
smile to the faces of the young - and the young at heart!
It takes an army of volunteers and gifted craftsmen and women to keep The
Gallopers and all our exhibits in tip-top condition. If you have some time to
spare and would like to get involved in caring for these icons of a bygone age,
please contact us either by calling 01379 686900 or dropping us an email. We look forward to
hearing from you!
Watch the Gallopers being reassembled March 2010.
Seymour retires, click here.
