The Fairgrounds Heritage Trust charity was incorporated in 1986 with the goal of collecting and restoring historical funfair items, including rides, games, and artwork dating back to the 19th century. It opened the Dingles Steam Village museum at its present location in
Lifton,
Devon, in 2003. Rides, stall games, and artwork in the charity's collection were once featured in
travelling funfairs. Rides were restored, and those that could be were returned to working order and placed in operation for visitors to ride. a Joy Wheel featuring a spinning disc dating as far back as 1910, and a 1938 Shaw's Moonrocket thought to be the last of its kind in existence. As a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the museum closed in March 2020 and struggled financially without an income. Many items in the charity's collection were auctioned off to raise money, and through the auction they managed to raise £50,000. The museum permanently closed on 3 November 2024, with increasing costs, its remote location and the impact of COVID-19 being cited as three major factors in the decision. Much of the museum's collection is to be moved to the
Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum in Tamworth, Staffordshire. == References ==