Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2013 | Page 29

FEATURE The rugged but spectacular South West Wight coastline stretching out below Blackgang Chine. Alexander Dabell Blackgang in the 1920s Some notable Blackgang dates: 1843: Blackgang Chine opens. 1933: Funny mirrors installed. 1936: Floodlighting of the Chine started. 1953: Model Village installed. 1958: Museum rebuilt. 1963: Maze planted. 1970: Adventureland opens. 1972: Dinosaurland opens. 1976: Frontierland opens. 1978/79: Jungleland opens. 1984: St Catherine's Quay Opens. 1986: New access road, car park, shop and entrance facilities. 1988: Orbiter space flight simulator opens. 1992: Musical pet shop opens. 1993: Blackgang Chine's 150th Anniversary, and Rumpus Mansion. 1998: Water slide opens. 2000: Catering upgrade and junior rides installed. 2004: Gold panning re-opened. 2005: Cliff-hanger coaster installed. 2008: Wight Experience Cinema & Chocolate Heaven. 2012: Pirate Cove. 2013: Valley of the Dodos. opening like the 'Valley of the Dodos', a special visit from Postman Pat and Jess the Cat, and lots of other events will be happening throughout the year to celebrate the magical, wacky, wonderful park that can only be Blackgang Chine. www.visitislandlife.com 29