A Staffordshire superfan has rescued an iconic Alton Towers swan boat from a Walsall bar, ensuring the beloved attraction is preserved for future generations.
Superfan Saves Piece of Theme Park History
Mark Rance, a 52-year-old from Staffordshire, purchased the swan boat after discovering it was being used as a decorative feature at The Bridge Tavern in Walsall. The boat, once a popular ride on Alton Towers' lake, had been abandoned and was in a state of disrepair.
Rance, who describes himself as a "massive Alton Towers fan," said he felt compelled to act when he learned of the boat's fate. "I couldn't believe it was just sitting there, deteriorating," he told BirminghamWorld. "It's a piece of theme park history that deserved better."
The Boat's Journey from Theme Park to Pub
The swan boat was originally part of the Alton Towers lake attraction, which operated for decades before being removed. After its retirement, the boat changed hands several times before ending up at The Bridge Tavern, where it was used as a quirky decoration.
However, the boat suffered from exposure to the elements and vandalism. Rance negotiated with the pub's owners to buy it, paying an undisclosed sum. He then arranged for its transportation to his home, where he plans to restore it to its former glory.
Restoration Plans and Future Display
Rance intends to fully restore the swan boat, a process he estimates will take several months. He hopes to eventually display it at a local museum or theme park-related event. "It's going to be a labor of love," he said. "I want to bring it back to how it looked when it was on the lake."
The restoration will involve repairing the fiberglass hull, repainting the swan's iconic white and orange colors, and replacing missing decorative elements. Rance is also researching the boat's history to ensure accuracy.
Community Reaction and Preservation Efforts
The rescue has been welcomed by Alton Towers enthusiasts and local historians. Many see it as a vital preservation of a nostalgic piece of the park's heritage. Social media groups dedicated to Alton Towers history have praised Rance's efforts.
"This is fantastic news," said one fan on a popular forum. "Those swan boats are such a fond memory for so many of us. Thank you, Mark, for saving it."
Rance hopes his actions will inspire others to preserve similar artifacts. "There's so much history out there that's being lost," he said. "If we don't save it, who will?"
