News / Postman Pat finds new home
A LOCAL institution, at least for toddlers and their parents, is heading west to its new Hame Fae Hame in Scalloway.
The coin-operated Postman Pat ride has been on his last round in the Toll Clock Shopping Centre after receiving his P45 when it turned out that he couldn’t accept the new £1 coins.
An iconic fixture for a generation, almost everybody in Shetland of a younger age will have fond memories of having spent at least some time in the company of Postman Pat and his black and white cat Jess.
Following an online poll, held by Bolts Shetland over the weekend, the kiddie ride has been donated to the Hame Fae Hame nursery, in Scalloway.
Hugh Sim of Bolts said he was sorry to see the ride go, as it had been hugely popular.
However, the introduction of the new one-pound coins over recent month has inadvertently led to Postman Pat being made redundant.
“The new £1 coins unfortunately jamming the mechanism of the ride. There is a slot for 20p coins for one ride and one for a pound to buy five rides. It’s been jammed almost daily,” he said.
He added that the shopping centre had already taken delivery of two new rides, just in time for the busy Christmas shopping season: Fireman Sam and big dumper truck.
Ellie Duncan of Hame Fae Hame said all the tots at the crèche were “very excited” after learning that Postman Pat was coming to stay with them.
“It’s absolutely brilliant news. He will be of great use here. We would like to thank Bolts Shetland for their generosity,” she said.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
