By Isle of Wight Observer
The great-grandson of the founder of Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest theme park, celebrated his 100th birthday on Wednesday.
Francis Richard Dabell, affectionately known as FRD, or Dick, has spent nearly 70 of those years at the helm of Blackgang Chine and is the man responsible for many of the most iconic attractions, from the model village, to the dinosaurs, Fairy Castle and Cowboy Town. He was the pioneer who kept up with the evolution of both the ever-changing landscape, and guest expectations.
Dick grew up at Blackgang and it seemed his path was set from birth. From his great-grandfather’s visionary beginnings, to his father’s astute development, Blackgang Chine evolved alongside the Dabell family, and Dick was in the thick of it from an early age.
He started working in the shop aged 16, but the outbreak of World War II changed his course, and he served as an engineer, before returning to the Island in 1947.
Unsure of his path forward, his father was on hand with advice, with Dick saying: “The Governor said ‘If you don’t know what to do, you’d better work here,’”, setting him on a trajectory that would define the rest of his days.
One day his school friend’s “annoying little sister” turned up to Blackgang Chine. Years later, Josephine became his wife She was a trained nurse who supported every aspect of the park’s operation, from cleaning toilets to managing the shop.
He says of his time at Blackgang: “It was hard work, committed, seven days and five nights a week, but I’ve enjoyed my life.”
On Wednesday, Dick celebrated with a private party with family and close friends at Blackgang, enjoying an impressive cake displaying various parts of his life. Today (Friday), past employees he worked alongside will visit for a small tea and cake celebration.
His nephew, Simon Dabell, who worked with him for 33 years, said: “I always admired his passion for both the heritage and future of the family business. In particular, he held an abiding interest in the careers of the young students who had holiday jobs with us, and of course his complete control of the Blackgang car park!”
