By Isle of Wight Observer
The founder of Blackgang Chine, Richard (‘Dick’) Francis Dabell, has died aged 101.
Dick was the fourth-generation owner of Blackgang Chine, the United Kingdom’s oldest theme park, after his great-grandfather, Alexander Dabell, founded the attraction in 1843.
At 16, he began working in the park’s shop, before serving as an engineer, in Essex, during the Second World War. In 1947, he returned to the Island and rejoined the family business on his father’s advice, working ‘seven days and five nights a week’.
He met his wife, Josephine, at the park. Josephine was a nurse, and together, they devoted themselves to maintaining and improving the attraction for future generations. Over the years, the attraction had to be relocated further inland to preserve it from landslips and, later, the Dabell family also owned and operated Robin Hill Country Park, near Arreton.
Blackgang Chine and the Dabell family paid tribute, saying: “We are deeply saddened to share that FRD, ‘Dick’ Dabell, beloved 4th-generation owner of Blackgang Chine, has passed away at the age of 101.
“Dick dedicated nearly seven decades of his life to shaping the park we know and love today. From Cowboy Town to the Model Village, the Fairy Castle to the dinosaurs, so much of Blackgang Chine’s magic comes from his imagination, hard work, and extraordinary vision.
“He was a pioneer, a storyteller, a gentle soul, and a true part of our Island’s history. Even into his 80s, he was still parking cars, chatting to visitors, and taking pride in every detail of the park.
“We will forever be grateful for his creativity and his love for Blackgang Chine. A remarkable life, and an incredible legacy.”