This was somewhat backed up by a list produced by Vekoma some years ago, which listed all the Vekoma rides that had ever existed and listed the Corkscrew as opening in 1979.
I guess not many people actually took a skateboard with them on a day out!
@Godscrasher Dome of Memories by Mick Sharp some good details, great read.
It does. It is listed as 1980Does it list the Corkscrew that opened up at Spanish City in Whitley Bay, which was then moved to Flamingo land. I'm trying to find out a bit more info on that as what's available is pretty scarce.