Remembering John Broome

[Thameslink Rail]

Hi everyone
Imperial Corporate Capital has just announced the death of John Broome.
He is best known for owning Alton Towers in the 1980s, adding favourites such as the Log Flume, Corkscrew and Grand Canyon (later Congo River Rapids).
Does anyone have any memories of 1980s Alton Towers they would like to share?
Has anyone here met John Broome either during or after his stint at Towers?


From: https://www.facebook.com/100079505948906/posts/pfbid02P52gkmbcP612558a5tBurWtkSt941xZfCFTBnr998AVUghUdA37K1spBznqeKBfTl/

 

[BarryZola]

A shame to hear that. He led the park through some great times. May he rest in peace.

Edit - I think it would be nice if the park did or said something to acknowledge his passing, even if it's only something small.

 

[Mi-Nigle]

Very sad indeed

Was on holiday in the Cotswolds last month and took our little one to Fairytale Farm. She was playing on some new playground equipment and while watching her I looked up… this plaque caught my eye.



Nice for him to be recognised even this late in his life.

There are pictures of the event here for those interested: https://www.fairytalefarm.co.uk/2023/06/18/fairy-dell-officially-opened-by-alton-towers-founder/

 

[JAperson]

I do think the park should perhaps post something on there socials and perhaps dedicate a tree or bench in his honour.

 

[BarryZola]

A plaque, at least, would be nice. And obviously some kind of dedication on their socials.

 

[VerticalLoop123]

What an icon!
I always thought Nick Sim in Tales from the Towers did an excellent job of chartering his involvement with Alton Towers and visitor attractions.
I always loved his approach of build first, ask for planning permission later .
Don’t think Alton Towers would be quite the iconic place it is without him. RIP

 

[AT86]

I don’t think Towers have posted anything themselves yet, but Merlin CEO has tweeted.


From: https://twitter.com/scottoneil/status/1688645859402039296?s=46&t=zG_i8R9vX93ZZU0RljfzWA

 

[Tim]

I was outside Battersea Power station on Thursday talking about John Broome's old plan to turn it into a Theme Park. Given the timing this could have been around the time he passed. How eerie.
I never got to experience the Broome era of Towers, but wish I could of. Sorry to hear he's gone.

 

[Squiggs]

I was outside Battersea Power station on Thursday talking about John Broome's old plan to turn it into a Theme Park. Given the timing this could have been around the time he passed. How eerie.
I never got to experience the Broome era of Towers, but wish I could of. Sorry to hear he's gone.

You reminded me of this picture that crossed my path recent of the man with a plan.

 

[Lewis232]

I used to adore going to Alton Towers as a child in the 1980s, every year we would go back and it would get bigger and better every year. I remember my dad organised a coach party for his work colleagues family day out the year the Monorail opened and I was so upset that I didn't get to ride it (as we used the coach parking) that I persuaded him to drive back a few weeks later so I could ride it. Lots of happy memories of riding the log flume and rapids with my family and being terrified when my dad persuaded me to go on the corkscrew. Probably still have a few Henry Hound toys in my parents attic. I owe many happy childhood memories to John Broome!

His son has written a few words and pictures here

 

[James]

I hope Towers honour his memory in some way, even if it's as simple as a tree planted in the gardens with a plaque in front. It's a shame Towers have not posted anything on their socials.

If it wasn't for Broome, Alton Towers probably wouldn't be the place it is now.

 

[Zeock]

I'd like the above to happen. Alton Towers probably wouldn't even be a theme park without him.

 

[MattyH]

It'd be nice to see something from the park. I suspect it's too late for a post on social media, but a plaque or something should definitely happen!