Isle of Wight theme park Blackgang owner marks 100th birthday

Richard Francis Dabell, affectionately known as FRD or Dick, spent nearly 70 years at the helm of the UK’s oldest theme park, Blackgang Chine.

He is the man responsible for many of Blackgang Chine’s iconic attractions, from the model village and dinosaurs to the fairy castle to cowboy town.

Born in 1924, Richard’s childhood coincided with a time when domestic tourism was growing, with charabancs loaded full of eager guests wanting to see the curious whale skeleton and marvel at the natural phenomenon of the Chine.

Richard Dabell during his 99th birthday celebrations last year (Image: Contributions)

Blackgang Chine evolved alongside the Dabell family, and it seemed Richard’s path was set from birth, a legacy passed down through generations, and he worked in the shop from around the age of 16, until leaving to serve in the army.

The outbreak of the Second World War led to Richard serving as an engineer in Essex before returning to the Island in 1947.

Not long after returning to Blackgang, he had his head turned when his school friend’s “annoying little sister" Josephine, who had become the "most attractive young woman," turned up to park one day.

Years later, Josephine became his beloved wife, a trained nurse who lent her support to every aspect of the park’s operation, from cleaning toilets to managing the shop.

Speaking about running the park before his son Alec took over, Richard said: “It was hard work, committed, seven days and five nights a week, but I’ve enjoyed my life.”

Today, Richard is celebrating with a private party with family and close friends at Blackgang Chine.

On Friday, past employees he worked alongside will visit for a small tea and cake celebration.