March 05 2019
The work of Nick Laister, co-founder of the Dreamland Trust and the man who spearheaded the ‘Save Dreamland’ campaign was recognised at the preview of a new film about the amusement park last week (13th February).
Business leaders and supporters of the Trust heard how Nick and his colleagues fought to save Dreamland from redevelopment and saw it re-opened in 2015 in a presentation given by long standing trustee Andrew Baker.
Nick narrated a new short film commissioned by the Trust which also contains personal stories from local people about their memories of visiting the park. ‘The Story of Dreamland’ chronicles the rollercoaster journey of the amusement park from its origins as a music and dance hall in the early 1900s to the thriving park it is today.
Nick Laister said: “I first visited Dreamland in 1993 and as a planning and development consultant specialising in amusement parks and other visitor attractions, I recognised the historical significance of the Scenic Railway, which I later applied and got grade II listed status for. This was a key factor in the survival of Dreamland. My colleagues and I worked tirelessly to campaign to Save Dreamland and I am delighted to see the park thriving today.”
The film, which was made by Inside Job Productions was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and shown at a special preview at Dreamland.
Bernie Morgan, Chair of the Dreamland Trust said: “Thousands of people have visited Dreamland with family and friends having fun and making their own memories. This would not have been possible without the drive and enthusiasm of a small group of people led by Nick Laister who went on to establish the Dreamland Trust. We are so pleased to have had the opportunity of honouring Nick in this way and are delighted to be able to call him a friend.”
The ‘Story of Dreamland’ can be viewed on the Trust’s website www.dreamlandtrust.org.uk and it’s Facebook page.
If you have any memorabilia or memories that you would like to share with the Dreamland Trust or would like to be a volunteer, contact Jill Hunt    
www.dreamlandtrust.org.uk

The story of dreamland video