21 May 2007
The old roller at the Leamington Domain playground will shortly be undergoing a facelift.
The roller had been earmarked for removal, however public feedback after an Edition article asking for the roller to stay, has seen Council arrange for it to be spruced up instead.
The make-over will include the fitting of further safety features, a steering wheel, and a complete repaint. The roller also has future full restoration potential, and these works will not compromise this.
The Barford & Perkins roller was purchased by Cambridge Borough Council in 1966 for £1,500. It was described in the Council minutes as being in good condition having had a new diesel motor fitted three years previously. It had also been fitted with hydraulic steering and power brakes. It was purchased from the tractor and industrial division of Dominion Motors in Auckland.
The roller was in service until the mid 1970’s, when it was retired, had a number of working parts removed, and was moved to its present site at the Leamington Domain.
Records indicate it could be dated 1933 or earlier, and was probably exported to New Zealand from the UK.