the stall-holder paying 1d per bucketful. "Darkie" Street, Bertie Smith
and "Lady" Smith supplied the donkeys for rides. Some of the local
residents were greatly concerned about the well-being of the donkeys
and to encourage their owners to maintain them properly, organised a
local donkey show at which prizes were awarded for the best kept
animals. This and the local donkey "Derby" was the especial concern
of Mr. Gerald Buxton of Birch Hall.
Roserville Retreat, High Beach
The steam roundabouts needed special care and maintenance and
those at Yates and Jubilee Retreats, but not that at Grays, were
supplied and operated by Ernest George Ellis who lived at Stanley
Road, Chingford. Later his son, Bertram James Ellis, continued the
service. Ellis also supplied and maintained the helter-skelter and other
fairground equipment at Yates Retreat. Bertram Ellis was later killed
in 1932 in a motor cycling accident at Theydon Bois.
Numerous small kiosks in various spots in the forest supplied
cups of tea, coffee, Bovril, or mineral waters of various kinds. Most of
the licensees who provided boating facilities on the forest lakes also
supplied light refreshments. The Chalet which formerly stood in
Wanstead Park would furnish a full afternoon tea or other snacks if
desired. Sometimes the visitors and even local persons were inclined
to ascribe the title of "retreat" to these kiosks. The true retreat catered
for the organised party several hundreds strong.
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