Summer at Bowood 2008
Space dive under repair
AFTER more than one million descents, the time has come to repair the famous Space Dive in Bowood's Adventure Playground.
The original surface has lasted 25 years but is now cracking and needs to be replaced.
Sliding down the Space Dive, an almost vertical drop in the pitch black, is a big enough challenge for youngsters but replacing the surface will be just as demanding for craftsman Alastair Guy, who built the giant slide.
He said: "It is definitely a tricky procedure because of the height and drop of the Space Dive. We have to build a system of ladders, ropes and space hooks and essentially we will be hanging from the building above as well. It's not going to be the easiest job in the world."
The old surface will be covered with a new MDF frame so the replacement surface can be glued into place. It is such a large area that the specialist lino has to be attached into two enormous pieces.
Mr Guy, of Guy Associates, said: "It's not lino like the type you find in people's kitchens. This is a natural product made from ground coconut shells, linseed oil and linen. It is an original product and absorbs the polish we put on it which means it reduces the friction that can cause burns. It is an incredible product.
"The original surface is now 25 years old and has degraded to the extent that it has started cracking and needs to be replaced. We need to do this work in the warmer weather because the lino is more pliable and flexible then. In colder weather it remains stiff and brittle and is more difficult to work with."
The Space Dive, known to younger visitors as the Death Slide, will be out of action from Monday June 23 to Friday June 27.
Mr Guy and his associate John Rowe will be working with a team of carpenters from Bowood.
Lord Lansdowne said: "The Space Dive is synonymous with Bowood's Adventure Playground and has thrilled so many children over the last 25 years.
"We now need to replace the surface so that it can continue to thrill thousands more children for the next generation."
10:44am Tuesday 24th June 2008
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