Joyce's Column: October

Well known industry personality David Morosoli received a nice legacy from his  dear departed longtime friend Bill Allerton and he left David some old slot machines. Before I tell you about the slot machines, I thought it would be nice to hear a little about Bill himself. He was not in our industry, but was an internationally well known and respected dealer and collector of rare and obscure records mainly from the 60’s and 70’s, and for many years had his own record store in Blenheim Crescent which was just off  Portobello Road known as Stand Out or Plastic Passion (the latter being run with another man Bill Forsyth) – for anyone who is interested in finding out more about Bill and his passions there is a fine tribute to him by Jeff Gold on his recordmecca.com website

 Bill died unexpectedly in July 2023 and it was then the executor of Bill’s estate told David he had been left the old slot machines, and he did this because not only did he know of David’s passion for things like this be he also knew that David would not try to sell them on. The machines he left David consist of a Jennings Governor converted to “new 10p play,” Mills High Top Triple 7s,  Bryans Bullion,  Ruffler & Walker Try Your Grip and a Daval Manufacturing Co Reel “21”  bubble gum dispenser. David took delivery of the machines in July 2024 and has made room for them in his workshop, and he is very proud to be the owner of this collection.

Sara, David’s wife was not too enamoured with “the gift” but he told her she should look on the bright side because before Bill passed away he had managed to dispose of various pintables and a fine example of a 1950’s Wurlitzer 2300 Jukebox which he did ask David in the 1970’s if he wanted to look after it for him, but as David was living in an upstairs flat with a very narrow staircase and the Jukebox got no further than the front door. David has tried to tell Sara that he is sure she will grow to love the slot machines, but at the moment she is taking some convincing, but she has agreed that he can at least can keep the slot machines in his home office, but that of course is going to necessitate a complete configuration to make space. David’s final comment is that he lives in hope that Sara will finally see the beauty in them, but perhaps he needs to wait until she is wearing her gin goggles before he pushes that point too hard, but who knows the conversation could even go the other way. Good luck anyway David no matter which way it goes, you know in your heart you have got a fine collection of slot machines, which I am sure will be envied by many.

Andrew Murden a name synonymous with our industry for many years has become addicted to the travel bug, last year he, his wife Gemma and son Oliver visited Las Vegas to see U2 in The Sphere, and he says this was a truly amazing experience, and now fast forward to this year they have recently returned from a 40day European tour in their transit campervan. They visited 15 countries, 10 capital cities, 25 camp sites, 1 Moto GP at the Red Bull Ring, Austria and this tour covered over 4000 miles. The tour was organised by Gemma, and both she and Andrew feel that this has definitely helped in Oliver’s home education student. The countries they visited were Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Italy,Switzerland, Liechtenstein, France and Luxemborg.

As most if us know Andrew was a keen ‘Biker’ and did a great deal for BACTA Bikers Charity with his old friend Dave Orton, but he is not biking as much these days and has even sold 2 of his 8 bikes, and he would like to reduce the number more, but at present he says that interest in British bikes has waned somewhat so this has affected the prices you can sell for too. Just hang on in there Andrew, and hopefully the prices and interest will come back again.

Instance Automatics Ian and Tina Eason recently celebrated their accolade of Best Distributor for Unis Technology products in Zhongshan, China and one of their celebrations on their trip to Hong Kong and China was a visit to a Buddha Temple where they climbed all the steps to the top, which in itself was heavy going but they did it in a humidity of around 32 degrees. Always a determined couple who succeed at what they do, and I know they will continue doing so no matter what. Congratulations on your award, you truly deserve it, and I am sure many more will follow.

Sorry to hear of the passing of Richard Quirke (Dick) the successful Irish operator of arcades and gaming sites, and such a sad day not only for his family but fore Ireland too. I first met Dick (as I called him) at a Blackpool show via another industry personality of the time Keith Glover of Barcrest, Dick was one of Keith’s customers and Dick and I struck up a rapport together. I remember at one of the Irish shows I was so busy and Dick had tried in vain to catch me, but I was always busy here there and everywhere, typical me!! Anyway, I was on this stand with my back to the aisle when I felt something touch my ankle and I looked behind me but couldn’t see anyone, and then a voice said ‘Hey look down here’ and there was Dick sat on the base of the stand and his next words were ‘I knew I would get your attention one way or another.’ Happy memories of happy times, followed by sad ones of Dick’s passing, and I can assure you he will be missed not only by his family and friends, but by his industry family too.

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21 October 2024

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