Pier Man invents Horoscope Machine
Written by Angela Gooch on February 15th, 2008 in Social History, Tourist Attractions.
SPEAKS YOUR FORTUNE
Skegness man’s arcade invention
MEET the “Zodiascope” and its inventor, Mr. Robin Mitchell. This new machine which speaks your fortune is the prototype of what its inventor hopes will be many others and it is having its trial run in the arcade in Lumley Road where Mr. Mitchell is manger.
Well experienced in electronics, Mr. Mitchell, who lives in St Andrew’s Drive, Skegness, has been working on this newcomer to the arcade world since Easter. The design is his, and most of the work on it has been done locally.
Working on the 6d. in the slot principle, the machine operates when the customer’s hand is placed over a palm outlined on the base. From a loudspeaker at eye level comes a woman’s voice giving a 30-second commentary on the customer’s character.
An unsual attraction; the machine is also equipped with a press-button volume control, and a flashing indicator which warns when it is in operation.
Throughout the season Mr. Mitchell will be closely watching the public reaction to his invention, noting possible improvements and seeing how it stands up to the constant wear of peak periods.
He hopes, if successful, that he may be able to put his first venture of this type into production.
Mr. Mitchell is the third generation of his family taking part in a business which has been established in the town since the First World War. Founder of the business was Mr. Thomas Kirby and Mr. Mitchell’s father, Lieut.Col. W. G. Mitchell is the owner of the “Gay-times” arcade in Lumley Road.
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