By Trevor Baxter
RETIRED motor-cycle dealer Jimmy Wells has created an eye-catching tourist attraction at his Dobcross home unlisted in any guide book.
But pensioner Jimmy’s unusual hobby is the talk of the village and word is spreading beyond Saddleworth’s boundaries.
Little wonder when you’ve created a cross between Chester Zoo, Blackpool Illuminations and Harry Potter on your doorstep.
It’s not every day you come face-to-face with seven-foot metal wizards, plus life-sized gorillas, wolves, panthers, meerkats and chimpanzees.
And when night falls Saddleworth’s own safari park lights up, topped off by a lustrous red glow, spotlighting an American Eagle guarding the 139-year-old property.
Chadderton raised Jimmy, 66, has lived at historic TameBank House on Dobcross New Road for 35 years but brought his wild animal themed garden to existence in the last four or five.
Of course, his creatures aren’t real. But they are life-like fibre glass and resin models bought from James Wood and Co’s hardware shop at Mottram Moor. The wizard hails not from Hogwarts but from Southport.
“The firm that made the wizard doesn’t do them anymore,” explained Jimmy while giving the Independent unique access to his collection. “They earn more money making gates!
“How much have I spent on everything? I am not sure. I have never figured it out.”
At Jimmy’s menagerie, visitors will see several cats sitting on the dividing wall and peer closer and there are Alsatians and Dobermans keeping them company.
“No one has ever complained,” he said. “I’ve even had people I have never seen before pull up and ask me ‘do you mind if my kids have a look round.”
Jimmy will soon be taking delivery of a second eagle – but stand by for other possible arrivals too.
Nick Wood, proprietor of the family business that once included LS Lowry as one of its customers, said: “We also sell elephants and giraffes.
“Usually if something comes in I think Jimmy might be interested in, I give him a ring. He’s a good customer.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.