Mr Softy's Ice Cream Van

 Manufactured by RG Mitchell of Skegness, Mr Softy's Ice Cream Van was released as part of their "Premium Rides" range in 1997.  The blue and white van was a very popular ride at the time.  I specifically remember them being a common sight in Mothercare, as well as seaside amusement arcades.


Mr Softy's Ice Cream Van - 2000 RG Mitchell Catalogue

"The Story Teller", released a couple of years later, used the same van mould, but was now coloured in pink and purple with a different theme.  It never seemed to gain the same popularity as Mr Softy's Ice Cream Van and I only ever saw a small handful of them.


The Story Teller Van - 2000 RG Mitchell Catalogue

These were two seater kiddie rides with plenty of special features.  While one child sat in the driver's seat watching the "rolling road" screen display with two push buttons for ice cream van chimes and horn sound effects, there was space for another in a back seat alongside an interactive panel featuring a further four sound effect buttons allowing customers to choose their favourite ice cream flavours.


Mr Softy's Ice Cream Van - Ocean Boulevard Fun Park, Felixstowe, July 2021

The Story Teller had six pictures of popular children's nursery rhyme characters in place of this panel.  Each picture had a corresponding button which could be pressed to hear the nursery rhyme and see the character light up.

According to old RG Mitchell catalogues, the rides measured 54" x 30" x 50" and weighed 209lbs.  They cost £2,745.00 to purchase as of the 2001 price list.

Both were discontinued in 2002, making way for the upgraded versions, "Hank's Ice Cream Van" and "Hank's Storyteller Van".