This is part of a new series of articles, sharing the projects, stories, and events that made Garmendale a world-renowned underdog of the theme park engineering world. In part one we shared stories of innovation and resilience as Garmendale moved from specialist engineering works into the world of theme park refurbishments, and ride systems. The 2000s brought with them change and a new era of Garmendale Engineering as Roy Shelmerdine took a step back from the business and his son David Shelmerdine took on the reigns. This decade of Garmendale was defined by the professional relationships being built, and the innovations being made as Garmendale really burst onto the scene. 

London Eye Capsule

London Eye – 

For over 25 years, Garmendale has proudly supported the London Eye, from its early days with Marks Barfield Architects, Madame Tussauds, and British Airways, to its current operation under Merlin. This is how our ongoing professional relationship with Merlin entertainments began, something we will illustrate as the series of articles continues. 

The Garmendale team removing a capsule from the Eye

We were the first team to develop the refurbishment manual for the Eye’s iconic glass pods—starting with the careful removal, transport, and complete rebuild of the first pod at our Derbyshire workshops. Once refurbished, the pod was floated down the Thames and safely reinstalled—a complex process we helped streamline for all 32 capsules. Beyond pod refurbishments, Garmendale contributed original engineering solutions such as the mechanical door latch system still in use today. We’ve also delivered a wide range of bespoke works: from platform extensions and emergency staircases to security guards, safety netting, and maintenance platforms.

For a decade, we worked alongside the London Eye maintenance team, carrying out pre-planned preventative maintenance (PPMs) and solving countless specialist engineering challenges. From design to installation, Garmendale has played a crucial role in maintaining and improving one of the UK’s most recognised landmarks.

A Focus On Safety –

2001 marked the beginning of David’s place on the NAFLIC board, a position he’s worn with pride over 24 years. For those who don’t know NAFLIC stands for the National Association For Leisure Industry Certification. NAFLIC is the UK’s trade association representing amusement ride inspectors, along with companies and individuals involved in the inspection and maintenance of amusement rides for owners, controllers, and operators. All members are fully qualified in ride inspection and are registered with ADIPS—the Amusement Device Inspection Procedures Scheme—which is officially endorsed and supported by the Health and Safety Executive.

The association also includes members such as manufacturers and suppliers who contribute expertise to the inspection and maintenance of rides and attractions. In addition, NAFLIC offers technical guidance and support to the amusement park and travelling fairground sectors. A role David has held for over 20 years and holds with great respect for the organisation and the importance of safety in the leisure industry.

A Selection of 00s Garmendale Projects

The Beginning Of The Gates Legacy –

Colossus

Garmendale have been world renowned for one thing over the last decade or so, bringing state of the art gating systems to theme parks across the globe. Our leading gating solution product is the RG-11 Gating System developed by Garmendale’s founder Roy Shelmerdine. The maiden RG-11 gating system was installed in early 2002 kicking off a meteoric rise for Garmendale Engineering and globally recognised gating systems. Thorpe Park in the UK was home to the first RG-11 gating system on their iconic steel rollercoaster Colossus. Fully integrated with Intamin’s control system, Colossus is the UK’s only roller coaster to feature four inversions. The RG11 system has been installed and enhanced with perforated mesh infill panels, finished in themed colours to match the ride’s aesthetic. The ride operates with two trains, each comprising seven cars seating two riders per row. It achieves a throughput of 1,200 riders per hour, reaching speeds of up to 48 mph, with a dispatch interval of 1 minute and 45 seconds. Within the same year Garmendale also installed an RG-11 gating on the magic carpet ride ‘Quantum’.

Quantum

A Decade of Developing Relationships –

Other 2000s highlights include continued projects with Merlin, including our engineering support for the London Eye during David Blaine’s 2003 publicity stunt advertising his new magic special. Our working relationship with the East Midlands’ theme park ‘American Adventure’ sadly came to an end as the theme park closed down in the mid-2000s. Garmendale still had one final project to say goodbye transporting several of the parks classic ride systems to new homes around the UK, and Europe. As they say one door closes, another one opens and during this decade Garmendale began its long-standing relationship with Snowden Mountain Railway, refurbishing track and trains alike (but more on that in the next instalment). 

The Garmendale team fighting the elements to keep the Snowden Mountain Railway running

The early 2000s marked a period of remarkable development, growth, and unwavering commitment to safety for Garmendale. It was a decade defined by innovation and expansion, yet also one of reflection and remembrance. The company bid a heartfelt farewell to its founder, Roy Shelmerdine, whose vision, craftsmanship, and dedication laid the foundation for Garmendale’s reputation as a trusted name in engineering excellence. His legacy of reliability, precision, and integrity continued to inspire the team he built.

Carrying that legacy forward, David Shelmerdine—Roy’s son—stepped into leadership with the same passion and determination that had defined his father’s work. Under David’s guidance, Garmendale evolved from a respected national enterprise into a globally recognised brand, forging enduring partnerships and delivering innovative engineering solutions to theme parks and attractions around the world. Through a combination of family values, technical expertise, and a relentless drive for quality, the Shelmerdine family continued to push boundaries, ensuring that the spirit of Garmendale remained strong wherever their work took them.