I remember the Ferris Wheel well. It was part of a package of rides that arrived at Alton from Trentham Gardens in 1985 and 1986 (the others being the Spider and 4 Man Bob).

The wheel really didn't suit Alton. Unlike at Trentham, the tree height meant you could see very little from it, and it wasn't a surprise when it vanished.

If I recall, the 1985 map showed it in completely the wrong place, suggesting a last-minute change of location.