Belisha
Belisha, published by Castell Brothers Ltd (Pepys Games) in 1937, was produced with a desire to make a helpful contribution to the national Safety First campaign.
Belisha card game
Published by Castell Brothers Ltd, 1937
Belisha was published as a new and improved form of the universally popular game of Rummy, offering “more scope for intelligent play”. Based around a motor journey from London to Oban, Belisha was produced with a desire to make a helpful contribution to the national “Safety First” campaign following the introduction of ‘Belisha’ beacons, designed to reduce road casualties, particularly among children. By 1951 the black and white stripes, with Belisha beacons on either side of the road, were approved as ‘Zebra’ crossings. See the Box►
Above: 'Belisha' first published by Castell Brothers Ltd (Pepys Games) in 1937. The cards have period illustrations highlighting safety in motoring situations. The game was named after Leslie Hore-Belisha, the Minister for Transport who introduced yellow flashing lights on black & white striped poles (Belisha Beacons) at Zebra Crossings.
Belisha advertisements: “A Game of Thrills” & “Safety First”
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
Activity for Belisha
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
Pepys Games
The Story of Pepys Games by Rex Pitts
Foreign Legion
Foreign Legion published by Pepys, 1960.
Crime Club
Crime Club card game by Peter Cheyney, issued by Pepys Games, 1939.
Secret Agent
Secret Agent by Pepys Games, the card game with the magic monocle, 1957.
Stocks & Shares
Stocks & Shares card game first published by Pepys Games in 1957.
Scouting
Scouting, a card game about boy scouts, appeared in 1955.
Biggles
Biggles card game published by Pepys Games in 1955 based on the popular books by Capt W E Johns.
Fishing
Fishing published by Pepys Games, 1951.
Round Britain
Round Britain card game published by Pepys Games, 1955.
Skid-o
Skid-o motorcycle card game by Pepys, 1951.
The Perishers
The Perishers, based on the TV cartoon series, published by Pepys in 1974.
Girl
Girl card game published by Pepys Games, 1955.
Express 2nd Edition
Pepys “Express” card game 2nd edition c.1955.
Jungle Thrills & Safari
Jungle Thrills illustrated by Racey Helps and published by Pepys Games, 1955.
Garden Flowers
Garden Flowers card game designed by Dora Ratman, published by Pepys, 1961.
Pets / Family Favourites
Pets card game illustrated by Racey Helps was published by Pepys Games in 1955 but re-named Family F...
Wild Flower Sevens
Wild Flower Sevens card game by Pepys Games (Castell Bros Ltd), c.1960.
Woodland Snap
Woodland Snap is played with a pack of 44 cards illustrated with "Woodland" characters by Racey Help...
British Towns
British Towns Card Game by Pepys Games (Castell Brothers Limited).
Famous Five
The Famous Five Card Game by Enid Blyton.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
