METROLINK 1007 NAMED EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY Manchester Metrolink 1007 was named East Lancashire Railway at a ceremony today (Sunday 31st May) at Bury Interchange Metrolink station by Peter Waterman, East Lancashire Railway’s President and a well-known railway enthusiast and record producer.
As well as being named East Lancashire Railway the tram carries internal and external advertising for the railway, helping to promote the ELR to a much wider audience throughout Greater Manchester.
1007 has a previous connection to the East Lancashire Railway in that it was displayed at the railway’s Bury Bolton Street station during a special event in summer 1992. This was the only time one of Metrolink’s trams had appeared at a heritage railway event.
The operators of the Metrolink system and the GMPTE have always worked alongside the ELR for the benefit of both organisations since before Metrolink opened and the ELR are very grateful for the valuable partnership. The naming also recognises the hard work undertaken by the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society – the main support organisation of the railway.
Andy Coward, East Lancashire Railway General Manager, said: “Millions of people travel on Metrolink each year and many of our visitors travel to Bury by tram. Hopefully people who may not know we are here will see the East Lancashire Railway tram, use Metrolink to take a trip Bury and then come onto the ELR to travel behind one of our heritage steam or diesel locomotives. It is also a fitting tribute to the many volunteers who give up their spare time to make the railway such a success.”
Graham Thornton, East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society Chairman, added: “We are delighted that the work of the East Lancashire Railway Preservation Society is being recognised in such a high-profile way and I am grateful to both Stagecoach Metrolink and also Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive for their assistance in promoting the work of the railway and its volunteers.”
Source: East Lancashire Railway
Manchester Metrolink – Sunday 31st May 2009
Pete Waterman by the East Lancashire Railway name sticker.
A side view of 1007 showing some of the East Lancashire Railway adverts carried.
One final view of 1007 - the new East Lancashire Railway.
All Photos: Andy Coward (General Manager, East Lancashire Railway)