Fans of Blackpool’s heritage trams are being offered the chance to purchase a unique souvenir and by doing so, help to raise vital funds to help with the preservation and restoration of these vehicles. A strictly limited edition framed ‘destination blind’ print is being offered for sale by the Blackpool Heritage Trust, inspired by the series of new period style blinds being progressively fitted to members of the heritage fleet.
Regular readers may remember that tram enthusiast Peter Watts has traced some old Blackpool tram destination blinds, and has been using these as templates to produce new blinds with authentic lettering styles to suit different time periods for various historic trams, with Twin set 272+T2, Brush car 631 and Balloon 715 treated so far. However, he has also used the templates to produce some high-quality framed prints, featuring the famous traditional Blackpool ‘slanted’ destinations.
The 100cm x 70cm high resolution prints are limited to just 20 copies, featuring a trio of familiar destinations: ‘Pleasure Beach via Promenade’, ‘Tour of Illuminations’ and ‘North Station Blackpool’. They are mounted in an attractive frame (available in white, black or stained oak), ready to hang on a wall. These unusual collectibles can now be ordered for £95 each and will be available for collection from Blackpool at Easter; alternatively delivery can be arranged, albeit for an additional charge to ensure that the Trust do not lose out on much-needed funds to help secure the continued presence of an operational fleet of vintage trams in Blackpool. Anyone who is interested in buying a framed print should contact James Millington of the Blackpool Heritage Trust by email – jamesmillington@btinternet.com.
The special booklet produced to support the heritage fleet last year is also still available for sale at the bargain price of £5, of which £4.50 is donated directly to the BHT. This item is close to selling out so again, anyone wishing to purchase a copy is encouraged to do so soon! Finally, as reported previously, the first ever ‘Ride & Dine’ tram tour is taking place on Wednesday 18th March, with a special discounted price of £20 for tickets booked in advance by contacting Jean Cox, who is available on 01253 473036 during normal office hours. It has now been confirmed that, subject to availability, Balloon 717 will be the tram used for this inaugural event and this popular tram should be a great choice to launch this latest fund-raising venture.
A sneak preview of the completed destination blind prints, now available to pre-order before they are available for collection next month. (Photo courtesy of the Blackpool Heritage Trust)
An excellent scheme and delighted i was able to purchase one. Helping the operation whilst receiving something tangible in return to grace my wall. Hopefully will be sold out in no time at all. Money can be ploughed into making improving the Blackpool Heritage Tram Tour experience.
Anyone wanting one of the remaining prints should contact James fast, they are selling out. Each print will come with a certificate of authenticity, and I can confirm that this print will never be re-printed with these particular destinations, so once these have gone, that’s it!