More bad news may have been received about the Birkenhead Heritage Tramway since but it was all systems go again on the Wirral on Saturday 17th December when the tramway reopened for their Santa Specials. Two trams were in operation on this day with Wallasey 78 used on the Santa Specials whilst current “Tram of the Year” Liverpool 762 was in use on public service (with a number of enthusiasts keen to sample the delights of a Saturday tram ride in the north west once again).
As well as 78 and 762, Hong Kong built Birkenhead 70 was stabled on the stub at Woodside Ferry whilst sister Birkenhead 69 was at Taylor Street sidings meaning four trams out of the fleet were visible in the open during the day.
Everything ran smoothly on the day as the team from the Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society put on an enjoyable show in the belief that this was just the start of the return of operation. However, as reported elsewhere this is no longer the case and Saturday 17th December is in fact the last day for the foreseeable future when trams will be running on the Wirral.