Heaton Park’s winter work forces three month closure

The Heaton Park Tramway have an ambitious workshop programme planned for winter 2016/17 and beyond, and to allow the scarce volunteer resources to be focussed accordingly, it has been decided not to operate a tram service this winter. This also means that the Autumn Gala, previously advertised to go ahead on 3rd November, has been cancelled.

Instead, the last trams of the year will run on Sunday 30th October for the tramway’s Halloween event. Services will resume following an extended break on 12th February with trams operating from 1200 to 1700. A programme of opening dates and special events for 2017 is currently being finalised and is expected to be announced shortly.

Whilst the loss of the Autumn Gala is regrettable, this period of closure will hopefully enable volunteers to make much more progress with a number of important projects which should enable them to put on more impressive events in 2017 and beyond. Indeed, with nothing ‘new’ to showcase the gala would probably not have been that well attended anyway.

In the workshops, attention is still concentrated on Stockport 5 which has now missed the last three seasons. Modern weatherproofing materials have been used to seal the lower deck roof/upper deck flooring in place of the traditional canvassing. Further attention has seen the sides of one staircase replaced due to the discovery of corrosion and this is currently in hand. It is hoped to finish the work on 5 early next year to get this much-loved tram back into service, which will be a very welcome boost to the running fleet.

With 5 approaching completion thoughts are turning towards the next major project, the completion of restoration work on Manchester 173 which was started many years ago. The tram should be moved to Middleton Road depot over winter for assessment to determine the exact nature of works required to get this beautiful tramcar into service. At the same time, it is proposed to carry out some tidying-up of Blackpool Vanguard 619 which is looking very shabby at present. It is not known how thorough this will be, although the wooden ceiling and the external paintwork would certainly benefit from some attention.

Other tasks which need to be tackled in the future include remedial work on Blackpool Brush Railcoach 623‘s brakes which have been giving concern for a while, forcing its use to be limited this year. It was hoped to have this completed sooner but it has been impossible to examine the car properly whilst Stockport 5 has been over the maintenance pit, and as this tram was partly dismantled with its decency panels lifted off it could not be moved out of the way. Manchester 765‘s running gear is also in need of attention, with the bearings overheating recently. Further assessment indicated that the main bearings and wheel journals will need attention in the near future. Current plans are to commission a contract firm to refurbish 765‘s bogies as soon as possible, so that once cars 5 and 173 are completed, a body overhaul can proceed as the second phase of the major renovations.

The above will definitely keep the team at Heaton Park very busy for some time to come, and will also dent the charity’s finances considerably, but should create a very robust and diverse fleet of operational trams for visitors to the park to enjoy. With Hull 96 restored to a high standard last year (although a few minor jobs remain outstanding, notably the fitting of platform doors which is not seen as a high priority at present), hopefully in a few years the Heaton Park fleet will be at an all-time high after a few challenging years with various issues affecting these elderly trams.

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32 Responses to Heaton Park’s winter work forces three month closure

  1. DAODAO says:

    The Heaton Park Tramway website has not been updated to state that there will be no services in 2016 after 30th October – surely this wouldn’t be difficult to do.

    The internet is a useful source of information, but it is often out-of-date. I went to a shop yesterday morning, that had apparently closed down a month ago, but whose website still appears as fully active!

    One of the first things that organisations should do if services are withdrawn is to put a simple message on their website that they have closed down (or are no longer providing specified services), and/or remove the relevant webpages from the public domain. Surely this isn’t complicated, compared to composing the webpages.

  2. John says:

    I think that this needs putting into context (yes am biased as a volunteer at HPT) but the headline would be the issue for me. Whilst the article may be balanced and informative it does sort of appear quite negative, expecially so close to the previous article which caused much debate. It saddens me that people are arguing over this, after all the Tramway only opened in winter under my Operational stweardship and then not all the time.

    • Andrew Waddington says:

      If someone suggests an alternative headline that explains that the tramway is closing, I’ll change it. It took me a long time to think of how to write the article and its headline in the least offensive way possible – clearly I failed.

  3. John Brookes says:

    The problem is a lot of readers have, over the years, voiced misgivings over your style of writing. There is noticiable bias with the way you report on the different societies/systems! Yes everybody has a favourite, but if your writing an article is the ‘news’ section, opinion should never come I to it!

    The last time this reared it’s head, the site owner banned all comments. There are a number of forums where readers can get info far more current than offered on this site. Telling somebody to take there reading eyes elsewhere is madness!

    • Andrew Waddington says:

      Which societies/systems are favoured? Some have said I’m biased towards Blackpool in the past but recently I’ve been criticised for being unfair to them. Likewise I’ve occasionally been ‘told off’ for being negative towards Crich, despite giving their events glowing reviews. I really don’t understand what I’ve done wrong, however if a lot of people have a problem with my writing then I can step down as I don’t want to upset people. Please let me know if you want this.

      • Steve Hyde says:

        Andrew, don’t step down. I am sure that most people don’t want that at all. I for one appreciate the efforts you and Gareth make and the time you both spend to keep us informed.

        • Steve Kemp says:

          I have always been a fan of your fantastic site, without Andrew and Gareth putting in all of the time and effort the tram enthusiast world in the uk would be virtually non existent. I rely on info, facts, news and dates of events from this source alone. It is personal and difficult to comment in words.

      • Geoff, Isle of Man says:

        I, for one, certainly do NOT want you to ‘step down’. I have no particular axe to grind for or against any particular UK system or museum; living in the Isle of Man, I rely heavily on websites like BTO for up-to-date, factual and honest information, which I feel you provide. I get the feeling that some contributors are much too touchy and see offence where none was intended.

  4. Colin Smith says:

    I echo the sentiments expressed above. Andrew, you and Gareth will not please all the people all of the time. It would really worry me if you did because that is the exact opposite to what honest journalism is all about. We all realise that you can only report things that either you see for yourself or that others see and pass on the information so that you can make a better job of reporting than they can. You both do an extremely difficult job of balancing facts against personal opinion and, in this observers view, you do it superbly well. By resigning, stepping down, call it what you will, you are only ensuring that those who “knock” your efforts are winning the battle. Keep up the good work, please for you are one of the reasons my interest in trams and tramways is still as keen. And I’m certain that those of us unable to get out as much as we would like to be able to see for ourselves gain lots of information from your work.

  5. Tony Sullivan says:

    Neither do I want you to “step down” I really appreciate all the work that you and Gareth put into the web site to keep us all informed. I was taught many, many years ago that however carefully you write about a subject there will always be someone who puts a completely different interpretation on what you have written to what you were trying to say. Keep up the good work!

  6. HowieB says:

    It would be interesting to see if Mr Brookes can bring forward any hard evidence to support his contentions in the first two sentences of his first paragraph – names and dates, please. And as for Mr Waddington dealing with criticism by saying that he will take his football and play somewhere else, well, really, that’s kids’ playground stuff. Anyone who feels that this site fails to keep up to date has a simple remedy….

    • John Brookes says:

      I’ve read this forum regularly since its inception. Back in the days of dial up! In those days the news section was predominately rewritten press realises and quoted articles. Then other online discussion forums came along that allowed news to be published ‘live’! Bear in mind that many of the pictures posted on this site by 3Rd party contributers have appeared elsewhere online days before! If Mr Waddington feels the need to spit his dummy out in public because people in the have commented that they don’t like his writing style, then this page has fundamental issues! Like I say, we’ve been here before.

      • Andrew Waddington says:

        Hi John – further to your latest comment, I’d like to make a few points.

        I acknowledge my initial comment was a little OTT, but a lot of work does go into what is essentially a ‘hobby’ site and so naturally it is upsetting when people take what you are doing the wrong way. I was having a bad day as inevitably we all do, and on such occasions hobbies such as writing about trams are a form of some escapism. As I explained in my earlier response to Ken Jones, my main aim with this article was to ensure that our readers were alerted to when they should not visit Heaton Park to avoid a wasted journey, and also to explain the reasons for the closure. Choosing a suitable headline which summarised this was not an easy task, and I have said already that if anyone could think of a better alternative heading that made the same point I would be happy to change it. So far nobody has done so.

        As you acknowledge we do rely on a lot of contributions from other people, as due to our own commitments its not possible for me or Gareth to be at all the tram events in the UK. Therefore it is inevitable that people who look at a lot of tram content on the Internet will have seen some of the photos before – so surely that emphasises the importance of distinctive writing, to ensure that we are not simply copying what has appeared elsewhere. There would arguably be little point in this site existing if everything on it was taken from other websites. Naturally, the best way to ensure that British Trams Online provides its own unique content is to send us photos, or even an article – that way we can cover a much wider range of events and offer alternative views.

        Thanks again for your feedback on the website, it will be taken on board.

  7. Andrew, as a regular volunteer at one of our heritage tramways I would like to offer my support for the excellent work that you do. Your reporting of events is factual and very informative, the very fact that this site has been going as long as it has should be an endorsement of the quality of your work. Please keep going.

  8. Ken Jones says:

    Good for bias in the reporting: heaven help us if the article read we went to see a red and cream tram – it was very pretty – we had a cup of tea and then we all went home. The HPT website still tells me it’s open on the 31st July – that’s their latest news. Thank goodness I look to BTO for updated news. Andrew and Gareth do a great job and I don’t care if their reporting appears biased – it’s better than no updates. Geoff’s last line is particularly true.

    • Andrew Waddington says:

      Thanks so much Ken – and everyone else who has been supportive – you have summed up essentially why the ‘controversial’ articles about enforced closures were posted in the first place. This site aims to inform people of what is, and indeed, what isn’t happening on tramways; personally I think it is better to let people know somewhere will be closed than having people turn up and have a wasted journey. That’s another reason why Crich running two cars instead of three on some days didn’t get reported on – it was only announced on the day which was too late to be of use to anyone planning a visit. In any case, two trams are obviously better than none!

      I also wanted to ensure that people would see that a tramway would be closed just by skimming through the news page, hence the need to emphasise this in the headline. I’m sorry some people took offence over it but if the article had been headed ‘winter works for Heaton Park’ or similar, some people may not have read it and therefore not realised they wouldn’t be able to visit. As I’ve said before I have been a big supporter of Heaton Park in the past and I would hope that many people at the tramway know this and see where I’m coming from.

      One person who made a post yesterday has asked for their comment to be removed so if things seem a bit confusing that is why. Anyway, its probably time to draw a line under this debate now and get back to the news!

    • Martin Bryan says:

      I agree the website should be up to date but just to add a little context. Heaton Park Tramway is 100% volunteer run. The volunteer responsible for the website is also responsible for, the Facebook page, Twitter account, society e-mail address, is a board member with all associated responsibilities, a guard, guard trainer joint project lead on Stockport 5, event planning and volunteer recruitment.
      All that’s on top of a full time job and being married with 2 young children.
      We do our best, unfortunately its not always good enough and for that I apologise. Anyone willing to help would be VERY welcome to volunteer and join what is a very small group (less than 40).

      • Steve says:

        Well said Martin and Andrew. Without the hard work of a small group of dedicated members, there would be no tramway to visit. What we also need to remember is that by closing the same members who keep the service going can get back to the workshop and push on with the restoration of Stockport 5. The same can be said for the dedication of Andrew and Gareth as BTO is a jolly good site and long may it continue.

      • Ken Jones says:

        Most of us lead busy lives, juggling work, family and other commitments. If there is not time to update a website then perhaps societies should send news text to Andrew & Gareth who then can just cut and paste it. People always have the facility to say on their website that it is not up to date due to other priorities, but don’t attack the people who are kind enough to bring us updates. Gareth has written a very good statement about BTO so it’s time in my opinion to move on.

  9. james jones says:

    The work you guys do us priceless to most of us who have an interest in trams and tramways you cannot please everyone so dont try report it as you see it like you have always done its easy for someone wedged in an armchair to complain and moan , probably the same guys who hog double seats and whose glasses are always half empty keep up the invaluble work you guys do if others dont like it they can read news elsewhere !!!!!!!!!!!

  10. James Robinson says:

    If Society members feel upset by your articles I suggest that they supply information to you about their situation, not complain about afterwards

  11. David Mee says:

    As someone with a deep appreciation of all things tram, and a subscriber to many sources of information regarding both heritage and modern tramways my feeling is that British Trams Online is the least biased and most positive source of information, and I find myself returning frequently because of its first class content. Running a resource like this must be a time consuming and at times thankless task, so I for one would like to put on record my appreciation to Gareth and Andrew for all the enjoyment I have had as a result of reading BTO. Please carry on!

    I have re-read the original article and its title a couple of times and my feeling is that it is balanced, honest journalism. I have visited all of the UK heritage tram operations and have found them all friendly and professional. I have good memories of my one day at Heaton Park, I was even allowed to see the cars under maintenance and my questions were answered with good humour. However, communication is not a particularly strong point. I live in South Wales and have visited Manchester on three occasions, each time intending to travel on the tramway on a scheduled operating day, on each occasion I checked the website the night before to confirm it was running. On the first occasion there had been a light dusting of snow overnight, the park was busy but the tramway was closed with no information provided to explain why to the visitor. The second was my successful and very enjoyable trip, the third this summer on a very sunny day when the park was packed with people. Again the tramway was closed, but close inspection of the notice board at Middleton Road found a small handwritten note explaining that it would be closed for two consecutive Saturdays. One in three success – was I just unlucky? Not good enough I am afraid and in these days of website, Facebook, twitter etc totally avoidable. Positive visitor experience leads to recommendations to friends and repeat visits. Experiences like mine have the opposite result and must be avoided. Proper marketing is just as important as time spent restoring vehicles, it creates the funds that allow development. I wish all at Heaton Park the very best, It is a unique and impressive attraction, but please sort your lines of communication out, it will benefit the tramway and its visitors immensely.

    • Ken Walker says:

      I see nothing wrong with the headline, it is a statement of fact. There have been several posts about not being advised that the tramway is not operating, now information has been published in advance and Andrew is being criticised for the way he has worded it. Words fail me!
      Andrew and Gareth, you have my complete support and should carry on just as you are.

      • John D says:

        But its not a statement of fact! The Tramway were closing anyway as they have done the last few winters – this year’s work hasn’t forced it! It is common for many places to close for a period in winter to allow for maintenance etc. When we did open in winter we had the resources to do both run and maintain, but like everywhere else HP is in a lull volunteer wise so have taken the decision to close the last few winters. I’m sure they will be back bigger and better!

        • Ken Walker says:

          The closure was going to include cancelling the autumn gala all along then?

          • Andrew Waddington says:

            No it wasn’t. The information about the reason for the winter closure and cancelling the gala day was in the latest MTMS newsletter. If that’s wrong then we really have got problems!

          • Andrew Waddington says:

            In fact after writing this I remembered that there was a further event planned for December this year (‘Tram & a Dram’ I think?) – I’m not sure if that one made it onto the Heaton Park website or was only advertised to members, but it was planned so presumably there was an intention to run at least some level of service over winter at some point, if only on 1 or 2 special days. If the three month closure was planned all along then why were events being arranged during that time?

          • Ken Walker says:

            You are right Andrew, Tram and a Dram in December, shown cancelled in the journal.
            The Events page shows 30th October as Halloween event and last running day for 2016 but the timetable page shows the tramway open every Sunday until 18th December! Very confusing.

          • John D says:

            Andrew – the Tram and Dram was going to be a one off weekend.

          • Steve says:

            I must admit I do find it sad that some people who appear to be calling the museum are actually members of the said museum and have a lot more access to the working of Heaton park and the various sources of imformation that members have access to. Maybe rather than complain they would be better trying to improve things or helping out with the skills that they have.

    • Gareth Prior says:

      And I think David’s comment is the key point in all this. Nobody here at British Trams Online is anti Heaton Park and never has been we have just merely been reporting the facts about closures and trying to get the news out there in case there is anyone thinking of planning on attending the tramway. In this day and age people have so many calls on their spare time and if they decide to visit somewhere and then when they get there find out it isn’t open after all they are going to think twice before thinking of going back to that location again. If you get enthusiasts starting to think twice about going then you start to have a problem as what is a “normal” person going to think if it happens to them and they don’t really have any particular interest in trams? We all know that no heritage tramway can survive on enthusiasts alone so it is the general public who are key and it is the “customer experience” which will persuade them to go back and also potentially tell their friends so they can visit as well. We all recognise there are reasons for the closures but as David says they must be advertised as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

      We all want Heaton Park and all the other heritage tramways in the UK to survive and prosper and British Trams Online will continue to report on good, bad and ugly!

      • Ken Walker says:

        I fully agree. I dread to think how much David’s abortive trips from South Wales cost him in time and hard cash, just for the sake of someone spending 5 minutes to put an alert on the website. It is costing the tramway goodwill and costing supporters money that in these times many of them can ill afford to waste. When people are doing their best to be supportive of the tramway surely spending a few minutes to try to save people a wasted journey is not much to ask in return in the interest of good public relations. I cannot believe that only one person has access to the website to do this. Of course Heaton Park is far from being the only place guilty of this.
        Other than that, 10 out of 10 to HPT on all their achievements!

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