The Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society have been seeking input on an idea recently put forward that Liverpool 762 be named after the late Sir Ken Dodd. As well as being a comedy legend, Ken Dodd was also a local boy who had been an honoury ambassador of the Birkenhead heritage tramway, having appeared on a BBC documentary programme entitled ‘The Golden Age of Trams’ a few years ago riding on 762.
Sir Ken had a tram route near his home at Knotty Ash (yes its a real place!) and had often told stories of his fond memories of using the tram services to get to his gigs at Liverpool and Birkenhead in the early years of his remarkable career in comedy.
No final decision has yet been made regarding whether Liverpool 762 will be named ‘Ken Dodd’, but early signs are that most people seem to be in favour of the idea. There is some debate, however, as to where a name should be placed on the vehicle – some people wish a name to be prominently displayed on the exterior so that it can be seen by as many people as possible, whilst others have expressed the view that an internal plaque would be more appropriate to preserve the tram’s historic appearance. Whatever is ultimately decided, it seems that this Merseyside hero will be remembered for many years with help from his local tramway.
Naming Tramcars (particularly preserved tramcars) seems fraught with complications and often seems to be handled quite poorly. Names seem to come and go. Some names seem entirely inappropriate. Some names fall from grace (and then what is the fresh hold in which you pull it off) . I look at some of Blackpool Names and wince (002 Classic Example) but plenty others. Its difficult one. Dont envy the decision makers. If it was me id move away from naming heritage trams. Some really gimmicky ones proposed and occurred. 717 seemed to be bit of gimmick in 2014 (and bit harsh on the bloke whose name now buried on piece of paper inside now)
Saying this should say thoughts with his friends and family and certainly character that whatever happens naming wise will be remembers long into future.
Putting a name on a preserved tram, however tattifalarious the worthy person’s name may be, is inviting people to believe that the tram ran with that name on it when it was in service more than 70 years ago. It did not, so it is as historically incorrect as painting the tram in a modern bus operator’s livery. It is different when they name a modern tram operating today on a contemporary system.
As a committee member I have spoken to other members of the committee and we do not know where this idea came from. In line with the two gents above we think if it did not run in service with that name then it should run as orriginal.
It was originally mentioned on the Wirral Transport Museum & Heritage Tramway Facebook page.
Thanks I will take it up with the person responsible.
I agree with not naming Trams. In my personal opinion the only one which should be named is Princess Alice due to the historical significance. Otherwise dedications should be on a plaque inside. Modern trams are fine,as that is a tradition which has been in place from early on. named Historic vehicles just look ridiculous – or if you must do it, have a time limit of say 12 months.
Sounds like someone needs to get a grip of the ‘official’ Birkenhead facebook page!
Has the name been removed from 147 since it’s repaint? I always thought 600’s name board looks a bit ridiculous.
You’ll find out this weekend when it comes back into service.