Derbyshire Dales MP Patrick McLoughlin, who is also the Secretary of State for Transport, paid a brief visit to the Crich Tramway Village on Friday 26th October. During his time at the museum, the MP took to the controls of Southampton 45 for a rare opportunity to drive one of the museum’s vintage tramcars.
Mr McLoughlin was also treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the TMS library and the George Stephenson Workshop exhibition area, before taking lunch in the Red Lion. After the visit, Mr McLoughlin commented: “I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to visit the Crich Tramway Village in the heart of the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. I have been incredibly impressed by the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers who make this such a valuable tourist attraction and education centre, both for Derbyshire and the country as a whole. I am sure that their dedication to preserving our proud transport heritage and sharing their knowledge with others will see the museum continue to go from strength to strength.”
Presumably this was a social visit from the Secretary of State, and the TMS are not seeking support to expand their operations with an extended tramway and a fleet of modern LRVs!
MP Patrick McLoughlin is seen taking to the handles of Southampton 45, under close supervision from a Driving Instructor. (Photo courtesey of the Crich Tramway Village Blog)