The Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society have confirmed in their latest members’
newsletter, that their superbly restored open-top tramcar Birkenhead 20 is to visit Beamish Museum for a few weeks during spring 2012. The car is due to be one of the star attractions at the Museum’s annual ‘Great North Steam Fair’ event, which is being held from April 12th to 15th consecutively.
Last year it was revealed that plans were afoot for the MTPS to join the ranks of
preservation societies to loan a tram to Beamish, and it is now confirmed that 20 will be making the journey. The tram is due to be transported by Scott’s Heavy Haulage in late March, so that the staff at Beamish Museum can familiarise themselves with the car in time for its starring role at the event. The Museum have also kindly arranged for the MTPS to have their own special day with their tram on Saturday 21st April, when all current members will be allowed to enjoy Birkenhead 20 as well as the many other attractions that Beamish has to offer completely free of charge! Depending on the level of interest, a coach trip is proposed from Merseyside to enable local members to see car 20 operating in unfamiliar surroundings.
This loan should be another significant milestone for the Merseyside preservationists,
following the previous successful loan of Liverpool 762 to Blackpool in 2010. It will also continue the many interesting events to be held at Beamish in recent years, and with cars from Heaton Park, Crich, East Anglia and the Lancastrian Transport Trust having already run there it is extremely pleasing that a Birkenhead tram is set to join in. All parties must be congratulated for working together to make so many amazing events happen, and with plenty more exciting plans for the future, Beamish has certainly become one of the premier attractions for tram enthusiasts in the UK.