Support amongst Tramway Museum Society members is growing for the resumption of Santa Specials at Crich Tramway Village next year. These have been a nice source of income during the lean winter months in previous years, and with other heritage tramways now tapping into this market, it seems that the TMS is feeling a little left out this year.
This winter has seen the museum offer free entry to visitors on selected dates, but with no trams running. Instead, the emphasis has been placed on a series of craft workshops and activity sessions for young children (with extra charges made!), although perhaps unsurprisingly these have failed to attract much interest. Inexplicably, in spite of the disapointing attendance figures these events have now been extended beyond the festive season and look set to continue into 2013.
For next year, proposals have been suggested for a proper Christmas event on one weekend in December, with craft stalls also on offer. However, it is unlikely that an electric tram service could be operated – presumably this is because of planned excavation works alongside the Red Lion pub, which will see the overhead power being switched off. A novel solution has been put forward however, which could see a horse tram service provided instead! This idea has actually been tried before during the 1980s when Chesterfield 8 operated for a Santa event, although as this tram is now a static exhibit it would almost certainly be Sheffield 15 that would be operated this time around. If this idea comes to fruition it would certainly be one of the more unsual events seen at Crich for some time, and would provide a very novel attraction during the winter.