Happy New Year one and all! As we arrive in 2020 it is time to say goodbye to 2019 with the final edition of “15 Years Apart. With there having been a Blackpool bias to this series where else would we finish than the Fylde Coast and the tram is Centenary 648.
2004 was pre mid-life refresh for 648 with the once 651 still in its fully traditional guise although the green and cream had long gone to be replaced by this advertising livery for Orion Bingo. With a bright orange base coat and clear signwriting the advert was a welcome addition to Blackpool Prom when it was applied two years earlier in 2002 and it would go on to carry these colours until 2005. The tram calls at Cabin here bound for Pleasure Beach on 7th September 2004.
And on 28th September 2019 we see 648 at Manchester Square working heritage tours during the September Spectacular event. Now back in green and cream 648 has a sympathetic overhaul to return it to its near original look and is firmly established as a regular performer on heritage tours.
Both Photographs by Gareth Prior
And that is the end of this series. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this “Then and Now” series – will it return? Who knows! But 2005 did see the start of digital photography for me which means there are a lot more photos to look at in 2020!