The Heaton Park Tramway’s first proper event of 2013 took place on Sunday 24th March, in the shape of the highly-anticipated ‘Spring Gala’. As reported previously, the event organisers were struck by bad luck on several occasions in the run-up to the big day, with the absence of Leeds 6 (which had been due to return home from Beamish a few days earlier) being the latest setback. However, in spite of these issues, the team at Heaton Park did their best to put on a good show and ensured that the day’s events were greatly enjoyed by those who attended.
All three of the currently available tramcars at the park were used in service during the day, with Blackpool 623 starting the day’s events. During the afternoon it was joined in action by both Stockport 5 and Manchester 765 – the former being the star of the show, as this was its first day back in service following a winter refresh. The recently applied period-style advertisements on its decency panels attracted a great deal of praise from the many visitors who had not previously had the opportunity to admire the new-look tram, and it seems to be widely agreed that it now looks far better than at any time since its restoration in the 1990s.
The lady Mayor of Manchester was invited to enjoy a ceremonial journey aboard Stockport 5, before the tram was officially relaunched at about 1:00pm. After a few short speeches by Operations Manager John Whitehouse and MTMS President Bob Hill, who was also actively involved in 5‘s restoration, a beautiful watch bearing an image of car 5 was presented to Martin Bryan, who had led the project to smarten up the tram over the past few months. The tram then operated from the depot to Middleton Road and then to Lakeside, where it was lined up with the other two service trams, 623 and 765, side by side using the new depot track fan. This required a good amount of shunting by the crews on site, but was certainly much appreciated by the photographers who were present to witness this fantastic lineup! Soon afterwards, 623 was requestitioned for Tram Driving Experience trips for the remainder of the day leaving the two local cars to continue in public service.
Other highlights during the day included a photo opprtunity with Manchester 765 posed through the park gates, and the display of the latest addition to the fleet – a works vehicle now officially known as 02, but also referred to as ‘The Beast’, outside the current depot! 765 also carried a board commemorating 80 years since the last tram ran along Middleton Road on Manchester’s first generation tram system. Also in attendance were a pair of vintage buses provided by the Lancastrian Transport Trust, whilst Vanguard 7 was displayed on the depot approach track.
For many who attended the event though, it may be best remembered for the less than spring-like weather conditions! However, despite a freezing cold wind, a respectable number of visitors still came along and seemed to enjoy themselves greatly, with some even sampling an open top deck ride on Stockport 5. In spite of the many setbacks they had faced, the volunteers at Heaton Park had succeeded in putting on a very enjoyable event – but let’s hope that it will be a bit warmer (or preferably a lot warmer) for their next special event day!
The highlight of the Heaton Park Spring Gala, with cars 623, 5 and 765 posed together at Lakeside teminus. (Photo by Tony Waddington)
I was there myself, to say it was a bit chilly is an understatement, but the folk from heaton Park put on a great show and are to be commended . Its always a pleasure to visit there and all visitors are made very welcome.
Well done. Nice to hear some good news. Unfortunately I was unable to attend due to manning our TTC stall at GMTS spring bazaar held same weekend.