The Coronavirus pandemic continues to make its presence felt with more events having to be cancelled as we all put social distancing and the effective lockdown into full practice. One of the latest events to be cancelled is the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza which was due to take place over the VE Day Bank Holiday weekend. This is the most important weekend of the year for the Llandudno and Colwyn Bay Electric Railway Society who display their tram throughout the weekend, raising some much needed funds in the process for the upkeep of the tram and to ensure it can continue to visit the local area and to keep the history alive. Without this fundraising avenue the Society are now appealing for funds to keep no. 7 stored undercover.
In a statement the Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Electric Railway Society have said: “Our Tram No.7 was planned to attend the annual Victorian weekend at Llandudno in early-May, but that event has sadly had to be cancelled as part of the Coronavirus precautions. This is traditionally our main fund-raising weekend of the year and without that, we need to quickly raise £1,000 pounds now for the rent to keep Tram No.7 securely protected under cover and for basic maintenance materials to enable her to again visit local events once the Pandemic is over. Our contingency fund has had to be spent over the winter on essential repairs to the road trainer on which No.7 is mounted, without which it would be impossible to move her.”
The statement continues: “We are an extremely small society and unlike many other groups, unfortunately do not have any generous benefactor. If just 100 readers of British Trams Online were to contribute £10 – we would quickly reach the target and ensure the future of the tram – which might well be in doubt if we fail to raise enough money. We know this is a very difficult time for everyone, so rather than just giving and getting nothing in return, please join the Society (same £10) for the next year and in return you will get a copy of the Society Magazine (issued 3 or 4 times annually) as well as the opportunity to come on board the tram to look round next time she is able to go out.”
To help out you can visit the Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Electric Railway Society website and then follow the link at the bottom of the page under “Society Committee and Officers” to choose either the Treasurer or Membership Secretary for full contact details.
The Society also have the option for businesses to advertise either on the outside on inside 7 for generous donation. Details of how you can sponsor the tram can also be found by following the links above.
Since 7 was restored for display at local events – including a trip to the Wirral Bus and Tram Show – it has proved to be a popular exhibit but now the possibility of future appearances has been thrown in doubt, so any help will be gratefully received by the Society – however, big or small.
Happier times with 7 setting off for the 2019 Parade at the Victorian Extravaganza.
New parts seen under the trailer having been repaired over the winter and taking the Society’s reserves. (Both Photographs courtesy of Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Electric Railway Society)