As with many heritage tramways and railways across the country, the Seaton Tramway in Devon have had to close as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and as a result have seen their usual income streams end suddenly but still require funding to maintain the infrastructure for that time in the future – which will come one day, whenever that may be! – when they do reopen. To bring some funding in during these uncertain times they have announced a Tramathon Fundraising Appeal as well as offering would be visitors the chance to buy a ticket now which can be redeemed at any point until the end of 2021.
The Tramathon Fundraising Appeal will see a week of live videos streamed online to help raise money for the charity and help to secure the future of the tramway and its industrial heritage. Taking place between Monday 8th and Friday 12th June the Seaton Tramway will be going live on Facebook each day, going behind the scenes of the operation and its fleet of trams.
This will include, on Thursday 11th June the start of a 24 hour tram trip continuously between Seaton and Colyton! Streamed live online for the full 24 hours this will help to raise more money for the charity as they seek to secure the future of the Tramway when we get out of the pandemic.
In addition to the 24 hour Tramathon there will be videos introducing viewers to new projects – such as the new tramstops which had been due to open during 2020 as announced with great fanfare just a few months ago – as well as Q&A sessions and a live Driver’s Eye Experience. And all this from the comfort of your own home.
To help support the tramway during these special live events you will be able to donate at http://bit.ly/DonateToSeatonTramway – and for anyone who makes a donation of at least £5 you will be entered into a prize draw where you can win Seaton Tramway goodies. These will include:
* Lifetime Loyalty Card
* Lifetime Free Travel for you and one guest
* Hamper of products and merchandise worth £100
* Two free tickets to any event in 2021
* Free Half Day Tram Driving lesson
* Free Whole Day Tram Driving lesson
2020 would have seen the tramway celebrate their 50th anniversary including a special event over the August Bank Holiday weekend but with the current climate this has been put on hold and now they need your support to help ensure that when they can they reopen in a strong position and are ready for next 50 years!
As well as the Tramathon Fundraising appeal they have also announced that the “Hero Ticket” is now available which can be purchased now and then redeemed against a standard Explorer ticket once they reopen – any time up until 31st December 2021 (can be redeemed once only).
This ticket can be purchased as the usual price through the Seaton Tramway website and will help the tramway to receive the funds now and use it to continue to maintain the tramway infrastructure.
There are two “Hero Tickets” available – a standard one person ticket and a “Family Hero Ticket” which covers two adults and two children. They will be able to be presented for travel on any day there is a standard tram service for the equivalent of an All Day Explorer ticket until 31st December 2021. Any tickets purchased will also give priority access to booking any events in 2021.
At the same time as launching this ticket the tramway have also confirmed that all NHS and Care Home staff will be able to travel for free at any point until 31st December 2021 on production of a valid ID.
* “Hero Tickets” can be purchased on the Seaton Tramway website.