One of the big themes of the pandemic has been the need for various tramways to find a new funding stream whilst they were unable to open and then open under restrictions. Whilst there have been fundraising campaigns to the general public there have also been other funds willing to support heritage organisations and the Crich Tramway Village are celebrating after manging to get £316,000 through three different funding sources – much needed money during these uncertain and unprecedented times.
The money that Crich have received has come from three different sources with the largest amount from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This fund has awarded Crich Tramway Village £250,000 in emergency funding with a further £25,000 coming from Amber Valley Borough Council’s Local Authority Discretionary Grant fund.
The remaining £41,000 has been raised by Tramway Museum Society members and the general public following a recent fundraising campaign.
Dr Mike Galer, Crich Tramway Village General Manager, said: “This money, along with the generous support funding of £41,000 from a member and public appeal, will go a long way in ensuring we are able to continue to stay open for the remains of the summer season and survive the winter ahead. We are very grateful to all those who donated money or have paid for entrance since we have re-opened; your help and loyal support is much appreciated. We also wish to say a big thank you to all those National Lottery players who have helped to create vital emergency funding and to Amber Valley Borough Council for local support. Over 11,000 people have returned to us for a great day-out since we re-opened on the 11th July and we hope to welcome many more people in the months ahead. Stay safe.”
Crich remains open every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as well as Bank Holiday Monday 31st August with the previously reported Covid-19 restrictions still in place. Three trams are usually in service each day with tram rides having to be pre-booked at admissions upon arrival. The Access Tram is now also running again, but this must be pre-booked a week in advance and it will only be available on Tuesdays and Saturdays.