HRH Duke of Gloucester was on hand at a special members day at the Crich Tramway Village on Wednesday 20th October to drive Newcastle 102 out of the Workshop to re-launch it after its Tramcar Sponsorship Organisation funded restoration. Although not quite ready for a full return to service – with more testing to come – this was a significant step in the return to service for 102 which is sure to be a popular addition to the operating fleet at Crich.
The special members day saw the museum closed to the general public with pre-booked Tramway Museum Society members able to visit and find out more about the latest projects and future plans at the Crich Tramway Village.
HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, attended the day (as Patron of the TMS) and also in attendance were special guests, the HM Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE and Consort Mr Fothergill, Mayor of Amber Valley, Councillor David Taylor and Consort Mrs Valerie Taylor. Two Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets, Cadet Colour Sergeant Claudia Gration and Cadet Staff Sergeant William Stelfox saluted the Duke on arrival and departure.
The Duke of Gloucester was met by Tramway Museum Society Chairman, Karen Rigg and President Ian Ross, along with Crich Tramway Village General Manager, Dr Mike Galer upon arrival and after he drove Newcastle 102 out of the Workshop (under supervision!) he met some TMS members. He also toured the Great Exhibition Hall and then took a further tram drive on Liverpool 869.
Karen Rigg said: “We were very pleased to welcome our Patron to the Museum once again and delighted that he launched our recent restoration project”.
Dr Mike Galer added: “We were thrilled to offer this special day for our members and take the opportunity to share our future plans”.
- Crich Tramway Village is now open every day until Sunday 31st October with the exception of Friday 22nd It then closes for the winter period and reopens on 12th March 2022.
The Duke of Gloucester is welcomed to the museum by Dr Mike Galer, Karen Rigg and Ian Ross.
Ian Rigg, Lead Instructor, shows the Duke of Gloucester how to drive Newcastle 102. (Both Photographs courtesy of Crich Tramway Village)