Balloon cars visit Starr Gate

The appearance of any of Blackpool’s traditional trams at the new Starr Gate depot, normally reserved solely for housing the Flexity2 class, always continues to create intrigue amongst enthusiasts. Recently, open top Balloon car ‘Princess Alice’ 706 spent a few days at this unfamiliar site, whilst refurbished Balloon 711 has also spent some time at the southern terminus during August.

Tackling 706 first, and this tram was briefly stabled at Starr Gate depot earlier this month. It has now come to light that this was in connection with a photo shoot outside the tram depot, featuring a local contemporary dance troupe. The group posed for the cameras on the top deck of 706, and also aboard one of the Flexity2 trams, showing off some of their impressive dance moves.

More recently, a member of the ‘B’ Fleet was seen at Starr Gate in the form of car 711. This tram was transferred to the new depot complex for a special ceremony, celebrating the life of BTS employee Ray Roberts, who sadly passed away last year. Ray was a well known and much-loved member of the workshop staff based at Rigby Road, and was so highly thought of that 711 has now been named after him. The name, which has been applied using gold transfers placed underneath the tram’s destination screens, was unveiled by Ray’s daughter Vikkie Roberts on Monday 19th August, with other family members and former colleagues in attendance. Much to the amusement of the crowd, the string on the label covering up the name on 711 fell off, meaning that Ray’s daughter had to climb up a ladder to uncover it!

Ray has clearly made a big impression on many people from Blackpool and elsewhere and he will surely never be forgotten, but this lasting tribute to his contribution made towards the company is a lovely gesture by BTS, and one that is much appreciated by those who knew him. The ceremony ended with the unveiling of the ‘Ray Roberts Memorial Trophy’, which is to be used for a future social event involving BTS staff, to Ray’s family and then a short ride to the Foxhall and back aboard 711 for the invited guests followed. This was the tram’s first use since the late May Bank Holiday, although rumours suggest that the modified Balloons may be used over the October school half-term holidays, as happened last year.

711 is seen being driven out of the depot at the start of the ceremony on 19th August, with its name still covered up.

Vikkie Roberts smiles as she unveils her father's name on Balloon car 711.

Ray Roberts' family pose with the newly named 711 and his memorial trophy in front of Starr Gate depot. (All photos by Rob Bray)