We’re back to Blackpool again for this latest edition of “Picture in Time” as we take a look back to a Fleetwood Tram Sunday event.
This photo was taken at Tram Sunday, an event which started in Centenary year, 1985, and whilst still continuing today is a very different event to that which was seen in the early years.
At this time trams ran through the streets of Fleetwood – normally very slowly as it was packed full of people and visiting vehicles. And in this image we see a tram which has always turned heads, Blackpool Dreadnought 59. Built in 1902, it would remain in service until 1935 when it as withdrawn following the entry into service of the new Luxury Dreadnoughts (the original open top Balloon cars). It remained stored until 1959 when it was restored to operation for the 1960 75th anniversary of the tramway. Then 1965 saw it move to Crich, where it did see some use but then fell out of use. A return to Blackpool came in 1975 where it remained for 15 years. 1990 saw it return to Crich where it was a static exhibit until being moved to Clay Cross in 1995. And that is where it has remained for 30 years.
In this photo we also see the front of Open Top Balloon 706 in its Coral Social Clubs advertising livery, which probably helps to date this photo as 1989?
Photograph by Tony Stevenson, 1989