Last time that the Seaton Tramway’s number 12 operated in Devon it was carrying a special 40th anniversary livery which featured modern vinyls on top of a red and yellow base but all that is about to change when it is relaunched into service on Monday 26th May. Over the winter period the tram – which was rebuilt in 1999 to resemble an open top Feltham car – has been undergoing attention in the workshops at Riverside Depot which has included a full repaint into its more traditional London Metropolitan Red and White livery and it will also carry adverts for the Cats Protection charity.
12 will be launched at 1030 at the Seaton Terminus on Monday 26th May (that’s the Bank Holiday in case you were wondering why it was happening on such a strange day) by Seaton Town Crier, David Craner, with the “VIP” cats present doing the honours of cutting the ribbon. The tram will then form the 1100 departure to Colyton and the first 20 people to turn up for that journey will be able to travel free of charge.
The day will see lots of exciting fundraising activities for the Cats Protection to help raise awareness of the much-loved charity. Events will include a tombola, children’s colouring, face painting and fancy dress; there will also be a collecting bucket where they ask visitors to give generously to the charity. The Tramstop Café at Colyton will also be getting in on the act by selling cat themed refreshments.
After 12 is launched back into service it should firmly re-establish itself as part of the Seaton Tramway fleet where its 48 seat capacity (only bettered by the three “new” trams and equalled by 17) will hopefully prove to be well used during the daily operating of the tramway until the start of November.