Former Blackpool Councillor Alderman E.E. Wynne has passed away at the age of 96, shortly after having a Blackpool tram named after him. Wynne died earlier this month, mere weeks after attending the unveiling of his name in gold letters on both ends of Flexity 002. He was the first person to have one of the new Blackpool Flexity2 trams named in his honour, recognising his many years of service with the local Council.
The naming of 002 was rather controversial as Alderman Wynne had not exactly become known as a friend to the town’s tram system and was actually in favour of complete closure when the future of the tramway was in doubt. However, his years of hard work were nonetheless recognised with the naming and the tram should remain a lasting tribute to his efforts, even if the vehicle may not seem the most appropriate tribute to him under the circumstances.
As an aside, and despite spending several months back at Germany undergoing modifications, 002 remains the most elusive of all the Flexities and continues to be used infrequently.
Maybe they will get around to naming a new bus after him in the future which would be more appropriate. Many open top buses are named after famous and important people.
Perhaps it would have been better if a bus had been named after him, as presumably that was his preference?