Blackpool Tramtown visit 16th June 2025

A number of our members are volunteers at Tramtown. Those with green or high vis jackets in the photo below.

Our visit began with photos firstly at the gate with the Blackpool Illuminations figures reminding us of our upcoming visit to the Illuminations Depot. Then the next photo in front of Boat Tram ‘Duchess of Cornwall’. Group Photos courtesy of Gary Mitchell.

We climbed on board the Boat Tram while a guide explained its history. Built in the 1930s at English Electric Preston for Blackpool Corporation Transport. Ever popular on a sunny day they attract attention and help enliven the Blackpool Prom.

The exhibits include three trams and the underfloor, or tram chassis, shown below. This a 1933 English Electric Ltd design for the Blackpool ‘Balloon’ trams. The underfloor shown was built at the tram depot for Princess Alice the double deck open top tram.

Also below is the old Bolton tram number 66.

Below is the Illuminated Trawler tram. Its LED covered hull is a more recent modification.

Tramtown is being improved all the time. There are a number of special exhibits, a cafe and a shop. The building has been tidied up with green pathways for visitors.

Opening times in summer 2025 are 10am to 2pm: Saturday, Monday, Wednesday. From August there is an extra day: Thursday. Keep up to date with Blackpool Tramtown on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackpoolTramtown

Visit to Showtown History Centre, Blackpool, 10th June 2025

As part of Civic Week 2025, Blackpool Civic Trust visited the newly opened Showtown History Centre, situatated upstairs in Blackpool Central Library. We were treated to a rare viewing of the Blackpool Charter establishing the incorporation of the town. In addition, we had a wonderful  tour of the collection stores. We would like to thank the Showtown Heritage Assistants for an informative morning and for sharing details of Blackpool Council collections. 

The Blackpool Charter
The Blackpool Charter

Monthly Meeting – Monday 16th June

We hope you will join us at the next members monthly meeting at 7pm on Monday 16th June at the Holiday Inn, Talbot Road.

We will discuss our activities and plans, followed by our guest speaker.

The guest speaker is Local Historian, Anne Charlesworth, talking about the early development of South Shore starting from 1819

Non-members are welcome for the small contribution of £2.

Membership is £10 a year and you can join by filling in the membership form and paying the fee. Please read the page linked below and download the application form. We look forward to meeting you.

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