Posted:  Monday 11 August 2008

Manchester Associates visit Crich Tramway Village
and the
National Tramway Museum
- 23rd July -

It was a welcome change from the previous weeks of wind and rain to wake up to a sunny day for our day out in deepest Derbyshire, when 139 Associates boarded four coaches for a nostalgic day out at the Crich Tramway Museum.

After a two hour journey we all arrived in brilliant sunshine at the museum situated in an old quarry a short journey from Matlock.

The museum consists of restored old buildings and shops complete with a large collection of over forty restored tramcars rescued from all areas of Great Britain and Europe. Added to this is a large museum, restoration centre, country walks and a sculpture trail.

Trams are Blackpool Nos. 40, open balcony of 1926, and 166 "Toastrack"

The star attraction is a 1½ mile long tram-track complete with 4-5 working trams which ran a shuttle service all day.

After a very enjoyable buffet lunch in the restored Public House, complete with pianist and a real-ale bar, most Associates spread out to enjoy the attractions, particularly the tram using the 1d coin everybody was given to pay for the rides.

Many enjoyed the restored shops offering many old brands of sweets, or drinks outside the public house before our late afternoon return to Manchester.

From the last part of the tram era, but who is inside?

Graham Kaye

pictures:  herb booth & graham kaye

(ph  11/08/2008)

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