Tramway welcomes visitors again
HEATON PARK Tramway in Manchester has reopened at Heaton Park and is functioning again every weekend. At a re-opening ceremony on June 5, Peter Waterman formally launched the first tram back into use. At the same time the tramway society was celebrating being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award that can be given to a voluntary group.
Heaton Park Tramway Company’s Chairman Keith Whitmore said: “We are over the moon that once again everyone can see and ride on our trams in the park after the longest period that a tram has not been seen running up and down the line. During this lean period our volunteers have been tireless getting the tramway ready for use again, with much sweat and, at times, tears to make sure that we got our trams up and running for the summer. As a double celebration in recognition of the work our members undertake to give so much pleasure to so many, the Manchester Transport Museum Society has been awarded the equivalent of an OBE, as just days before re-opening it was announced that we had been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.”
The first service was performed by Stockport 5 tram following a sevenyear overhaul, and to add to the occasion buses ran from the Greater Manchester Museum of Transport on the first day of opening as well, with a vintage Stockport bus lining up with the tram. Pete Waterman said that he was delighted to support the tramway and thanked the volunteers for ensuring a fantastic first day of running this year.