Fylde Tramway Society
Annual Convention Weekend - 2008
Friday 2nd May to Monday 5th May
The Annual Convention of the Fylde Tramway Society took place over the weekend of Friday 2nd May to Monday 5th May 2008. Once again, a packed weekend was enjoyed, full of tours, depot visits, film shows, the AGM, and the ever-popular dinner with guest speaker.
Click Here for Pictures from the Weekend
Friday 2nd May - An excellent start to the weekend was the Film Show at the Wings Club in Cleveleys. Presented by FTS member Mr. Jason Cross the evening was arguably one of the best ever, and his first-class photography was displayed to all in a brilliant digital presentation, covering Blackpool trams, preserved trams in museums, trains and even the London underground system.
Saturday 3rd May - The day started with the ever-popular tour of the depot and workshops at Blackpool Transport. A staggering 104 people had booked for this event, and after being split into smaller groups, we toured the various wokrshops and depots, seeing progress on the Western Train, currently undergoing its restoration courtesy of the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the magnificent work undertaken on Balloon 717 during its nearly-completed restoration. The skills of the workmen involved really shows, and the trams are a credit to Blackpool Transport Services Ltd. After the visit, we boarded Twin Cars 673/683 for a journey to Fleetwood and the A.G.M, at the North Euston Hotel. The Committee would like to express its pleasure at the presence of our Founder Member, Mr Jack Nichols.
Sunday 4th May - The first tram tours of the weekend took place on Sunday morning, departing from the depot at 11.00am. Utilizing Vambac 'Coronation' Car 304, and Sheffield 513, the event represented the first time that the two cars had toured together and, judging by the number of people who had booked for the tour, it was a popular decision, with both cars being almost full to capacity. The route planned took in some of the newly-laid crossovers, loops and junctions from the Winters' trackwork. From the depot we went to Foxhall where we reversed for Starr Gate. After rounding the loop, we journeyed to Bispham, reversed for the Cabin, and reversed again for the run up to Fleetwood and a lunch break. The return trip was a long run to the Pleasure Beach, where we traversed the loops, then to the Tower to reverse for the Depot. In the hands of experienced drivers, both cars performed faultlessly, and rode beautifully on the new track sections, especially the four-wheeled 513!
In the evening, the Society met for its annual dinner, at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood. For many people, the dinner is a highlight of the weekend, bringing a relaxed formal air to the proceedings. The guest speaker this year was BTS Managing Director and FTS President Mr Steve Burd, who provided some insight into the future of the tramway following the recently awarded £88m funding for a full upgrade of the system. Many favourable comments were noted during the evening about the quality of the fayre, and the evening comes highly recommended to one and all for next year.
Monday 5th May - 'Double Boat Bonanza', and it certainly was! As we stood and watched Open Boats 600 & 602 being brought out of Rigby Road Depot, we hoped that the beautiful weather would last, and it did! Again, a good number of people had booked for this event, and we all enjoyed a full system tour. From the Depot we went to the Tower to reverse for Starr Gate, then a full trip to Fleetwood for lunch, and back to the Depot. Photo stops were taken along the way, and other service vehicles provided many interesting photographic opportunities.
Convention is the highlight in the FTS calender, and gives you the chance to meet other enthusiasts, committee members, and provides many unique photographic opportunities. This years' event has been no exception, and the Committee would like to thank Blackpool Transport Services Ltd for their help and support, and especially a big thank you to everyone who booked their tickets and took part, you have made this Convention one of the best in recent times. It was also very nice to see many 'new faces' over the weekend. If this was your first Convention, then it is sincerely hoped that you have had an enjoyable time, and we look forward to seeing you again at our other events through the year.
If you would like to become a member our Society, and enjoy great events such as those listed above as well as receiving your very own monthly magazine, then please download a Membership Application Form and Join Today!