Fylde Tramway Society
The Official Society for the Blackpool Tramway
Last Night of the Illuminations 2009 - Last Tram from Fleetwood Ferry
Last Night Of The Illuminations 2009
Last Tram from Fleetwood Ferry
Brush Car 627 & Balloon 702
& Fleetwood Box Car 40
Sunday 8th November 2009
The last weekend of the 2009 season was a major event for the Blackpool to Fleetwood Tramway, as it marked the last traditional tram service to the terminus prior to the full upgrade of the system. The weekend saw many enthusiasts flock to the town to capture this piece of history.
In adverse weather on the Saturday, the Lancastrian Transport Trust held various tours, and also on the Sunday. But, it was the Fylde Tramway Society which made that historical last journey from the Ferry.
On arrival at the Depot for a 9.00pm departure, our 3 tour cars, Balloon 702, Box Car 40 and Brush Car 627, all stood ready, their lights ablaze! Although all 3 cars are special, it was quite emotional to see 627 sat awaiting her passengers, the first for 5 years!
Box 40 left first, followed by Balloon 702 with Brush 627 at the rear. From there, with photo stops along the way, we travelled to Fleetwood Ferry. It must be noted at this point that Trawler 737 had been dispatched in front of us as our 'Halogen Headlight' Pilot car. From the Ferry we returned south to North Pier, where we reversed ready for the last round trip. At North Pier we were honoured at the presence of The Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Norman E Hardy, who gave a speech and subsequently waved us off.
All too quickly, Fleetwood Ferry was reached again, and there it was, it had arrived, the last traditional trams at the terminus! Many people were there with cameras to record the event, and it was perhaps fortunate that it was so late, as many photographers were set up in the middle of the road!
At the Ferry terminus, we were once again graced by the presence of another Mayor, The Worshipful the Mayor Councillor Alan Vincent of Wyre Borough Council, who gave a speech then waved the tour party off.
Due to technical problems with the system earlier in the evening, we did not venture to Pleasure Beach, but we were later informed we could after our return from Fleetwood. So, at approaching 2.00am in the morning, there we were heading South along the now-deserted and un-Illuminated Promenade. More photo's were taken there, and of course, it was 627's first time around the new loop. Indeed, it was mentioned earlier in the evening that the tramway in general is in much better condition since 627 last took to the rails! From there, we journeyed to Foxhall, and back to the Depot, now at around 3.00 am. What a way to Finish!
The Fylde Tramway Society would like to show its sincere appreciation to all the enthusiasts who came along to mark this occasion with us. A big thank you also goes out to Blackpool Transport Services Ltd, who really pulled out all the stops for us. Its was with their help that we were able to do what we did, with late running, extra staff, trams specialy prepared for us, we truly thank you!
Gallery to Follow Soon!