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Tram puts history lessons on track
CHILDREN in Blackpool will soon be able to get a history lesson with a difference – onboard a tram.
Thanks to the relaunch of the Western Train, painstakingly restored to its former glory, the youngsters will be able to see the role of the iconic tram in Blackpool's heritage brought to life.
The Western Train, axed in 1999, was saved from the scrapheap thanks to Gazette readers who supported our 18-month campaign – Back on Track – to get Lottery funding.
It was launched at a special ceremony and now it is planned the newly-restored tram – glittering along the Promenade once again – will be used by five local schools for an educational programme.
Bryan Lindop, from Blackpool Transport, which carried out the work to the old vehicle at its Rigby Road depot, said: "The schoolchildren will be coming to look round the depot and see the work we do there and then they will get on board the Western tram and we will give them an insight of the history of the tram itself."
Youngsters will be able to learn about the history of trams in Blackpool, the roles they have played in the heritage of the resort and the history of the Illuminations.
Mr Lindop said: "This will mean youngsters can have their lessons in an exciting environment, it will really bring it to life.
"They will be learning about trams, but able to physically see one and touch one. The carriage has had its interior restored back to its original decor from 1928. It features exquisite mahogany panels and detailed 1920's style light-shades."
It has taken six years to re-launch the tram.
Mr Lindop said: "It took about 18 months to get the Heritage Lottery funding, without which, the project could not have gone ahead.
"It took about two years to complete the re-build, which involved a lot of hours of work from our staff, using old photos and documents."
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 16 C
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