An illustrated talk, with a difference, given by local historian and Tramtown guide Mr David Evans, on the very day that railways as we know them were born and regarding the huge importance of the neighbouring town of Fleetwood by it being the first time in history that a railway line was laid down to the seaside.
Blackpool was in 1840, a little known fishing village, but after begging the Preston and Wyre Railway to build a minor branch to it, Blackpool then exploded onto the tourism scene.
So much so that around a century ago, the town’s Central Station was quite simply, the busiest railway station in the world, bar none.
This talk delves into the nature of that original line, how Blackpool made the railway its own and then capitalised massively upon its existence.
Also we explore how it dwindled away and how it is now hoped, by the interest of the Poulton and Wyre Railway Society that it may once again bring its rails to the seaside.
The ‘difference’ mentioned is that it is proposed that the talk will take place within the hallowed halls of Blackpool Transport’s heritage trams Fitting Shop and in fact, participants will be seated on board the prototype 1934 “Open Boat” tramcar, No. 600. This has never happened before and so be part of history itself on this most historic of days
Refreshments will be available, as will the excellent Tramtown shop.
Truly a talk with a difference to help celebrate this most important and historic of birthdays.