Blackpool Tramcar Preservation Fund

What’s it all about?
The Blackpool Tramcar Preservation Fund (BTPF) was set up in 2002 by the Lancastrian Transport Trust (LTT) and the Fylde Tramway Society to ensure that a representative selection of Blackpool’s historic tramcars are preserved and restored to operating condition on the Fylde.

Why?
We want to establish a ‘museum’ tram fleet in Blackpool to represent the evolution of the Blackpool tram in a future visitor attraction.

What have we achieved so far?
More than 100 members collectively contribute over £700 per month to the BTPF, equivalent to £8,400 per year but more is needed to progress with tramcar restoration projects. In addition many members give one-off or occasional donations to the fund.

Coronation Car 304’s restoration work has cost almost £55,000 with only £25,000 of this funded by Channel 4’s "Salvage Squad" television series, the rest came from the BTPF. It is a flagship project that shows just what can be achieved. Work has recently started on OMO car No.8 and a £50,000 project to restore Standard car 143 will be starting in November 2005, part funded by the lottery supported Local Heritage Initiative fund. 

How much do people contribute?
The majority of regular contributors donate either £5 or £10 per month, but others contribute much more. If you contribute £10 per month that is the equivalent of just £2.30 a week - or a pint of beer, packet of cigarettes - you get the picture!

By signing the gift aid declaration we can reclaim the tax paid on your contributions by 28p for every £1!

Why pay by standing order?
Regular contributions allow us to forward plan restoration projects and give us the confidence to manage a big project, whereas one-off donations make forward planning and cash-flow to manage projects very difficult.

What are the next projects in the pipeline?
We are currently developing plans to start a long term restoration project of Standard Car No.143 back into its original open balcony, open vestibule condition - a type not currently represented by other preserved cars of this class. Work started in November 2005.

Currently in-hand is the first phase of restoration work on OMO car No.8 which was donated to the LTT in 2002 having been withdrawn from service in 1992. The mothballed tram fleet may provide other preservation projects which is why it essential that the tramcar fund is adequately supported.

In return for my regular contribution what will I get?

  • Each contributor receives a quarterly newsletter from LTT, In Trust, updating them on vehicle restoration projects.
  • We aim to organise at least one tour on Coronation Car 304 each year when regular contributors will be able to travel free of charge, in return for their donations.

Click here to print off a form to make a regular contribution to the fund

Donate online today to the Blackpool Tramcar Preservation Fund
click on the button below to be transferred to our secure PayPal account - then indicate the amount you wish to donate).
   
Hosted by the Lancastrian Transport Trust - Registered Charity No. 1080404