Ant Repairs and other stories

As has been noted whilst I continue to be banned from volunteering in the Library I have wandered round the Museum taking photographs. During this time I saw that most of the wooden objects on the Woodland Walk were deteriorating badly. I was therefore very pleased to be able to take these pictures of remedial work today (1&2).
Whilst it has a new floor the Bandstand still looks shabby (3).
The stone circle has stood the test of time (4).

My application for a position in the Library has been acknowledged and I have been told that I will shortly be invited for an interview along with other candidates. I will do my best to put the case for older applicants with enthusiasm, product knowledge and experience rather than formal academic qualifications.

I will also continue to press for the ban on my work as a volunteer to be lifted and am seriously considering taking legal advice.

I understand that site preparation for the winter track renewal project at Town End will start on Monday. As with Wakebridge, I hope to publish pictures of this work week by week.

Coming soon

For something completely diffrerent Click on this link.

Showbus

Yesterday we went to Showbus. Nothing much to do with trams let alone the National Tramway Museum you may think.
1. Former North Western Road Car Co Leyland Tiger Cub number 696. In the late 50s 636 and 646 were based at Matlock. The only connection with the TMS that I can think of is that former President Ian Yearsley started his career at 2 Charles Steet, Stockport.
2. These would look good displayed next to Leicester 76.
3. Look carefully at one of the ticket punches.

4. Former President, Alan Bertram at work on the LCCTT sales stand. The LCCTT has funded the restoration of LCC 106, LT 1622 and LUT 159 and has LCC 1 in its sights.

SIX MONTHS

It is now six months since Glynn Wilton, Curator of the National Tramway Museum, told me in writing that my services were no longer required as a volunteer in the library. Had I been a part time employee then Glynn's actions would have been illegal under employment law.
I also question the role of Ian Dougill, Secretary of the Tramway Museum Society, who I believe advised Glynn and encouraged him to dismiss me.
The Tramway Museum Society has formal 'Disciplinary rules & procedures for working members of the Society' but Ian and Glynn choose to ignore these.
I have appealed to the Board of Management but they seem unable to reach a decision. I think they are hoping this incident will soon be forgotten. They are now taking steps to recruit paid staff to do some of the work I did as a volunteer.

Southampton & Sheffield

Today's trams were Southampton 45 and Sheffield 74.

Fleetwood

A journey to Fleetwood

At about 12:00 on Sunday 602 made an unexpected trip from Pleasure Beach to Fleetwood. I suspect it was because 761 was running late - this car has lost its centre exit and is ridiculously slow loading and unloading.
1. Leaving Clevelys.
2. The track layout at Thornton Gate has been changed.
3. All the destination screens were set correctly.

4. Approaching Fleetwood.
We just happened to be waiting for something interesting to happen when we saw 602 change its blind to Fleetwood. But in this world of mobile phones and Twitter, local enthusiasts appeared at several stops and the driver obligingly waited for them. On arrival at Fleetwood it was more like an enthusiast's tour than a service journey - cmeras everywhere.

Boats and Bolton trams

1 & 2. On both Saturday and Sunday three open boats were in service.

3. Bolton 66 appeared in the late afternoon on both days.
4. 619 reversing at Cabin on Sunday morning. Note the poor alignment of the overhead wire.

Starr Gate and Bispham on Friday

1. The track between Pleasure Beach and Starr Gate is still in place but out of use.
2. Standard 147.
3. Princess Alice.
4. The newly restored Western Train.

Blackpool bus museum

Maintenance and Blackpool 167

1. Some of the wooden block paving has been replaced recently.
2. Blackpool 167 and London United 159.
3. 167's motors, wheels and axle boxes.
4. 167's bogie frames.

Leeds 180

The re-covered seats are being re-fitted to Leeds 180.