A local historian who championed a project to ensure a tramline used as inspiration by children's author will be remembered has been presented with a special award.
Retired engineer Bill Smith, who led the Wisbech to Upwell Tram Project, has been given a tailor-made award to mark his commitment and drive over the years it took to complete.
It is one year since the installation of the sixth and final Memento, crafted by Bill Smith, was installed along the now defunct line, which inspired the Rev W V Awdry, writer of the Thomas the Tank Engine books.
At its peak, six trams a day ran in each direction along the route from Wisbech, south through Elm, Emneth, and Outwell before terminating at Upwell.
Originally, it provided passenger and, most importantly, freight services for local produce to Wisbech and then via the main railway link to larger towns and cities.
Bill was taken by surprise during the interval of his project summary presentation that he was giving at Upwell Village Hall, when the chair of the Well Creek Trust, Grahame Seaton, presented him with a working scale model of the original steam tram ( the Y6 (GER G15) 0-4-0 ) on behalf of the committee and members of the charity.
The project was conducted in accordance with the Well Creek Trust constitution, which allows it to support local amenities.
Grahame Seaton said: “Bill dislikes rewards and surprises, but everyone felt this award needed to be made. Without Bill, the project would not have happened.”
Bill said: “There was very little left of this iconic tramway, which has become internationally famous; I believe our heritage should be preserved. The tram memorabilia illustrates what the tramway was like when it was fully operational.”
The Tramway is not only of importance to those from the Fens and railway enthusiasts but also to the millions of fans of Thomas the Tank Engine books, the creation of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry, who was vicar of the nearby village of Emneth between 1953 and 1965.
Toby the Tram, Mavis and his coach Henrietta were based on the rolling stock used on the Wisbech to Upwell Tramway.
The Wisbech to Upwell tram project was sponsored and supported by many businesses and individuals. It was truly a community achievement.
For details about all six mementoes marking the former Wisbech to Upwell Tramway, go to the Tramway tab on the Well Creek Trust website www.wellcreektrust.org.uk
Share