Llandudno and Colwyn Bay Tramway Society (Ll&CBtramsoc)

The 2007 No.7 on Mostyn Broadway
crossing Vaughan Streen at Llandudno
on Saturday 5th May

The Llandudno
and Colwyn Bay
Tramway Society .

The 1936 No.7 on the promenade
at Rhos-on-Sea
(a b/w photo hand coloured by Llandudno Enthusiasts)

A 3'6" gauge electric tramway operated between these two North Wales seaside resorts
via Rhos-on-Sea from October 1907 until March 1956

The aims of the Society are:-
a) to record the history of the tramway
b) to rebuild a replica tram for public display during 2007 (centenary of the opening of the tramway) and to take it to public events in subsequent years
(with the longer-term aim of possibly operating a similar tram or a mini-tran on a demonstration line somewhere in the locality)

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Future Outings in 2024 * * * TODAY (Saturday) - LAST WEEKEND * * * Saturdays 5th, 12th and 26th October 2024 - D-DAY - 80 Years On
(On Saturday 19th October our "Model Tramway" bus visited instead - due to roafworks in the area)

As our "tribute" to help mark the 80th anniversary
of the D-Day Landings we will be bringing our
full sized replica Tram No. 7 to join the "Longest Yarn" celebrations

"During the war" (as Uncle Albert of 'Only Fools and Horses' would say) the Llandudno and Colwyn Bay TRAMWAY was the only way for ordinary local people to travel as petrol rationing meant virtually ALL private cars had to be "off the road" - something hardly imaginable today

If you are in the area, why not come
and see us as well as visiting the dispay
in Trinity Church !!!!!!

Previous Outings in 2024
Saturday 1st June 2024 - Deganwy Prom Day

This year we visited Deganwy and the full sized replica Tram No. 7 was on display at the "Prom Day"

Saturday 11th May 2024 - Colwyn Bay Prom Xtra

This year we returned to Colwyn Bay promenade
for "Prom "Xtra" 2024
Once again, the ex-Crosville support vehicle
- complete with a working model of the old tramway -
was on display
We had also offered to also bring along our full sized Replica Tram No.7,
but on arrival on the day we were refused access - instead we made a
"hauled run" along the entire former route through Colwyn Bay.....
..... before stopping at the famous "Llandudno Welcoms You" sign at
Penrhynside, then continuing through Llandudno to the old terminous
at West Shore

Saturday to Monday 4th to 6th May 2024 - Llandudno Transport Festival

This year we are returning to the Transport Festival
on Bodafon Fields, Llandudno
Once again, both tram No.7 and the ex-Crosville support vehicle
- complete with a working model of the old tramway -
were on display together

* * * 2023 Outings * * *

Saturday 16th December 2023

photos - Andrew Scarret

Following on from our visit to Llandudno two weeks earlier
despite not receiving any formal invite
or offer of any financial support
we decided, "off our own bat," to take our full sized illuminated
Replica Tram No.7 to both Rhos-on-Sea and Colwyn Bay
to spread a little 'Christmas Cheer'

Judging from the comments on several facebook pages
- our efforts were much appreciated

If you feel you could help donate towards the high costs of
bringing our tram out for the day
or better still why not join the society society for just £10.00
- every little helps and YES, even "sleeping members"
ARE appreciated for their support !!!!!

Saturday 2nd December 2023

Once again, we were at the rear and the "highlight" of the Llandudno
Christmas Parade which started from Llandudno Railway Station at 1600
before proceeding via Vaughan Street and Mostyn Street to the
Town Hall in Lloyd Street

For the first time one of the bogies from the former Lisbon tram No 305
was also conveyed on the back of the Matador which hauled the tram

Saturday 30th April to Monday 1st May 2023
Llandudno Transport Festival

This year we returned to the Transport Festival
on Bodafon Fields, Llandudno
For the first time ever, both tram No.7 and the ex-Crosville support vehicle
were on display together

* * * 2022 Outings * * *

Saturday 3rd December 2022

After having to be represented by a "Tram Replacement Bus"
last year - it was rewarding to see Replica Tram No.7 taking
its rightful place as the 'highlight' at the end of the annual
Llandudno Christmas Parade

The Society has been lucky to receive part the old model tramway
created by the late-Harry Moore --- it is being repaired for display
inside an ex-Crosville bus owned by our Chairman
We intend it to visit various local events in the future to raise funds
for the full-sized No.7.....
.....but in the interim, the above photo is something to be going on with !
Any donation to our small society would be much appreciated in these difficult times
- especially when the larger charities take all the lime-light - thank you

Saturday 4th December 2021
Two cartoon characters look out longingly from Tram No.7 as the
the "TRAM REPLACEMENT"
ex-Crosville bus was being prepared to take her place in the Llandudno Christmas Parade

Hopefully Tram No.7 will be able to take its usual place in the 2022 Llandudno Christmas Parade planned for Saturday 3rd December.....
.....see above for further details

"I do hope the tram will be able to go out next time" says the dog hopefully
"I am sure it will providing enough people donate
to the Society THIS Year (2022)"
replied his master --- "Lets sneak on board for the ride" says the dog

Ready to set off internally decorated complete with Christmas tree

and finally the last vehicle in the parade - on Mostyn Street

2020 was a very difficult year with all planned outings having
to be cancelled due to the ongoing Coronavirus precautions

It was a very welcome "ray of sunshine" when an S4C film crew
visited to make a recording for a future episode of �Cynefin�
(to be included in an episode featuring the Colwyn Bay area)

photos: Andy Scarratt
Later - standing out in the sunshine during a break between filming

HELP !

The Society urgently needs YOU to help man Tram No.7 during our "outings" especially the 'long weekend' events
Please contact the Secretary if you can spare a couple of hours or more

HELP !

OUR LAST PLANNED OUTING.....................
Saturday 5th December 2020 - Llandudno Christmas Parade CANCELLED..........
..........................................................yet another nail in the Society's coffin !!!
The illuminated "Tram No.7" WAS planned to join Father Christmas and take part in the annual early-evening
"Parade through the streets of Llandudno" to the Town Hall

Friday to Monday - 8th to 10th May 2020
Tram No.7 was planned to take part in the annual Llandudno
"Victory and Victorian Weekend"
Unfortunately this and ALL subsequent events have had to be
CANCELLED due to the Coronavirus restrictions

VERY IMPORTANT
This was traditionally our main fund-raising weekend of the year and without that for TWO consequative years we now need to quickly raise £1,000 pounds now for the rent to keep Tram No.7 securely protected under cover and for basic maintenance materials to enable her to again visit local events once the Pandemic is over
Our contingency fund has had to be spent on essential repairs to the road trainer on which No.7 is mounted, without which it would be impossible to move her
We are an extremely small society and unlike many other groups, unfortunately do not have any generous benefactor
If just 100 readers of this website were to contribute £10 � we would quickly reach the target and ensure the future of the tram � which might well be in doubt if we fail to raise enough money
We know this is a very difficult time for everyone, so rather than just giving and getting nothing in return, why not join the Society (same £10) for the next year and in return you will get a copy of the Society Magazine (issued 3 times annually) as well as the opportunity to come on board the tram to look round next time she is able to go out - Perhaps an "different" present to give to a friend this Christmas ?
Please contact either.......
our treasurer if you are able to give a donation or the membership secretary to join the society
Thank you !

Have YOU got a business or event to advertise ?

We can arrange front, side or fender advertising just like the original trams....
..... all for just a generous 'donation'
- please contact our secretary or chairman to discuss if you are interested

Just think about all the good publicity you could get both during and after the on-going renovation - as well as supporting this worthy local charity !!!

* * * 2019 Outings * * *

A further "test run" took place a week later and is pictured pausing
at the former West Shore terminous along with the old tram shelter
which us still in use for the replcement buses

photo: Andy Scarratt
It recreated the view of sister Tram No. 8 taken some 64 years earlier (see inset)

Following major work to the "underneath" part of the trailer
on which No. 7 is mounted..........

photo: Andy Scarratt
..........she was able to take part in the annual
"Llandudno Christmas Parade" on Saturday 6th December
She is seen passing along Mostyn on top of the old tram tracks
which sadly have long-since been covered in tarmac

Tram No.7 went to the annual "Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza"
and took part in all three official mid-day Parades

photo: Andy Scarratt
seen setting off into Madoc Street on the Monday Parade
No. 7 also joined in the Transport Festival's run to "Conwy" on the
Saturday evening and a curtailed "Round the Great Orme" as far as
West Shore - as No.7 is too tall to pass under some of the overhanging
cliffs on the north side of the Orme !!!

Tram No. 7 took part in the annual Colwyn Bay "1940s Festival"
being stationed near the bottom of Penrhyn Road

After a really wet day with virtually no one around on the Saturday.....
many locals and visitors turned up on the Sunday with several in period costume

Tram No.7 went to the iconic "Llandudno Welcomes You" sign at
Penrhynside for a private 'photoshoot' on Easter Sunday 21st April

photo: Andy Scattatt
The photographers "do their stuff !" - click on the photo for a close-up of No.7 and the sign

* * * 2018 Outings * * *

Tram No. 7 took part in the
annual Llandudno Father Christmas Parade on Saturday 1st December - this year conveying serveral "Carnival Queens" from local events earlier in the year

Ready for setting off - note the "new" (genuine) headlight
as well as one of three Christmas tree in the entranceway

Finishing the saloon decorations and setting up the
"Christmas Carols" sound system

Calling at the old West Shore terminus for the "switch-on" of the new headlight

Photo: Kevin Sutton
Bringing up the rear of the parade along Mostyn Street (the original route
of the tramway through Llandudno - just before the start of the single line section)

After the parade No.7 was hauled to the Colwyn Bay, Greenfield Road terminus,
then back through Rhos-on-Sea passing the old cinema in Penrhyn Avenue (now
the Co-op) as she heads towards the old tram depot at Church Road in the dark

Tram No. 7 was invited to take part in the
Centenary Celebrations of the "Catlin Follies" on
Llandudno Promenade on Saturday 29th September

Several members of the Catlin family in apporopriate white costumes
can be seen standing on No.7 with Llandudno pier in the background

Later illuminated No.7 stands at West Shore prior to returning along the
old tram route back to Craig-y-Don before being put back in her shed

Tram No.7 was in Llandudno for the
Victorian Extravaganza on the 5th, 6th and 7th May
Most of the time we were located outside Trinity Church.....

.....but we also took part in the Lunchtime Parade on all three days
as well as joining in the two "official" Transport Festival evening
Parades to Conway on the Saturday and West Shore on the Sunday

No 7 stands outside Trinity Church on Mostyn Street, Llandudno
after the Saturday evening Parade to Conway

Illuminated No 7 stands outside Trinity Church on Mostyn Street,
Llandudno after the final Sunday evening Parade to West Shore

Although we were all geared up for No. 7 to take part, unfortunately the Colwyn Bay St David's Day Parade planned for 1st March was cancelled due to too much snow !!!

.....so our first real outing in 2018 was the "40s Weekend at Colwyn Bay" on the 21st/22nd April 2018

Ready to set off

Arriving at Colwyn Bay - seen from the Upper Deck
(Conway Road in the dark prior to setting up round the corner in Penrhyn Road)
note the refurbished upper deck floor before the seats and safely netting are re-fitted

All set up in Penrhyn Road and now bedecked in flags
ready for the many people who visited the tram over the weekend

* * * 2017 Outings * * *

Saturday - 2nd December 2017

No.7 took part in the annual 'teatime' Llandudno Christmas parade
and later posed on Rhos Promenade underneath the 'Tree of Lights'
note the Advent illuminations and the Christmas message !

Saturday and Sunday 20th and 21st May 2017

No.7 in Colwyn Bay getting ready for the "40s Weekend"
located in Penrhyn Road, complete with wartime bunting just applied

Saturday 29th April 2017

The first outing of 2017 - ready for the off - the new tramway baseball cap
- parked on Llandudno promenade after the Victorian Extravaganza Parade

* * * 2016 Outings * * *

Friday 2nd December 2016

Replica Tram No 7 visited the top of Station Road in Colwyn Bay
during the afternoon for the Christmas event..........

Saturday 3rd December 2016

..........before being hauled Llandudno
to take part in the annual Christmas Parade through the town the following afternoon

Saturday 6th August 2016

We held a fundraising event for our "half-size" tram on Rhos Promenade.........

.........followed by a hauled run to the old terminous at Llandudno West Shore

The Society have now obtained a half-size tram shell (to be known as �Tudno the tram�)
which needs fitting out to resemble a former Llandudno and Colwyn Bay tramway single deck car
The aim is make it fully operational - running on portable track which can ultimately be taken
to local events, schools, etc. to give rides for up to 12 people at a time
The complete project is expected to cost in excess of �10,000.00 --- please contribute to this worthwhile cause which will enable future generations of children to see and experience first hand how their
grand parents travelled

Saturday 18th May 2016

Our Replica Tram No 7 undertook a further hauled 'test run' to Rhos on Sea promenade
where hopefully she will be on public display later in the summer
as a fund-raising event for "Tudno - the smaller tram"

Saturday 30th April 2016
Llandudno Transport Festival

Our Replica Tram No 7 stands on the former track bed across Bodafon Fields
Despite the sun appearing, it did little to dry up the mud caused by heavy rain the previous day
and things got worse over the next two days
Repair and repainting work is continuing on the upper deck
(hence the temporary removal of the swing-over seats and safety mesh between the railings)

Saturday/Sunday 16th/17th April 2016
Our Replica Tram No 7 took part in the Colwyn Bay "40s Weekend"
where we were joined by many other exhibits from that period

The tram surrounded by Milatary personel and equipment

* * * 2017 Outings * * *

Saturday - 2nd December 2017

No.7 took part in the annual 'teatime' Llandudno Christmas parade
and later posed on Rhos Promenade underneath the 'Tree of Lights'
note the Advent illuminations and the Christmas message !

Saturday and Sunday 20th and 21st May 2017

No.7 in Colwyn Bay getting ready for the "40s Weekend"
located in Penrhyn Road, complete with wartime bunting just applied

Saturday 29th April 2017

The first outing of 2017 - ready for the off - the new tramway baseball cap
- parked on Llandudno promenade after the Victorian Extravaganza Parade

* * * 2016 Outings * * *

* * * 2015 Outings * * *

We had our stall at the "Toy Fair" at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on Sunday 27th December

We launched our "appeal" to raise funds to restore the midi-tram to operational status
- so local children will be able to ride and find out first hand how their parents/grand parents travelled
At the same time we announced it will be called "Tudno the Tram"
- why not support our appeal to make this become a reality !!!
Please send your donation to our treasurer

*** * THE FINAL TEST OUTING of 2015 * ***

The last two weeks has seen re-fixing of the remaining sections of the external rope lights round the windows As the overhaul of the 1930's generator which powers the light was also just completed (it now gives out the full 240 volts again) the opportunity was taken to give No 7 a short test run to Colwyn Bay and back After a short break on the promenade in the rain, No 7 returned via the main streets of Colwyn Bay adding to the Council's fixed illuminations on the last weekend before Christmas Saturday 19th December 2015 Matador and Tram No 7 pause on Colwyn Bay promenade in the rain side view - showing replaced top deck and lower deck window surround lights inside lower saloon end view <<<<< towards Cayley Bank and Rhos-on-Sea views from the wet top deck towards Old Colwyn and Penmaen Head >>>>>

Saturday 2nd May 2015

Our Replica Tram No 7 was at the Llandudno
'Transport Festival' over the May Day weekend..........

Bodafon Fields Llandudno with the former trackbed
behind the tram

Unfortunately it rained all day on Saturday and the fields became a mud-bath..........
..........so no hauled runs were able to operate
On the positive side, the tram provided a useful area under cover for visitors to shelter

Sadly the rain continued on both the Sunday and Monday

Saturday/Sunday 18th/19th April 2015
Our Replica Tram No 7 took part in the Colwyn Bay "40s Weekend"
where we were joined by many other exhibits from that period

The tram surrounded by Milatary personel and equipment

photos: Gordon Bird
"Passengers" relax in the sun on the Upper Deck swing-over seats
getting probably the best view of the event

Friday 27th March 2015
Our Replica Tram No 7
took part in the Colwyn Bay St.David's Day Parade
accompanied by several hundred school children
before spending the rest of the day in Station Road
to give our support to the HLF visit to examine the bid
to "Restore Colwyn Bay pier"

Applying Welsh flags before the parade In Station Road after the parade

The Llandudno and Colwyn Bay Tramway Society has
prepared a new illustrated book showing '50 pairs of photographs'
of the former tramway - many not seen previously

VERY FEW COPIES REMAINING
available on a strictly "First come, First served" basis
IDEAL FOR THAT "what can I get ?" SPECIAL PRESENT
ORDER IT NOW BEFORE THEY ALL GO !!!!

"Then and "Now"
(Printed book on glossy paper - 53/4 inches by 81/4 inches)
only �5 per copy (plus �1.50 postage)
* There have only been 100 copies printed *
Now available direct from our Sales Manager
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking for that 'something different' for a Birthday Present ?

Get your copy NOW before stocks run out
--- and problem solved !!!!!

Alternatively get YOUR copy from our stall at the
Toy Fair at Venue Cymru on 27th December *

* - PROVIDING there are any left by then

Down Memory Lane - 1

Photo: from the collection of Robert Brown Meikle's family
Robert Brown Meikle along with his engineering team
in front of tram No 12
prior to the opening of the tramway

Down Memory Lane - 2

Photo: Timothy Winstanley
Track recovered from a re-constructed bridge
at Bodnant Garden
Does anyone know when or how it got there ?
Possibly obtained when the tramway when it closed in 1956

Down Memory Lane - 3

Photo: Craig Rockfield
Raising Money for the original Tramway

Down Memory Lane - 4

Photo: Richard Prendergast
During week commencing 18th June 2012 work took place
to renew the surface of the road along Mostyn Broadway outside the swimming pool
After the top surface was scraped away the former tramtracks from over 50 years ago were exposed
- what a pity they wern't restored rather than being covered up again !

Down Memory Lane - 5

Photos: David Clegg
To mark 40 years after the closure of the tramway
the 2'0" gauge Replica Tram No 6 from the Seaton Tramway visited Llandudno for the annual Transport Festival in 1996
A considerable length of temporary track was laid along the former trackbed across Bodafon Fields
but sadly authority could not be obtained to operate it for visitors

Down Memory Lane - 6

After spending several years in an Irish field
the body of former Lisbon 305
(still sporting the number 25 in Llandudno and Colwyn Bay colours as displayed well over a decade ago on Llandudno's Bodafon Fields - at the Transport Festival in 2000)
has now found further use as "The Tram Cafe" in Dublin

(This tram was originally purchased by the Ll&CBTSoc for its bogies - but the body was subsequently sold for further use)

Down Memory Lane - 7

Photo: (c) D Chaplin

By far the least attractive tram in the fleet
works car "23A" stands outside the depot at Rhos on Sea
awaiting her next call to duty
Yes, it always had a small "A" after the arrival of the ex-Darwen DD 23 !
Note the stairway to nowhere (at one time to a public upper deck in her former life before arriving in North Wales to replace the original works car)
(What would "Health and Safety" think of working off the top deck these days ?)

Ll&CB Tramway Society - Winter 2017-18 Newsletter

Do YOU want to receive a copy ?
Then make sure you are a fully paid-up member of the Society

If you are not already a member, why not join NOW ?
(only �10.00 per year)

1907 - Opening ----- 1956 - Closure ----- 2007 - Centenary of the Llandudno and Colwyn Bay Electric Railway
"Now"	and	"Then"
		The operational tramway Palladium Corner loop in the latter years [ ex-Darwen No.23 and ex-Bournmouth No.15 ] The above picture was 'hand-coloured' by Llandudno Enthusiasts
The Replica Tram No.7 at Palladium Corner on Holiday Monday 7th May 2007		Llandudno Enthusiasts also have a forum on the Tramway Centenary - click here to go direct to it

In order to raise further funds 'traditional style' adverts will be displayed on the tram,
(similar to those shown above advertising 'Catlin Follies' on both the 'old' No.7 and the 'new' No.7 )
for any firm who is prepared to give a "generous" donation
but hurry spaces are going fast !

With plans to have our Replica Tram No.7 on public display on further occasions throughout 2018,
this could be an unique opportunity to promote your firm both locally and nationally

Please contact the society chairman if you are interested

Would your firm like to Sponsor part of the cost of rebuilding one of our double-deck open-top trams ?

=====> Are you interested - can YOU help ? <=====
The Society is looking for further committee members
also those willing to take an ACTIVE part at the various events in 2018
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Perhaps you could spare a couple of hours to man the tram and help sell souveniers ?
Or do you know someone who you could persuade to sponsor an advert on the tram ?
Maybe you would like to do some physical work on the tram itself ?
The list in endless...........
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Without "YOU" the number of volunteers will continue to decline
If you are interested to give it a try, simply turn up at one of the outings and make yourself known
alternatively please contact the Society Secretary or any other committee member

There is a limit to how much further the Society can progress without a lot of REAL additional help from members and outside bodies
so if you think you can help make a difference, come onto the tram when we are "out and about" and make yourself known
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26th October 2024