Trams: officials of Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington Corporations and Rossendale Valley tramways, 1900

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iBase ID

289916

Reference identifier

HAC-H01-N163-12082-1

Title

Trams: officials of Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington Corporations and Rossendale Valley tramways, 1900

Place

Accrington

Personal names

Alderman Lee, Alderman Oddie, Alderman Law, Councillor Meadowcroft, Mr. A. S. Giles, Mr. J. H. Cowell, Mr. E. Greek, Mr. W. P. Halliwell

General notes

This is a photograph of the officials of the Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington Corporations and the Rossendale Valley tramways outside the Commercial Hotel in Accrington, during a tramway trip from Darwen to Bacup, the first time a steam tramcar had been run over such a long distance. Transcripts of two articles describing the event from The Weekly Standard & Express (Blackburn) and The Blackburn Times, both published on Saturday 30th June 1900, are filed with the physical copy of this photograph.

The Weekly Standard & Express (Blackburn), Saturday 30th June 1900:
"A Unique Trip - The officials of the Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington Corporations and the Rossendale Valley tramways, on Thursday morning took part in a ride which can certainly be called unique so far as this neighbourhood is concerned. Stepping in to a tramcar at Bull Hill Darwen about eleven o'clock, the party, who numbered 40, rode to Bacup in the same car, traversing Darwen, Blackburn, Oswaldtwistle, Church, Accrington, Rawtenstall, Haslingden and the Rossendale Valley prior to reaching their destination. The difficulty about Blackburn was overcome by the car backed onto St. Peter Street and then continuing its journey along Jubilee Street. At Accrington the line from the town to Rawtenstall was used and from the latter place the journey to Bacup was accomplished by the Rossendale Valley route. The journey of the "picnic" party was broken at Accrington for the purpose of allowing the members to enjoy a lunch at the Commercial Hotel where Alderman Lee (Accrington) presided with Alderman Oddie (Blackburn) as vice-president. Various toasts were submitted and the party were subsequently photographed. At half past three the journey was resumed and Bacup reached shortly before five o'clock. The total length of the route traversed is, we are informed, 21 miles, this being the longest line of the same gauge in the country and the journey had never before been undertaken. The Blackburn representatives present were Alderman Oddie, Alderman Law and Councillor Meadowcroft (of the Tramways Committee), Mr A. S. Giles (Tramways Manager), Mr. J. H. Cowell (Assistant Manager) and Mr E, Greek (Chief Inspector). Darwen was represented by its Town Clerk, Mr. W. P. Halliwell."

The Blackburn Times, Saturday 30th June 1900, page 5 column 3:
"A Trip By Tramcar From Darwen To Bacup - On Thursday a rather unique tramway trip, arranged by the officials of the Blackburn Corporation Tramways and those of the Rossendale Tramways, took place. A tramcar was run from Darwen to Bacup, a distance of 21 miles. This is the first time that a steam tramcar has been run over such a long distance. Invitations were accepted by members and representatives of the Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Haslingden, Rawtenstall and Bacup Corporations, the Accrington Tramways Company and the Church Urban District Council. The car which was supplied by the Blackburn Corporation and the engine by the Accrington Tramways Company, left Darwen at 11-15 and proceeded through Blackburn to Accrington. Here a stoppage was made and luncheon was partaken of at the Commercial Hotel, Alderman Lee of Accrington presided. The toasts honoured were "The Queen", "The Army and Navy" and the various tramway undertakings. The party left Accrington at 3-30 for Bacup and having completed the journey they returned to Rawtenstall, were tea was served at the Queens Hotel. Later on they returned to Accrington where the party dispersed."

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Medium

Photographic print

Colour

Monochrome

Year of image

1900

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