New project to keep memory of old tram route alive

Bill Smith, a retired engineer, was awarded a replica of a tram's engine after creating a project about its history

A retired engineer who created a project about an old tram service to keep its memory alive has been given an award for his work.

As part of the Wisbech to Upwell Tram Project, Bill Smith shared the history behind the service which operated between Wisbech in Cambridgeshire and Upwell in Norfolk.

The Well Creek Trust surprised Mr Smith with an award, which was a replica of the tram's engine, after he installed historical information boards at former station stops.

"There was very little left of this iconic tramway, which has become internationally famous; I believe our heritage should be preserved," he said.

Six trams a day ran in each direction along the route from Wisbech, south through Elm, Emneth and Outwell before terminating at Upwell.

The tram travelled more than twice the speed of a canal boat at about 12mph (19.3kph)

Opening in 1883, it carried passengers until 1927, later transporting agricultural produce.

It closed 39 years later after not surviving the Beeching cuts.

Mr Smith said it would take fresh fruit out of the area to be transported "to all of the major cities".

"It was a new innovation, because before that, it was canal transportation, which was slower," he said.

Signs were placed across six parts of the route which showed what the tram looked like and the journey it would take

The Well Creek Trust, which worked in partnership with Mr Smith to create the project, awarded him with a scale model of the original steam tram.

Sue Lowe, from the trust, said: "It is important for the whole of the history of the area.

"If it had not been for Bill, we would not have the six mementoes, which means the Wisbech tram will not be forgotten."

Sue Lowe said Mr Smith had created a project that was important for the community's history