The visitor numbers at the museum for Easter 2023 were up 15% on Easter 2022. Trustee Ian Reed tells us more:
“With 2022 being our most successful year since opening in 1974, beating our previous best achieved in 2017, we were pleased to see that visitor interest in 2023 has continued to grow. We have been able to put more trams in service than ever before and our trolleybus fleet joined by the loan of Ipswich 105 which has been well received by visitors.”
“Our new Tram Depot has progressed to the point that it is currently storing our unrestored fleet whilst the overhead wiring is extended to allow it to become the base for our operational fleet. An official opening is planned for later in the year whilst the area around the Depot is cleared and we can then start the roadway to extend our trolleybus run.”
“2022 also marked the year our volunteer hours beat all previous records and helped keep the county figures of volunteer hours up, according to SHARE Museums East. Our secret is no secret, just lots of opportunities for people to get involved from operating the collection, restoring vehicles and building the infrastructure for the future.”
“The photo shows Lowestoft Tram No.14 which was the seed from which the museum grew, its lower deck was found in a back garden in 1961 and a group formed to try and preserve it. Today, work still continues to recreate its original incarnation as a fully working vehicle. Next to it stands a Thorneycroft lorry dating from 1916, used after the First World War by Lowestoft Corporation and eventually coming into the ownership of the museum, it was retyred and back on the road last year. Finally completing the picture is Lowestoft Corporation motor bus LCT21 from 1947 and still carrying passengers along the esplanade at Lowestoft today.”
“Pay us a visit where you can ride trams, trolleybuses, motor buses, narrow gauge railway and see the progress for yourself, find opening details https://www.eatransportmuseum.co.uk/“