Wisbech to Upwell Tramway project reaches its final stop

Toby the Tram’s backstory has been saved for future generations as the final Wisbech to Upwell Tramway Memento was unveiled.

An appreciative crowd applauded as Mayor of Wisbech, Cllr. Sidney Imafidon, had the honour of revealing the final Wisbech to Upwell Tramway Memento.

This sixth memento marks the northern end of the track’s route that extended south through Elm, Emneth, and Outwell before terminating at Upwell.

At its peak, six trams a day in each direction provided passenger and, most importantly, freight services for local produce to Wisbech and then via the main railway link to larger towns and cities.

Grahame Seaton, Well Creek Trust chairperson, said: “I must say a few words about one man – Bill Smith. He dislikes publicity and praise but I am going to say it anyway. Without Bill, this project would not have happened.”

Cllr Imafidon continued: “Thank you to everyone involved and as Bill himself said, this would not have happened without people actually participating.”

Many of those in the crowd had fond memories of the Tram, including Nigel Blake whose grandfather Fred Blake was a foreman at the Elm Bridge depot. Andrew Elvin remembered being allowed to ride alongside the driver of the Tram and toot the horn on the journey.

Part of the tramway track actually used to run through the garden of his current home.

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 the creation of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry who was vicar of the nearby village of Emneth between 1953 and 1965.

Toby the Tram Engine and his coach, Henrietta, were based on rolling stock used on the original Wisbech to Upwell Tramway.

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

The Wisbech to Outwell Tramway opened as an experiment in 1883 and was extended to Upwell in 1884. At its peak, six trams a day in each direction provided passenger and, most importantly, freight services for local produce to Wisbech and then via the main railway link to larger towns and cities.

Competition from the Outwell Omnibus Company started by Charles Robb in 1920 eventually ended passenger services in 1927. Freight continued until 1966 when it was cut as part of the “Beeching Axe”.

The final tram journey took place on May 20, 1966.

Thomas the Tank Engine (The Railway Series) was the creation of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry who was vicar of the village of Emneth (1953 -1965). The Railway Series was written by Rev Awdry with later editions by his son Christopher and was published in 1945.

The enormously popular TV series “Thomas & Friends” is a spin-off from the books.Toby the Tram Engine and his coach, Henrietta and later, Mavis, the Drury diesel tram were all based on rolling stock used on the Wisbech to Upwell Tramway.