Spring

Ballarat Botanical Gardens are looking great

The Botanical Gardens are rated as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, and this Spring are looking even better than ever. One of the great things about being a tramway volunteer is working in the gardens throughout the year and seeing them in all the different seasons.

Geoff Gardner's photos show the magnificent bedding displays for which the gardens are famous, and the display in the Conservatory. These are Schizanthus, the poor man's orchid, and the spectacular display is well worth a visit. Entrance to the gardens and conservatory is free, and our trams can take you there.

Ballarat's floral clock was placed in the Sturt Street Gardens in 1953, before being moved into the Botanical Gardens. Sadly vandalism and neglect eventually saw the clock break down and its hands removed. This year the Gardens celebrate 160 years, and as a highlight the clock has been restored, and expected to be back in operation by the end of the year.

Tram 18

The restoration of this tram has been progressing slowly, but it is hoped that new springs being fitted to the truck will mean that it can be reassembled. The cost of restoring a 100 year old tram is expensive, and your support helps us keep these historic vehicles on the road. Alastair's photo shows Mick Duncan working on the axle box last week.

Competition Winner

Congratulations to Kim Warfe, who won a copy of Alan Bradley's book, "The Golden City and its tramways". This is a great book, hardcover, 144 pages, with lots of photos and stories. Each month, we will select a random subscriber to win a prize from the Ballarat Tramway Museum. If you are reading someone else's copy, make sure you subscribe to be in the next draw. For those who missed out on the prize, the book is available from our gift shop, along with many other exciting items.

The Ballarat Tramway celebrates 130 years of operations, since the first horse trams began service in December 1887. This photo from our archives, shows one of the trams outside the Town Hall, and about to travel up Lydiard Street. Join us on Friday 26 January 2018, and celebrate 130 years by riding our fully restored horse tram in Wendouree Parade.

Ballarat's restored Horse Tram No. 1 was launched in 1992 by prominent historian and academic Weston Bate. Readers will be saddened to learn that Weston passed away last week at the age of 93. His two books on Ballarat history, Lucky City: The First Generation at Ballarat from 1978 and 1993’s Life After Gold: Twentieth-Century Ballarat, have become the standard reference works. This photo from our archive by Carolyn Cleak, shows Weston physically launching the tram.

New roof

Tram No. 671, our Melbourne W4, has had extensive repairs to the roof. The roof of a tram is made of wooden slats, covered with canvas, and then a waterproof sealer and paint. This tram is painted with the livery of our sponsor, Pipers by the Lake, and is used to transport the bridal parties to their receptions at the restaurant. A new grey roof, with gold trim, has made it a very smart wedding vehicle.

PROV Grant

The Public Record Office of Victoria have awarded us a grant to promote Community History. The City Council have erected a number of replica tramstop shelters, and the grant will allow us to install more display panels, similar to this one in Wendouree Parade. Congratulations to Warren Doubleday for his efforts in putting together the successful submission. Local MLA, Sharon Knight visited the museum to present the award.

A tram car from Kagoshima, Japan, where trams have been operating since 1912. Photo by Nic K. Mowe.

Tram 27

The workshop crew have done an excellent job in replacing the damaged panels on Tram 27. Les Williams' experience in classic car restoration has been invaluable for this project. With a new coat of paint we hope to see the tram on the tracks again soon.

AGM

The 2017 Annual General Meeting of the Ballarat Tramway Museum will be held at the depot on Sunday 12 November, commencing at 1.30pm. After the meeting members will be able to enjoy afternoon tea, and a tram ride.

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