On Saturday 13th September, we took part in the Civic
Trust’s national Heritage Open Days scheme. Workington Civic Trust
were participating for the first time, with 8 venues open at varying
times over 4 days. Some of these, like ours, were not normally open
to the public.
This gave us the incentive to tidy up or building. With the plan
being to move buses out of the northern half of the building and
allow the public in, much clutter was tidied or disposed of, and the
floor repainted. Buses on display on the hard standing outside were
231, 295, 431and 550. 378 was on the turning circle, and provided a
number of free rides around town during the afternoon, as did 431.
Visitors were able to view the ice cream van, Commer fire engine &
open topper 401, but not go any further. We had no toilet
facilities, but that did not seem to cause too much problem.
We contacted local lapsed members and armchair supporters to
encourage them to come to see what we were up to, but few made the
effort. However most of our regulars and youth supporters were
there. We also gained a new member, Keith Murfin from Silloth, who
brought his diecast models trade stand.
Civic Trust members were in attendance keeping a tally of visitor
numbers, which we estimate to have been around 100. Thanks to all
who helped to make the day run smoothly.
