Talk to be held:- "The Lettuce Line - West Lancashire Railway"
FOLLOWING on from success, back in September 2014, of the '50th Anniversary of Closure Tour' of Southport to Preston railway route, Keith Hick will be presenting an illustrated talk with his unique personal images and knowledge at Southport Football Club's Grandstand Bar, Haig Avenue, Southport, PR8 6JZ, commencing at 7.30pm. Keith Hick is a well known Southport local historian, author and railway enthusiast. The evening is for the benefit of Friends of 502 who are restoring the sole serving 502 Unit in Burscough. These electric multiple units were built in Derby in late 1930's for Liverpool to Southport to Crossens and Liverpool to Ormskirk services. They were superseded by present 507 and 508 units in late 1970's/early 1980's. Our unit ran on the Southport to Crossens service on final day of electric services, Saturday, 5 September 1964. Upon withdrawal from service in 1982 the unit became part of the National Collection in ownership of National Railway Museum who donated it to 502 Group for restoration in 2011. In March 2012 we moved into Merseyside Transport Trust's large undercover facility in Osprey Place on Burscough Industrial Estate. There is no charge for admittance, but there will be ample opportunity for donations to 502 Group's Steel Appeal. We are about to order the new steel floor for Trailer Coach. The 1st new sections should be delivered and in place for Open Day on 12 July 2015. Advance booking is not necessary, please just turn up. If you wish to let us know you are coming then by all means please do so. For more information etc contact Tony Kuivala via email also you can find out more on Facebook.
