Farewell to a Local Legend

In March 2013, the little tram which we named the ‘Wonder of the Peak’ began to take regular tours around Buxton. It soon became a must do attraction and, over the years, thousands of visitors and locals have come aboard to have the fascinating stories of the town’s history brought to life by our knowledgeable and enthusiastic drivers.

Sadly, however, ongoing and costly maintenance issues meant that it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep it reliably on the road and able to offer a consistent service to our customers. So, with a heavy heart, we made the decision to send it on to pastures new. Instead of writing a 10 year anniversary celebration, looking forward to the next 10, we find ourselves writing a commemoration.

It quickly became an icon of the town, often featuring in local artworks, such as those in the Buxton Spa Prize exhibitions, and has had many adventures over the years. Several local people have used the tram as their wedding vehicle whilst others used it to transport them to their school proms or as a way of celebrating a birthday or anniversary. We even did a lap around the town playing ‘We are the Champions’ when local school footballers won a prestigious title.

To the children of St Anne’s, Burbage and Harpur Hill primary schools, it was the naughty red bus, as it took them on a short journey around their area of town. It had the honour of helping to lead out the Buxton Carnival parade, had its own LEGO competition with Brick Corner last year and has hosted morris dancers, moustachioed men, Fringe performers, celebrities and Santa.

There is no doubt that it will be missed but, on a positive note, motorists, who were stuck behind it as it made its very slow journey up Terrace Road and Manchester Road, will once more have the roads freed from a 4 mph milk float with a heavy load.

We thank all those who have helped us with it over the past 10 years: particularly Keith Wood who built and maintained it; Roy Mycock and family and Duke’s Drive Farm Shop who homed it for 10 of the 11 years; Claire at King Sterndale Riding School and Peter and Branwen Smith for homing it for the last; the Pavilion Gardens for hosting the tram stop, first at the conservatory and latterly on the promenade; the Devonshire Dome and St Anne’s Church for letting its tours through their doors; to all our advertisers; Kev at DS West Recovery who picked it up regularly from various parts of the town; and, of course, our wonderful tram drivers – Nick Christie, Fred Rolland, Michael Clement, Mike Carter, Steve Philips, Chris Smith, Keith Savage and, latterly, Phil Cobham (and almost Steve Rawnsley – sorry about that Steve).

The tram left Buxton earlier today (pictures and videos below), taking a little piece of the town’s history with it.

It heads to the South of England where, after some major surgery, it will be able to lead a healthy life and, after a period of convalescence, explore its options: it may retire with a wealthy gentleman on a private estate or embark on a film career.

So, farewell to our little red bus of Buxton. It went out with a bang, literally.