The tram museum has spoken up as it begins its first involvement in the recently introduced scheme, in which the HLF supports training opportunities with bursaries worth £365,000.
Keeping the skills alive that maintain Crich’s vehicles in running order is no easy task, so the museum is happy to be able to pass on knowledge from its engineers to Bruce Lake, a volunteer electrical engineer at Sandtoft’s Trolleybus Museum.
Bruce has been awarded one of the HLF’s bursaries to enhance his DC electrical skills under the tutelage of Crich’s staff – knowledge that will be invaluable for looking after the historical collection at Sandtoft.
“We use the same techniques today to restore the trams as the skilled craftspoeople did a hundred years ago when they were built,” explained Peter Bird, Rolling Stock Engineer at Crich.
“The work is detailed, precise, of the highest quality and very rewarding. We’re thrilled to be taking part in this scheme which will help to ensure that these traditional skills don’t die out.”
The scheme was introduced after a major survey in 2005 showing the precarious state of skills in the heritage railway sector and beyond.
“The era of the time-served engineering apprentice is generally long gone,” said project co-ordinator Gary Wragg. “We need to take action to pass on key skills and experience before it’s too late. We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is making these bursaries possible.”
“The scheme is here to help someone, for example, to gain the skills needed to develop a specific project, or to help a non-specialist gain the proper skills needed to look after heritage machinery and vehicles,” he continued.
“Hopefully, in time, the scheme can develop to take in new entrants to the sector and train them from scratch. We’re delighted that some former Heritage Lottery Fund Bursary trainees are now passing on their skills to new entrants to the programme.”
Applications are now being invited for the next round of bursaries, from people working in the transport and industrial heritage sector either paid or volunteering. For more information, contact The Training Manager, HLF Skills Training Bursary Scheme, Hampshire County Council Museums and Archives Service, Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane, Winchester, SO23 8RD.
