Another year almost over and I think we as a Group can look back with satisfaction on what we have achieved. With only a few glitches, over holiday periods, we have provided good driver cover. Our Thursday work sessions have been well attended this year and we have been very fortunate in attracting some very skilled people to assist us.

Driver shortage is still an issue resulting in some of our drivers occasionally having to take on multiple shifts. This is despite the sterling efforts of our trainers Bob Sutherland and George Murray to turn out new drivers. Hopefully we will benefit from their efforts soon as confident trainees are now making arrangements to be tested by Tommy Gallagher.

We continue to have an excellent relationship with the Park Management. Although the Park has very tough financial restraints they have managed to find funds to invest in the tramway and we hope to see a new tram shelter in the near future.

Dusseldorf 392 - During the winter months this tram can now be described as the workhorse of the fleet. The car is ideal for carrying buggies and prams with its wide platforms, The tram lift is, of course, appreciated by wheelchair users and people a bit unsteady on their feet who would otherwise not be able to enjoy a tram ride. The car has performed very well, but did develop a fault in the electric braking system which resulted in the car being taken out of service for a couple of weeks. During our investigation of the fault, both controllers were stripped down and cleaned. Chris Johnson took the contacts away and re-profiled them in his own workshop. The fault was eventually found in flying leads at the front of the tram which would have been used when the tram was hauling a trailer. The leads have been firmly secured and the tram is now giving reliable service. To celebrate the festive period the tram has been decorated and sports a reindeer head (both ends of course). The Rudolf heads were cleverly designed by Ross Fulton. In order to promote the Park and the tramway the Park Management have asked local schools to design posters. The winning designs will be printed on vinyl sheets and stuck to the side of the tram for a period during the promotion.

Lanarkshire 53 - This car of course was used extensively during the summer months and because of the mild autumn has seen good usage, particularly at weekends. It still has that magical pulling power that makes visitors put their hands into their pockets and buy a tram ticket. It is great fun operating the car on bright but cold days, with good natured banter flying between the crew and passengers as we exaggerate the madness of subjecting ourselves to such chilly conditions. (GREAT FUN).

Glasgow 1245 - We now have the backing of the Park Management to investigate the restoration of this tram and have been actively investigating quotes for the work to be done and sources of funding. Ross Fulton has done some cosmetic repairs and paintwork giving us a tantalising glimpse of what the car will look like in the future. Some excellent photographs have been taken and if you are interested in taking some do so quickly, as work will be taking place soon to ascertain the condition of the chassis.

The Thursday work night team have achieved a lot this year. Not only working on the trams, our team has also been involved with the maintenance and repair of the depot building, repairs to the overhead and conservation of tramway artefacts. Andy has led his tram cleaning team throughout the year, not only keeping the trams immaculate, but also keeping the depot clean and tidy.