Whilst not quite making the front page of The Independent (or even the News of the World) the following references have been made to the Big LUPTS reunion of 5/6 October 2002.

  Recorder

The following press release has been prepared for the University of Liverpool's Recorder magazine for alumni.   It was submitted along with the pictures of the founders on the staircase of the Old Union on the Saturday and the group photograph at Woodside on the Sunday.

The text, along with the two photographs, appeared in March 2003 edition of Recorder.   A scan of the relevant page will be posted as soon as possible.

Why such an esteemed gathering in such an unphotogenic location?   This marks the spot on the stairs leading to the old Guild ‘caf’ where, in November 1958, an overheard conversation about trolleybuses whilst in the queue for warm pie and soggy chips led to formation of the erstwhile Liverpool University Public Transport Society (LUPTS).   Although the Society ceased to function officially in 1991 many of its one-time members continue to meet regularly and participate in various organised events.   At lupts.org.uk the former members now even have their own website!

Amongst many of LUPTS’ achievements was organising all the initial work which ensured the preservation of one of Liverpool’s famous ‘Green Goddess’ trams in 1960.   Superbly restored, this is now operating at the National Tramway Museum at Crich in Derbyshire.   In 1998, LUPTS members who had contributed to the rescue of the tram, were invited to the Museum.  During this celebration, it was agreed that a bigger, grand reunion involving as many former LUPTS members as possible should be held sometime in the future.

This eventually came to fruition over the weekend of 5/6 October 2002 when over 60 former students enjoyed two extra-ordinary days organised by Martin Jenkins (the Society’s first Chairman) and Charles Roberts (Chairman in 1981/82).   Participants came from far and wide and included no less than eight founder members - Chris Bennett, Neil Cossons, Kevin Donnelly, Anthony Henry, Martin Jenkins, John Ryan, Peter Stoddart and Tony Warren.   During a visit to the Students’ Union on the Saturday, the chance was taken to record the very spot where it all started.   On the Sunday, former members and their families took advantage of the fine weather at the Wirral Bus and Tram Show in Birkenhead.

Now plans are afoot to mark the 50th anniversary of the Society in 2008 – by which time most of us will have even less hair.

Martin Jenkins (1958-62)

  Wirral Globe

The Globe dated 9 October 2002, on page 14, devoted an entire page to the Bus and Tram Show, under the headline 'History makes a comeback'.   Their coverage includes a picture of Wallasey 78, clearly displaying its LUPTS TOUR blind.   It is hoped to scan part of the report and post it here shortly.

  Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society

The MTPS, almost as quickly as the LUPTS webmaster, put a report of the Show on their website.   This includes several pictures of Wallasey 78, although the LUPTS TOUR blind had been removed by the time the Mayor had arrived to perform the official unveiling ceremony.  Their newsletter mentioned LUPTS in one paragraph.

Details are on the MTPS website.

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Last updated: 14 April 2003

© Charles Roberts/LUPTS 2002-2003