The ticket printers opposite the tram/bus depot in Laird Street was Auto Tickets Ltd. Also remember it being called Victory Kidder. Not too sure which came first. Being a collector of ticket machines and bus/tram tickets (B'head & L'pool mainly), most of the "Bell Punch" type tickets used by B'head Corporation Transport had "Auto Tickets Ltd" on the bottom of most values.
Sorry, wandering off topic again. Maybe start another thread on old B'head ticket stuff sometime if anyone's interested. They used to have a limited display of tickets/machines down at the Bus Museum, Taylor St.
Used to be a driver at Arriva Depot, Laird St. Before this new depot, the old one was basically the original tram depot, huge inside, covering almost the entire area of the new bus park! Osed to see all the exposed tracks inside when the modern concrete floor used to lift! At that time ,the present offices used to be a homeless drop in centre, saw some sights in the depot then!! Rumour has it that when building this new depot, the demolition guys uncovered some underground bunkers/shelters! Any more info on this?? Could be your missing link between Tranmere and Bidston!!!! Ha Ha!!
The ticket printers opposite the tram/bus depot in Laird Street was Auto Tickets Ltd. Also remember it being called Victory Kidder. Not too sure which came first. Being a collector of ticket machines and bus/tram tickets (B'head & L'pool mainly), most of the "Bell Punch" type tickets used by B'head Corporation Transport had "Auto Tickets Ltd" on the bottom of most values.
Sorry, wandering off topic again. Maybe start another thread on old B'head ticket stuff sometime if anyone's interested. They used to have a limited display of tickets/machines down at the Bus Museum, Taylor St.
That has triggered a memory; "Automaticket". Does that ring any bells? I remember (as I expect you do) when the tickets of different values were carried in a long wooden holder with spring clips & punched with a machine which rang a bell when operated (Bell Punch Company)?
I'm pretty certain the name "Automaticket" was the name on the ticket machines in the cinemas.
Last edited by chriskay; 23rd Dec 20072:10pm. Reason: I remember!!
Wouldnt be surprised really.. The old offices which used to be where the New social club is know that had a cellar and an old Air Raid shelter beneath.. The Main building on laird street the which are know the Offices the old Tramway offices that has a basement with a Air Raid shelter. The Co-Op store which is next to the bus station that has a Huge Cellar which has an Air Raid shelter... The huge feild which use to be The Gas Works has a huge air raid shelter right at the back theres a huge hole which drops down.. So theres quite few shelters around there.. Id love to get into the one where the old gas works is as it looks massive... But because theres no way of access we'd need a good set of ladders and some rope others wise we'll be stuck down there heh!.. I can take a couple of photos of the Air Raid shelter at work tonight to get the idea of how big it is...
Right heres a few picture some of you will Appriciate
Remember i told you about the Gas works behind Laird Street Tram Depot (know the bus depot) ? Also a picture of a tram going up Pearson Road also a Picture of Laird Street Depot Team and the band.. Didnt even now they had one
Got more pictures to come i will add them over the week as theres quite a few to be rescanned as there not very good..
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Here are a few more Pictures of The tramway in action... there are more pictures to come... The scans come from a Book called Birkenhead Electric Tramways.. By Charles Rycroft.. Very intresting read
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