31st July 2005 Celebrations
On 31st July 1905, the first passenger carrying car left Silverhill Depot. Hundreds of passenger took a ride on the new tramcars that day. On Sunday 31st July 2005, the club celebrated the centenary of this event by a trip around the old circular route with Happy Harold, a car pulling the club's mini tram, built by Roy Austen, on a trailer, a modern Hastings Arrow bus, a Maidstone and District open top single deck bus, a Maidstone and District double-decker bus and a modern Hastings Tramways Bus. At around 12pm, they all started the 9 mile trip from Rock-a-Nore coach park. The Trip took about an hour finishing up at Rock-a-Nore again. Happy Harold wasn't expected to do the whole trip, but it made it all the way around the route without a problem. Thanks to all the drivers who participated in this event which went off with out a problem. It was a great day!To view the news article that was printed in the Hastings Observer at the time, click on the link below. On the (vintage) Buses To view some photos of the event, click on the link below. 2005 Photo Archive