Tram named in honour of Gracie Fields

Mayor and Mayoress, Ray and Elaine Dutton get ready to board the Gracie tram

A tram has been named in honour of Rochdale-born actress and singer Dame Gracie Fields.

The new Gracie tram has taken its first trip making the journey from Rochdale railway station into Rochdale town centre.

It’s the first time a new tram, which replaced the older T-68 fleet, has been named after a famous person.

TfGM director Peter Cushing said: “A real star of stage and screen, Gracie is undoubtedly one of the town’s most famous daughters.

“The tram will operate right across the network, encouraging people to 'sing as we go' on their commute.”

The seventh plaque in the Gracie trail, to highlight places of significance to the Gracie story in Rochdale, was also unveiled at the Regal Moon pub. The latest plaque honours the performances she gave there when it was a theatre and cinema.

A bronze statue of Gracie is to be unveiled in Town Hall Square, Rochdale on 18 September.

The erection of the statue will coincide with the completion of the Gracie Fields trail.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/104605/gracie-statue-to-be-unveiled-in-town-hall-square