Why is Crich shut on a Friday?

[Egg Centric]

I'd have visited Crich this coming Friday as it fits in well with my wider plans, except I can't because it's not open on Fridays. No problem, it is what it is. But I am curious as to why this is. It's not the obvious day of the week to be shut if you're operating a 6 day operation. Does anyone know?

 

[Cheshire Scot]

I'd have visited Crich this coming Friday as it fits in well with my wider plans, except I can't because it's not open on Fridays. No problem, it is what it is. But I am curious as to why this is. It's not the obvious day of the week to be shut if you're operating a 6 day operation. Does anyone know?

I have no idea in this case but many years ago working in an area of the country where tourism was important Friday was the day when visitors were least likely to visit attractions - if on a one week visit, probably preparing to go home, if on a weekend visit only just arriving. Also if travelling by road Friday is not a good day for day-tripping due to weekend traffic build up from lunchtime onwards. .

 

[tram21]

I'd have visited Crich this coming Friday as it fits in well with my wider plans, except I can't because it's not open on Fridays. No problem, it is what it is. But I am curious as to why this is. It's not the obvious day of the week to be shut if you're operating a 6 day operation. Does anyone know?

Evening, Crich volunteer here

We generally use Fridays for essential maintenance works, to keep our aging infrastructure in good condition, alongside major works which take place over the winter closed period, such as the ongoing traction pole renewal works. Other Fridays are used for Tram Driving Experience Days, a big income earner for the museum, which are operationally easier and safer to complete on closed days.

The reason why its Friday is for reasons highlighted above. Its historically always been the quietest day, with Tuesday- Thursday always being most busy. Many people travel on Fridays, and more importantly, its the low day for coach trips, which are often travelling back on a Friday, which doesn't suit a whole day stop off at Crich. Its worth highlighting that during the much busier school holiday periods we operate 7 days a week.

Sorry you aren't able to visit this Friday, but I do hope you can visit us another time!

 

[Egg Centric]

Sorry you aren't able to visit this Friday, but I do hope you can visit us another time!

I think I can make it the next Saturday as it happens - was just curious what this happens. If not, well hopefully you're not going anywhere

Thanks for the explanation. It's not intuitive to me that it would be the quietest but if is then it is...

 

[YorkshireBear]

It's not intuitive to me either but time and again the stats show what Crich have found. Monday and Friday are the quietest days of the week. And not only that they generally show that if you shut on the Friday the vast majority of those customers will come Thursday or Saturday.

 

[Railwaycat]

I think I can make it the next Saturday as it happens - was just curious what this happens. If not, well hopefully you're not going anywhere

Thanks for the explanation. It's not intuitive to me that it would be the quietest but if is then it is...

While you are in the area, just a few miles away is the restored Wingfield station, well worth a visit as it has a tea/coffee/cakes cafe which opens early.

 

[kje7812]

Thanks for the explanation. It's not intuitive to me that it would be the quietest but if is then it is...

It's the same for most preserved railways.

 

[Lemmy282]

When I joined st Crich back in the 1990's it was always closed on a Friday, and had been for many years previously. Sometime in the early 2000's we went to seven day opening, from March to November. The problem was not much maintenance/replacement work could be carried out on the track or overhead during the season. We also used to open in December for Santa specials and again in the February half term, so over the winter period there was little time to catch up. Add in that 800 feet up a Derbyshire hillside makes for interesting weather!
As Tram21 above said with aging equipment the necessity to get on with replacement work means we have had to drop the least busy day, Friday unless it is in school holidays when we got back to full week opening.

 

[NER1621]

It's not intuitive to me that it would be the quietest but if is then it is..

Which ought to be a useful reminder that “intuition”, “gut feeling” and “common sense” aren’t always to be relied on. (Never mind that these are usually euphemisms for “prejudice” and “unfounded assumptions”.)

 

[Egg Centric]

I'm a bit confused by Crich now I've looked at it more. It seems more like Beamish than the sort of place I thought it would be, with only a few trams operating most days and much of the attraction being non tram? Is that fair?

(Not intended as a criticism)

 

[CarltonA]

I'm a bit confused by Crich now I've looked at it more. It seems more like Beamish than the sort of place I thought it would be, with only a few trams operating most days and much of the attraction being non tram? Is that fair?

(Not intended as a criticism)

I would say that's a fair observation and Crich is the better for it. I would also compare them to Blists Hill in having a broader appeal than just trams or old buildings and a good family day out, not just for enthusiasts.

 

[Wilts Wanderer]

It's the same for most preserved railways.

Indeed - look for instance at the SVR operating calendar; even in high summer there are many weeks without public services on Mondays or Fridays. Admittedly the line has been forced to significantly tighten its belt financially in recent years, but this indicates which days were considered most expendable.

 

[Titfield]

The reason why its Friday is for reasons highlighted above. Its historically always been the quietest day, with Tuesday- Thursday always being most busy. Many people travel on Fridays, and more importantly, its the low day for coach trips, which are often travelling back on a Friday, which doesn't suit a whole day stop off at Crich. Its worth highlighting that during the much busier school holiday periods we operate 7 days a week.

Yes this opening pattern is quite common in the off peak / low season for many attractions that require more than "opening the doors".

Monday is also often a "closed day" for similar reasons.

 

[tram21]

I'm a bit confused by Crich now I've looked at it more. It seems more like Beamish than the sort of place I thought it would be, with only a few trams operating most days and much of the attraction being non tram? Is that fair?

(Not intended as a criticism)

That's correct, but lots to do that's both tram & non-tram related.

On normal operating days we operate 3 different trams every 10-15 minutes throughout the day.

 

[Lemmy282]

I'm a bit confused by Crich now I've looked at it more. It seems more like Beamish than the sort of place I thought it would be, with only a few trams operating most days and much of the attraction being non tram? Is that fair?

(Not intended as a criticism)

Well it depends on what you are expecting. Unlike Beamish the focus is on the trams, they are not just a method of getting people around. With nearly 40 trams on site to look at and other memorabilia it is a place dedicated to the history of trams and their operation. Usually three trams in operation unless it is a special event day. With a limited interest in trams compared to railways it is important that we appeal to everyone not just enthusiasts, hence other attractions on site

 

[Peddles88]

Are the trams running the full length of the line now? Last time I checked the website it says they only run to Wakebridge.
Thanks

 

[tram21]

Are the trams running the full length of the line now? Last time I checked the website it says they only run to Wakebridge.
Thanks

Hi, yes they are and have been since May! Unfortunately essential engineering works were taking place earlier this year, but Glory Mine stop is now open and all trams call there.

There's a lovely walk up to Crich stand from there too!

 

[Egg Centric]

Thanks everyone - I'll be there next Saturday. The "not just trams" thing works out great for the family (even if Mr Centric wants just trams lol) especially the soft play.

My basic plan at the moment is aim to arrive around 12 (we will be driving up from down south on Friday night to an as yet undetermined hotel in the vague region) and leave around 4 (need to get up north for a family supper) and get some sort of light lunch on site. What non obvious tips do you have about things to do there? Will anyone here - (who isn't shy about saying hello to random forumites ) be on duty?