National Tramway Museum lecture to explore the journey of the modern British tramcar

The story of the modern British tramcar will take centre stage at the National Tramway Museum next month, as transport expert David Leeder delivers the Annual Geoffrey Claydon Memorial Lecture.

Taking place on Friday, 11th September, The Modern British Tramcar Journey – From revival to revolution will explore the return and development of modern tram and light rail systems following a 50-year gap in new systems across Britain.

David Leeder has worked at the heart of passenger transport management and planning for many years. His career has included serving as Chief Executive of one of the UK’s largest bus networks outside London, Chair of the company responsible for building Midland Metro and advising Government on transport.

Drawing on that experience, his lecture will look back at the emergence of systems including Tyne and Wear Metro and Docklands Light Railway, as well as Midland Metro, with which David was personally involved.

The evening will also consider some of the questions that continue to shape debate around modern light rail, including the cost of delivering tram systems in the UK, differing levels of patronage and whether networks have been developed along the right routes.

This year’s lecture comes shortly after another fitting tribute to Geoffrey Claydon’s contribution to British light rail.

In July, West Midlands Metro named one of its trams Geoffrey Claydon CB in recognition of the pivotal role he played in the return of modern tramways to towns and cities across the UK. Born in Birmingham, Geoffrey developed a lifelong interest in tramways and went on to become one of the sector’s most influential figures. His work included drafting the Transport and Works Act 1992, which helped simplify the process for gaining approval for new tram routes and paved the way for the development of modern networks during the 1990s.

He also held leading roles within the Tramway Museum Society and maintained a close relationship with the National Tramway Museum at Crich throughout his life. Geoffrey died in June 2025 at the age of 94.

The connection makes David’s subject fitting for this year’s memorial lecture: reflecting on the revival and evolution of the modern British tramcar while remembering someone whose work helped make that revival possible.

The lecture will take place in the newly refurbished Poulson Room above the Red Lion pub at the National Tramway Museum, with doors opening at 18:30.

Tickets cost £5 and are available in advance from the National Tramway Museum.