The annual Geoffrey Claydon Memorial Lecture will take place at the National Tramway Museum on Friday 11th September 2026. It will be led by David Leeder, transport historian and commentator, with the title confirmed as being “The Modern British Tramcar Journey – From Revival to Revoluton”.
During the lecture he will be exploring the remarkable story of the modern British tramcar, from the revival of tramways in the late 20th century to the challenges and opportunities facing light rail today.
David Leeder has a career spanning passenger transport management and planning since the late 20th century. His extensive experience includes serving at CEO of the largest UK bus network outside London, Chair of the company responsible for building the Midland Metro, and an advisor to the government.
The talk will look back at the first flowering of “reborn” tramway systems in Britain after an absence of around 50 years, including the Tyne and Wear Metro in the 1970s, the Docklands Light Railway in the 1980s and the Midland Metro.
David will explore some intriguing questions about the development and performance of Britain’s modern tramways, including: Why are UK trams so expensive? Why is tram and light rail patronage such a mixed picture? Have trams and light rail been installed on the right routes?
The lecture will take place in the newly refurbished Poulson Room at the National Tramway Museum. This is above The Red Lion, with the pub also open on the night serving drinks and snacks. Doors will open at 1830 and tickets cost £5 in advance. Tickets can be booked at https://tramway.co.uk/whats-on/modern-british-tramcar-journey/