Margaret’s fascination for trams

Born in Blackpool, she taught home economics at Elmslie Girls’ School.

But now retired and living in Lytham, it is evident Margaret still loves the old cream and green heritage trams of Blackpool.

Although more widely known for her flower painting and scenes of the Lake District and Venice, this fascination for the old trams is being shown alongside her more usual work as part of a solo exhibition of more than 70 paintings of hers.

They are on display until August 4 at Lytham Heritage Centre, Henry Street, Lytham, which is open daily, except Mondays, 10am to 4pm.

A member of Blackpool Art Society for more than 25 years, Margaret has won several commendations for her work, both locally and nationally. She says she would be happy to give tips on colour mixing and techniques as she will be painting in situ at the Heritage Centre throughout the exhibition run.

As for old trams, Margaret insists: “It is not just men who love them, along with buses and trains.

“Having grown up in Blackpool I travelled to and from school on the green and cream trams and buses.

“They were an iconic symbol of Blackpool and although the new maroon trams are smooth to ride on, nothing beats that nostalgic feeling of riding on the top deck of the old ‘balloon’ trams.”

Margaret adds: “I do hope that Blackpool follows through their idea of more heritage tram rides, especially during the Illuminations.”

Enthusiasts will not have to wait until the Lights – heritage trams are taking their place this Sunday, alongside a whole host of other vehicles, at Fleetwood Festival of Transport – still better known to most people as Tram Sunday, which began as part of the Blackpool tramway’s centenary celebrations in 1985. Admission is free, with donations welcome through purchase of a programme.

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