V.E.R.A. Winter Meetings

Why not join us at one of our Winter Wednesday Meetings
at West Blatchington Windmill, Holmes Avenue, Hove

All meetings start promptly at 7:30 (doors open at 7:00pm) with a break for light refreshments during the evening, finishing by 10:00pm. No charge is made for VERA members attending these meetings, and visitors (£2.00 admission which covers refreshments) will be made very welcome.

As usual meetings will be advertised in the local press, some transport magazines and on this page.  Please ensure you arrive early to get a seat and to allow the meetings to start on time.

Meetings for 2019/20

September 25th 2019 – ‘Blackpool Tramway Part 2’

Blay Whitby makes a welcome return to continue the story of the expansion and development of the iconic Blackpool Tramway, including the introduction in the 1930’s of a fleet of new Brush and English Electric single- and double-deck ‘streamline’ cars.

November 27th 2019 – ‘Brighton Lost’

Many buildings and meeting places in Brighton have disappeared over the years but fortunately local photographers captured them in their prime. 

Chris Horlock delves into his extensive archive to bring us this talk which, no doubt, will bring back happy memories (that is if you are old enough!).

January 29th 2020 – ‘Irish Trams and Trolleybuses including Giant’s Causeway’

The history of the tram and trolleybus in Ireland is very varied, from systems that lasted only 3 years to a trolleybus network that for some time was the largest outside of London. 

Peter Williams takes us on a tour of the island, including a visit to the Giant’s Causeway tramway that almost beat Magnus Volk to the claim of the first electric fare-paying passenger line in the world.

March 25th 2020 – ‘150 years of Brussels Trams’

Starting with a short horse tram route in 1869, the city of Brussels has grown its tram system to one of the largest in Europe and the 16th largest in the world.  Celebrating 150 years of continuous operation is no mean feat and there are plans to massively increase the number of routes and tramcars in operation. 

Ian Gledhill visited the city at the time of the celebrations and presents his experiences in this the last talk of the season.