public transport Archives - Blackpool Social Club

28 Feb

Gallery: Blackpool and North Fylde on film

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitionsblack and white photography, Blackpool, cleveleys, fleetwood, Fylde Coast, leica, leica cl, monochrome photography, public transport

The light dawned photographically bright on 5th February 2023 and it was time for a photo trip. That roll of Kentmere (other brands are available) film had been sat on the shelf too long and was screaming 'shoot me now, shoot me now'. I used to use and like Kentmere photographic paper in my teens and 20s (I can just about remember that) and was keen to try this affordable 400 iso product. I selected my Leica CL 35mm camera and the Jupiter 50mm lens, with 'Made in USSR' engraved on the barrel, and loaded that film. With a 24…

04 Jun

Jubilee Tram Parade attracts promenade crowds

David Simper0 CommentsHeritage, Local Newsblackpool heritage trams, heritage trams, jubilee tram parade, public transport, trams, vintage trams

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Blackpool has one of the finest heritage tram fleets in the world. These were out in force to help celebrate the Queen's platinum jubilee on the 2nd June 2022, with a Blackpool jubilee tram parade. We have two videos capturing the event. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Starting from Pleasure Beach, a dozen vehicles progressed north along the Promenade towards Little Bispham, before breaking at the Tower Headland for an extended photo call. People thronged the route, showing that the heritage trams, including three of the Illuminated vehicles, have lost none of their allure. At Tower Headland all ages crowded round the vehicles, admiring…

30 Dec

Just a walk down the prom with my camera

David Simper0 CommentsVisual Arts & Exhibitionsartworks, Blackpool, buses, Film, film photography, great promenade show, medium format photography, mirror ball, monochrome photography, photography, public transport, solaris centre, south promenade, they shoot horses don't they, tidal organ, trams

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Just a walk down the prom with my film camera, in the sun taking in the crisp cool air. Here are some of David's favourite black and white, medium format photos from that day. A lovely little trip and break. Come back nice weather and we can do this again. One Saturday I decided to take a trip to Fleetwood Market to buy some things from the art supply store that's opened up there. A good day in itself. I returned with a new sketchbook, which I admit I'm yet to try out, sweeties, a new kitchen knife, a…

26 Oct

Restored vintage Blackpool bus 346 soon to be back on the road

David Simper0 CommentsHeritage, Local NewsBlackpool, Blackpool bus, bus, bus 346, buses, fylde, heritage, public transport, restoration, vehicles, vintage bus

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Everyday things like buses often seem mundane and unimportant, until they've gone taking their history with them. Thankfully enthusiast groups see this coming and save a few examples so that public transport's development can be charted and people can see, touch and ride on the vehicles of yesteryear. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Bus 346, a Metro Cammell model PD2 introduced in 1959 and withdrawn in March 1975, is just such a vehicle. Saved from the scrapyard by being used as a mess room by Blackpool Council Illuminations Department, it's planned to have this fine vehicle back on the road by the end of…