I HAVE an amusing memory about an incident on a tram in the mid-1930s.

At that time, the Rev H J Graham was vicar of St Silas' Church, in Preston New Road, Blackburn, and during the summer when children were on holiday from school, my mother and I got on the tram at the terminus at Billinge End.

The weather was fine and warm and we went up to the open top deck.

The vicar was sitting there and, being members of his congregation, we dutifully bade him good afternoon. Other people got on and by the time the tram reached Adelaide Terrace, it was quite full - with many of the vicar's parishioners.

The conductor came round to issue tickets, and the vicar said to him: "I have a ticket to Billinge End." The conductor looked rather bemused and said: "Well vicar, you got on this tram at the town hall, we've been up to Billinge End and we are on the way back to the town - I think you forgot to get off."

Needless to say all the boys and girls on the tram began laughing, and mothers, who were trying not to laugh, were endeavouring to stop them.

I don't know whether the conductor charged the vicar another twopence or not.

REG SMITH, New Bank Road, Blackburn.

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