Douglas Bay Horse Tramway has announced the death of Michael Crellin, a key figure in tramway history and a respected member of the Isle of Man farming and heavy horse communities.

Mr Crellin, who was in the tramway service for over fifty years, is remembered not only as an outstanding horseman and blacksmith, but also as a true Manxman who devoted his life to preserving the local heritage.

He began his journey with a horse-drawn tram in 1973 as a blacksmith’s apprentice under the late Tommy Joughin.

By the 1980s, he had risen to the role of stable foreman, responsible for managing a stable of 60 horses and overseeing most of the farrier’s work.

His dedication and skill eventually led to his appointment as tram conductor in 1992; In this role, he balanced between overseeing the maintenance of tram horses and driving trams along the Douglas Promenade when demand required.

Beyond his professional duties, Mr. Crellin was a staunch defender of the heritage of trolley horses and continued their long tradition of participating in plowing competitions.

Since 2018 he has taken on the role of farm manager, overseeing the Clypse and Honey Hill grazing grounds near Onchan, where the trolley horses are kept.

A leading figure in the Isle of Man heavy horse community, Mr Crellin was president of the Isle of Man Heavy Horse Society for many years.

His presence at the Royal Manx and Southern District Agricultural Shows continued; here he proudly displayed both his tram horses and his own draft horses, winning numerous awards in various categories.

The tram company’s statement reflects the profound impact Mr Crellin had on the community, saying he was ‘known to many, highly respected and will be greatly missed’.

Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, along with countless colleagues and friends, paid tribute to Mr Crellin on social media.