Author: Ed

South Shore Stories: Preserving the Memories of Blackpool’s Seaside Community

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The rich history of Blackpool’s South Shore has been brought vividly back to life through the South Shore Stories project, a community-led initiative celebrating the people, places and memories that have shaped one of the resort’s most distinctive neighbourhoods. Launched in 2026, the project culminated in a major public exhibition at the Blackpool Enterprise Centre on Lytham Road, alongside the publication of a commemorative book that captures the stories, photographs and treasured memories shared by local residents. Together, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of South Shore through the eyes of those who lived, worked and holidayed there….

The Blackpool Pigeons That Helped Win the War

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When Britain entered the Second World War in 1939, the call to serve extended far beyond soldiers, sailors and airmen. Across the country, thousands of pigeon fanciers were asked to contribute their birds to the national war effort, and Blackpool was no exception. Local pigeon keepers answered the call, donating and registering their prized homing pigeons to help defend the nation during one of its darkest hours. At a time when modern communications could easily fail, carrier pigeons remained one of the most reliable methods of sending urgent messages. Radios could be damaged, intercepted or rendered unusable, but a well-trained…

The End of an Era: Basil Newby MBE Sells Blackpool’s Iconic Funny Girls

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Basil Newby is one of the most influential figures in Blackpool’s modern entertainment history, and in 2025 he marked the end of a remarkable chapter by putting his world-famous show venue, Funny Girls, up for sale after more than three decades at the heart of the resort’s nightlife. Born in Blackpool in 1951, Newby began his career in entertainment entrepreneurship at a time when the town’s nightlife scene was expanding and diversifying. In 1979 he purchased The Flamingo nightclub on Talbot Road, establishing what became Blackpool’s first dedicated venue for LGBTQ+ nightlife. Over the years he built his name and…

Jacinta: The Last Fleetwood Trawler and the End of an Era

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For many years, the trawler Jacinta stood as one of the most important surviving reminders of Fleetwood’s proud fishing heritage. Once a hardworking deep-water fishing vessel that sailed to the rich fishing grounds of the North Atlantic, she later became a floating museum and heritage attraction. However, after decades of preservation efforts, the decision was made in 2019 to scrap the vessel following serious structural deterioration, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Fleetwood’s maritime history. Launched in 1972, Jacinta was built as a modern stern trawler, representing a new generation of fishing vessels. Unlike older trawlers that hauled…

Dr Arif Rajpura Appointed Director of Public Health for Blackpool

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Few individuals have had a greater influence on public health in modern Blackpool than Dr Arif Rajpura. As the town’s Director of Public Health since 2007, he has spent nearly two decades tackling some of the most complex health and social challenges facing the resort, helping shape policies and initiatives designed to improve the lives of residents across the Fylde Coast. Originally qualifying in medicine through St Andrews University and Manchester Medical School, Dr Rajpura began his career in clinical practice before entering specialist public health training in 1999. After serving as a Consultant in Public Health in Lancashire, he…

Rebekah Warburton OBE: From Administrative Officer to National Honours Recognition

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Rebekah Warburton, from St Annes, has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to public service through her work at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Currently serving as Deputy Director for Health Transformation and Delivery, Warburton’s career is a remarkable example of progression, leadership and dedication within the Civil Service. Her journey began in 2004 when she joined the Department for Work and Pensions as an Administrative Officer within the Child Support Agency. Starting in an entry-level role, she steadily built her career through a combination of…

Mooky and Mr Boo: Carrying on a 130-Year Circus Tradition

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For more than two decades, no visit to Blackpool Tower Circus has felt complete without the antics of Mooky and Mr Boo. The much-loved clowning duo have become synonymous with one of Blackpool’s most famous attractions, entertaining millions of visitors while carrying forward a circus tradition that stretches back to the opening of the Tower Circus in 1894. At the heart of the partnership is Mooky, the stage name of Laci Endresz Jr., a performer born into one of Europe’s oldest circus families. Circus life has been part of the Endresz family for generations, and Laci first stepped into the…

The Passing of Cyril Critchlow, the Magician Who Preserved Blackpool’s Entertainment History

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Few people have done more to preserve Blackpool’s entertainment history than Cyril Critchlow. A magician, author, collector, theatre proprietor and local councillor, he dedicated much of his life to ensuring that the stories of Blackpool’s theatres, piers, performers and attractions would survive for future generations. Through his collecting, writing and campaigning, he became one of the town’s most important historians and a central figure in preserving its rich showbusiness legacy. Born in Staffordshire on 15 November 1922, Critchlow moved to Blackpool with his family during the 1930s after they took over a guest house on Hull Road. Growing up in…

Alan Cavill MBE: The Man Behind Blackpool’s Modern Regeneration

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Few individuals have had a greater influence on Blackpool’s transformation during the past three decades than Alan Cavill MBE. As one of the leading figures behind the town’s regeneration strategy, Cavill has played a central role in reshaping Blackpool’s economy, infrastructure, tourism offer and public spaces, helping to drive investment worth billions of pounds into the resort. In 2026, his contribution was formally recognised when he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to regeneration in Blackpool. Born in February 1960 and raised in Blackpool, Cavill has spent…

The Big Wheel Cafe

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The Big Wheel was built in 1896 as part of Winter Gardens manager Bill Holland’s bold response to the arrival of Blackpool Tower in 1894. Holland recognised that the Tower would transform the resort and sought to create rival attractions that would keep visitors within the Winter Gardens complex. Alongside the construction of the Empress Ballroom — which proved an immediate and enduring success — the 220-foot-high Big Wheel was erected as a dramatic new skyline feature. While the Empress Ballroom flourished and even prompted the Tower Company to upgrade its own assembly rooms into what became the famous Tower…