Author: Ed

Haven Leisure Limited and Cala Gran in Fleetwood

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Cala Gran Holiday Park in Fleetwood, near Blackpool, is one of Haven’s most popular family destinations on the Fylde coast. The park offers a wide range of caravan accommodation and amenities, situated within walking distance of Rossall Beach, a dog-friendly stretch of sand reached in around 20 minutes on foot. The park combines relaxation with adventure. Facilities include a family pool with a water slide for children, a steam room for adults, and high-energy challenges such as the Leap of Faith and a vertical assault course. On site there is also a splash zone, a convenience store, a launderette and…

Steve Coogan Rides the Big One at the Pleasure Beach

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The Parole Officer was released to cinemas on 10 August 2001. Directed by John Duigan, it blends comedy with crime caper elements and follows the fortunes of Simon Garden, a probation officer who finds himself accused of murder. To prove his innocence, he turns to a band of former offenders, each with skills that help him mount an unlikely defence. Steve Coogan plays the central role, portraying Garden as well-intentioned but consistently ineffective. His professional record is dismal, with only three successes in his career. The film opens in Blackpool, where the failings of his work are laid bare. His…

The Completion of Rossall Point Tower

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Rossall Point Observation Tower stands on the sand dunes between Cleveleys and Fleetwood, a striking four-storey structure rising 46 feet above the shoreline. Completed in March 2013, the tower serves both as a beacon and as a public vantage point. It is designed by Studio Three Architects as part of Wyre Council’s £2.1 million Sea Change programme, which aims to revitalise the coastline through investment in facilities and attractions. The tower’s second floor houses a base for the National Coastwatch Institution, supporting the monitoring of vessels and safety along the Fylde coast. At the very top, an open observation deck…

VE Day Blackpool – 2025

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Councillor Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, explains that Thursday 8 May 2025 will mark a significant milestone for the town as it commemorates the 80th anniversary of VE Day. She describes it as a very special day, one that brings the community together to remember the moment in 1945 when victory in Europe was declared and the Second World War in Europe came to an end.

Blackpool Model Village Opens at Stanley Park with Jimmy Clitheroe

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There are 100’s of creative village scenes that will spark your imagination to life as you wander around their beautiful gardens, along the walkways. Follow the quiz and don’t miss any of them. Marvel at the many hand crafted models and figures that represent life’s rich tapestry and step back in time to those bygone days when life seemed to move at a slower pace, from a Scottish Castle, protected by its ranks of Guardsmen to a tranquil Cornish fishing village. From thatched cottages hidden away and a Tudor village whos diminutive residents enjoy a cricket match on the village…

Hickory’s Smokehouse Launches in Thornton-Cleveleys

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Hickory’s Smokehouse in Thornton-Cleveleys officially launches on 22 September 2023, bringing a taste of the American South to the Fylde coast. The restaurant opens in the former Iron Horse pub on Fleetwood Road North, a well-known site that is given a complete transformation. The venue is part of the Hickory’s Smokehouse chain, which has established a reputation for recreating the spirit of Southern hospitality and cuisine. The concept is rooted in authentic barbecue traditions, with menus shaped around smoked meats, slow cooking and bold flavours. Diners are offered brisket, ribs, pulled pork and fried chicken, alongside signature sides such as…

Mecca Bingo Opens on Talbot Road

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The Mecca Bingo on Talbot Road in Blackpool opened in August 2012 after a five-week transformation of a previously dilapidated building. The Mecca Leisure Group has a long history in Blackpool, with its halls being a popular entertainment venue for decades. Bingo, along with seaside resorts, has a strong tradition in Blackpool, with various halls like Empire, Apollo, and Mecca attracting visitors. The Mecca Leisure Group, which includes Mecca Bingo, was established in 1933 with the Mecca Agency Limited.

Farmer Parrs Tractor Shed Bistro, Jumping Pillows, Museum and Animal World

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Farmer Parrs Tractor Shed Bistro is a family owned and run fully licensed restaurant in Fleetwood that opened in 2019. They serve sumptuous breakfasts and elegant lunches – all in a beautiful setting. Light, bright, spacious and stylish. The Tractor Shed Bistro is the perfect location to meet friends and family or to impress business associates. They have also brought back their very popular Sunday Lunches. Tasty roast dinners served from 12pm-3.30pm every Sunday between September and April. But there’s so much more to see and do at Farmer Parrs. They have the fabulous museum called the Fylde Country Life…

Opening of Fylde Country Life Museum at Farmer Parrs

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The Fylde Country Life Heritage Centre is set out in 10,000 square feet of farm buildings. There are twenty-six major exhibits set out in realistic scenes of shops, rooms and buildings. They cover living, working and leisure. A cottage, blacksmith, clogger, office, dairy, lineshafting, and World Wars 1 and 2 are only part of the wide range of displays. Most of the collection has been restored to working condition by members of the Fylde Country Life Preservation Society. The museum is only part of what makes Farmer Parrs a fabulous day out. They also have the wonderful Tractor Shed Bistro,…

Dorothy Kavanagh’s Busy Doll Shop on Caunce Street

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A shop with living accommodation on the corner of Bucanhan & Caunce Street came up for sale in 1962. Don & Dorothy Kavanagh bought it but it was in a dreadful state. Despite this, they moved in with their two young children Chris and Kathy, and set about renovating it from top to bottom. The shop opened as a general antique shop but it soon became clear that Dorothy loved antique dolls. She spent much of her time buying, selling and learning about dolls and their history. Don dealt more in other items of interest such as art, porcelain &…