Author: Ed

Blackpool WWII Air Raid Shelters

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During World War II, Blackpool had various air raid shelters, including public shelters and domestic shelters. Anderson Shelters were simple, underground shelters built from corrugated steel, designed for individual families. Morrison Shelters were indoor shelters, usually placed in the living room, made of steel and designed to provide protection from shrapnel and falling debris. Some examples are listed below: Winter Gardens had a large shelter where the public could seek refuge. Public shelters were built in various locations to provide protection for larger groups of people. Pillboxes were concrete structures used for defence, found at Blackpool Airport, possibly for defense of…

Rare Post Box Still Situated at Stanley Park

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Edward VIII post boxes are rare due to his short reign (326 days in 1936) and subsequent abdication. Approximately 161 pillar boxes and a smaller number of other types were produced during his time on the throne. These boxes are now sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of British post box history. They feature Edward VIII’s distinct royal cypher, which is an ornate font with the letters “E” and “R” (Rex/Regina) distinct and separate. The short reign and subsequent abdication led to a limited production of boxes with his cipher. Pillar boxes (type A) are rarer than narrower type B…

Eddie Dunn Creates Serene Fishing Pond in Bispham

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A dad-of-four who underwent a major operation for esophageal cancer is keen to help others after coming through the other side. Eddie Dunn, 64, of Fleetwood, went to Blackpool & the Fylde College and Salford University. He, along with fellow members of the KCA (Kick Cancer’s Arse) Support Group, are working to create a cancer support garden in Bispham. The garden will be a peaceful haven where cancer patients will be able to relax in a peaceful setting. Eddie Dunn is on the up after his cancer battle and wants to help other cancer patients.

Eric Wright Makes Bispham Gardens Care Centre Blossom

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Eric Wright Group’s Health and Care division and Glenholme Healthcare Group form a joint venture in 2019 with the aim of delivering between ten and fifteen new care homes over five years. Their focus is Lancashire, Cumbria, Chester, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. One of the first outcomes of this partnership is the acquisition of Spiral Health’s interest in Bispham Gardens after Spiral Health enters administration. Bispham Gardens is designed for older people seeking both care and comfort in retirement. The 52-bed home is expanded by a further 24 rooms, opening in early 2021. It offers specialist nursing, dementia and end-of-life…

Frank Parkinson Founds F Parkinson & Son Ltd

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The company has a rich history dating back to 1934 and has since gained a reputation for delivering high quality construction projects throughout the North of England, operating from its three regional offices in Blackpool, Manchester and York. The company was founded by Frank Parkinson under the name of ‘F Parkinson & Son’ located on Elizabeth Street in Blackpool. The company began as a family-run business, focusing on local construction projects. Over the years, it expanded its operations and expertise, undertaking various refurbishment, extension, and new build schemes. Today, F Parkinson Ltd operates from regional offices in Blackpool, Manchester, and…

The Robinson – £8.2m Restoration to the Stanley Buildings

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Stanley Buildings in the heart of Blackpool town centre is in the final stages of a major renovation, with the site soon to reopen as The Robinson, a contemporary business hub named in honour of John Charles Robinson. Robinson, who served as Blackpool Corporation’s chief architect from 1920 to 1944, shaped much of the town’s civic landscape. His designs included libraries, schools, swimming baths, leisure venues and iconic features along the seafront. The Derby Baths, South Shore Open Air Baths, the Technical College on Palatine Road, and the Art deco café, Cricket Pavilion and Golf Clubhouse at Stanley Park are…

Beverley Wood Founds BWD Limited

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Beverley Wood founded BWD Limited (also known as Beverley Wood Design Ltd) in 2005. BWD Limited is a commercial interior design firm based in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. Under Beverley Wood’s leadership as Founder and Creative Director, the company specialises in designing and delivering projects across various sectors, including travel environments, events and exhibitions, retail and hospitality, visitor attractions, office interiors, and urban design schemes. ​The firm offers a comprehensive range of services, from design feasibility studies to full project implementation, and emphasises creating spaces that are both operationally efficient and aesthetically pleasing.​ They offer a full range of design services…

Fleetwood’s Brown & Jackson Becomes Eric Wright Construction

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Brown and Jackson in Fleetwood is founded in 1923. In 1979 Eric Wright purchases the company and renames it Eric Wright Construction, laying the foundations for what becomes the Eric Wright Group. From its earliest days the business commits to a culture of excellence across construction, civil engineering, facilities management, water infrastructure and property development.

Highfield Leadership Academy Joins Trust

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Highfield Leadership Academy in Blackpool is a secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 16, with capacity for around 1,200 students. On 1 April 2016 it becomes part of Star Academies, a multi-academy trust that operates schools across the country. Since joining the trust, Highfield focuses on aspiration, self-belief and the raising of standards in every aspect of school life. The school applies a structured, data-driven approach to learning. Each pupil has an individual plan designed both to challenge and to support. Attendance, behaviour and progress are monitored with precision, and interventions follow quickly when concerns arise. Parents share in…

Juicy Lobster Comes to Blackpool

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Discover the new bright light on Central Drive that is Juicy Lobster Blackpool, where passion for culinary craftsmanship meets the warmth of hospitality. Their story is one of dedication to the art of taste, where each dish is an expression of creativity and attention to detail. Diners can indulge in the robust flavours of their pizza, cooked to perfection, or experience the harmonious blend of ingredients in their exquisite pasta.