Author: Ed

WWII Pillbox at Fleetwood Road

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Fleetwood, like other coastal areas in the UK, saw the construction of pillboxes during World War II as part of a defensive network against potential invasion. These concrete structures, often with loopholes for firing weapons, were designed to be sturdy guard posts, capable of withstanding small arms fire and grenades. One example in Fleetwood is located on Fleetwood Road, opposite Cala Gran caravan park. There is another pillbox in Salisbury Woodlands at Stanley Park and another at the South Shore Cricket Club. This image clearly shows how the landowner or farmer has chosen to dump a mound of soil behind…

WWII Pillbox in Salisbury Woodlands at Stanley Park

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Hidden among the trees in Salisbury Woodland Gardens near Stanley Park, just next to Blackpool Zoo, stands a hexagonal concrete pillbox bunker — a relic from one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history. Built in 1940, this reinforced structure was part of Britain’s inland defence network during the Second World War. Though modest in size, it played a crucial role as a lookout post for Stanley Park Municipal Airport, which itself became a key military asset during the war. Originally opened in 1931 as Blackpool’s primary civil airport, Stanley Park Municipal Airport was requisitioned by the Royal Air…

Opening of St John’s C of E Primary School

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St John’s CE Primary School may appear modern with its striking, award-winning building, but its legacy stretches back over two centuries. Established in 1817, when Blackpool was a small village of around 750 people, the school was born out of a community effort led by John Gisborne. Recognising the lack of educational provision for local children, he gathered subscriptions from residents, friends, and visitors to fund the town’s first free school. The original school building was constructed on Church Street—then known as Poulton Road—and the school has remained on that site ever since, apart from short breaks during rebuilding phases….

Blackpool’s Second Odeon Cinema Opens on Rigby Road

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Blackpool’s first Odeon Cinema building on Dickson Road (shown below) is now Grade Il Listed. It was the largest on the Oscar Deutsch circuit (at the time) with 3088 seats. It was officially opened by the Mayor of Blackpool, Alderman WR Duckworth MP, on 6 May 1939. Principal guests at the opening ceremony were greeted by screen star Conrad Veidt and entertainer George Formby. The first film shown was ‘Three Smart Girls Grow Up’ starring Deanna Durbin. A Conacher organ, previously installed in the Ritz Cinema Southend-on-Sea, was unveiled in 1946 by Al Bollington, ‘Tripled’ in 1975 the Odeon closed…

Duncan Bannatyne Opens His Health Club in Blackpool

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Bannatyne Health Club in Blackpool opened in early August 2017, coinciding with the launch of a new spa facility that enhanced the club’s offering. The spa includes treatment rooms, manicure and pedicure stations, as well as access to the club’s sauna and other amenities. The health club combines state-of-the-art gym equipment and a broad selection of exercise classes with luxurious swimming pools and spa facilities, creating a balanced environment for both fitness and relaxation. The club is committed to continual investment, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry trends while providing excellent facilities, modern equipment, and great value to…

Opening of £5 Million Club 3000 Bingo

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On Saturday, 1 July 2023, Club 3000 Bingo officially opened its latest venue at Festival Leisure Park in Blackpool, marking a significant milestone as the company’s 24th club across the UK. This new venue represents a £5 million investment, transforming the former Swift Hound Pub site into a modern, state-of-the-art bingo hall designed to offer an exceptional experience for both regular players and newcomers alike. The grand opening was a spectacular affair, drawing over 800 guests who enjoyed an evening filled with entertainment and celebration. Highlights included a captivating magic show by Craig Harper, as well as special appearances from…

The Opening of Palatine Leisure Centre & South Family Hub

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The Palatine Leisure Centre in Blackpool opened on 11 August 2005 after six years of planning and development. Located on St Anne’s Road in the South Shore area, it is operated by Blackpool Council and shares its site with the Palatine Library and South Shore Academy. The centre offers a wide range of facilities including a 25-meter, 8-lane competition swimming pool with a moveable floor, allowing for swimming competitions, water polo, and sub-aqua diving. There is also a family learner pool designed for swimming lessons and recreational use. The centre includes a well-equipped gym with cardiovascular and resistance machines, functional…

Palatine Library and Learning Centre First Opens

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The Palatine Public Library officially opened to the public on 8 September 1923, marking a significant moment in Blackpool’s cultural and educational history. Its origins, however, trace back to 1920, when Boy Scout Troop One began collecting books with the aim of creating a community resource. Their efforts laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of public learning and literacy in the area. The library’s formal opening in 1923 signalled the beginning of a new chapter in accessible education and community enrichment, offering local residents the opportunity to borrow books and engage with a growing range of services….

South Shore School Becomes an Academy

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South Shore School, which was formerly known as Palatine Community Sports College, became an academy in December 2013, when it was converted by Bright Futures Education Trust (BFET). Prior to becoming an academy, the school had been a Sports College since 2004 and had also gained Trust status in 2010, enabling partnerships with several organisations. South Shore Academy wants the best for everyone and the best from everyone. Their vision is for all students to be confident, independent, resilient learners who leave SSA with limitless possibilities to fulfil all their future ambitions, becoming well rounded, positive global citizens, who make…

Robbie Williams Switches Blackpool On

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On Friday 3 September 2010, global pop icon Robbie Williams returned to one of his favourite childhood holiday destinations to switch on the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations. The highly anticipated event drew thousands of spectators to the town’s iconic seafront, officially launching the annual display of lights that would run for a record 66 consecutive nights. The switch-on ceremony has long been a staple of the resort’s calendar, but Williams’ involvement that year added a particular buzz of excitement, thanks to his massive fanbase and his own nostalgic connection to the town. While Robbie did not perform on the night, his…