Author: Ed

Fulwood’s SMD Group Made its Start in Blackpool

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Currently based in Fullwood, Preston, SMD Textiles Ltd was originally founded and registered by Salvador Monllor Domenech in 1987. The company has grown from its family-owned roots into a leader in the interior textiles market. They have made their mark as one of the UK’s leading premium interior fabric brands. Now referred to as SMD Group, it launched the iLiv brand in 2013, which specialises in coordinating fabric to make it easier than ever for customers to create beautiful interiors. Various collections have been launched under the iLiv brand, including Fjord, Palladio, Piazza, Adara, Charlton, Elements, In Bloom, Shabby Chic,…

Scooter Event In Blackpool

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The Blackpool and Fylde Scooter Rally is organised by The Blackpool and Fylde Scooter Alliance, a collective group passionate about scooter culture. The rally is supported by local clubs and enthusiasts aiming to celebrate scooters while raising funds for charitable causes like SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. The first Blackpool and Fylde Scooter Rally took place in 1982. It has since become an annual event, attracting scooter enthusiasts from across the UK. The rally is known for its vibrant atmosphere, featuring a mix of scooter rides, music, and celebrations, and it has grown in popularity over the years. The Blackpool…

Play Expo, The UK Longest Running Retro Games Expo

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PLAY Expo is the UK’s longest running and most popular retro games expo, and it returns for 2025 to the Norbreck Castle for its 15th year! The event promises to be an unmissable event for gaming enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive celebration of gaming culture spanning decades. Organised by Replay Events, this expo is not only the UK’s longest-running retro gaming show but also a haven for gamers, collectors, and industry professionals. The event will take place on October 4–5, 2025, at the Norbreck Castle Exhibition Centre, a popular location in Blackpool that has hosted numerous large-scale gaming and entertainment events….

Brassic Cast Comes to Blackpool for Series 5

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Brassic cast members Michelle Keegan, Tom Hanson, Bronagh Gallagher, Aaron Heffernan, Carl Rice, and Muzz Khan run riot on a Blackpool pier and try their luck in the arcade in season 5. Reeling from the dramatic events of the Series 4 finale, Vinnie and the gang face big repercussions from their entanglements with the dangerous MacDonagh brothers and powerful drug buyer Manolito. With both criminal big-wigs now on his case, Vinnie needs to negotiate his exit strategy – and fast. But there’s a lot on his mind, especially as he’s still trying to figure out what the hell is going…

Mac Barlow Becomes Manager of Blackpool FC Ladies

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Mac Barlow was born on 31 May 1967 in Blackpool and is an English football manager and former football player. She became the manager of Blackpool FC Ladies in May 2009 and is well known amongst women’s football fans, having had a long playing career. For more on women’s football, have a look at our post featuring a 1937 match between France and England in Blackpool. Barlow played for Preston Rangers WFC and was part of the team reached the semi-finals of the FA Women’s Cup in 1982–83 and 1989–90, where she played left back. In 1997, they became Preston…

Women’s Football in Blackpool

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The early beginnings of organised women’s football trace back to the late 19th century, a time when the sport was still finding its footing among male players. The first recorded women’s match took place in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 7 May, 1881. This game featured teams representing Scotland and England and was a bold step in introducing women to the football scene. However, it was not without challenges. The match faced disruption from the crowd, and societal attitudes at the time were largely dismissive of women participating in such a physically demanding activity. By the 1890s, efforts to formalise women’s football…

Gerry North Wins Two Major Titles in One Year

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Born in Chester in 1936, Gerry North had a distinguished career as a long-distance runner, representing several clubs including Blackpool and Fylde AC, Belgrave Harriers, and City of Portsmouth AC. His impressive personal bests included 3:57.2 for 1500m, 14:06.1 for 5000m, and 29:06.2 for 10,000m. In 1962, he gained national recognition for his victory in the English Championship cross-country event near Blackpool, defeating European three-mile record-holder Bruce Tulloh by two seconds in a thrilling race. North’s win, along with his inter-counties title in the same year, marked a rare and significant achievement. Though small in stature, Gerry North was known… Read more »

John Lennon’s Father’s Home in Blackpool

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The Fylde coast played a significant role in John Lennon’s early years. As a child, Lennon spent many summers with his cousins, Leila and Stanley, who were at boarding schools in St Annes and Rossall. He would often take the tram to Blackpool, where he enjoyed performances by George Formby, Dickie Valentine, and Arthur Askey. He also learned to swim at Fleetwood’s old open-air baths, and it’s even rumoured that he and Stanley supported Fleetwood Town. In June 1946, John’s father, Alfred, visited his sister Mimi at 251 Menlove Avenue and took John on what seemed like a long “holiday”… Read more »

Violet Carson Becomes Ena Sharples

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Violet Carson was born on 1 September 1898 in German Street, Manchester, and is best remembered for her iconic role as Ena Sharples in Coronation Street. The eldest of two daughters, she was raised by a flour miller father and an amateur singer mother. In her later years, Violet settled in Cleveleys, Blackpool, with her sister Nellie. At 30, Violet became ‘Auntie Vi’ on BBC Radio’s Children’s Hour, where she worked alongside young actor Tony Warren, who would later create Coronation Street. She also appeared on BBC North Region’s Woman’s Hour. In October 1960, Violet auditioned for the role of… Read more »

Clifton Arms – First Built on What is Now Park Street

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The Clifton Arms Hotel was originally built around 1794 on Clifton Street, which is now part of Park Street. Its successor, a two-storey structure, was constructed in 1839 on West Beach. In 1875, all the buildings that made up the hotel were raised to the same height and sold to a private company. Situated in the heart of Lytham, a charming town on the Lancashire coast with a rich heritage, the Clifton Arms Hotel has a long history. Over 300 years ago, this location was home to a small coaching inn on the estate of the prominent Clifton family. As… Read more »