Author: Ed

The Rapid Growth of Ties R Us

Posted by

Ties R Us offers a huge collection of designs, patterns and materials for ties, bow-ties and accessories. For over a decade they have been delivering quality men’s apparel, turning their hand to ties and accessories in the process. In 2012 they were established at Clifford House on Clifton Road in Blackpool, where they still are, and have quickly become one of the most popular, trusted sources for ties in the UK. They offer exceptional quality and numerous styles of ties, bow ties and accessories in a range of durable and comfortable materials such as silk, satin and polyester. They also cater for an… Read more »

John Nickson and Pride of Place

Posted by

John Nickson was responsible for fundraising at the British Council, English National Opera, the Royal Academy of Arts and Tate. He is a member of the governing Council of the Royal College of Music and a trustee of London Music Masters, The Beacon Collaborative and UK Community Foundations. Previously, he has been a trustee of Atlantic College, United World Colleges (UWC) and MANGO ( management accounting for NGOs) and OPERA RARA. He is Special Advisor to Philanthropy Company and Ambassador for the Blackpool Pride of Place Regeneration Project. John has been advisor and mentor to several charitable organisations, including Mansfield…

First Leisure’s Reign in Blackpool

Posted by

First Leisure Corporation Plc was a leisure operator in the UK between 1981 and 2004. Originally based in Soho Square, London, and with other offices in Blackpool and Leicester, its operations included Blackpool Tower, the town’s Winter Gardens and all three Blackpool piers, as well as five other piers, health and fitness clubs, nightclubs and bars, tenpin bowling centres and other mainstream UK high street entertainment venues. Behind the company was Lord Bernard Delfont. By the 1960s, he and his brothers – Lew and Leslie Grade, as well as his nephew Michael Grade – were all very successful and were said to have a… Read more »

Jane McDonald Returns to Blackpool

Posted by

Jane McDonald is set to return to the stage in 2024 with her brand-new tour, With All My Love, which will begin with two special nights at Blackpool Opera House on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October. The tour will see her visit over 20 theatres and arenas across the UK, performing fan favourites as well as new material she has personally written. Audiences can expect an evening filled with glamour, heartfelt performances, and her signature Yorkshire wit. Tickets go on sale at 8:30 am on Friday, 24 November via cuffeandtaylor.com. Speaking about the tour, Jane said: “Over the years,… Read more »

Heritage Trams Suspends its Service

Posted by

Blackpool faces a poignant moment as the Heritage Trams have been officially withdrawn from service, with the final tours of the season cancelled. The future of the historic fleet remains uncertain, though Blackpool Transport has expressed hope for a potential return in the future. The decision, described as a difficult but necessary step, was made to prioritise efficiency and safety as the town’s tram network continues to evolve. As part of ongoing modernisation efforts following the North Station extension, Blackpool Transport is introducing advanced safety systems, including the Obstacle Detection Assistance System (ODAS) and the Collision and Overspeed Monitoring and… Read more »

Helical Technology Springs up in Lytham

Posted by

Helical Technology is an independent engineering company, founded in 1962 in Lytham, that has grown into a global leader in the design and manufacture of actuators, valve rotators, and exhaust system components. Originally established as Helical Springs, the company has expanded its reach over the decades, now operating with a European headquarters in the UK, subsidiaries in China and India, and a joint venture in China. Helical Technology specialises in actuators for turbochargers, valve rotators for large diesel and gas engines, actuated valves for automotive exhaust systems, and springs for actuators and valve rotators. As industry demands have evolved, so… Read more »

The Birth of Young Farmers DIY AGM at Blackpool

Posted by

The Young Farmers Community was established in 2018 in response to the cancellation of the long-standing National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) Annual Convention. The NFYFC made the difficult decision to discontinue the event following reports of anti-social behaviour at the 2018 convention in Blackpool, held over the May bank holiday weekend (4–6 May). While the federation insisted it had not been “banned” from any host towns, it ultimately chose to end the convention after 50 successful years. The announcement, made on 2 August 2018, was met with disappointment and frustration from young farmers across the country, who had…

Mike Dennett’s First Performance in Front of Laurel & Hardy

Posted by

Nottingham born ventriloquist and comedian Mike Dennett, whose career spanned seven decades, passed away at the age of 82. He died peacefully at his home in Blackpool on 2 December 2024 after living in the town for 41 years, surrounded by loved ones following a short illness. A celebrated figure in the world of entertainment, Dennett was known for his sharp wit, stage presence, and enduring dedication to his craft. Born with a natural talent for performance, Dennett made his stage debut at just 10 years old at the Nottingham Empire, performing at Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy’s Christmas Party… Read more »

George Eastham Helps England Win 1966 World Cup

Posted by

George Eastham, OBE (born 23 September 1936 in Blackpool), is a former English footballer best known for his spells with Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Stoke City. A member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, he is also remembered for his role in a landmark 1963 legal case that reshaped football by granting players greater freedom of movement between clubs. Coming from a footballing family, Eastham’s father, George Eastham Sr., was an England international who played for Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool FC, while his uncle, Harry Eastham, played for Liverpool and Accrington Stanley. As a youngster, George was also a talented… Read more »

John Simm Gets His First Big TV Role

Posted by

John Ronald Simm (born 10 July 1970 in Leeds) is an English actor, director, and musician. He is best known for playing Sam Tyler in Life on Mars, the Master in Doctor Who, and DS Roy Grace in Grace. His other television credits include State of Play, The Lakes, Crime and Punishment, Exile, Prey, and Cracker. His film roles include Wonderland, Everyday, Boston Kickout, Human Traffic and 24-Hour Party People. He has twice been nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor. In April 2004, Simm married actress Kate Magowan in the Forest of Dean. Simm and Magowan have appeared… Read more »