Category: 2008

Peter Shakeshaft Helps Keep St Annes History Alive

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Few people have done more to record and preserve the history of St Annes-on-the-Sea than local historian Peter Shakeshaft. Through decades of meticulous research, he has become one of the leading authorities on the town’s heritage, producing books that have become essential references for historians, researchers and anyone with an interest in the Fylde Coast. He was born in St Annes in 1942, where his parents had settled in the early 1920s. He lived in St Annes until 1958, when he moved to Freckleton, before returning to St Annes in 1967, where he has lived with his wife, Maureen, for…

Roman Findings in Poulton

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For many years historians believed that the Fylde Coast was little more than an inhospitable landscape of marshes, bogs and tidal creeks during the Roman occupation of Britain. While Roman forts stood at Kirkham, Ribchester and Lancaster, there appeared to be little evidence that people had settled permanently on the Fylde itself. That assumption changed dramatically in 2008. During work to install a new sewer pipeline on farmland east of Poulton-le-Fylde, archaeologists made a discovery that would transform our understanding of Roman Lancashire. Hidden beneath centuries of soil lay the remains of a previously unknown Romano-British farming settlement, providing the…

Mooky and Mr Boo: Carrying on a 130-Year Circus Tradition

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For more than two decades, no visit to Blackpool Tower Circus has felt complete without the antics of Mooky and Mr Boo. The much-loved clowning duo have become synonymous with one of Blackpool’s most famous attractions, entertaining millions of visitors while carrying forward a circus tradition that stretches back to the opening of the Tower Circus in 1894. At the heart of the partnership is Mooky, the stage name of Laci Endresz Jr., a performer born into one of Europe’s oldest circus families. Circus life has been part of the Endresz family for generations, and Laci first stepped into the…

The Passing of Cyril Critchlow, the Magician Who Preserved Blackpool’s Entertainment History

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Few people have done more to preserve Blackpool’s entertainment history than Cyril Critchlow. A magician, author, collector, theatre proprietor and local councillor, he dedicated much of his life to ensuring that the stories of Blackpool’s theatres, piers, performers and attractions would survive for future generations. Through his collecting, writing and campaigning, he became one of the town’s most important historians and a central figure in preserving its rich showbusiness legacy. Born in Staffordshire on 15 November 1922, Critchlow moved to Blackpool with his family during the 1930s after they took over a guest house on Hull Road. Growing up in…

Fourth Generation Commercial Pilot in Westoby Family

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Prior to WWII, Westair had been involved in aviation since the 1930s when it was started by Walter “Wally” Westoby pictured below. Wally started his career as an engineer on lifts for coal mines. Later he would start out as mechanic on aircraft before becoming a pilot himself. At the time he was flying out of an aerodrome based at Blackpool’s Stanley Park. Some of the aircraft hangars still exist at the Zoo as part of the elephant enclosure. Walter “Wally” Westoby During the Second World War Wally was sent to Canada, teaching Navigation for the RAF. There he flew…

Robert Lawrenson Lands Role in SyFy’s Sanctuary

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Robert Lawrenson was born in Blackpool on 12 November 1971. He is an actor, film editor and director, perhaps best known for his role of Declan MacRae in the SyFy TV show Sanctuary (2008) – where he appeared for three series, and Underworld Awakening (2012). He began acting as a child in musical theatre, and went on to study acting in York, and performed in theatre in York, and in several productions at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Lawrenson played P.C. Glaister and a police officer in Coronation Street from 2002 to 2007. He also appeared in Crossroads, Holby City, Heartbeat,… Read more »

Outpost – Steve Barker’s Debut Feature Film

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Steve Barker, born on 4 April 1971 in Blackpool, is an English film director and screenwriter renowned for his contributions to the horror and thriller genres. Barker’s storytelling often blends genre elements, creating narratives marked by tension and stylistic innovation. His work reflects a strong commitment to genre filmmaking, solidifying his reputation within British cinema, particularly in the horror landscape. Barker’s early career highlights include Magic Hour (2002), a short film starring John Simm. He made his feature film directorial debut with Outpost (2008), a supernatural thriller set against a World War II backdrop, featuring Ray Stevenson and Richard Brake…. Read more »

Thompsons Shopfitters & Building Contractors

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Thompson Contracts Blackpool Ltd was founded in 2008 by brothers Matthew and Joseph Thompson. Initially targeting pubs, breweries, and leisure facilities, the company quickly grew in reputation and scope. After two years of operations, they relocated from a single unit on a business park to Dales Farm, where they established their Head Office and workshops. This move marked the beginning of their expansion into new sectors, including service stations, hospitals, hotels, railway stations, and airports. Between 2016 and 2018, Thompson Contracts further broadened its portfolio, taking on projects within the retail sector and for football clubs. However, in 2019, the…

Little Boots on Later… with Jools Holland

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Little Boots, the stage name of Victoria Hesketh, made her television debut on Later… with Jools Holland on 7 November 2008. Her invitation to perform on the show came after she gained attention by sharing her music on MySpace, marking the start of her rise to prominence. Born in Blackpool and raised in Thornton, Hesketh is a singer-songwriter and DJ with a dynamic career spanning solo projects and earlier work as a member of the band Dead Disco. As a solo artist, she has released four albums to date: Hands (2009), Nocturnes (2013), Working Girl (2015), and Tomorrow’s Yesterdays (2022),…

Tesco Extra’s Expansion

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The store first opened its doors in the early 1990s, but in 2008, it underwent a major expansion. This move was part of Tesco’s broader strategy to increase its market presence and offer a more extensive product range to customers. Tesco Extra stores, which are larger than standard Tesco supermarkets, provide a wider selection of items including groceries, clothing, electronics, and household goods. The Clifton Road expansion involved significantly enlarging the existing store (as highlighted by the image below showing a noticeable roof extension). This expansion aimed to meet growing customer demand and enhance the shopping experience by modernising the… Read more »