Category: 1932

Blackpool Born Pioneer Develops Contact Lens in St Annes

Frank Dickinson (1906-1978) was an Optometrist and contact lens pioneer, researcher and writer, who developed the micro-corneal lens and was born in Blackpool in 1906. In 1921, he was articled to his aunt, Maud Farnworth, who had an optical practice in Lytham St Annes. He obtained a diploma of the British Optical Association from the College of Technology in Manchester at the age of nineteen, though he was not able to use this professional qualification until he reached twenty-one. In 1930 he set up his own optical practice, moving premises two years’ later to 35 The Square in St Annes… Read more »

Frank Swift Signs with Manchester City

Frank Victor Swift (26 December 1913 – 6 February 1958) was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper for both Manchester City and the England national team. He began his football career at Fleetwood Town, close to his hometown of Blackpool, before joining First Division club Manchester City in 1932, where he spent the entirety of his professional playing career. Tragically, Swift passed away at the age of 44 in the Munich air disaster while reporting on Manchester United’s European Cup match against Red Star Belgrade in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, for the News of the World. On 6 February 1958,… Read more »

Iconic Warbreck Water Tower is Built

Warbreck Water Tower was built in 1932 for the Fylde Water Board to be able to supply water to the households in Blackpool. It was built on the highest point to be able to keep up a good water feed and good pressure to the households When the water tank is full it is estimated that the weight of water in it is 43.8 times the weight of the steelwork in Blackpool Tower. Two reservoirs at the side of the water tower feed water via pumps into the tank at the top of the tower and these reservoirs are fed… Read more »