Category: 1959

The Mystery of Paula Yates

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Do a search online for Paula Yates and you won’t find much that ties Paula Yates to Blackpool. Her Wikipedia page claims she was born on 24 April 1959 in Colwyn Bay, Wales, to English parents, and that she was brought up in a show business family. Her mother was Elaine Smith who was from Blackpool. Her stage name was Heller Toren, who later wrote under the pseudonym Helene Thornton. Up until 1997, Paula Yates believed her biological father was Jess Yates, who hosted the ITV religious programme Stars on Sunday. A DNA test in that year revealed that her… Read more »

Blackpool Rugby Club

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In 1959, a group of former students from St. Joseph’s College, Blackpool, formed a rugby club known initially as the Old Josephians. Over time, the club evolved, first becoming the Josephians and later transforming into what is now known as Blackpool Rugby Club. The genesis of the club can be credited to Jack McCann, a distinguished member of the Manchester and District Society of Referees and an alumnus of St. Joseph’s College. Upon returning to the area in the late 1950s, McCann became an active member of the St. Joseph’s College Old Boys Association. He brought with him a fresh… Read more »

Glasdon UK

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In 1959, Glasdon, a small company, made a pioneering move by selling a “halt” sign made from plastic to a local authority, marking an early use of low-maintenance, long-lasting plastic material in road signage. This innovation demonstrated the potential of plastic as a more durable and cost-effective alternative to traditional materials. Glasdon continued to build on this innovative approach, focusing on product design and environmental and safety solutions. Today, it is a market leader in supplying road signs, street furniture, and other environmental products, consistently leading the field with cutting-edge, low-maintenance designs. This information about Glasdon’s founding and early product… Read more »

Janet Munro’s US TV Debut – Hollywood Actress Born in Blackpool

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Janet Neilson Horsburgh, born on 28 September 1934 in Blackpool, was the daughter of Scottish comedian Alex Munro (real name Alexander Neilson Horsburgh) and Phyllis Robertshaw. Janet adopted her father’s stage name professionally and grew up in a showbiz environment, frequently appearing alongside him on stage. Her mother passed away when Janet was just seven years old, after which she was initially raised by her father. At the age of ten, she moved to the village of Embsay to live with her aunt and uncle for a while. Following her father’s remarriage, Janet returned to live with him and her… Read more »

Jayne Mansfield Switches on the Lights

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On 9th September 1959, Hollywood actress Jayne Mansfield had the honour of switching on Blackpool’s world-famous Illuminations. Pictured here at the event, Mansfield stands at the centre, flanked by Ted Hill, the leader of the boilermakers’ union (left), and W.J. Carron, the president of the engineers’ union. Behind them is Morgan Phillips, the secretary of the Socialist party. This glamorous moment was part of the Trades Union Congress celebration, and Mansfield, with her iconic image, was the perfect figure to mark the occasion. Mansfield and her husband went to enjoy themselves at Blackpool’s beach but caused a controversy. A ‘Baby… Read more »