Category: 1965

Blackpool’s Ray Allen Brings KFC to Britain

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Born in Blackpool in 1927, Ray Allen originally aspired to study medicine, as he enjoyed physics and chemistry at secondary school. However, he changed his mind after failing the compulsory language component of the university entrance exam. His future plans were further delayed when he was called up to serve in the Second World War, joining the Royal Navy at the age of 18. Owing to his scientific background, he was trained as a radar technician and stationed at the naval base at Lossiemouth in Scotland, rising to the rank of Petty Officer within a few months. After leaving the… Read more »

Amanda Barrie Comes to Blackpool

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Amanda Barrie (born Shirley Anne Broadbent; 14 September 1935) is an English actress. She appeared in two of the Carry On films before being cast as Alma Halliwell in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a role she played on and off for 20 years. Between 2003 and 2006, she played the role of Bev Tull in the ITV prison drama, Bad Girls. Barrie has since enjoyed a varied stage and television career. Barrie is a distant cousin of Coronation Street co-star Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny Bradley. Barrie was born Shirley Anne Broadbent in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, to Hubert… Read more »

‘King Billy’ Greenwood Opens First Tudor Bingo

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‘King Billy’ Greenwood, entrepreneur and self-made businessman, from Knott End to Fleetwood, and Blackpool’s Tudor Bingo Empire that made him a Millionaire in the swinging 1960s! William David Greenwood (1915-1991), always known as Billy, was born in Blackpool. His parents, Agnes and Harold, lived on Fenton Road, where they brought up their family including Billy’s two sisters Annie and May, along with younger brother Harry. Billy’s father worked for the railway at Blackpool’s Central Station and was on two occasions given the prestigious responsibility of commanding the Royal Train. Billy as a young man was always seeking his fortune and… Read more »

Mike Yarwood Fails Driving Test

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In 1965, up-and-coming impersonator Mike Yarwood was pictured with actress Janet Rowsell, the “pretty starlet” who helped him after he failed his driving test for the third time. The two were photographed on 14 June 1965 at the Central Pier in Blackpool, where they appeared together in a show. The image shows them reading the Highway Code—a lighthearted moment that perfectly captured the youthful charm and comedic spirit of Yarwood at the time. Yarwood’s career took off in the 1970s, reaching its peak during the golden age of British light entertainment. Under the guidance of Bill Cotton, the BBC’s head… Read more »

Pauline Moran in The She Trinity

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Pauline Moran, born on 26 August 1947 in Blackpool, is an actress, presenter, and astrologer, best known for portraying Miss Felicity Lemon in the long-running British television series Agatha Christie’s Poirot. Moran’s acting career spans several decades, and she has built a reputation as a talented stage performer, though her film and television appearances are also noteworthy. She trained at prestigious institutions, including the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), preparing for a successful career in the performing arts. In addition to her acting work, Moran is a professional astrologer, having practiced since 1987, blending… Read more »

Genting Casino

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The Castle, located at 64 Queens Promenade in North Shore was built in 1906 by Arthur Knowles as a private residence for his wife, although she remained in France and never lived in the house. The couple occupied the property for only nine months in 1929. During World War I, the house was used to house Belgian refugees, and it remained largely empty until 1935. After this, it briefly operated as a retirement home before being purchased by Lawrence Wright (who also went by the name Horatio Nicholls) as his personal residence. In 1941, Wright sold the property, and it… Read more »

The Legacy of Premier Bowl

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The tenpin bowling centre on Central Drive in Blackpool opened on 1 October 1965, just a short walk from the seafront. It had thirty-six Brunswick lanes all on one level with A2 type pinsetters. The centre operated until the early 1970s when the Rank Organisation decided to close all its remaining bowling centres, although the Blackpool Mecca Building remained. In the 1970s, it became well-known for The Highland Room, which was a major Northern Soul music venue. From 1977, it hosted the Commonwealth Sporting Club but closed down in the 1980s. It’s not clear if the building was used in... Read more »