Category: 2012

Mecca Bingo Opens on Talbot Road

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The Mecca Bingo on Talbot Road in Blackpool opened in August 2012 after a five-week transformation of a previously dilapidated building. The Mecca Leisure Group has a long history in Blackpool, with its halls being a popular entertainment venue for decades. Bingo, along with seaside resorts, has a strong tradition in Blackpool, with various halls like Empire, Apollo, and Mecca attracting visitors. The Mecca Leisure Group, which includes Mecca Bingo, was established in 1933 with the Mecca Agency Limited.

Alan Whelan Publishes His First Novel

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Alan Whelan’s first novel, African Brew Ha-Ha, was published on 31 May 2012. African Brew Ha Ha: A Motorcycle Quest from Lancashire to Cape Town Tea-drinking is a ritual that binds people together. Alan Whelan was on a unique quest: to find the people at the hidden heart of Africa… and sit down for a nice cup of tea with them. On the 14,000-mile solo journey through Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and all the way to Cape Town across deserts and the toughest roads imaginable, he met sporting legends and ministers, peacekeepers and outlaws, and countless people who shared their last… Read more »

Caroline O’Neill Appears in Endeavour

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Caroline O’Neill, born on 13 December 1961 in Blackpool, is a British actress with an extensive career spanning television, film, and theatre. Best known for her roles in Endeavour (2012), Queer as Folk (1999), and Robin Hood (2006), she also made a lasting impression on soap audiences as Andrea Clayton in Coronation Street. Her career in television has been remarkably diverse, with appearances in over 80 different series. She has featured in Poirot, Doctors, All Creatures Great and Small, Casualty, Doc Martin, Happy Valley, Whitechapel, Holby City, The Inbetweeners, The Bill, Heartbeat, Fat Friends, EastEnders, Peak Practice, Birds of a… Read more »

Tom Rolinson Lands Role in Top CBBC Show

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Tom Robinson, born on 25 May 1997 in Blackpool, is a television actor best known for his role as Ash Newman on the CBBC children’s series 4 O’Clock Club. He grew up in Thornton and attended Cardinal Allen High School in Fleetwood. In 2012, he was selected from over 900 hopefuls to play Ash, securing a main role in the popular CBBC show. Robinson starred alongside Khalil Madovi in 4 O’Clock Club, a series centred around school life and music, and later appeared in its spin-off series The 4 O’Clock Files. His character, Ash, was best friends with Josh and… Read more »

Launch of One Blackpool Initiative

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In the autumn 2011 the Government, through the Office for Civil Society, announced the Transforming Local Infrastructure grant programme. The Transforming Local Infrastructure programme provided grants with the aim of transforming the local support provided to frontline civil society organisations. The funding mainly supported local infrastructure and volunteering infrastructure organisations to rationalise and transform, so they would become well-led, influential, responsive, efficient, and less reliant on statutory or Lottery funding. Applications were received and assessed by the Cabinet Office and Big Fund (the non-lottery arm of the Big Lottery Fund). In early 2012 a total of £30,016,086 was distributed to… Read more »

The Rapid Growth of Ties R Us

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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 »

Fairhaven Lake Spitfire Memorial

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Not far from an edge of Fairhaven Lake there sits a Spitfire W3644 replica mounted on a pole, its restoration paid for with funds raised by residents of Lytham St Annes. This replica represents the one flown by Sergeant Alan Lever Ridings. Sadly, both plane and pilot were lost on 23rd June 1942. Thanks to the fundraising efforts by the Lytham St Annes Spitfire Display Team between 2009 and 2012, the public now has this fabulous memorial for visitors to enjoy. The following is an excerpt taken from a plaque at the display: Putting together a picture of what happened… Read more »

Fleetwood Health and Wellbeing Centre

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The landmark healthcare facility, constructed in 2012, spans three floors and accommodates a variety of healthcare services, including GP surgeries, Nurse Practitioner treatment rooms, mental health services, x-ray rooms, dentistry, NHS training suites, and a large pharmacy. The building’s design is a noteworthy example of blending modern architecture with its environment, ensuring the new structure complements the existing street scene while incorporating modernist architectural elements. This careful integration of contemporary detailing with the surrounding area highlights the facility’s commitment to both functionality and aesthetic harmony. The facility not only meets the needs of its patients through a diverse range of… Read more »

Blackpool Tourist Information Centre

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Festival House on the Promenade is home to Blackpool’s VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre, a modern facility inaugurated by HRH Prince Edward. This is the ideal spot for discovering everything that’s happening in Blackpool! Each year, more than 100,000 visitors stop by Blackpool’s Tourist Information Centre. The dedicated team here ensures that everyone can make the most of their time in Blackpool, whether they need in-person assistance or have queries by phone at 01253 478222. For non-urgent questions, the team is also reachable via email. The centre offers a wealth of information on all that Blackpool has to offer, along with… Read more »

Viva Blackpool

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Viva Blackpool has grown from humble beginnings in 2012 into a cornerstone of entertainment in Blackpool, often dubbed the “Vegas of the North West.” Since opening, this vibrant venue has welcomed visitors year-round, employing over 65 team members who all earn a living wage. For over a decade, Viva has captivated audiences with a unique fusion of show-bar excitement, dazzling performances, and a touch of classic glamour. Set on Blackpool’s iconic Golden Mile, they offered a trip back in time to the fabulous era of the 1950’s for a unique and high-quality dining and entertainment experience. Featured classic car fitted… Read more »