Category: 2013

Blackpool Carers Centre Moves Into Beaverbrooks House

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Beaverbrooks House in Blackpool is an iconic building that was gifted to the Blackpool Carers Centre by the Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust. The building, formerly known as Blenheim House on Newton Drive, was initially purchased from Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and renamed in honour of the trust in 2013. This donation, announced during National Carers Week in 2015, marked a significant step in the charity’s growth and allowed them to expand their services. As a result of the partnership with Beaverbrooks, Blackpool Carers won the Lloyds Foundation Regional award for Enterprising Collaboration, North West. One of the top Blackpool… Read more »

The Completion of Rossall Point Tower

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Rossall Point Observation Tower is an observation tower in Fleetwood, Lancashire, England. The four-storey 46-foot-high (14 m) tower was completed in March 2013. It is also used as a beacon and was designed by Studio Three Architects. Located on the sand dunes between Cleveleys and Fleetwood, the tower’s second floor is a base for the National Coastwatch Institution and its top level provides an open observation deck on its top level for the general public and bird watchers. With views over the Lakeland fells out across Morecambe Bay and the Irish Sea, it is part of Wyre Council’s project Sea… Read more »

South Shore School Becomes an Academy

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South Shore School, which was formerly known as Palatine Community Sports College, became an academy in December 2013, when it was converted by Bright Futures Education Trust (BFET). Prior to becoming an academy, the school had been a Sports College since 2004 and had also gained Trust status in 2010, enabling partnerships with several organisations. South Shore Academy wants the best for everyone and the best from everyone. Their vision is for all students to be confident, independent, resilient learners who leave SSA with limitless possibilities to fulfil all their future ambitions, becoming well rounded, positive global citizens, who make… Read more »

Jonathan Ross & Gary Barlow Switch-On the Illuminations

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Celebrity broadcaster Jonathan Ross flicked the switch for Blackpool Illuminations in 2013, a different show as the event had been extended for a whole weekend! It even made national news that year after The Script had to cancel their appearance at the last minute. With only 48 hours notice, it was a huge challenge for Blackpool to find a replacement but they managed to do it in style by getting Gary Barlow to appear as the headline act. The Take That star, Gary Barlow, brought the Illuminations alive with an amazing show. Plus singer-songwriter Eliza Doolittle performed as a special… Read more »

Warbreck Hill’s Unity College Becomes Unity Academy

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Unity Academy in Blackpool has a long history, undergoing several transformations over the years. Originally, it was known as Warbreck High School, a secondary school serving the Blackpool area. In 2000, the school transitioned from a single-sex institution to a co-educational school and was renamed Beacon Hill School. This marked a significant change, allowing both boys and girls to study together, adapting to the evolving educational landscape of the time. A decade later, in March 2010, the school underwent another major rebranding, becoming Unity College. This was part of broader educational reforms aimed at improving the standard of education and… Read more »

Empowerment Gets off to an Impressive Start

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Mike Crowther MBE is the Chief Executive Officer of Empowerment, a leading local charity based in Blackpool dedicated to supporting people to transform their lives. Born and raised in Blackpool, Mike has spent over 30 years volunteering and working in the charity sector, driven by an unwavering belief that change is possible for everyone. Under his leadership, Empowerment has become a beacon of hope for individuals who have faced significant challenges, including those who have experienced homelessness, imprisonment, or social exclusion. Mike is committed to giving people a second chance, ensuring that those who have been written off early in… Read more »

Blackpool Street Art

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The introduction of street art to Blackpool’s cultural scene has been significantly influenced by the Blackpool Urban Art Festival (Sand, Sea and Spray), which has played a crucial role in showcasing and promoting contemporary urban art within the town. This annual festival, established in the early 2010s, was a key driver in transforming Blackpool from a traditional tourist destination into a vibrant canvas for modern artistic expression. The Blackpool Urban Art Festival was conceived as a means to breathe new life into the town’s public spaces, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists to display their work. The… Read more »

Fleetwood Mural Art

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The Big Heart Mural Project, initiated by Christian Fenn (known as Seca One) and Hayley Garner Uses Art, focuses on creating striking murals addressing significant social issues. The project seeks to produce 10 murals in Fleetwood over two years, collaborating with world-class artists and local community organisations. It also includes educational workshops aimed at schools, youth centres, and service providers to raise awareness about pressing issues and guide the public towards helpful resources. By introducing murals in stages, the project aims to keep the community engaged, promote a sense of ownership, and draw ongoing attention to Fleetwood. Organisers view the… Read more »

Sophie Ellis-Bextor in Blackpool

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Sophie Ellis-Bextor, celebrated for her sophisticated pop sound and striking stage persona, delivered an unforgettable performance of her hit Murder on the Dancefloor at Roxy’s Nightclub in Blackpool on 17 November 2013. This exclusive event served as the after-party for the Strictly Come Dancing live broadcast, which had enchanted audiences earlier that evening from the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The glamorous venue provided the perfect stage for Ellis-Bextor’s infectious energy, as fans danced the night away to her iconic tune, adding a touch of star-studded flair to the festive atmosphere. Fast forward ten years, and Ellis-Bextor returned to Blackpool in… Read more »

Hayley Tamaddon in Coronation Street

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Hayley Soraya Tamaddon, an accomplished actress and performer, is best known for her roles in the ITV soap operas Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Born on January 24, 1977, in Bispham, Blackpool, to an Iranian father and English mother, she grew up in a vibrant cultural environment that inspired her creative pursuits. Tamaddon attended Montgomery High School in Blackpool and honed her skills in dance at Phil Winston’s Theatreworks and Laine Theatre Arts, laying the foundation for her versatile career. Tamaddon gained significant recognition in Emmerdale as Delilah “Del” Dingle, a role she played from 2005 to 2007. Her tenure on… Read more »