From Rossall to Dubai: The Creative Journey of Charlotte Hudders
Charlotte Hudders, an alumna of Rossall School (1999–2005), has built a dynamic international career as a costume and set designer, now based in Dubai. Her creative foundations were laid at Rossall School, where she formed lifelong friendships and immersed herself in the school’s rich artistic environment. The Art and Design Block became her second home, and the support of inspiring teachers helped shape her confidence and direction as an emerging artist. Her years at the school were filled with vivid memories — from House Singing competitions and brisk games of Ross Hockey to festive dinners in the Hogwarts-like Dining Hall....
Diane Wilkinson Brings Stories to Life Through Art and Words
Diane Wilkinson (Artydi) began her creative career as a portrait painter, a discipline in which she quickly demonstrated a natural talent. Portraiture remains one of her strongest artistic foundations, but her practice broadened significantly during her university years, when she wrote and illustrated her first children’s book, The Skitlets. The story resonated immediately with young readers; their enthusiastic response encouraged her to continue exploring storytelling as an extension of her visual art. The Skitlets © Diane Wilkinson Building on that early success, Diane went on to write a second children’s story and develop a companion colouring book, eventually bringing all...
Launch of Terry Taylor’s Book About Growing up in Blackpool
Terry Taylor's novel 'Kicking Around' was published on 4 March 1999, which was set in "Southpool", a thinly disguised version of Blackpool. He wrote it to explore his younger years, including his time at St. Joseph's College in Blackpool. Kicking Around by Terry Taylor follows the life of the protagonist through childhood to adolescence, in a series of hilariously comical vignettes, centred around playgrounds, classrooms and soccer and rugby pitches. The action takes place in the city of Southpool, a soubriquet for Blackpool, a name modification in the style of Thomas Hardy. At St John of The Cross Primary School...
Department for Work and Pensions Head Office
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has a significant presence in Blackpool, with one of its key head office sites located in the town. This site plays a vital role in supporting the department’s operations across the UK, particularly in areas related to welfare provision, pensions, and social security systems. Blackpool’s DWP offices are housed primarily in Warbreck House and Peel Park, both prominent locations for administrative and operational work within the department. Warbreck House, located near Layton railway station, has been a longstanding base for DWP activities in Blackpool. This multi-storey office complex accommodates thousands of employees who... Read more »
Nikki Sanderson in Coronation Street
Nikki Ann Sanderson, born on 28 March 1984 in Blackpool, is an accomplished actress and former glamour model, best known for her roles in popular television soap operas. She gained widespread recognition for portraying Candice Stowe in Coronation Street, Dawn Bellamy in Heartbeat, and Maxine Minniver in Hollyoaks. Throughout her career, Sanderson has not only excelled as an actress but has also showcased her talents as a television presenter on various programmes, including CD, Junior Eurovision: The British Final, and Ministry of Mayhem. Sanderson’s acting career began in 1999 when she joined Coronation Street as Candice Stowe, a character who... Read more »
North West Air Ambulance Charity
Operating every day of the year, their helicopters and HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) response vehicles are crucial components of the emergency medical network in the North West. Each aircraft is equipped with a team of highly skilled specialist doctors and HEMS paramedics who provide advanced pre-hospital care. They are also responsible for facilitating hospital transfers, ensuring that patients receive timely and critical medical attention. This essential service covers an expansive region of 5,500 square miles and serves a population of over 8 million people annually. Since the charity was established in 1999, it has undertaken an impressive number of... Read more »