Brian O’Raleigh Starts His First Book
Brian O'Raleigh was born in Manchester in 1941 to Irish parents, but raised in Blackpool where he attended St Joseph's College. After a troubled childhood, recounted in his memoirs – Waiting for Walter and Waking Walter, Brian travelled alone to Australia at the age of seventeen, running from his demons and a growing dependence on alcohol. In 1967, he volunteered for the Six Day War in Israel, but later, disillusioned with that cause, he spent the next ten years travelling throughout Europe and Asia. On returning to Australia, he worked for several years on cattle stations, mining camps and construction...
Stanley Park Visitors Centre
The Stanley Park Visitor Centre opens its doors on 24 August 2005. The ceremony is led by Edward Richard William Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, who cuts the ribbon and formally inaugurates the new facility. The centre is funded by the National Lottery and provides a permanent base for the Friends of Stanley Park, the volunteer group who now manage the building. Constructed on the footprint of an old, disused joinery workshop, the centre is staffed by volunteers and serves as both an information point and a hub for community engagement. The visitor centre continues the connection between Blackpool...
Beverley Wood Founds BWD Limited
Beverley Wood founded BWD Limited (also known as Beverley Wood Design Ltd) in 2005. BWD Limited is a commercial interior design firm based in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. Under Beverley Wood’s leadership as Founder and Creative Director, the company specialises in designing and delivering projects across various sectors, including travel environments, events and exhibitions, retail and hospitality, visitor attractions, office interiors, and urban design schemes. The firm offers a comprehensive range of services, from design feasibility studies to full project implementation, and emphasises creating spaces that are both operationally efficient and aesthetically pleasing. They offer a full range of design services... Read more »
The Opening of Palatine Leisure Centre & South Family Hub
The Palatine Leisure Centre in Blackpool opened on 11 August 2005 after six years of planning and development. Located on St Anne’s Road in the South Shore area, it is operated by Blackpool Council and shares its site with the Palatine Library and South Shore Academy. The centre offers a wide range of facilities including a 25-meter, 8-lane competition swimming pool with a moveable floor, allowing for swimming competitions, water polo, and sub-aqua diving. There is also a family learner pool designed for swimming lessons and recreational use. The centre includes a well-equipped gym with cardiovascular and resistance machines, functional... Read more »
Sonny Flood Lands Role in Hollyoaks
Sonny Flood, born on 18 November 1989 in Blackpool, was educated at Rossall School near Fleetwood, where he excelled academically. In 2006, he achieved ten GCSEs, all graded A or A*, followed by four A grades at AS level in English Literature, History, Media Studies, and Philosophy in 2007. The following year, he attained an A in English Literature and a B in History at A2 level, opting to focus on just two subjects to balance his studies with his acting commitments on the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. A devoted Blackpool FC supporter, he appeared on Sky Sports’ Soccer... Read more »
Jonathan & Kevin Cropper Set up Kingswood Business Supplies
On 19 September 2023, Kingswood Business Supplies moved into larger premises at 11-12 Holly Close, Whitehills Business Park, Blackpool, FY4 5QP. Prior to that they were at Fylde House Skyways Commercial Campus on Amy Johnson Way. They moved there on 28 April 2009 from 12-18 King Street, Blackpool, where directors Johnathan and Kevin Cropper started the business under the name Kingswood Office Supplies Limited, on10 May 2005. Kingswood Business Supplies provide all the items you need to keep your business running smoothly, to coin a well-used phrase – A one stop shop. This includes stationery, packaging, FM, and much more, all... Read more »
John Sumner – From Blackpool to King Kong
John Sumner, born on 14 October 1951 in Blackpool, England, moved with his family to New Zealand at the age of nine. He began his career in the entertainment industry at 19, performing live on Auckland’s nightclub circuit. His talent quickly earned him a following, and within months, he appeared on local variety television shows. Over the next few years, Sumner became a versatile performer, gaining both popular and critical acclaim. Notable early roles included playing “Charlie Brown” in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and the character “Emory” in The Boys in the Band, showcasing his range from light-hearted... Read more »
Blackpool BID
In August 2005, under Nigel Hanson’s leadership and after extensive consultations with town centre businesses, organisations and other stakeholders, followed by a substantial vote in favour, Blackpool’s first Business Improvement District (BID) was created, covering the town centre. This was the first Business Improvement District created in the North West. The creation of the BID now meant that instead of the previous voluntary funding arrangement for the Town Centre Forum, all rateable businesses and organisations within the BID Boundary would now be obliged to pay an annual BID levy contribution, based on their rateable value. This would fund a five... Read more »
From Blackpool Selfstore to Storage King
Blackpool Selfstore, once the largest self-storage operator in the area, was acquired by Storage King in 2021. Prior to its acquisition, Blackpool Selfstore had established a strong presence in the region, offering extensive storage solutions to both individuals and businesses. The facility, located at 20 Clifton Road in the Tellcom Business Centre, first opened its doors in 2005. With 30,100 square feet of storage space, it was designed with room for future expansion to accommodate the growing demand for storage services. David Ireland, the original founder of Blackpool Selfstore, played a pivotal role in the development of the facility. He... Read more »
Jenna Coleman – Blackpool to Emmerdale
Jenna-Louise Coleman, born on 27 April 1986 in Blackpool, is the daughter of Karen and Keith Coleman. Her father works as a joiner, specialising in bar and restaurant interiors, and her older brother Ben has followed a similar profession. Coleman’s heritage includes English, Scottish, Welsh, and Irish roots, and she was reportedly named by her grandmother after the character Jenna Wade from the American TV series Dallas. She attended Arnold School in Blackpool, where she served as head girl and demonstrated early promise in the arts. At just 10 years old, she performed in a professional production of Summer Holiday... Read more »
Robbie Williams Promo Video at the Belle Vue Pub
Robbie Williams filmed the music video for his song "Advertising Space" at the Belle Vue pub in Blackpool. The shoot took place in June 2005 and made the most of the pub's nostalgic and traditional atmosphere to match the song's emotional story. The Belle Vue Pub was chosen because it holds sentimental value for Williams, being closely linked to his late grandfather, Jack Farrell. The video shows various scenes inside the pub, highlighting its vintage character and adding a meaningful visual connection to the music. This choice of location reflects Williams' appreciation for his roots and brings a personal touch...