Tag: Community

Watford Road Park is Brimming With History

The Loos Trenches Underneath this park lies an important WWI archaeological site. It is important because whilst most trench training sites in the UK were out in remote areas, this one was on the edge of a growing town; What also makes this this site remarkable is that when it was no longer needed by the army, it became a tourist attraction raising money, for the nearby Lancashire Military Convalescent hospital at the old Clifton Racecourse. There are very few photographs or images of the trenches except those contained within the 1916 guidebook, but the fact that the guidebook has… Read more »

Rob Parr’s Come Dine With Us to Open Soon

Rob Parr’s healthy eating project, Come Dine With Us at 145 Central Drive in Revoe, Blackpool (one of the UK’s most socially deprived areas) is moving on. He and his team hope to start giving cooking lessons to adults in Revoe to help them transition from ready meals and takeaways to meals with higher nutritional value. There is still plenty of work to do before they can open this Community-run facility, but they are getting closer and closer to opening day. Keep an eye on this post for updates.

Blackpool Carers Centre Moves Into Beaverbrooks House

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 »

Beaverbrooks Base Their Operations in St Annes

Beaverbrooks, a family-owned jeweller, has a strong presence in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. It was established in 1919 by three brothers, the Adlestone brothers, Isaac, Harry and Maurice, moved to Belfast to sell fine jewelry and gifts. While the main headquarters are in St Annes, near Blackpool, they have a store in Church Street, Blackpool. Beaverbrooks’ history in the North West of England began with the brothers targeting the area and basing their operations in St Annes in 1946. They’re celebrating 105 years of family heritage. Today, they now have 85 stores nationwide and over 1,200 colleagues. And, Isaac’s… Read more »

Church Hall that’s Hosted Operatic Societies for More Than 70 Years

A former church hall, which played host to one of Blackpool’s leading operatic societies for more than 70 years, has been furnished with a blue plaque. After 91 years of performing the Gilbert and Sullivan operas in Marton and on the Fylde coast, Marton Operatic Society folded last year. In commemoration of the old Marton Parish Church hall, where the society had performed for 72 years from 1930 to 2002, Operatic Society committee members thought that a blue plaque placed on the wall of the venue in Preston Old Road would be a fitting tribute. The site had been previously… Read more »

Opening of Fylde Country Life Museum at Farmer Parrs

The Fylde Country Life Heritage Centre is set out in 10,000 square feet of farm buildings. There are twenty-six major exhibits set out in realistic scenes of shops, rooms and buildings. They cover living, working and leisure. A cottage, blacksmith, clogger, office, dairy, lineshafting, and World Wars 1 and 2 are only part of the wide range of displays. Most of the collection has been restored to working condition by members of the Fylde Country Life Preservation Society. The museum is only part of what makes Farmer Parrs a fabulous day out. They also have the wonderful Tractor Shed Bistro,… Read more »

Eddie Dunn Creates Serene Fishing Pond in Bispham

A dad-of-four who underwent a major operation for esophageal cancer is keen to help others after coming through the other side. Eddie Dunn, 64, of Fleetwood, went to Blackpool & the Fylde College and Salford University. He, along with fellow members of the KCA (Kick Cancer’s Arse) Support Group, are working to create a cancer support garden in Bispham. The garden will be a peaceful haven where cancer patients will be able to relax in a peaceful setting. Eddie Dunn is on the up after his cancer battle and wants to help other cancer patients. Third party Members of KCA... Read more »

Eric Wright Makes Bispham Gardens Care Centre Blossom

Eric Wright Group’s Health and Care division, and Glenholme Healthcare Group announced the establishment of a new joint venture (JV) with the aim of delivering 10-15 new care homes over five years from 2019. The JV focused their development and operating activities in Lancashire, Cumbria, Chester, Greater Manchester and Merseyside. The two partners had worked together to acquire Spiral Health’s interest in Bispham Gardens after Spiral Health fell into administration. Bispham Gardens is for mature and older people with care needs looking to achieve a relaxing lifestyle and retirement. The 52-bed care home with its new 24 room expansion opened… Read more »

Fleetwood’s Brown & Jackson Becomes Eric Wright Construction

Brown and Jackson in Fleetwood was founded in 1923, but was purchased in 1979 by Eric Wright, who changed the company name to Eric Wright Construction. This laid the foundation for what is now the Eric Wright Group (EWG). From those early beginnings, the company has been dedicated to developing a culture of excellence across the sectors of: construction, civil engineering, facilities management, water infrastructure and property development. Underpinned by a genuine belief in the value of establishing long-term relationships with partners and clients, the Group’s unique social focus and continued commercial success has also enabled them to consistently expand… 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 »