Tag: Community

Joseph Delaney Gets an Agent

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Joseph Henry Delaney was an English author, best known for his children’s dark fantasy series, Spook’s, inspired by the folklore, history and geography of Lancashire. The series has been published in 30 countries, achieving sales of over 4.5 million copies. He was born on 25 July 1945 in Preston, Lancashire, the son of a labourer. He was the oldest of four children. As a child, Delaney had a recurring nightmare where he sat with his mother while she knitted, when, suddenly, a shadowy figure emerged from the coal cellar, picked him up, and carried him into darkness. Delaney attended Preston… Read more »

Blackpool Sixth Form College

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Blackpool Sixth Form College was established in 1971 as a sixth-form centre for Collegiate Grammar School before becoming an independent college in 1989. Today, Blackpool Sixth is recognised as an outstanding sixth-form college specialising in education for 16 to 19-year-olds. With a student body of just over 2,000, the college fosters a close-knit and supportive community. It prides itself on academic excellence, delivering high-quality teaching, learning, and pastoral support. Serving a broad area that includes Blackpool and the wider Fylde and Wyre districts, the college is known for its vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming environment. In December 2021, an Ofsted inspection… Read more »

Dr. David Cooper Founds Brian House

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Brian House Children’s Hospice in Blackpool opened in December 1996, founded by Dr. David Cooper to provide respite care for children with life-limiting illnesses. It operates as part of Trinity Hospice, which had been established in 1985 to offer palliative care for adults. The hospice provides care for children with complex medical needs and life-limiting conditions, supporting them and their families through the challenges they face. Many of the children require round-the-clock care and experience frequent periods of illness, but Brian House is dedicated to making every day as fulfilling and joyful as possible. The focus is on creating meaningful… 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 »

Trinity Hospice

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Trinity Hospice, located on Low Moor Road in Bispham, Blackpool, is a leading provider of palliative care services across the Fylde Coast. Established in 1985, the hospice offers compassionate care to individuals with life-limiting illnesses, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for both patients and their families. The hospice features two wards with 28 adult places in either three or four-bedded bays and single rooms, providing specialised palliative care. It also has a dedicated children’s unit, Brian House, which offers five single rooms for children requiring end-of-life care. Additionally, Trinity Hospice offers day-patient services with 24 places for individuals who do not need overnight stays.

Donna’s Dream House

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Donna’s Dream House is a charity in Blackpool, Lancashire, that provides free holiday experiences for children and teenagers with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The charity was established in 2006 in memory of Donna Curtis, who passed away at the age of 20 after a four-year battle with cancer. It serves as a tribute to Donna’s legacy, offering families a respite from the stresses of illness and hospital visits. The house features several uniquely themed family apartments, each designed to create a joyful environment. Themes include Winnie the Pooh’s Den, Cartoon World, Teddy Bear World, and a Tangerine Room with… 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 »

Lytham Academy of Performing Arts

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Lytham Academy of Theatre Arts, or L.A.T.A. as it’s affectionately known, was established in 1994 and is based at 15 St Alban’s Rd, Lytham Saint Annes FY8 1UB. The academy was founded with the aim of providing young people with experience and training in all aspects of theatre production. Affiliated with the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), L.A.T.A. hosts an annual regional awards evening where accolades are presented for the best musicals, plays, and performances from the previous year. The academy has won several awards, including recognition for their productions of The Vackees, and every show since has garnered… Read more »

The Fylde’s Kirkham Grammar School

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Kirkham Grammar School is a prestigious, selective, co-educational day and boarding school located in Kirkham, Lancashire. Although it holds a Preston postcode, it is situated within the Fylde area. Established in 1549, its origins trace back to a chantry school linked to St Michael’s Church in the 13th century. The school remained on church grounds until 1911, when it moved to its current location on Ribby Road. The main building and the headmaster’s house are both Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England. In 1585, the Thirty Men of Kirkham, a group managing parish affairs, took over… Read more »

Ross Goodwin Starts Judo Academy

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Ross Goodwin started Kaidokan Judo Academy in Blackpool in late 2015. Within a short time from opening, the academy achieved tremendous success within the community by being awarded the area's Community Sports Club of the Year along with the Area and Regional Coach of the Year Awards (Fylde, Blackpool & Lancashire twice). Goodwin is also a current world champion in professional wrestling who regularly appears on Sky TV.  He placed 2nd in the prestigious Mr. British Isles Swimwear competition and is a 2nd Dan Black belt Judo champion with extensive experience/victories as a competitor in Boxing, MMA and Brazilian Jitsu. He has been... Read more »