Tag: Entrepreneurs

Blackpool’s Ray Allen Brings KFC to Britain

Posted by

Born in Blackpool in 1927, Ray Allen originally aspired to study medicine, as he enjoyed physics and chemistry at secondary school. However, he changed his mind after failing the compulsory language component of the university entrance exam. His future plans were further delayed when he was called up to serve in the Second World War, joining the Royal Navy at the age of 18. Owing to his scientific background, he was trained as a radar technician and stationed at the naval base at Lossiemouth in Scotland, rising to the rank of Petty Officer within a few months. After leaving the… Read more »

Blackpool Born Pioneer Develops Contact Lens in St Annes

Posted by

Frank Dickinson (1906-1978) was an Optometrist and contact lens pioneer, researcher and writer, who developed the micro-corneal lens and was born in Blackpool in 1906. In 1921, he was articled to his aunt, Maud Farnworth, who had an optical practice in Lytham St Annes. He obtained a diploma of the British Optical Association from the College of Technology in Manchester at the age of nineteen, though he was not able to use this professional qualification until he reached twenty-one. In 1930 he set up his own optical practice, moving premises two years’ later to 35 The Square in St Annes… Read more »

Beaverbrooks Base Their Operations in St Annes

Posted by

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 »

Town Centre Building Becomes Temple of Arts Studio

Posted by

One of the oldest surviving buildings in the town centre. Built in 1847 it became John Eastman’s Temple of Arts photographic studio in 1853, said to have been the first in Blackpool. The outer wall was originally adorned by three carved figures – ‘The Three Graces’, Faith, Love and charity. Created by the artist Samuel Wood they were subsequently hidden for many years until uncovered in 1976. Sadly they were damaged during building renovation in 1988 and were replaced by a plastic replica.

Robert’s Oyster Bar, Trading on the Prom for Nearly 150 Years

Posted by

Robert’s Oyster Bar, 90 Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 1HB, located in the famous Robert’s Oyster Rooms, a staple on the Blackpool Promenade for nearly 150 years. Robert’s Oyster Rooms has been in Blackpool since 1876 and sells all manner of seaside and beach goods alongside a wide selection of fresh shellfish on the Oyster Bar. It…

Cornelius Bagot Moves Back to Blackpool

Posted by

The son of C. Bagot, Esq of Blackpool, yeoman, who for over forty years held the honorary office of Overseer of that town, Cornelius Bagot was born in Blackpool, 15 February 1838, and was educated at the Marton Grammar School, under the Rev. Joseph Bryers, M.A., and Rogers’ School, Blackpool. He served a full apprenticeship to William Stones, of Blackburn, and afterwards had over thirty years’ experience in Manchester with Peter Bradshaw Alley, architect and surveyor, John Lowe, FRIBA, and with William Dawes, architect surveyor, and others. He commenced practice in Manchester in I886, and was engaged upon numerous schools,… Read more »

Harold Larwood – From Cricket to Sweets & Tobacco

Posted by

Harold Larwood, a celebrated English cricketer, had a connection to Blackpool after his first-class cricket career with Nottinghamshire ended. He played for Blackpool Cricket Club in 1939. On the outbreak of war, Larwood left the game altogether, to work away from the public eye as a market gardener. In 1946 he used his savings to buy a sweet shop on Caunce Street in Blackpool. A park in Victory Road, Blackpool, was renamed in his honour. Although he generally kept away from organised cricket and avoided all personal publicity, he was persuaded to attend a farewell luncheon for Don Bradman at… Read more »

The Steady Growth of Melrose Investments

Posted by

Melrose Investments was established in 1998 by Chris Chadwick in Marsh Mill Village, Thornton Cleveleys. His brother Andy was also very successful while running Chadwicks Timber, which was sold in 2005 to Saint-Gobain, a global construction materials leader, and now trades under the name of Jewson. Melrose Investments has a very successful track record of developing and investing in property across the North West of England for over 25 years. From their early beginnings as a residential developer, they are now concentrated on residential and commercial investment. Their commercial offices and retail outlets are situated within their award winning Marsh… Read more »

Farmer Parrs Tractor Shed Bistro, Jumping Pillows, Museum and Animal World

Posted by

Farmer Parrs Tractor Shed Bistro is a family owned and run fully licensed restaurant in Fleetwood that opened in 2019. They serve sumptuous breakfasts and elegant lunches – all in a beautiful setting. Light, bright, spacious and stylish. The Tractor Shed Bistro is the perfect location to meet friends and family or to impress business associates. They have also brought back their very popular Sunday Lunches. Tasty roast dinners served from 12pm-3.30pm every Sunday between September and April. But there’s so much more to see and do at Farmer Parrs. They have the fabulous museum called the Fylde Country Life… Read more »

Opening of Fylde Country Life Museum at Farmer Parrs

Posted by

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 »