Blackpool Civic Trust

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Blackpool Civic Trust Awards and Dinner 2017

Friday 27th April 2018

A wonderful evening at VIVA Blackpool!

 

 

On Friday 27th April 2018, Blackpool Civic Trust held its Annual Awards and Dinner at VIVA. In front of over 200 guests, including the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of Blackpool, Blackpool Civic Trust gave out awards to a school, community groups and local businesses who had contributed to supporting and improving Blackpool in 2017.

Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, Joan Humble, commented:

'The evening was a very enjoyable way to celebrate individual and group achievement in Blackpool. I am pleased that the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress, Councillor Gary Coleman and Councillor Debbie Coleman, could join us, together with Blackpool MP, Gordon Marsden. The 2017 Awards highlight the good work of a variety of community groups and also businesses in Blackpool which are supporting our local economy'.

 

The winners in each category are:-

Junior School Environmental Shield: Park Community Academy

Senior School Environmental Shield: Park Community Academy

Blackpool Council Conservation Award:
Blackpool Council Property Services Department and Paul Humble of Blackpool Civic Trust,
and F Parkinson Ltd

Community Award: The Friends of Stanley Park

Best Open Spaces: The Secret Garden, Watson Road Park

Best Night Time Economy: The Stanley Arms, Brew Room

Best New Housing Development: Blackpool Housing Company,
for the conversion of properties at 114-120 Albert Road

Best Refurbishment: Thames Primary Academy

Judges special award: Donna?s Dream House

Highly Commended: The Little Black Pug Bar

Highly Commended: VIVA Diner

Best Shop Front: Highly Commended: Lingerie Lounge

Transforming Blackpool: World Fireworks Championship Blackpool

Special Award: The Street Angels

 

 

Thanks to those who have sponsored? the awards this evening.

Blackpool Borough Council

Cassidy & Ashton Architects of Preston & Chester

We have also been supported by several local businesses.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Burbage Holiday Group

Number One Hotels Group

Parks Art Deco Caf?

Sainsbury Blackpool

Sandcastle Waterpark

St Stephens on the Cliffs

The Imperial Hotel

The Model Village

The Winter Gardens

The Award Winners Photo Gallery

 

Junior School Environmental Shield: Park Community Academy

Senior School Environmental Shield: Park Community Academy

Each class from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5 has an ECO Council representative and ECO warriors, with their own special uniform!? The ECO Council meets each term to discuss environmental issues and upcoming events and these pupils help set the agenda for the year.
As well as working locally, the school also provides opportunities for pupils to learn outdoors at education centres beyond Blackpool such as; Myerscough, Bendrigg and Tower Wood.

The proudest achievement this year has been receiving The Foundation Certificate for the International School Award. To attain this, pupils have been sharing learning about festivals, culture and art. They are aiming to sustain these close links with other countries to enhance Park Community?s global citizenship links within the curriculum and to achieve their Intermediate Award

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

Blackpool Council Conservation Award:
Blackpool Council Property Services Department and F Parkinson Ltd

and Paul Humble of Blackpool Civic Trust

F.Parkinson Ltd: the main concern was how a new external lift shaft could be made to blend in with the original Art Deco Council Office building with its carved stone frieze depicting the advancements in road, rail and air transport, particularly in such a prominent position.
After much negotiation on materials and design, plans were passed by the Planning Committee in April 2017, but there were still reservations?.
Earlier this year as the lift neared completion, certain nay-sayers were forced to eat hats as the wraps came off a structure whose attention to detail, workmanship and close matching of materials made it look like it had always been there.

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

This second Conservation Award is for a volunteer within the Civic Trust who has supported the Civic Trust and Blackpool Council?s Conservation Officer on a number of projects.? Our second Conservation Award goes to Paul Humble! From coordinating the training of Civic Trust volunteers to work at height on scaffolds, to hundreds of high quality photographs to support the proposed creation of a conservation area for North Shore. Paul has brought a calm professionalism to everything he does.

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

Community Award: The Friends of Stanley Park

The Friends? group was begun in 2002 and in 2005 a former joiner?s workshop in the park was turned into a Visitor Centre as a base for the group, a facility which has been predominantly run by its volunteers since then. The Friends host a number of regular fundraising activities, including events at Easter, Christmas and Halloween.?
The money raised is spent on the maintenance and improvement of Stanley Park.? Recent examples of this include works to the Italian Fountain, Floral Clock and repairing and re-painting the Bandstand.
But it?s not all about fundraising. Members are often up early each day to pick up litter and work hard to organise a fantastic programme of free concerts hosted at the bandstand across the summer.
In 2017 there was a huge party in the park to celebrate its 90th year. Lord Derby came and re-enacted his grandfather?s original opening of the gates and to top it all off, the Friends were delighted to win the Fields in Trust, Field Day 2017 for this celebration and the Fields in Trust, Best Park in the UK 2017.
This last award was more important than anything else because it was won by national popular vote which proved just how many people love Stanley Park.

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

Best Open Spaces: The Secret Garden, Watson Road Park

Approximately 7 years ago The Friends of Watson Road Park received a surprise phone call from Alan Hume of Groundwork. He asked if the Friends would be willing to consider taking over the running of an area of the Watson Road Park at the rear of the bowling green. This part of the park had previously been managed by the Alzheimer?s Society.
A quick phone call was made to the Council?s Parks Department and the Friends received permission to proceed.
Unfortunately, when the Friends took it over, the garden was in a very poor state. Carpets covered the ground to suppress weeds and rubbish had begun to build up. The Friends ordered skips and organized members and other volunteers to clear the ground and replant the garden, inviting children from Thames School to help.
It was originally proposed to designate this part of Watson Road Park as a Memorial or Remembrance Garden and many people do use it for quiet contemplation. But it was finally decided to call it ?The Secret Garden? and even some local residents don?t always realise that such a beautiful garden is just round the corner!

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

Best Night Time Economy: The Stanley Arms, Brew Room.

The Stanley Arms was built in 1880 and is probably most famous for being the place where Blackpool Football Club was formed in 1887.? An attractive gothic revival building in sandstone and brick, it?s also one of the few Blackpool pubs that hasn?t changed too much externally and the carved and painted arms of the Stanley Earls of Derby are proudly displayed over the door.
But this wasn?t always the case.? When Robert and Gaynor Wynne bought the building in June 2017 it had a damaged roof, no utility connections and was semi derelict.
The initial work included the repair or replacement of damaged windows, the roof and external tiles. The building was completely rewired and ground floor refurbished with the aim to keep all the original features.
More significantly, redundant space on the south end of the property was used to build Blackpool?s first microbrewery, providing jobs and creating the first new brewery in Blackpool for many years.
The pub is unique in having no beer from any major brewery on draught. All the 25 draught lines are either brewed on site or from smaller regional breweries. We look forward to the new beer and future developments at this fantastic venue! Robert and Gaynor Wynne:

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

 

The awards above were chosen by Blackpool Civic Trust, the following awards are chosen by a panel of judges who are:


Lawrence McBurney is an architect with Cassidy and Ashton
Clare Johnson is from Blackpool Council?s Planning Department.

Canon Andrew Sage?? is Blackpool Civic Trust?s Planning Officer????

 

 

Best New Housing Development: Blackpool Housing Company,
for the conversion of properties at 114-120 Albert Road

This project is the largest and most challenging project completed by the My Blackpool Home to date. The scheme involved converting two hotels into twenty, one and two bedroom apartments.? Works were completed in December 2017 by Lancashire based construction firm, Eric Wright Group.
The Malibu was a thirty two bedroom hotel with a long and difficult history associated with anti-social behavior. The Astoria, also with more than thirty bedrooms, had been closed following a fire which caused extensive damage in January 2015.
There was a focus on the restoration of the original buildings with the retention and repair of traditional decorative features. New roofs with traditional style leaded dormer windows were installed and the external upgrades to restore and replace period features make a substantial contribution to the street scene.
More importantly the properties set a new standard of quality in this location, not only in the building work but in the inclusion of energy saving and insulation innovations, helping tenants save money on bills and household costs.

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

Best Refurbishment: Thames Primary Academy

In 2013 the Governors took the decision to auction an oil painting that had been left to the school by Councillor Halstead in 1926. Following a nail biting auction they were astounded to receive ?240,000 for the painting. They then decided to ask the children to think about how the money could be spent to best effect.
The school council presented their ideas to the Headteacher and the suggested areas for improvement were the classrooms, the playground and, in particular, the toilets!
The school commissioned CreativSparc Architects to work with them to develop a master plan that would see the complete redesign and improvement of the original school buildings and playground (especially the toilets!). Work commenced in the summer of 2014 with Conlon?s being the chosen building contractor.
Over a three year period, Thames Primary Academy have created a stunning environment for the school children. The sense of space and light are evident to everyone entering the building and the classrooms are a pleasure to work in for both children and their teachers.
If only Councillor Halsted could have seen the transformation that his legacy has created!
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Thames Primary Academy!

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Highly Commended: The Little Black Pug Bar

As some people may know, Little Black Pug Bar was formally a tax office and had never been a public house or indeed a building that anyone might go into voluntarily!
That?s all changed now with a stylish new bar that has restored a lot of original character to what had been series of drab offices.? The new owners removed all the of partitions and re-opened the generously proportioned rooms.?
A new bar had to be designed to complement the original size and design of the spaces and the new d?cor features clever contemporary twists on traditional themes and lots of attractive lighting.
A huge amount of hard work and dedication has been put in to this successful new business, creating new jobs in the town centre and transforming an attractive but empty building into a buzzing meeting place in the town centre.
Please welcome Robert Dick and representatives of the Little Black Pug.

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Highly Commended: VIVA Diner

Set on Blackpool?s iconic Golden Mile, the VIVA Vegas Diner offers a trip back in time to the fabulous era of the 1950?s for a unique and high quality dining and entertainment experience.
Featuring classic car fitted booths and a retro inspired bar, with fantastic memorabilia, this restaurant, bar and grill truly captures the aesthetic of a 1950?s diner with a touch of Las Vegas thrown in.
Alongside a delicious menu full of all those tasty American classics, including the most amazing milkshakes, hotdogs and burgers, customers can also experience a service like no other. This is due to the incredible, all singing, all dancing routines performed by staff who break out into performances throughout the day!?
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome representatives of VIVA Diner.

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

Judges special award: Donna?s Dream House

Donna?s Dream House is a Charity created after the death of Len and Babs Curtis? daughter Donna Marie Curtis to provide holidays for seriously ill children and their families.
Towards the end of 2016 the Kentown Wizard Foundation made it possible for Donna?s Dream House to undertake major refurbishment, modernising the facilities on offer to the special families that stay there.
This generous donation enabled them to completely refurbish the interior of the family accommodation as well as repairing and improving the exterior of the buildings. Work also included the new ?Ken?s? free Ice-Cream Parlour and ?Jan?s? Sensory Room which was completed with the support of other special donors.
Whilst the money enabled Donna?s Dream House to purchase the materials and equipment, they wouldn?t have been able to undertake the work without the generous support of many individuals. From the Donnas Dream House Team to inmates from Kirkham Open Prison and many others who gave their time to complete the work.
Ladies and gentlemen, please, a huge round of applause for Donna?s Dreamhouse!

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

Best Shop Front: Highly Commended: Lingerie Lounge

The Lingerie Lounge opened in September 2015 on Queen Street but it became apparent very quickly that the shop needed a lot more space.
They viewed 174 Church Street in the summer of 2016 and saw its potential. They loved the building and its prominent location. However it needed a lot doing to it to bring it back up to scratch!
Having got access to the premises they worked hard over 4 weeks to complete renovations and open in time for the Christmas season. Local professionals were enlisted, in particular BWD Design and the entire interior was stripped out.
A crumbling office ceiling was removed and beneath this they found some beautiful original features. With more help from family and friends, the doors were opened on 1st December just in time for Christmas.
The fantastic displays in the large windows of the shop front and views to the stylish interior of the shop have added to the quality of the local street-scape and encouraged other new businesses to set up in the area.
Ladies and gentlemen please welcome representatives from the Lingerie Lounge.

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Transforming Blackpool: World Fireworks Championship Blackpool

Each September as the summer fades, not only do the Blackpool Illuminations light up Blackpool Promenade, the World Fireworks Championships light up the sky! Taking place each Friday in September after the Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On, some of the world?s best pyrotechnic artists bring fireworks displays to Blackpool in superb fashion.
During each of the first three weeks, an international team arrives in Blackpool to bring their best willow, glitter and crackle fireworks to compete for the champion?s trophy. Regardless of which evening a visitor chooses (and many come to them all), they can expect a perfectly sychronised soundtrack which will provide a stunning accompaniment to the jaw dropping displays.
In the final week, a UK team provides an astonishing show as we celebrate the winner?s announcement.
The best thing? It?s all free. Visitors bring the whole family; these breathtaking spectacles overhead captivate everyone from toddlers to grandparents. It?s fantastic to see so many couples, families and groups follow a tradition of indulging in fish and chips or an ice-cream to sit back and see the entire resort up in lights.
Ladies and gentlemen welcome Visit Blackpool, the World Fireworks Championship Team!

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

Special Award: The Street Angels

Blackpool and the Fylde Street Angels are part of a national network of groups which was started in started in Halifax in 2005 looking out for those who need compassion and practical help when in difficulty on a night out. Locally, the Street Angels team was formed in June 2012 and many of the volunteers come from local churches, but volunteers may come from any faith or non-faith background.
The team works in close partnership with other organisations that promote safety and welfare, including the local police, ambulance service and the door staff of pubs and clubs across the town.
They regularly deal with vulnerable people and provide basic first aid, hand out water, flip flops and provide assistance with directions and information.
This may sound like fairly basic stuff, but f you?ve ever lost your party, or a heel, or fallen over on a night out, you?ll know what a god-send a friendly face and a bit of kindness and help can be.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Blackpool & Fylde Street Angels!

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

Special Presentations

 

Thanks to Andy Mitchell for reading the Citations:

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

Thanks to the Deputy Mayor Gary Coleman, presentation to the Deputy Mayoress Debbie Coleman

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Thanks to the President of Blackpool Civic Trust, Elaine Smith MBE

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Thanks to Andy of Radio Wave, Carl Carrington and Jan Cresswell of Blackpool Council

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

 

Caught on Camera

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2017

 

 

After dinner, The West End Jerseys presented their full show.

 

 

 

Read our previous Awards events. Click here.

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