News Archive: 2020 and 2021
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Blackpool Tower and the former Woolworths Building, October 2021. The clock re-appears from under the scaffold and is working. This was once the biggest Woolworths in the world and with a 2000 seat restaurant.
Monthly Meetings
Monthly Meetings on the third Monday of the month at 7pm
Cancellation of the Christmas Meeting
Following the announcement of further Covid19 restrictions it has been decided to cancel the Christmas meeting and hot pot supper. We hope to hold our next meeting in January as planned.
Ghost Tram Tour 25th November 2021
'It was a dark and stormy night. The wind howled outside candle-lit windows'. In other words, perfect weather for Blackpool Civic Trust's special Ghost Train excursion. Stephen Mercer told his tales of the supernatural lurking behind Blackpool's bright lights with his customary flair and showmanship. As benefited the occasion, the tram was one of Blackpool's unique and much-cherished Heritage Tram fleet.
Thanks to Stephen of 'Supernatural Events', who is one of our corporate members, for his support of the Civic Trust. Thanks also to Gill, our social secretary, for organising this and other activities for our members in recent months.
Actors' Chapel at St Stephens on the Cliffs Church 22nd November 2021
At St Stephen's on the Cliffs Church on North Shore there is an Actors' Chapel built by donations from performers at Blackpool's theatres in 1928 and containing many famous names. After our meeting on the 22nd November 2021 our guest speaker, Ruth Eastwood - CEO of the Grand Theatre, was shown around by Canon Andrew Sage, with Joan Humble Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, centre.
On the 25th November 2021 Ride the Ghost Tram
7pm from the Heritage Tram Stop near North Pier.
Blackpool Civic Trust are running a special Ghost Tram with Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours and Supernatural Events.
Stephen Mercer, famed for paranormal and psychic experiences, and renowned ghost hunter will be onboard with spooky tales of the ghosts of the Fylde Coast.
Join the tour at the Heritage Tram Stop outside Festival House near North Pier at 7pm. We will then travel to Little Bispham and to Starr Gate before returning to North Pier, about 13 miles of ghostly stories.
The Tour takes approx 75-80 minutes.
£9 for Blackpool Civic Trust Members.
To ride this Ghost Tram Contact Gill on Gillhoward2552@gmail.com or call 07970 850348.
The November Monthly Meeting was held on
Monday15th November 2021 at 7pm - the Guest Speaker was Ruth Eastwood, CEO of the Grand Theatre who will be speaking about 'Preserving the past, preparing for the future'.
The meeting will be held at St Stephen's on the Cliffs, Holmfield Road, Blackpool, FY2 9RB
This month we have as our special guest Ruth Eastwood, CEO of The Grand Theatre Blackpool speaking about 'Preserving the past, preparing for the future'.
The meeting is at 7pm on Monday 15th November at St Stephens on the Cliffs, Holmfield Road, FY2 9RB. Just off the prom at North Shore. Non-members are welcome.
As many will know, Ruth is leaving the Grand in 2022 and this is a chance to hear her speak about the threatre. Read her message on The Grand website: Link to Grand Theatre Website
Join Blackpool Civic Trust
Please use the forms below to renew or become a member of Blackpool Civic Trust.
Download our membership form for renewals or new members:
Please forward the form to the person named on the form and the payment as stated, thankyou.
At the AGM the committee was elected and the accounts agreed. See the committee list on our About us page, click here.
On the 25th November 2021 Ride the Ghost Tram
7pm from the Heritage Tram Stop near North Pier.
Blackpool Civic Trust are running a special Ghost Tram with Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours and Supernatural Events.
Stephen Mercer, famed for paranormal and psychic experiences, and renowned ghost hunter will be onboard with spooky tales of the ghosts of the Fylde Coast.
Join the tour at the Heritage Tram Stop outside Festival House near North Pier at 7pm. We will then travel to Little Bispham and to Starr Gate before returning to North Pier, about 13 miles of ghostly stories.
The Tour takes approx 75-80 minutes.
£9 for Blackpool Civic Trust Members.
To ride this Ghost Tram Contact Gill on Gillhoward2552@gmail.com or call 07970 850348.
Blackpool Civic Trust Wreath 2021
Our wreath laid at the Blackpool Cenotaph, 14th November 2021
Grundy Art Gallery Anniversary celebrations and unveiling of Blue Plaque
26th October 2021
Grundy Art Gallery celebrated its 110th anniversary in style with Blackpool Civic Trust and Council representatives, among others, in attendance.
A blue plaque has been mounted near the entrance to mark 110yrs and the Grundy Brothers, John and Cuthbert.
Joan, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, worked closely with the curator Paulette Brien to produce the Blue Plaque.
In 1903 the Grundy brothers gave their collection of paintings to Blackpool Council and provided £2,000 (equivalent to £200,000 today) to build a dedicated art gallery in Blackpool.
In 1908 a site was acquired and the construction of the art gallery was completed in 1911. A further extension to the gallery was opened in 1938.
John Grundy died in 1915, the same year that his brother Cuthbert was knighted by King George V. Cuthbert was made Freeman of the then County Borough of Blackpool in 1938 and died in Blackpool just before his 100th birthday in 1946.
The Blue Plaque was installed as part of Grundy Art Gallery's 110th Anniversary celebrations and was sponsored by the Art Gallery. The building is a very fine example of Edwardian architecture and is nationally listed as Grade 2
.
The group photo:
The Blue Plaque:
The unveiling by Cllr Kath Benson:
The unveiling speech by Cllr Kath Benson with Elaine Smith, President of Blackpool Civic Trust to her right::
Paulette Brien, Curator, speaks:
Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust speaks to Paulette Brien:
Blackpool Civic Trust Art and Photographic Competition 2021 - 23rd September to 26th October 2021
10.30am to 2.30pm Tuesday to Sunday
This year Blackpool Civic Trust is holding an art and photographic competition with prizes and awards in the Stanley Park Visitor Centre..
The theme is 'Celebrating our Seaside Heritage'.
Open to artists and photographers who are professional or amateur and junior or senior, culminating in an Exhibition at Stanley Park Visitor centre which is next to the car park and cafe.
The Exhibition shows aspects of our wonderful seaside heritage from humble beginnings in the early 1800's to the present day. From seaside postcards and theatre bills, artistes and attractions,buildings and tram shelters, the piers and sideshows, Town Hall and Raikes Hall.
The next Monthly Meeting will be held on
Monday18th October 2021 at 7pm - the Guest Speaker is Bob Milner 'From Stone Age to Film Factories'.
The meeting will be held at St Stephen's on the Cliffs, Holmfield Road, Blackpool, FY2 9RB.
Unveiling the Blue Plaque in Blackpool Winter Gardens - Hungarian Concert 1957
22nd October 2021
A Blue Plaque commemorating a concert given by Hungarian refugees in 1957 was unveiled today in the Blackpool Winter Gardens. The Hungarian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade, His Excellency Mr Csaba Balogh, travelled from Hungary to attend the event and give the keynote speech. The unveiling of the plaque was attended by over 60 people, including members of the Hungarian community in Blackpool.
Representatives of Blackpool Council attended, including Chief Executive Officer Neil Jack who together with Cllr Ivan Taylor and His Excellency Csaba Balogh unveiled the plaque.
The Hungarian refugees were fleeing the brutal repression by Soviet Russia of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The Hungarian community put on a concert to thank the people of Blackpool for making them welcome and providing them with a new home.
Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, worked closely with the Hungarian Consul General in Manchester to produce this special Blue Plaque.
Joan added: The story of the Hungarian refugees is a fascinating and moving one. It was interesting to learn more of their experiences and how they chose to entertain the people of Blackpool through a concert in the Winter Gardens. Money raised by this concert was given to the Mayor of Blackpool charity fund.
Photo: The Hungarian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade, His Excellency Mr Csaba Balogh:
The unveiling of the Blue Plaque:
The Blue Plaque unveiling group:
Mr Andrew Zsigmond, UK Hungarian community:
Mr Neil Jack, CEO of Blackpool Council:
Mr Carl Carrington of Blackpool Council gives an address:
The next Monthly Meeting will be held on
Monday 20th September 2021, 7pm- Guest Speaker Pat Hayes 'What's Going On?'
The meeting was held via Zoom. The Chair opened the meeting with Civic Trust business. There was discussion about whether to re-start face to face meetings and comments were requested. Work on the Promenade Shelters is on-going. The Art and Photography Competition and Exhibition is due to start on Thursday 23rd September.
Pat Hayes gave an interesting talk about work as an audio describer in the theatre and the many places and people she visited.
Stanley Park Guided Tour Wednesday 13th October 2021
Bev Carroll, led a guided tour of fellow members round Stanley Park Blackpool on Wednesday 13th October 2021. Bev is an accredited Blackpool tour guide and has a YouTube channel of local videos and does them for Showtown, Blackpool's new museum project.
Here's a link to Bev's video channel:
Click here for YouTube channel
Painting the Norkeed Road Promenade Shelter, Little Bispham, September 2021
Blackpool: Historic England Grade 2 listing of The Colonnades and 8 more Promenade Shelters on North Shore - 27th August 2021
The Civic Trust has won national recognition for Blackpool's seaside heritage in North Shore.
Historic England has awarded Grade 2 status to Middle and Lower Walk colonnades. The 5 Middle Walk colonnades and retaining wall , which is included in the listing, start at Cocker Square and finish at Gynn slipway. The national listing for the single Lower Walk colonnade includes 2 massive pillars at Gynn Square, which are the only surviving parts of what was formerly a very grand entrance to the colonnades.
The colonnades were constructed between 1923 and 1925.
Blackpool Civic Trust has also won national recognition for the 8 larger seaside shelters in Bispham and Norbreck, which have been listed as Grade 2. They join a select group of
8 previously listed, smaller shelters from the Edwardian period, most of which are located near Princess Parade.
The newly-listed shelters were constructed in the early part of the twentieth century.
Our Chair, Joan, said how pleased she was that Historic England has recognised the importance of the larger seaside shelters and very impressive colonnades. Awarding them Grade 2 status is a wonderful accolade.
Joan added that the Trust welcomes new members to work with us on behalf of Blackpool. Further information and membership forms can be found on our website. Alternatively, you may contact our Membership Secretary, Walter. (wgcairns@hotmail.co.uk).
Read the Historic England notes beneath the photos
Historic England, 'Seaside Gems of Blackpool'. Grade 2 national listing:
(1) Middle & Lower Walk colonnades, including associated retaining walls and 2 pillars located in Gynn Square
The Middle and Lower Walk colonnades are reinforced-concrete structures that run for around one kilometre along Blackpool's sea front. They were designed by the Borough Surveyor's chief architectural assistant John Charles Robinson (who later became the Borough Architect).
Following Blackpool's growth as an important leisure destination in the second half of the 19th century, the early-20th century saw further improvement and extension of the town's three-level promenades. The Lower Walk colonnade was built in 1923 as a link between the upper and lower levels, and a gateway to the middle level. From 1923 to 1925 the Middle Walk colonnade was built as a strengthening structure and a way of vertically stacking the upper walk over the middle walk. This allowed the tram tracks to be moved to free up road space for cars.
Both are major seafront structures in Blackpool's North Promenade Conservation Area. They are also important examples of inter-war seafront improvements in one of the world's largest seaside resorts, reflect the growth in the leisure industry and motor transport, and highlight the higher standards of amenity expected by visitors by the early-20th century. Architecturally, they demonstrate good neo-Classical detailing and technically sophisticated cantilevering. (Historic England briefing, 'Seaside Gems of Blackpool', August 2021)
(2) Eight Seaside Shelters in Bispham & Norbreck
Blackpool's seafront is lined with promenade shelters, most of which have stood for more than 100 years as civic features intended to enhance the street scene. Eight shelters are already listed at Grade II and the list entries of these are being updated at the same time as the listing of a further eight shelters.
Most of the shelters were made between 1903 and 1904 by renowned iron-founders Walter MacFarlane and Co (MacFarlanes), of Glasgow and the Lion Foundry Company, of Kirkintilloch. They were commissioned by Blackpool Corporation, some especially for the new promenade at South Shore. They stand as a symbol of the archetypal British seaside town, visited by so many holiday-goers since the 1800s.
The shelters are rare survivals of good-quality Edwardian cast-iron street shelters, particularly redolent of the seaside, and retain many of their original design features. Six of the listed shelters were relocated around 2005 to stand within the Town Centre Conservation Area, while the others stand to the north of the recently designated North Promenade Conservation Area. (Historic England briefing, 'Seaside Gems of Blackpool', August 2021)
Guided Walk on the North Blackpool Pond Trail 19th August 2021
On Thursday 19th August we were guided by Pauline, a volunteer, along the North Blackpool Pond Trail starting at Kincraig Spar to go to Kincraig Lake. Our walk took us to the Fylde Memorial Arboretum where we visited the memorial bench we presented in 2018.
Monthly Meeting Monday 16th August 2021
Guest Speaker Annie Heslop, Green Infrastructure Development, Blackpool Council
Following a discussion of Civic Trust business including the Art Competition and the walk on Thursday on the North Blackpool Pond Trail. A very interesting talk was made about activity in Blackpool on Green Infrastructure by Annie Heslop, Green and Blue Infrastructure Manager. Annie led us through several green initiatives in the town including the planting of 5000 trees in two years and the plan to plant another 5000. Recovery and work on park areas such as Bridge House Open Space, Anchorsholme and East Pine Parks, Common Edge sports facility. Also the insertion of 'tiny forests'.
Monthly Meeting 19th July 2021 was held on Zoom at 7pm
Guest Speaker Carl Carrington, Blackpool Council, Built Heritage Manager
Following a discussion of Civic Trust business including plans for more blue plaques, the Art Competition and potential volunteering opportunities a very interesting talk about activity in Blackpool on Heritage Buildings was given by Carl Carrington.
We were advised of progress with the Conservation Area proposal in Layton. The Tower Ballroom ceiling funding from Historic England. The Quality Corridors in Edward Street and Topping Street renewal of shopfronts. Funding from Heritage Action Zone and Levelling Up Fund covering the Olympia Facade and Abingdon Street former Post Office conversion to a boutique hotel. Historic England are also discussing funding support for the Winter Gardens roof.
The next meeting on Monday 16th August will include a talk by Annie Heslop on Green Infrastructure in Blackpool.
Joan Humble presents The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours, 15th July 2021
Joan Humble, who is a member of the Lancashire Queen's Awards for Voluntary Service Panel, presented volunteers and representatives of Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours with their award for 2020.
The presentation was unavoidably delayed by the pandemic. Normally, the presentation would have taken place at County Hall, Preston, but had to be relocated. The Rigby Road depot proved to be a very appropriate alternative and the sun shone brightly for the occasion.
The volunteers and representatives of Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours:
Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, representing the Lancashire Queen's Award Panel with Bryan Lindop and Martin Gurrs of Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours
Monthly Meeting 21st June was held on Zoom
Guest Speaker Keith Myerscough on 'Commercial Swimming: Blackpool's Grand Water Shows'
There was a good attendance at the meeting using Zoom. Keith Myerscough gave an interesting talk covering the history of commercial swimming in Blackpool including the 'astounding' live displays in the pool next to the now demolished Palace Ballroom. Amazing swimming feats from the North Pier. The Tower Circus water shows with a pool built under the circus ring. Swimmers so capable they won worldwide aclaim.
The Art Competition Exhibition, Heritage Open Day tours at the Town Hall, a walk on the North Blackpool Pond Trail and a game of crazy golf on the re-opened Princess Parade Crazy Golf Course are potential future activities.
The next meeting will include a talk by Carl Carrington of Blackpool Council with an update on heritage buildings in Blackpool.
New - Call of the Sea, Public Art in Talbot Square Blackpool unveiled 10th June 2021
A striking and original piece of public art was unveiled on the 10th of June by the artist Laurence Payot. Her sculpture, 'Call of the Sea', was commissioned as part of the Council's Quality Corridor Programme, which is intended to enhance the town centre's public realm. The sculpture stands outside the Counting House, Talbot Square, close to the small benches with a tram motif. 'Call of the Sea' evokes the richness of the sea and is full of references to the many creatures and things associated with the sea in its more benign aspects'.
To visit the artists website and read about how the statue was made please click here
Laurence Payot with her work 'Call of the Sea' in Talbot Square Blackpool:
New public art in Blackpool 'Call of the Sea'.
Unveiling 'Call of the Sea' in Talbot Square Blackpool, 10th June 2021
Princess Parade Crazy Golf Course Re-Opens, near North Pier
Friday 28th May 2021
A derelict crazy golf course has been given a new lease of life by local charities, and volunteers from the community experiencing multiple disadvantage in Blackpool.
Blackpool Civic Trust participated in the voluntary work.
Richard Gottfried, Crazy Golf Champion, on Blackpool's re-opened crazy golf course near North Pier:
After a period of extensive renovation the course will once again be open from 28th May 2021 to welcome local and visitor golfers to test their skills on a historic site. The renovation has taken over 2 years and has had ongoing involvement from people facing multiple disadvantage in Blackpool, providing connection and a sense of purpose.
Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund via the Blackpool Fulfilling Lives programme, those involved in the renovation will also be involved in the running of the course. Any profits will go to the Blackpool Street Angels Community Interest Organisation to directly benefit people currently facing multiple disadvantage in Blackpool.
Paul Rawson, CEO of Blackpool and Fylde Street Angels explains how the project started: 'Blackpool Fulfilling Lives approached us, offering to help with some of our community work. Whilst out picking up litter on the promenade as an organised activity, we came across the sunken garden. One of the volunteers said they would love to do the site up and so the project started.
Since that day we have had ongoing help from people experiencing multiple disadvantage and when the course finally opens to the public we will be asking those people to stay involved. Since we started the renovation we have had adverse weather and then the pandemic restrictions but we haven't given up.
Ian Treasure, Partnerships Manager for Blackpool Fulfilling Lives, added: 'As soon as the renovation was suggested we contacted Blackpool Council not wanting to lose enthusiasm or momentum. The Estates, Parks, and Planning departments have been really helpful as there has been a lot of work behind the scenes to get us to this point.
More importantly is the dedication of a few people, who have continued to turn up to help the renovation. Their commitment is an inspiration and testament to the reality that if you provide people facing complex needs with opportunities for connection and a sense of purpose, they can take steps away from destructive and debilitating lifestyles. They get a glimpse of personal hope. The Crazy Golf Course is a symbol of what the Fulfilling Lives programme was all about not giving up on people who felt everyone had given up on them. Those that have continued to be involved tell us they feel happier in general and more hopeful of what else they could achieve.�
Sophy Proctor, Senior Head of Funding (Strategic Programmes) at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: 'We are pleased that National Lottery funding, through the Fulfilling Lives programme, is being used so effectively. It is encouraging to see a project that helps people facing complex disadvantage twice. First in its creation and then when the golf course is in use in the future. Thanks to National Lottery players, it will form part of a lasting legacy for Blackpool from Fulfilling Lives, helping people currently experiencing multiple disadvantage.�
As well as involving local people in remedial works, the team also used the expertise of a crazy golf champion, Richard Gottfried. Richard has helped advise on the playability of the course, and some of the history and is no stranger to the area: 'I visit Blackpool regularly and have actually played this course many times when younger. It is a classic original layout. Crazy golf is having a resurgence and so I am hopeful we will see as many people as possible enjoying a round here again soon.'
Paul Humble from Blackpool Civic Trust, who has been involved with the project, said: 'Crazy golf was first played here in 1957, and it's wonderful that the course is being reopened with its major original features restored and intact. Princess Parade and the sunken gardens are part of the Town Centre Conservation Area and also part of Blackpool's much-loved seaside heritage. The Civic Trust has reconstructed the history of this site for the storyboards and helped with the renovation work.'
The course will host competitions to coincide with high profile golfing events, and will offer individual adult, concession, and family tickets at a cost of £3, £2 and £10 respectively. It will be open for weekends from 28th May working towards full opening in peak summer.
Richard Gottfried, Crazy Golf Champion on Blackpool's new crazy golf course near North Pier:
The Official Re-opening of the Crazy Golf by Amy Cross, Mayor of Blackpool
The sign
Monthly Meeting and talk on Cyril Critchlow by Emma Heslewood
17th May 2021 by Zoom
Emma Heslewood of Showtown Blackpool, the museum of fun and entertainment, gave an entertaining talk titled 'Cyril Critchlow, The magician who inspired Showtown.'
Emma told us Cyril was the founder of Blackpool Magicians' Club and his collection of showbiz memorabilia is held at The History Centre in Blackpool Central Library and a further collection is held by the Sheffield University, National Fairground and Circus Archive. A large part of his Blackpool Collection is based on Lawrence Wright music publishing information.
Cyril came to Blackpool from Staffordshire as a young boy, his parents owning a Bed & Breakfast in Hull Street, number 23. He was a keen collector, as well as his own magician's act he created a collection that was held in his own Museum of Fun and Entertainment in Blackpool. He was a long time campaigner for a museum in Blackpool and had a scheme for it to be in a pyramid structure on the site of the former Palatine Hotel, which by amazing coincidence is where Showtown will be built in the new Sands Centre.
After the talk members spoke of their time with Cyril, one member had seen a model, now lost, of the pyramid structure.
Lower Walk Colonnade Painting
It was a pleasant surprise when Joan and I were out taking our daily exercise to see that Lower Walk colonnade is at last being repainted. It had been disfigured by a very large piece of graffiti that has now been covered up. The paint job hasn't yet been finished but the improvement is obvious to see.
We look forward to seeing the colonnade fully repainted and restored to something approaching its former glory.
Lower Walk colonnade is the smallest of the colonnades constructed between 1923 and 1925; the five larger colonnades form part of a grand sweep on Middle Walk. The smaller colonnade is distinguished by several features, including its own entrance on Lower Walk. Originally, the upper entrance on Gynn Square was marked by four slim lamp posts. These were in turn situated in-between four massive pillars with huge urns that signalled the entrance to all of the colonnades.
Sadly, only two of the massive pillars can be seen today and they are shorn of their urns. The lamp posts marking the entrance to Lower Walk colonnade have not survived, though their bases have been preserved.
The colonnades are locally listed and form the centre-piece of the recently designated North Promenade Conservation Area, which Blackpool Civic Trust was largely instrumental in creating.
Annual General Meeting
was held on Monday 22nd March 2021 7pm, a virtual meeting using Zoom
Please use the forms below to renew or become a member of Blackpool Civic Trust.
At the AGM the committee was elected and the accounts agreed.
See the committee list on our About us page, click here.
Download our membership form for renewals or new members:
Please forward the form to the person named on the form and the payment as stated, thankyou.
Monthly Meetings
Monthly Meetings on the third Monday of the month at 7pm are temporarily suspended
non-members welcome.
Future Meetings are cancelled until further notice due to the Corona Virus Pandemic.
Blackpool Civic Trust Memorial Wreath 8th November 2020
This year the annual Remembrance Sunday service at Blackpool's War Memorial was cancelled because of the coronavirus 'lock down'. We were told yesterday by someone who regularly lays a wreath at the cenotaph, that we could place our wreath in another location for a short time and take a photograph to record the event. Paul and I decided to take the civic trust's wreath and lay it at Jubilee Gardens, Gynn Square, where there is a memorial to those in our emergency services who have lost their lives serving the people of Blackpool.
Joan Humble on one of the new Tram Benches in Talbot Square, Blackpool
Joan Humble wearing our new Face Mask
Masks will be forwarded to members in November.
Blackpool Civic Trust Seaside Memorabilia Collection
Over the years Blackpool Civic Trust has collected a large amount of Blackpool related Seaside Memorabia. We have photographed the items and created an on-line catalogue.
Please click on this link to view it.
Item 5
Blackpool Civic Trust Calendar Art Competition 2020 - Entries by 10th July 2020
This year Blackpool Civic Trust is holding an art competition open to any artists, schools, colleges and youth groups with an aim to producing a calendar for 2021.
The theme is 'Celebrating our Seaside Heritage'.
Please note that the date is not yet finalised due to the current uncertain situation on Covid-19.
The Exhibition will be held at Stanley Park Visitor centre where the shortlisted artworks will go on display, and the final 13 winners will each receive their artwork framed as their prize.
ENTRIES TO BE IN NO LATER THAN 10th July 2020
Please click here for full details
Please click here for an Entry Form
New Blue Plaque: Site of Courtfield House
Courtfield House was a 'world class' hotel and catering training facility in Blackpool. Formerly located on the corner of Park Road and Hornby Road. The plaque was revealed in March 2020 without ceremony due to the pandemic. Thanks to Mike Coyle former lecturer at the college for assistance creating this blue plaque..
Future Monthly Meetings are cancelled until further notice due to the Corona Virus Pandemic.
Monday 16th March 2020
AGM
(cancelled)
Guest Speakers: John Barnett MBE, DL and Danielle Barnett
at the Town Hall at 7pm
Stay Blackpool Show at The Winter Gardens 4th March 2020
Blackpool Civic Trust at the Stay Blackpool Trade Show 4th March 2020. Promoting Blackpool and recruiting new members. To join us click here, thankyou.
Blackpool Civic Trust Calendar Art Competition 2020 - Entries by 30th April 2020
This year Blackpool Civic Trust is holding an art competition open to any artists, schools, colleges and youth groups with an aim to producing a calendar for 2021.
We have booked Exhibition space at Stanley Park Visitor centre ?during June 2020 where the shortlisted artworks will go on display, and the final 13 winners will each receive their artwork framed as their prize.
ENTRIES TO BE IN NO LATER THAN 30th April 2020
Please click here for full details
Please click here for an Entry Form
How the Victorians Built Britain - The Great British Holiday Channel 5 TV
On Channel 5 last night, 25th January 2020, and now on catch up is a well presented show featuring Blackpool and its heritage.
Blackpool Civic Trust worked on the Turkish Baths at The Imperial Hotel, Blackpool for 3 years and we are pleased the work is well featured among the fabulous heritage gems of Blackpool.
Channel 5 How the Victorians Built Britain, Episode 4, Series 2, The Great British Holiday.
New Blue Plaque: Jean Robinson JP, CBE first female Mayor of Blackpool
Alderman Jean Robinson was the first female Mayor of Blackpool (1968-69). A Blue Plaque was commissioned in her honour by her Grandaughter and Great Granddaughter and was unveiled on 11 January, 2020 in Abingdon Street Market, where Jean Robinson ran a cafe for 27 years.
Councillor Ivan Taylor recalled the Council meeting at which he proposed her as Mayor. He spoke of her deep commitment to Blackpool and how she was very much part of the community she served both as councillor and Mayor.
Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, worked with the families on the creation of the Blue Plaque. She said ?I am very pleased that we have a lasting record of the first female Mayor of Blackpool. It is very fitting that the Blue Plaque was unveiled by the current female Mayor of Blackpool, Cllr Amy Cross.?
Jean Robinson in Mayoral attire 1968-9:
At the Blue Plaque unveiling ceremony in Abingdon Street Market:
The group at the unveiling ceremony outside Abingdon Street Market, Blackpool
Mayor of Blackpool Cllr Amy Cross holding a photograph of Jean Robinson at the Town Hall with Councillor Ivan Taylor on the left and Joan Humble the Chairman of Blackpool Civic Trust on the right.
Blackpool Civic Trust 45th Anniversary Dinner 2020, with Awards
Date to be announced after the Corona Virus pandemic has ended.
CAROUSEL HOTEL, New South Promenade
Tickets ?25, includes 3 opportunities to win Prizes!
Arrivals from 6.15pm
Awards at 7pm
Dinner at 8pm
Finish at 11pm
Dress code: Lounge Suit/Cocktail Dress
MENU
See below for a wide range of dishes from which to choose. Your individual choice of meal/course must be notified to Gill Howard nearer the time of dinner. It is particularly important to let Gill know of any special dietary requirements.
Starter
Carrot, Sweet Potato & Coriander Soup
Chicken Liver & Brandy Pate with Red Onion Marmalade & Garlic Ciabatta
Oak Smoked Trout with Smoked Salmon on a Horseradish Potato Salad
Main course
Beef Sirloin Medallions with Confit Tomato, thick-cut chips & a 3-Peppercorn & Brandy Sauce.
Farmhouse Chicken Breast with Fondant Potato, topped with a Wild Mushroom Veloute
Pan-seared Fillet of Seabass on a bed of Sweet Potato Mash, with Champagne sauce
Wild Mushroom & Squash Risotto with Parmesan shavings
All Main courses served with Saut?ed New Potatoes & mixed Vegetables
Dessert
Sticky Toffee Pudding with Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Vanilla Creme Br?l?e served with Citrus Shortbread
Triple Chocolate Bavarois with Roasted Strawberries & shaved White Chocolate
Trio of Ice Cream & Cafe Curls
All finished with Tea or Coffee and Handmade Amaretto Truffles.
Tickets on sale from January 2020.
Contact our Social Officer gillhoward@talktalk.net or tel 01253 301264.
