News Archive 2010 for 2011
Heritage Open Days 2011: some photos
A few photos from places that members visited during the 2011 Blackpool and Fylde Coast Heritage Open Days. Please click here to view. If any other members would like photos including please let us know.
Unusual View of Birley Street & Brilliance
Photo by Juliette Gregson
Blackpool in Bloom Awards 2011
The annual awards ceremony has been held and the full list of awards and results in each category now on our website. Well done to all who entered, award winners and for the sponsors and volunteers. Click here to read the list of winners and photographs.
Click here to read the news archive
Grand Theatre, Blackpool. More beautiful inside would you believe!
For the record. The 2010 Heritage Open Day programme can still be read. Click here.
September Newsletter Summary
A fuller paper version is available on request. Note most events are first come, first served and places are limited so please book early.
Funding
Because of financial cuts we are depleting our funds by helping others. For example this year the council was unable to fund the Stanley Park Trails leaflets so we have paid for the Heritage Leaflet and Friends of Stanley Park paid for the Conservation Leaflet.
Activities
Blackpool in Bloom and the Bus Tour of Gardens, along with Heritage Open Days were very successful. Thanks to members who volunteered to help.
Christmas Raffle
The tickets have been distributed and these are a big help in restoring our funding. Thanks to John for paying for the printing.
Annual Awards and Dinner, 25th January 2012
The arrangements are now that we will have the awards in St John's Conference Centre and then move over to the Winter Gardens where we have drinks and a meal. Griff Rhys Jones will make his keynote speech at the end. Tickets are £28 and a large number have already put down their names. Contact Wynne Booker for tickets.
Town Hall Trail Leaflet
Ian Cresswell and Carl Carrington have done an excellent job producing the leaflet and copies are available for all members at the monthly meetings.
Professor Vanessa Toulmin Book
A new book about Blackpool Tower is to be launched on the 11th November. A nice Christmas present.
Corporate Members
The Blackpool Model Village were kind hosts to our visit which was enjoyed by all.
The Dahlia Kitchen in Cropper Road will become Corporate Members on October 1st when the owners, Shaun Pickup and his partner, leave the Garden Place gardening half and take over running of the cafe. The Corporate Membership will transfer from the Garden Place to The Dahlia Kitchen.
Heritage Open Days 2011
Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th September 2011
This year we have even more buildings open in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast which includes Lytham, Cleveleys and Fleetwood. We are having a programme printed in conjunction with Visit Blackpool which will soon be available. In the meantime the full details of opening times of the buildings in Blackpool and the Fylde Coast are in the attached document and listed below.
Click on the image to download the full programme or view the list below it.
The list is below. Download the list by clicking here.
Blackpool
Cocker Memorial Clock Tower: Stanley Park, Blackpool
Comrades Club, Adelaide Street, Blackpool
Donna’s Dream house: Chapel Street, Blackpool
Funny Girls: Dickson Road, Blackpool
Grand Theatre: Church Street, Blackpool
Grundy Art Gallery: Queen Street, Blackpool
Holy Trinity Church: Dean Street, South Shore, Blackpool
Reform Jewish Congregation: Directions given on booking
Lancastrian Transport Trust, Brinwell Road, Blackpool
Layton Cemetery: Talbot Road, Layton (opposite the Library)
Little Marton Windmill: Just off M55 Junction 4 on Preston New Road
Masonic Hall: East end of Adelaide Street, Blackpool
Mosque: 2 Revoe Street, Blackpool
New Central Methodist Church: Adelaide Street West, Blackpool
North Pier: Opposite Talbot Square, Blackpool.
North Shore Methodist Church: Corner of Dickson Road and Cocker Street, Blackpool
Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes: Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool
St John the Evangelist Church: Cedar Square (opposite the Winter Gardens)
St Stephens on the Cliffs Church: St Stephen’s Avenue, North Shore, Blackpool
Stanley Park: Meet outside the café in the park
Town Centre Heritage Walking Tour: Meet on the steps of Blackpool Town Hall
Town Hall: Talbot Square (opposite North Pier), Blackpool
Winter Gardens: Floral Hall at the Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool
Zoo Aviation Tour: East Park Drive, Blackpool
Wyre; Cleveleys and Fleetwood
Cleveleys Cottage Exhibition of 1906
Broadwater Wood: Copse Road, Fleetwood
Decimus Burton Exhibition: In the Marine Hall, The Esplanade, Fleetwood
Fleetwood Museum: The Esplanade, Fleetwood
Fylde Country Life Museum: Wyrefield Farm, Rossall, Fleetwood
Jacinta: Freeport Fleetwood, Anchorage Road, Fleetwood
Lifeboat Station: The Esplanade, Fleetwood
Lower Lighthouse: The Esplanade, Fleetwood
Masonic Hall: The Esplanade, Fleetwood
Mount Methodist Church: Mount Road, Fleetwood
Mount Pavilion: The Esplanade, Fleetwood
NCI Rossall Point: Old Coastguard Station, Princess Way, Fleetwood
Rossall School: Broadway, Fleetwood
St Mary’s Church: Lord Street, Fleetwood
St Nicholas’ Church: Junction of Broadway and Highbury Avenue, Fleetwood
St Peter’s Church: Lord Street (Market end), Fleetwood
United Reformed Church: Agnew Road, Fleetwood
Fylde: Lytham
Lytham Hall: Ballam Road, Lytham
2nd July: Blackpool Civic Week, Street Party
On a hot summer day Blackpool came out in force to attend the Blackpool Civic Trust Street Party. It is estimated that 2,000 people were in St John's Square at one point. There was music from the Sixth Form College and displays and stands from other local societies and clubs. A Blackpool Corporation bus of 1960's vintage and guided tours of the Winter Gardens. A big success!
Below Elaine, Chairman, and Chris Norton, Secretary of the Blackpool Civic Trust survey the scene.
The Blackpool Civic Trust stand with helpers.
The Town Crier, Barry McQueen with his trusty trumpet.
For more photos view our Facebook page.
July Newsletter Summary
A fuller paper version is available on request. Note most events are first come, first served and places are limited so please book early.
Civic Week
Thank you for all who supported us. We laughed our way through most of the week. Whoever it was at Civic Voice who decided to have the event had an excellent idea. Hopefully we gave people a bit of Civic Pride but I hope we made people realise that Blackpool Civic Trust is not just a pressure group. There must have been about 2000 people in the Square at the Street Party.
In the course of the week we managed to fit in our first Corporate Lunch which was supported by nearly all of these members, the Executive Committee, our Patrons and Presidents. It was held at Number One South Beach and we managed to get a few more Corporate Members that day!
The prizes for the schools competition we ran were well received. Alisha Hussan from Devonshire Primary School won the family ticket kindly donated by the Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Lucy Cox from St George’s High School winning the £100 worth of photographic equipment donated by St Stephen on the Cliffs. This last winner was so hard to decide upon that a further £50 worth of photographic equipment was kindly donated by them for a second prize winner, Michael Smith of Arnold School.
Blackpool Street of the Year
We invited the Councillors to nominate a street in their ward to be picked as Blackpool Civic Trust Street of the Year. Two of our members, Cllr Norman & Mrs Barbara Hardy, kindly donated a lovely rose bowl for the winning Councillor to be given on a yearly basis and we bought a sign to be put on the winning street.
Where? Bairstow Street about which the judges wrote the following:
A large number of properties show a real case of getting together and making the most of a very challenging urban environment , clearly an excellent case of the community working together to create a positive visual perception.
A close second was Cherry Tree Gardens with St Chads Road a worthy third. The best decorated shop on the day was Number Five Café who won a cup to keep for 12 months.
Recent Activities
The second group visit to the Imperial Hotel was fully booked.
We visited the Pleasure Beach to see the wonderful new Nickelodeon.
We were invited to Brooks Collectibles when they opened for the season.
Our trip to the new Tram Depot was a huge success.
This year we got very involved in Gay Pride because one of our Corporate Members, Shaun Pickup from the Garden Place, was helping organise it. We had a table at the Pride Ball and thoroughly enjoyed the cabaret.
Once again totallyTransport was a success and the tombola run on behalf of the Blackpool Civic Trust took the most money we have ever taken at this event as our contribution to their funds.
A number of us went to the Cenotaph giving out Order of Service sheets for the Armed Forces service. Thank you to all the members who joined us there as the 1000’s of spectators all had to be given a sheet. It was no mean feat doing this. We had taken a record number of members to the excellent Veteran’s Dinner at the Norbreck Castle Hotel only a couple of days before so it is always a pleasure to help them.
We have unveiled two new Blue Plaques since the last Newsletter. One was unveiled at the Masonic Hall on Adelaide Street by Cllr Don Clapham during the last week of his Mayorality. The other one was unveiled by the Bishop of Blackburn at St Stephen on the Cliffs last week. We are delighted to have these two plaques on our trail.
Town Trail
The Town Trail and podcast is expected to be ready shortly. The podcast will be on our website, the Council’s website and the Blackpool Sixth Form College’s website (because they have worked on it for us) and on YouTube. I will be making an announcement about the trail booklet shortly.
Kincraig Pond Trail - 26th July
For those of you who enjoy a walk we have arranged an afternoon at Kincraig Pond Trail on Tuesday 26th July. It begins near Kincraig School at 2.00pm and will be led by the project manager at the site, Pauline Taylor from Groundworks (one of our new Corporate Members).
1940's Street Party - 3rd August - pre-booking essential
When we were in the Churchill Room at the Imperial Hotel it was decide to have a get together for us in the form of a 1940’s Street Party on 3rd August at 7.30pm. This will be £20 each and tickets must be booked through Wynne Booker 391286 before the 22nd July.
Blackpool in Bloom - 21st August
We have been involved in this garden competition for many years but usually with a Councillor in charge. This year we had to start whilst the Councillors were in purdah because of the elections, but somehow no one has come to take over from us since then so we have carried on our own for this year. The Blackpool in Bloom tour will take place on 21st August (note this is a change from the date on the membership card).
Heritage Open Days - 8th to 11th September
There are some new additions this year and the brochure will be out soon. The dates this year are 8th to 11th September. As you know it is essential to book at some of the events or you will miss them.
Winter Gardens Show - 15th September
Council Art Dept has got a theatre group from Liverpool to put on a show in the Winter Gardens in September called Alice in Wonderland at the Winter Gardens. We have made a block booking for us to go on Thursday 15th September. It starts at 7.00pm and we must meet at 6.45pm. Each scene will be in a different part of the Winter Gardens. The cost is only £7 per person and we have 35 tickets so it must be on a first come first served basis. Let me know as soon as possible if you are joining us.
Wedding Chapel
The Wedding Chapel on the Promenade will soon be completed and the Registrar has already said that we can arrange a visit as soon as it is handed over to him.
Membership Card Amendment for Blackpool in Bloom
Apologies for a mistake on your Membership Card. The Blackpool in Bloom tour date is the 21st August.
Annual Awards and Dinner date change - January 2012
Delete are our Annual Awards Ceremony on the 19th January and our Annual Dinner on 22nd February. Griff Rhys Jones, President of Civic Voice, is coming to talk to us at the end of January so we have decided to combine the Awards and the Dinner and make a big splash by having it in the Floral Hall of the Winter Gardens. It will be approximately £25 for a ticket which is only slightly higher than last year.
Heritage Champions
Our work with the Heritage Champions and the Heritage Guiding Course is still progressing well. Wendy Stevenson and David Evans, two of these guides took a party of school children for a talk and tour of Stanley Park.
26th June: totallyTransport Blackpool
On a hot day South Promenade was closed to traffic and the annual totallyTransport event lined both sides of the road and the Solaris grounds. Dozens of minis of all ages, old buses, classic and new cars, bands, stalls. Blackpool Civic Trust put up a display of old Blackpool posters in Solaris, they will be there until the 2nd July.
25th June: Veterans Day in Blackpool
Saturday 25th June 2011. replica Lytham St Annes Spitfire, 2 tanks, climbing wall and military bands in St John's Square Blackpool.
25th June: Tram 715 trip
Blackpool Civic Trust owns a share in preserved tram 715, held by Lancastrian Transport Trust. We had a journey from North Pier to the Cabin and back via South Pier early on the first day of Civic Week.
31st May: Visit the new Tram Depot
An excellent tour of the new Blackpool Tram Depot in 3 groups for about 40 members. We were shown the two halves of the depot, one where the trams are held overnight and the maintenance section. The first trams being due in August for extensive testing before they are able to be operated.
Philip Higgs of the Lancastrian Transport Trust (LTT)
At our meeting on Monday 18th April 2011 Philip Higgs spoke to us about Blackpool Trams and Buses. Philip bought his first bus at the age of 15 and since then has formed the LTT which is also a Community Interest Company with 21 employees and a good turnover. Obtaining funds is a constant battle and restoring a single vehicle can cost £100,000. The skills to restore the trams are being lost and discussions have been held with Blackpool & Fylde College about courses related to these skills.
One of the biggest projects will be Blackpool bus 246 which is one of Blackpool's uniquely designed flat front, central door buses made in Blackpool by Burlingham in 1949. This bus needs extensive restoration and is currently in storage in Blackpool.
Other big projects are tram 279 which is being rebuilt and tram 143 restored to 1925 condition. Blackpool Civic Trust own a part share in tram 715 which is expected to be returned to 1970's cream and green in the next months.
We were shown ideas for a Tram Visitor Centre to be used as a holiday attraction. This has been discussed for some 10 years and is not part of a local plan although ideas continue to be put forward.
Also the new tramway is to have some heritage trams owned by Blackpool Transport and modified to operate on the new system. Discussions are underway on how the existing original condition heritage trams owned by the LTT will be able to operate.
The LTT is a Blackpool Civic Trust corporate member and runs the Blackpool Totally Transport festival every June on South Promenade. They also operate 'Dine and Ride' outings on heritage buses with a meal in a country pub.
The presentation was very well received with several comments about how to mark the iconic status of the trams to Blackpool and how the new tramway was funded.
Become a member of Blackpool Civic Trust and join our visits.
A few notes from the Meeting on 18th April:
Elaine is keeping a list of 'grot spots' in Blackpool, areas that need tidying a bit and a report should be in the Gazette.
The Airport and Harry Ramsdens blue plaques are missing.
A presentation was given to Councillor Joan Greenhalgh for long service to Blackpool Civic Trust. Joan attended the meeting.
Funding has been obtained to tidy the grounds of the Shrine. Friends of Kincraig Park Lake also recently tidied that area.
In Olympic year the grave in Layton Cemetary of the winner of 2 Olympic gold medals for running, Alfred Tysoe, will be refurbished. Blackpool Civic Trust has donated £225 towards this.
Father Sage is doing a survey of Blackpool Faith Buildings and requests that anyone who knows of any buildings that were formerly faith buildings should contact him.
A brochure for Blackpool Civic Trust has been printed.
April Newsletter Summary
Illuminations Dept and Imperial Hotel visits report
The visit to the Illuminations Dept was a most enjoyable outing thanks to Richard Ryan. The over subscribed trip around the Barcelo Imperial Hotel was great thanks to the General Manager Alison Gilmore.
Next visit to the Imperial
The second visit to the Imperial is on April 26th and is already full. We are keeping a waiting list if you want to join it, in case anyone drops out.
Names please for Nickolodeon, May 12th
We will visit the fantastic new Nickelodeon at the Pleasure Beach on Thursday 12th May at 2.00pm. Names must be on the list for entry.
Merlin Speaker and Tower Visit
Iain Hawkins is in charge of all the Merlin attractions in the town and has kindly agreed to talk to us in October. Also as soon as the Tower opens completely on the 1st Sept he will arrange a visit for us.
Heskin Hall and Cedar Farm Galleries Visit, 24th May (Extra)
On Tuesday 24th May we visit a couple of places near Chorley. Heskin Hall is one of the best examples of Tudor Architecture in Northern England. It now houses stalls containing memorabilia and collectables. The other is Cedar Farm Galleries which is an inspirational and creative shopping experience with art galleries and many other things to see.
The timing is still to be decided but we can be assured of an interesting day with café’s at both venues. Total cost for transport is £12 and Wynne Booker is now taking bookings and collecting money.
Stanley Park Visitor Centre Volunteers Wanted
Can you spare five hours to help save the Visitor Centre at Stanley Park? The Rangers are to run it every Sunday and generally be responsible for it but we need your help Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10.00am until 3.00pm. All it will entail is sitting and talking to members of the public as they come in and directing them to the different areas in the park.
Volunteers Litter Pickers wanted
There is a large Hockey Festival Event on the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th April and litter pickers are desperately needed to go into the Arena and All Weather Pitches each morning around 8am – 9am. Let me know if you can help please.
Stanley Park Bandstand Programme
The Friends of Stanley Park have printed the Bandstand programme as usual.
Volunteers Wanted in the Town Hall
A few volunteers are needed (particularly a couple of tall men to lift things in and out of the cabinets) to help clean in Committee Room B at the Town Hall on Friday 13th May.
Suez Veteran Visit
We took a group of Suez Association veterans around the Winter Gardens last week.
Heritage Open Days - 8th to 11th Sept
We are putting in funding bids to print the Heritage Open Days brochure. It will be Thurs 8th to Sunday 11th September - so if you have anywhere you think worth opening let me know.
Blackpool in Bloom
Because the elections are in the way we are also taking the lead in the Blackpool in Bloom competition. It is being launched at the Garden Place on the 29th & 30th May. Come on our stalls there. Keep your eyes open for any gardens that you feel should be entering the competition. Let me know and I will send them an application form.
North Pier Bought by local family
It was good to read that the North Pier has been sold to a local family. The Pier was in need of a bit of loving kindness and I am sure that it will receive it from Mr Peter Sedgwick and his family.
Corporate Members
We have three new Corporate Members:
Geraldine Sage was a new member last year but this year she has rejoined as a corporate member their family shop – Sage’s Hardware on Fleetwood Rd, Little Bispham.
Glasdon Group Ltd was one of our award winners in January and we are delighted that they have joined us.
The Senior Voice Forum has also become a member thanks to Rita Walsh who is on its committee.
We must support all our corporate members just as they support us.
Senior Voice and Brooks Collectables
The Senior Voice Forum’s next meeting is at St John’s Conference Centre on Monday 9th May at 1.00pm.
Brooks Collectables are having an Open Afternoon on Tuesday 10th May at 2.00pm at their Exhibition & Museum on the Promenade opposite the Waterloo Headland.
Civic Week Programme, 25th June to 2nd July
Civic Week is from 25th June to 2nd July. Civic Day is being run nationally by Civic Voice on the 25th June but that is Veterans Day in Blackpool. Instead we are having a Civic Week which will join their 25th with our big day on the 2nd July. This will include:
Photographic Exhibition at Stanley Park: From Saturday 25th until Saturday July 2nd there will be an exhibition of photographs on show at the Stanley Park Visitor Centre. These photographs are the entrants to our Schools’ competition. The pupils have to take a photograph of their favourite place in Blackpool and in 100 words say why they chose it.
At 3.00pm on the 2nd July the prizes will be presented. For the Junior School a family ticket for the Pleasure Beach including Nickelodeon sponsored by our Patron Amanda Thompson. For the Senior School there will be £100 of photographic equipment sponsored by one of our Corporate Members - St Stephen on the Cliffs. Our grateful thanks to them both.
Totally Transport 2011 - Sunday 26th June: We are part of totallyTransport that day at the Solaris Centre but to add to the proceedings we are putting up a display of Blackpool posters there from a bygone era. They will stay there for the week. (if you have anything for the totallyTransport tombola please contact Betty Bradford)
Monday 27th A Heritage Treasure Hunt around town starting at the Town Hall. This will take place any time from 2.00pm until 4.00pm with a charge of £2 and should take approximately one hour. Come and have some fun and see how much you learn about the town.
Tuesday 28th: The Bishop of Blackburn will unveil a Blue Plaque at St Stephen on the Cliffs at 7.00pm. As our committee member Canon Andrew Sage will be celebrating his 25 years in the Ministry that day there will be a Service of Celebration following the unveiling and then a gathering in the Church Hall. St Stephen’s is one of our Corporate members. If you haven’t seen the Actors’ Chapel at the Church then this is your opportunity.
Wednesday 29th A Heritage Pub Quiz with a hotpot supper at the Rose and Crown (opposite the Municipal Buildings) at 6.00pm. This will be £4 and have different questions from Monday’s Treasure Hunt.
Thursday 30th A Vintage Heritage Bus Tour starting and ending at the Solaris Centre. This will start at 2.00pm, cost £4 and take about an hour and a half as you tour around the town.
Friday 1st July Walking Tour Carl Carrington will take a walking tour around town telling of the regeneration and will leave the Town Hall at 2.00pm
Saturday 2nd July Civic Street Party in St John’s Square from 10.00am until 4.00pm. Entertainment will be given by one of our Corporate Members - the Blackpool Sixth Form College. The Sixth Form has an amazing Music Department. Carl will take two tours around the Winter Gardens that day. We will have a Children’s Treasure Hunt so bring your children or grandchildren. They will also enjoy seeing Dr Who and his Tardis. Hopefully we will also be having Mascot Games. Prizes for the various competitions will be presented by the Mayor at 3.00pm. We are still adding events to make this a day to remember, if you have any ideas please let us know.
Schools Photo Competition - Blackpool
Blackpool Civic Trust, Civic Voice Week 25th June to 2nd July 2011
Take a photo and tell us why you love Blackpool and you could be a winner. Deadline 27th May 2011.
Great Prizes!
Click here to read the details.
Blackpool Heritage Champions Video
'Someone who is active in their local community and who motivates others to return to learning.'
Blackpool Heritage Champions are a group of 25 volunteers trained to spread the word with pride and enthusiasm about the heritage of Blackpool. Facilitated by Blackpool Council, the Volunteer Centre and Blackpool Civic Trust they are here to bring Blackpool to life for you.
To find out more watch the video created by the Volunteer Centre with a cast of a dozen including;
Lyn Saggerson - Volunteer Centre Manager,
Anne Scholefield - Volunteer Centre and Heritage Champions Project Co-ordinator,
Elaine Smith - Blackpool Civic Trust Chairman,
Gwen Harris - Blackpool Council Adult Community and Family Learning and Community Learning Champions,
Tony Sharkey - Blackpool Library - Local History,
Heather Morrow - Blackpool Council Head of Heritage,
plus several volunteers with various interests such as;
Shirley Matthews of Friends of Little Marton Windmill,
Wendy Woodhead - Layton Cemetary Volunteer and local Dragons Den,
David Evans - Blackpool Civic Trust and heritage club,
Diana Holden - North Shore Methodists,
Denise Whiteley - Blackpool Boys and Girls Club, pub trail,
Adrian Lovebird of Thornton Station and Wyre & Poulton Railway Society.
Some of the projects mentioned are to create guides and talks for visitors and other interested parties, and to be able to deliver them. To speak to residents and others who have useful stories about the history of Blackpool.
If you want to know more contact Anne Scholefield at the Volunteer Centre, North Lodge, Stanley Park, Blackpool on telephone: 01253 301004. See their website: Click here
Stanley Park bandstand
Spring 2011 events on the bandstand have been announced on the Friends of Stanley Park website. Click here.
Tidying up Blackpool
Tell us about parts of Blackpool that need tidying up. We are working with the council to locate places needing to be smartened and come up with an action plan.
Alison Gilmour of the Imperial Hotel Blackpool
At our meeting on Monday 21st February 2011 speaker Alison Gilmour, the General Manager of the Barcelo Imperial Hotel, Blackpool gave an appealing account of the history of the hotel.
Started in 1861 and located on the most prominent place on the promenade it has been constantly expanded and updated with a multi-million investment still underway. During refurbishment fine features previously covered have been found including a magnificent domed ceiling.
In 1869 Charles Dickens stayed at the hotel. In 1878 The Lord Mayor of London with 63 other mayors held a grand meeting. In 1901 a Turkish and Russian Bath was built and in 1904 a Palm Court was added. During both World Wars the hotel was taken over for use as a hospital.
The hotel now has one of the best conference facilities with the Lancaster Suite seating 600. The Palm Court is about to be re-opened with its original fine entrance. Alison also spoke of the many illustrious guests during political conferences with every Prime Minister having stayed in the hotel and the Number 10 Bar containing their photographs and the Churchill Bar containing a collection of Churchill photographs obtained from a collector. A £3.6m refurbishment is nearing completion.
Blackpool Civic Trust Awards
Click here to view the full report
Mrs Kath Heywood MBE
It is with sadness that we report the death of one of our long serving members. Mrs Kath Heywood MBE. Kath was always an active member sharing her time between us and her work and the Grand Theatre as long as her health allowed. She will be sadly missed by a great many people in the town.
David Evans steps down from his role
We are losing one of our Committee Members at the AGM next month. David Evans is stepping down for personal reasons. We will miss him as he has been a great help this year but we wish him well and give him our grateful thanks. I know we aren't losing David completely and that he will still be there when we need his help.
Veteran's Dinner - Blackpool
Members of Blackpool Civic Trust will be attending the Veteran's Dinner at the Norbreck Castle on the 24th June. Tickets are £16.95, let Elaine know if you wish to join us.
Blackpool Winter Gardens
On February 12th the Winter Gardens Phase 1 refurbishment opened. The Evening Gazette has a full report. Looks good especially the Rotunda at the Church Street entrance, just walk in and look upwards. Click here on the Gazette website but please come back
Chairman Elaine Twittering
To join our Chairman, Elaine, Twittering about Blackpool Civic Trust and more go to Twitter and find @BlackpoolCivic.
Blackpool Civic Trust - Civic Awards 2010
Click here to view the full report
On January 19th 2011 the Blackpool Civic Trust in the presence of the Mayor of Blackpool, Blackpool MP's and other VIP's presented its annual awards for the best environmental and building work in Blackpool. Watch this space of further information, in summary the awards were presented to:
The Junior Environmental Shield goes to Layton Primary School.
The Senior School Shield this year goes to St Mary’s Catholic College.
The Beat award for 2010 goes to the Grow Blackpool project.
The Community Group Award goes to the Rock Centre on Mowbray Drive.
The Annual Open Spaces Award goes to Cavendish Recreation Ground.
The Best Shop Front Award goes to No 5 Cedar Square.
The Award for the Best Building Refurbishment goes to Weatherspoons, The Albert & the Lion on the Promenade.
The Best New Build Award goes to the new Innovation and Export Centre, which houses the Product Design and Export Dept. of Glasdon UK Ltd on Preston New Road.
The Transforming Blackpool Award goes to Blackpool Council for the purchase of the Tower and Winter Gardens.
The Special Award this year goes to Blackpool Football Club and Blackpool FC Community Trust.
Photo of Glasdon's: winner of Best New Build 2010
December 2010 Newsletter - Extract
Halloween Party - many thanks to those who turned up at Number One South Beach and helped raise £862.50 for the Mayor's charity.
St Stephens on the Cliffs - also thanks to those who supported the hilarious night.
New Corporate Members - the Lancastrian Transport Trust, C Cabs and Flower Design of St Annes.
Blackpool Civic Trust Awards - at St Johns Conference Centre on Thursday 20th January 2011, please advise if you want an invitation.
Civic Day - Blackpool will be holding one on the 2nd July with a street party in St John's Square to include the 6th Form College band and choir and more.
Festival of Lessons and Carols - by the 6th Form College - Thursday 16th December, 7.30pm at St Chads in Poulton Le Fylde, including refreshment.
Meeting to discuss Civic Day (or week) - Town Hall, Saturday 5th February at 10am. Please attend and advise Elaine beforehand to cover refreshments.
Day trip to Manchester - the totallyTransport event was a big success and run by Chris Norton - note the upcoming one in January as advertised above.
Citizenship Day at the Town Hall - the morning of 29th January is the next one and Elaine can arrange an invitation for members.
Blue Plaques - the Mayor unveiled two new plaques at St Nicholas's School, one inside and one outside. They were donated by ex-Mayor Stephen Bielby. Michael Smith, Nobel Peace Prize winner attended this school.
Bloomfield Road visit - 2pm to 4pm on 19th January to include a talk. Please advise Elaine if you are coming.
36th Anniversary Dinner - Wednesday 23rd February at the White Tower. Tickets are on sale from Wynne Booker.
Stanley Park - the Christmas Fair was a success. The BMX track has been passed by the Council Development Committee and the Visitor Centre has been closed; both of which we have issues with.
Carl Carrington appointed a Trustee of Civic Voice
Civic Voice has two staff and a Board of nine trustees. The Chair is Paula Ridley who will be speaking at our March meeting. Carl has recently taken over from a retiring member to become a Trustee. More information is available on their website.
Blackpool Heritage Strategy
Blackpool Civic Trust is participating in the Blackpool Council Heritage Strategy and a Heritage Forum - both of which will be instrumental in driving forward our commitment to embracing the town’s unique social and physical history.
Blackpool contains some of the best examples of Victorian architecture in Britain, with fine examples including the Winter Gardens, the Grand Theatre, the piers and of course the legendary Tower.
The town also offers excellent examples of a variety of architectural styles in its built environment and offers an unparalleled collection of Victorian and Edwardian guesthouses.
As well as its built environment, Blackpool has a unique social history and a very special place in the hearts of the British public who holiday here. The Heritage Strategy includes the creation of a National Seaside Centre and a bid for World Heritage Site Status based on Blackpool’s unique place as the birthplace of the first working-class seaside holidays.
The Heritage Forum brings together diverse organisations from across the town to consider the implications of activity upon the heritage of the town. These include Blackpool Civic Trust, Friends of Stanley Park, Leisure Parcs, Blackpool Transport, Blackpool and the Fylde College.
Extracts from the October 2010 Newsletter
Members should have all received a paper copy of the full newsletter and here are some extracts.
Thanks to all those who opened their buildings and helped on the Heritage weekend. The BLESMA, Zoo Aviation Tour and Ideal Home Exhibition Houses being new in 2010. During the week a new Blue Plaque was unveiled at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes by Dr Jenny Freeman, Director of the Historic Chapels Trust.
The Dine and Ride and Canal Trips were both a great success. There are 2 more trips advertised on the website at the time of writing. Also the 125th Year Celebration of Blackpool Trams was a great success with a turn-out that surprised us. A book is available from Chris Norton to commemorate the event - 'The Golden Miles - 125years - the Official Book of Blackpool Tramway'.
The Heritage Learning Champions helped on a number of occasions including guiding a group of 49 from Blackburn around the Town Hall.
A Civic Reception was held for Skipton Civic Trust as well as showing them round the town.
Two good friends of Blackpool Civic Trust have been lost this summer. Graeme Fallows - Chairman of Lytham Civic Society, and Ken Topping who is an original member. Our thoughts are with his widow, Sheila.
The next meeting is back in the Council Chamber for the Robert Evans Mills Lecture, this year, by Professor Vanessa Toulmin on the history of the Winter Gardens.
Tickets are now available for our December party evening with the Salvation Army Band, Bucks Fizz, hotpot and cheesecake.
We were pleased that a number of visitors to the town attended our talk by Carolyn Primmet on Art in Blackpool.
The MacMillan Coffee Morning with the Friends of Stanley Park raised over £800 and we are extremely grateful.
Sunday 5th December is the Friends of Stanley Park Christmas Fair and proceeds go towards putting shows on the bandstand and extra facilities in the park. Please lend your support.
Nominations are now complete for our awards ceremony to be held in January.
The National Civic Trust Awards judging is imminent and Elaine and Carl will be keeping our foot in the door.
At the last meeting we sanctioned funding towards a 'lantern' at Sacred Heart Church.
The Heritage Lottery funding bid to clean the murals in the Town Hall will progress when Jan Cresswell recovers from her operation. We wish her well.
The Blackpool Sixth Form College are creating a podcast guide for the Town Trail, it will be available shortly.
Our 35th Annual Dinner is on Wednesday 23rd February at the White Tower Restaurant.
Elaine, Jean, Loraine and Carl attended the Civic Voice AGM.
We are encouraged to have a membership drive. In 2011 a 'Civic Day' to bring awareness of Civic Trust work is to be held nationally during the week 25th June to 2nd July. We are considering using the whole week for Blackpool.
July 2010: Blackpool Civic Trust Newsletter Extracts
Elaine issued the full newsletter by post on the 21st July. Here are some extracts.
Thursday 16th September: Visit to 'Light Works'
The new Blackpool Illuminations department at Squires Gate. We have been allowed two and a half hours for a tour and talk and showing off their archives.
Blue Plaque unveiled at 10 Vance Road, Alistair Cooke
This plaque commemorates Alistair Cooke famed for his Letters from America on the BBC. His parents came to Blackpool during the first world war and Alistair lived there with them. Thanks to our President, Barry, for sorint out the wording and ordering the plaque. Our apologies to the Mayor and Mayoress for giving them the wrong time and them having to return later.
Heritage Open Days 9th to 12th September
The programme for this is now available and thanks to English Heritage for their assistance. Don't forget to book as some places have limited access.
MacMillan Biggest Coffee Morning in the World, Friday 24th September
The MBCMW will be held in the Park Art Deco Cafe (note it was the Visitor Centre) on Stanley Park. All donations will be gratefully received. Make sure you come and have coffee with us.
Civic Trust Awards for 2010
Do you have any interesting buildings being built in your area within the boundary of Blackpool. If so please let us know so we can put them forward for consideration for an award.
BLESMA and Blackpool Art Department talks
Thanks to both Jackie Longdon and Carolyn Primett for their talks. Following Jackie's talk we had a full attendance at the visit to the BLESMA house. Carolyn impressed us with the number of art projects underway in Blackpool, and we were grateful for the booklet.
Hosting Manchester Civic Society on 10th July
We arranged a tour of the promenade on a vintage bus and a civic reception with the Mayor and Mayoress along with a walk round St Johns Square, Brilliance and the Cenotaph. Thanks to several volunteers including Carl Carrington who gave up a special family visit to act as a great ambassador for Blackpool. Manchester Civic Society were very grateful and impressed by the regeneration work.
Corporate Member: Brooks Collectables
A new corporate member, Brooks Collectables of Waterloo Road, is welcomed.
New Green Flag Award for Cavendish Park
Cavendish Park has been awarded a Green Flag Award. The Civic Trust no longer organise Green Flags but this is a prestigious award and Blackpool now has five, a credit to the Parks Dept. The five are: Stanley Park, Salisbury Woodland, Watson Road, Louis Horrocks Park, Cavendish Park.
Planning Proposals for Blackpool Tower
Blackpool Civic Trust was able to meet the planning consultants for Merlin Entertainment. A number of proposals have been made and from what has been seen there is no heritage loss. Changes to the building are being reduced by using 'pods' to contain new attractions. Concern was expressed about a drawing for the outside but Merlin stated it was very unlikely to reach the planning stage. Carl Carrington also attended and we both felt cheerful about the proposals.
North West in Bloom
Blackpool was visited in mid-July by the judges and we await their verdicts.
Shirley Critchlow and Barbara McNichol
Two of our stalwart members passed away this year and we send condolences to their families.
Your Voice - The Civic Voice Newsletter
Elaine has circulated the Civic Voice Newsletter, Your Voice. The headlines are:
What you can do
your voice includes a number of suggestions for things you can do. These are summarised in the checklist of actions below:
- Put 25th June 2011 in your diary as Civic Day and plan an activity which promotes your area, showcases your work and attracts new support to your civic society
- Register for Civic Voice’s first AGM on 8 & 9 October 2010 in Peterborough
- Enter your website or newsletter into Civic Voice’s awards
- Look at the opportunities to volunteer for Civic Voice
- Join Civic Voice Live on 29 June to discuss priorities for planning reform with Tony Burton
Read more on the Civic Voice website. Click here.
Territorial Army Centre Visit
On the 13th May we had an enjoyable visit to the Territorial Army Centre to see the Cadets Training. They are the Army Cadet Force, W Company, Palatine Detachment. We had previously spoken to their Lieutenant at a meeting and were surprised to hear just how many of the past cadets are now serving (or have died) in Afghanistan.
Link to the Palatine Detachment website
April Newsletter summary
We have a new Hon. Treasurer in Marian Cochran and a new Minutes Secretary in David Evans and I would like to welcome them both to the Executive Committee.
I would also like to thank Beryl Radcliffe and Pat Dimuantes for the years of service they have given to the Blackpool Civic Trust.
We had a lovely Easter Saturday at Blackpool Sixth Form College at their Ecofest. There was so much going on both inside and outside and the students and staff couldn’t have been more helpful and pleasant with us all.
Our outing to Brooks Collectables last month was also an eye opener to many of the members attending. It is the nearest we have to a museum here in Blackpool and we all enjoyed the showing of the two films we hadn’t seen before. It is at the corner of Waterloo Road and the Promenade next to McDonalds. Click here to see our photographs.
We are going to the BLESMA Home on Lytham Road on the 27th April at 2.00pm. This is a big treat as it is literally the home of a number of limbless ex-servicemen so is not open to the public. We do thank them for letting us look at this lovely old building.
Beautiful Blackpool is being launched at the Garden Place on Cropper Road on Sunday 2nd May at the Garden Place on Cropper Road so if anyone has time to help us for a short time on that day we would be most grateful.
Incidentally, we are very pleased to welcome the Garden Place as a Corporate member. One of the partners, Shaun Pickup, has been a member for the past twelve months and has now enrolled his business to corporate status.
May 13th at 7.00pm we are invited to the Territorial Army Centre (behind Aldi on Waterloo Road) to see the Cadets Training. Some of us were talking to their Lieutenant at a meeting and we were surprised to hear just how many of the past cadets are now serving (or have died) in Afghanistan. Let me know if you wish to attend.
Many thanks to all who served in the ‘Help for Heroes’ shop earlier this month and to the ones of you who have offered to help again next month.
Blackpool has become renowned for the work it does for the Armed Forces Week and it only right that we are involved as a Civic Society. Julian Mineur couldn’t sing your praises highly enough. We have been asked to help on two more occasions – 3rd to 8th May and 31st May to 4th June. Please will you put your name on the board or give me a ring.
The following involvement we have is with the Armed Forces Week Dinner at the Norbreck Hotel on the 25th June at 7.30pm. Tickets will be £15.95 so let me know by next Monday (26th) if you wish to attend. Tables are very much at a premium and booking very quickly because it is such a wonderful evening. This year they have to be booked through the hotel on a first come, first served basis and bookings can only be accepted with full payment.
How about the Tower and the Winter Gardens being bought by the Council? Wonderful news, isn’t it? Much needed funding can now be sought from outside sources to bring these wonderful buildings into the 21st Century. It’s time Progress came to the forefront. We will definitely have to keep an eye on plans for these two fine buildings.
Events for 2010 Announced
Visits to places in Blackpool and hosting societies from other areas. Join us, click here to read the list.
AGM Report
The AGM was held on 29th March 2010 in the Town Hall. The meeting agreed the report, the committee and to obtain a share of a Blackpool Tram on behalf of the trust.
Click here to read the report.
Click here to read the committee membership.
Click here to view the 2010 speakers
Click here to obtain a membership application form.
The meeting minutes will provide a full account and will be available shortly.
Cabin Lift at Queens Promenade Grade II listed
Built in 1930 the Cabin Lift has been Grade II listed as of the 8th March 2010. See page 1 of our Buildings Pages.
Blackpool Civic Trust are supporting Blackpool's tram heritage by purchasing a share of Balloon Tram No.715 to be held by the Lancastrian Transport Trust. Work is about to begin to restore the tram to the condition in the photograph.
Extracts from the Newsletter - March 2010
The new look awards ceremony in January was a successful event and we have had 3 of our monthly outings. The next outing being on 31st March to Brookes Collectables.
The AGM will be brought into the 21st century and there will be a speaker, as shown above.
Chris Norton, our Secretary, has decided not to stand for re-election at the AGM. We are very sorry about this and hope he will continue his work on transport related issues.
The nomination forms for the committee have been sent out and some places are contested this year.
A number of amendments to the Constitution are to be included.
Thanks to all who helped at Showzam! It was very enjoyable.
A shop will open in the town centre to promote Armed Forces Week, 19th to 27th June. It will also be a week of Civic Pride. We have been asked to man the shop one day a week for 11 weeks. Volunteers please!
At the EGM on the 1st March, 47 voters out of 57 voted to join the CSI and be part of setting up this new organisation. On 17th April we will attend their opening in London and those wishing to attend should let us know as places are limited.
If Corporate Members wish to have information in our quarterly newsletter we will be happy to include it if they advise us.
We will visit Easingwold in Yorkshire, as guests of their civic trust, on Friday 21st May. A visit to a nearby RAF base and it's Memorial Room is included. Contact Joan Greenhalgh to book your place.
Joining Blackpool Civic Trust
Joining Blackpool Civic Trust enables you to join us on both local and distant visits, participate in our events and functions, and receive the newsletter. All are welcome to our talks for a small fee.
Please obtain the membership form by clicking here.
BCT on BBC Radio Lancashire Saturday Breakfast
Click in the window below to listen.
Go to the Blackpool Civic Trust YouTube Channel.
Blackpool, Celebrating 125 years of trams website
2010 is the 125th anniversary of Blackpool's famous electric trams - one of the very first in the world and the first in the UK. Various events will take place during the year, including the showpiece Anniversary Week in 23 to 29 September.
On the website you can find out about:
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Tramway Events on the Fylde during 2010
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The 125th Anniversary Week of Events
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A brief history of the Blackpool Tramway
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Profiles of the Vintage Trams expected to operate in 2010
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Event partners
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The tram driving experience.
Click here go to www.blackpooltramevents.co.uk
January 21st Civic Trust Building Awards
A successful event was held at St Johns Conference Centre for the 2009 building awards. Around 150 people watched His Worshipful the Mayor of Blackpool: Norman Hardy, Joan Humble MP, Gordon Marsden MP, Jimmy Armfield CBE and other dignitaries present the awards.
Click here to view the details
Blackpool Heritage Champions
Blackpool Heritage Champions are a group of specially selected and trained volunteers who are interested in and knowledgeable about Blackpool's heritage and are keen to inform others.
If you think this could be you. Click here to read full details.
Blackpool Heritage Trail is now on the internet
Click on the link 'Heritage Trail' on the left to find out more.
Hot News: Totally Transport, Dine and Ride - extra on 28th February 2010 (note 24th Jan is fully booked)
Departing from the Solaris at 11.20am on Sunday 28th February for a meal at the Ship Inn at Elswick and a drive round the Fylde countryside before tea and biscuits at the Solaris. £19.50.
The 24th January event is fully booked.
Extracts from the December 2009 Newsletter:
Building Awards - 21st January
The judges are: Pippa Greenway of Blackpool Council Planning Dept, Emma Law a Student from Blackpool Sixth Form College, Alison Grant from the NWDA 'Places Matter', Bob Taziker of BCT and Malcolm Hanky of the national Civic Trust Awards.
The winners of the Blackpool awards will be announced at our meeting on Thursday 21st January 2010 at 7pm at St John's Conference Centre.
Please note this meeting is 'ticket only' so that we can ensure adequate catering. To obtain a ticket let Elaine or Chris know by 31st December and you will be given an official invitation.
Andy Mitchell of Radio Wave will announce the citations.
(Note for information: The national Civic Trust Awards announcement of the shortlist of winners is on Monday 19th Jan, and the awards event is on 12 March at St Georges Hall in Liverpool, their website is listed on the links page).
Annual Dinner - 24th February
Wednesday 24th February 2010 at the White Tower. Please call Beryl if you wish to attend, tickets are £20. There is limited accommodation so please let us know early to avoid disappointment.
Chavrah Evening - 22nd January
Many people were disappointed not to be able to get tickets for our last visit to the Synagogue. Another evening is planned for 22nd January. The service begins at 8pm after which tea and biscuits will be served before a talk about Judaism. At our last visit the service and talk were the highlights and we asked so many questions it lasted a long time. There will be no buffet this time.
Totally Transport, Dine and Ride - 24th January and 28th February (note 24th Jan is fully booked)
Departing from the Solaris at 11.20am on Sunday 24th January for a meal at the Ship Inn at Elswick and a drive round the Fylde countryside before tea and biscuits at the Solaris. £19.50.
The 24th January events is fully booked so an extra one has been arranged. This is going to be on 28th February and with all the same details as the other.
Two new Blackpool books published
Winter Gardens, Blackpool by Professor Vanessa Toulmin is full of beautiful pictures and stories. BCT members can obtain a copy for £13.95 at the December meeting. It is normally £20.
Blackpool: The Peoples Playground by Guy Woodland who is a photographer and publisher features photos, stories and essays by prominent Blackpool people. This book is £15 and will be available in Waterstones this week.
Help Wanted
Invigilators are wanted at Showzam between 12th and 21st February 2010.
Civic Society Initiative Convention
On the 15th and 16th October Blackpool hosted the national convention for the Civic Society Initiative. There was much debate about how it should be organised. It has been suggested that a national levy of £2 - £3 a member a year should be applied to fund the central organisation. This could be offset by free entry to a National Trust building. The BCT annual membership fee pays for our excellent speakers and we are reluctant to add this but it appears to be the best way forward.
Royal Engagements
Elaine received her MBE from Princess Anne who revealed she visits Blackpool frequently and has noticed the regeneration work. Only days later Elaine sat near the Queen at the Opera House during the Royal Variety Performance. Well done Elaine!
Blackpool Trams 125yrs Old - 24/25th September 2010
Plans are being made for a weekend to remember. Watch this space!
Speakers for Jan, Feb, Mar 2010 announced.
As listed on the Speaker page (don't forget Decembers):
18th January 2010 Brian Hellewell - The Golden Age of Comedy Part II
15th February 2010 Polly Hamilton (Ass. Director of Culture & Communities foe Blackpool Council) Culture in Blackpool
15th March 2010 Dr Colin Penny The History of Lancaster Castle
Extracts from the October 2009 Newsletter:
Blackpool in Bloom - Beautiful Blackpool
We had a record number of entries in all categories and the standard this year was very, very high. Beryl Radcliffe, Jean Mildren and Betty Bradford were three of the judges and I didn’t envy them their jobs.
If you know anyone (or anywhere) who had a garden you admired please make a note of them and let me have the addresses as soon as you can for me to enter on a data base ready for next year. (Five addresses from each member would help!)The trouble is that at the time of sending out the entry forms it is too soon to see how a garden is going to look so with your help we have to remember from this year.
Blue Plaque Trail
Our Blue Plaque trail has increased in size this summer. Since unveiling the one at the Cricket Club in July we have unveiled one on the Sentry Box in the Salisbury Woodland and one at the Cottage Fish & Chip Shop at Marton. Both these are features of bye gone times and we thank the Mayor & Mayoress for their assistance on both these occasions. Another Blue Plaque has been put on the new St John’s School replacing the one that was previously there and bringing it up to date.
Heritage Open Days
Because we had such a selection English Heritage used us as one of their ‘stars’ for advertising the Open Days this year. I would like to thank everyone involved in this tremendous weekend. Blackpool Sixth Form College took loads of pictures of the various venues and made them into a little film for us so we are very grateful to them, too.
Building Awards
It is that time of year again when we ask for your suggestions re our building awards. This year we have changed the criteria slightly so we hope you might find something that fits one of the categories.
These categories are:
- Best new build
- Best refurbishment
- Best open space
- Best community group award
- Best shop front
- Best night time economy
The criteria is:
- Overall quality and design
- Aesthetic appeal
- Respect for street scene/townscape
- Accessability
- Landscaping
Message from Prince Charles to the Civic Society Initiative Convention in Blackpool
Prince Charles was patron of the Civic Trust sent a message to the convention.
Civic Society Convention was hosted by Blackpool Civic Trust on Oct 15th / 16th 2009. Click here to read the programme.
Heritage Open Days 2010, September 9th to 12th (Thursday to Sunday)
Plenty of notice to be ready for 2010. Keep your diaries free and watch this space.
- 2009 Heritage Open Days for the record
Looking back on 2009 we had the booklet containing details of open buildings in Blackpool, Fleetwood, Lytham and Thornton Cleveleys. A copy can be read by clicking here or on the image below (pdf file).
BCT were assisted on the booklet by Heather Morrow of Blackpool Council and Patrick Burke from English Heritage.
Below is the list of 2009 places open in Blackpool.
The booklet gives a fuller description of the times and any extra features.
Blackpool Tower
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Blackpool Winter Gardens
The Grand Theatre, Blackpool
Cocker Clock Tower, Stanley Park
Salisbury Woodland Gardens
Little Marton Mill
Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes
North Shore Methodist
St John the Evangelist
Blackpool Hebrew Congregation
Blackpool Reform Jewish Congregation
Marton Mere
Layton Cemetery
St Stephens on the Cliffs
Blackpool Magic Club
The Guard’s Club
Donna’s Dream House
Funny Girls
Blackpool Masonic Hall
Blackpool Town Hall
Holy Trinity Church
Salem Methodist Church
New Central Methodist Church
Town Centre Heritage Walking Tour
Heritage Bus Trips
Blackpool Comrades Club
Stanley Park
Bethesda Congregational Church Hall
The above is repeated on our 2009 Heritage Open Day page. Click here
Four Stars for the Grundy Art Gallery
The Times gave the latest display at the Grundy Art Gallery 4 stars out of 5 on the 4th August 2009.
It's called Rank - Picturing the social order 1516 - 2009. On show 25th July to 12th September.
Worthy of a page and a half in the Times, you can read it on-line. Click here to read it.
New section on the website July 2009
We are adding a photo gallery with description of interesting buildings in Blackpool. This can be found on the buildings link on the left or;
Click here for listed buildings.
Click here for a list of Blue Plaques.
Blackpool Totally Transport 2009
We worked in conjunction with the Lancastrian Transport Trust to support the Totally Transport 2009 event on Sunday 28th June. There was a great turn-out of vehicles including buses, cars, lorries and trams. The Solarium hosted exhibits, stalls, refreshments and entertainment.
Chairman, Elaine, is awarded MBE
The Queens Birthday Honours list had a familiar face in the list. Elaine Smith Chairman of our group was awarded an MBE. Elaine has worked tirelessly for many years to care for Blackpools heritage and we give her the biggest congratulations.
Blue Plaque Trail
Do you know:
Where George Formby greeted guests at its opening?
Where Blackpool Football Club was started?
Where the Empire Theatre was situated?
Where can you find Blackpool’s ‘three graces’?
What was once the Dickson’s Hotel?
What was once called Ye Olde Glue Pot?
These and many more interesting facts may be found by following the Blackpool Civic Trust Blue Plaque trail around the town.
Trail booklets may be purchased for 99p at the Central Library, the Tourism Centre and at the Stanley Park Visitor Centre.
Further Plaques are added each year and a list can be found on this website. Click here