News Archive 2023
Blackpool Civic Trust News 2023
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Blackpool Civic Trust promoting excellence since 1975
Founded in 1975, Blackpool Civic Trust seeks to promote excellence and community spirit in Blackpool for people of all ages. We are interested in all things Blackpool, particularly its heritage and future for people. We have monthly meetings, visits to places of interest, and community activities such as Civic Week. We'd love you to join us.
Join Blackpool Civic Trust
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Become a Corporate Member find out more, click here
2024 Meetings
Monthly Meetings
Monthly Meetings are on the third Monday of the month at 7pm
Our next meeting will be on Monday 16th January 2023 at 7pm
With an update on Showtown, the museum of fun and entertainment in Blackpool.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Blackpool Civic Trust wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Renewed Blue Plaque unveiling on Blackpool's War Memorial
A very special blue plaque was unveiled on Tuesday 12th December to mark the 100th anniversary of Blackpool’s War Memorial, Princess Parade.
The plaque, which replaces an old one, reflects Historic England’s upgrading of the War Memorial’s listing from Grade II to Grade II*. It was upgraded owing partly to the exceptional bronze panels by sculptor Gilbert Ledward. They are unusual in depicting a fallen German solider and for including figures of wives and children who also made sacrifices during wartime.
When the Memorial was erected in 1923 it was the joint tallest structure of its kind in England.
The Mayor Cllr Gillian Campbell unveiled the new plaque. The Deputy Mayor Councillor Major Adrian Hoyle, Mr John Barnett DL MBE and Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, Joan Humble, also took part in the event. They were joined by members of Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee, who donated the old and new plaques, to celebrate this milestone in the history of Blackpool’s War Memorial.
The Mayor Cllr Gillian Campbell unveiled the new plaque. Photographed with Mr John Barnett DL MBE
The Mayor Cllr Gillian Campbell unveiled the new plaque. The Deputy Mayor Councillor Major Adrian Hoyle, Mr John Barnett DL MBE and Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, Joan Humble, also took part in the event. They were joined by members of Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee, who donated the old and new plaques, to celebrate this milestone in the history of Blackpool’s War Memorial.
The revised Blackpool War Memorial Blue Plaque, 12th December 2023
Monthly Meeting On Monday 20th November 2023 at 7pm
at the Imperial Hotel, Louis Suite, North Shore, Blackpool.
The speaker will be Crispin Edwards (Listing advisor, Historic England) 'Listing the Fylde Coast'
This is the annual Robert Evan Mills Lecture. A former member.
See the meetings page for a full list of meetings.
Unveiling the Blue Plaque for Desmond Bagley
31st October 2023, Blackpool
In the centenary year of best-selling author, Desmond Bagley, Blackpool Civic Trust has put up a Blue Plaque where he once lived in North Shore, Blackpool.
Bagley moved with his family at the age of 12 to Blackpool. He later became a journalist and one of the leading writers of thrillers in the 1970s, helping to establish and popularise the genre. His 17 books have never been out of print.
A local author, script-writer and journalist, Michael Davies, is a big fan of Bagley's and has paid the master the ultimate homage of writing two original novels in his style and featuring one of Bagley's last heroes, Bill Kemp.
The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Major Adrian Hoyle and Deputy Mayoress Sharon Hoyle unveiled the Blue Plaque on 31st October and later attended, together with the Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, Joan Humble, a special event held at Central Library. This took the form of a conversation between Michael Davies and David Brawn, representing the publisher HarperCollins, about Desmond Bagley and his formative years spent in Blackpool, including the many hours he devoted to reading and studying at Central Library.
Photo: Joan Humble, Sharon Hoyle, Adrian Hoyle, David Brawn, Michael Davies
Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for Achievement in 2023
We are inviting everyone to nominate a building or organisation for a Blackpool Civic Trust Award for achievement in 2023.
There are 6 categories which must meet the guidelines all listed below. The nominations form and guidelines can be downloaded in Word and pdf format. Work must have been completed in Blackpool in 2023.
The closing date for receipt of forms is 31st December 2023.
Note that the Open Spaces Award closure date is 31st March 2024.
NOMINATION FORM FOR COMPLETION (Please read the guidelines for the relevant category. The guidelines can be downloaded.)
Categories:
1. Best New Build
2. Best New Refurbishment
3. Best Open Space
4. Best New Quality Visitor Attraction
5. Transforming Blackpool
6. Best Community Group
Exclusions: nominations cannot be repeated in the same category in different years, work must have been completed in 2023.
Guidelines for Awards Nominations
Points you may find helpful to consider when explaining the reasons for your nomination in one of the categories below. NB. Not all may apply.
Best New Build
Quality of Design
Distinctive features
Accessibility (including wheelchair users etc)
Respect for streetscape/townscape
Best New Refurbishment
Kerb appeal
Distinctive features
Visual design/aesthetic appeal
Accessibility (including wheelchair users etc)
Respect for streetscape/townscape
Best New Visitor Attraction
How does it enhance Blackpool's offer to holiday-makers & visitors?
Distinctive features
Accessibility (including wheelchair users etc)
Is it innovative?
Transforming Blackpool
In what way or ways does it transform Blackpool?
Distinctive features
Visual design/aesthetic appeal
Accessibility (including wheelchair users etc)
Best Open Space
Landscaping
How is the space used and by whom, including birds & wildlife
Most attractive/valuable features
Accessibility (including wheelchair users etc)
Best Community Group
How does the group make a significant or distinctive contribution to the wider community?
How is this delivered and by whom?
Click here to download the full size nomination form in Word format.
Click here to download the full size nomination form in pdf format.
Click here to download the guidelines for nominations in Word format
Click here to download the guidelines for nominations in pdf format
A view of the form, please download a Word or PDF copy to submit it.
Please return the form to:
Blue Plaque unveiled for the Nolan Family
at the Cliffs Hotel Blackpool
16th October 2023
Blackpool Civic Trust were pleased to be involved in placing a plaque at the Cliffs Hotel marking the venue where the famous Nolan Sisters, later the Nolans, were discovered in 1973. Present were sisters Anne, Coleen, Linda, Denise, Maureen and brother Tommy. Photos also of Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust and the blue plaque. The Deputy Mayor of Blackpool Adrian Hoyle unveiled the plaque. Monday 16th October 2023.
Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust at the Blue Plaque for the Nolan Family
The Blue Plaque for the Nolan Family at the Cliffs Hotel in Blackpool, North Shore, where they were first discovered in 1973.
Blackpool Civic Trust Awards and Afternoon Tea for Achievement in 2022
Also including the Blackpool Council Awards for Conservation 2019
Held at the Blackpool Winter Gardens, Baronial Hall on Friday 18th August 2023.
The Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for 2022
The awards ceremony� was attended by over 90 guests, members, award-winners and the Mayor and Mayoress, the Chief Executive Officer and senior Council colleagues. It was followed by a splendid afternoon tea.
Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, read the citations and winners and the Mayor of Blackpool Councillor Gillian Campbell made the awards.
Thanks to the Winter Gardens Trust and assistance from Carl Carrington of Blackpool Council for hosting the event at the Winter Gardens and to Blackpool Council for their sponsorship this year.
We'd like to thank Claire Griffiths for taking photographs of the event.
We are pleased to be able to reintroduce our annual awards scheme after a two-year break due to the pandemic.
Read more on our 2022 Awards Page
Meeting was on Monday 16th October 2023 at 7pm
at Stanley Park Visitor Centre
The speaker will be Pauline Taylor of Groundworks & Blackpool North Pond Trail
Meeting was on Monday 18th September 2023 at 7pm
at Stanley Park Visitor Centre
The speaker will be Judi Brown of the National Trust
Blackpool Heritage Open Days
Guided Tours of Blackpool Town Hall Saturday 16th September part of Heritage Open Days.
Blackpool Civic Trust volunteers will conduct the tours. Just drop in, no booking required. Find out more using the link below.
Event times: Saturday 16th September 2023, 9.30am - 4pm
Tickets: FREE�event no need to book a ticket.
Town Hall
Talbot Square
Blackpool
FY1 1AD
Click here to read more on the Blackpool Showtown Heritage Open Days Website
Blackpool Civic Trust Annual Awards Ceremony, 18th August 2023
Following the reintroduction of Blackpool Civic Trust�s prestigious Annual Awards, we will be presenting awards for 2022 at the Winter Gardens on 18th August. The informal ceremony will commence at 2 pm and will be followed by an afternoon tea.
Civic Trust members, award winners and their guests are invited to attend the event. Tickets priced at £8 may be obtained from our Treasurer, Mrs Heather O�Hara. She may be contacted on 01253 344771.
The venue in the Winter Gardens is likely to be the Spanish Hall (t.b.c.) Dress code is smart casual.
Read more about our awards ceremonies click here
Our meeting on Monday 20th March 2023 at 7pm
was at Stanley Park Visitor Centre
The speaker was ADRIAN PAGE on the topic of pandemics (powerpoint presentation).
This meeting was the AGM for election of the committee. Please bring your membership renewal form and fee if necessary. Click here for the form and information
Blue Plaque Unveiling for Audrey Mosson 20th May 2023
The unveiling of the Blue Plaque for Audrey Musson who was the 10th Railway Queen of Great Britain at the age of 15. Then toured Russia meeting railway men and Joseph Stalin on a peace trip. She switched on Blackpool Illuminations in 1935 and then repeated it alongside Joanna Lumley 50yrs later.
The unveiling was one of the most enjoyable events of its kind that we have attended over the years. It brought together many of Audrey�s descendants, including family members who had flown over from Canada for the occasion.� It was good to see them all meeting up. The unveiling also attracted the attention of passers-by and some of the residents who live in the flats of the former, converted hotel. There were refreshments afterwards at the Blackpool Football Club hotel.
Blue Plaque Unveiling for Swallow Sidecars at The Armfield Club 10th January 2023
The Armfield Club, Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, was in 1922 the original factory for Swallow Sidecars who went on to become Jaguar Cars.
The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust had sponsored the Blue Plaque which replaces an older one. For the unveiling they had generously brought from The British Motor Museum, Gaynor, Warwickshire, a Swallow Sidecar with a Brough motorcycle and an Austin Swallow car.
Tony Merrygold of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust with Deputy Mayor Councillor Peter Hunter and Deputy Mayoress Anne-Marie Hunter represented Blackpool Council. Joan Humble represented the Civic Trust. The Armfield Club, Showtown, The Gazette and John Barnet also attended.
Councillor Peter Hunter, Deputy Mayor (the Mayor had other engagements) gave a short speech before unveiling the Blue Plaque.
The Blue Plaque is unveiled
Tony Merrygold sits on the Brough motorcycle and Joan Humble sits in the Swallow Sidecar.
The Austin Swallow, made in Blackpool using an Austin chassis with a Swallow body.
Tony Merrygold presents a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust plaque to the Deputy Mayor.
Joan Humble speaking to the Deputy Mayor in the Armfield Club.
The Armfield Club, refreshments.
Click here to read more about Swallow Sidecars on our website
Click here to view the Blue Plaque Page
Click here to read the report and video in The Gazette, Blackpool Gazette.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Blackpool Civic Trust
St John's Square Blackpool with the 2022 Christmas Tree, Winter Gardens and Blackpool Tower
News from late 2022
or to read the full 2022 news click here
Click on this link to view our: Link to Facebook Page
Christmas Carols and Hot Pot Supper
at St Stephen's Church Hall with the Salvation Army Brass Band
Our December meeting was with Christmas Carols from the Salvation Army Brass Band and a hot pot supper. An enjoyable evening was had by all.
19th December 2022
Tree Planting 2nd December 2022
Blackpool Civic Trust volunteers helped a small team to plant 10 trees along the green space at Bathurst Ave in one day, Friday 2nd December. It's a big scheme at Grange Park with 9 individual projects in all, each being two-days long. We will be taking part in several more of the projects together with other volunteers and the Groundwork team. North Blackpool Pond Trail also sent volunteers.
Our volunteers Alan Thomson is on the left and Anna Lindsay-Thinn is on the right. Pauline Taylor of Groundwork is in the middle. They were larger trees than the standard ones and very heavy owing to the big root balls. A mechanical digger was used to move the trees to the desired spot and dig the holes.
Our November Monthly Meeting was held on Monday 21st November 2022 at 7pm in
in the Grand Theatre with Guest Speaker, the new CEO of the Grand Theatre, Adam Knight
The Blackpool Grand Theatre played host for the Civic Trust�s annual Robert Evans Mills lecture. We were all assembled on stage to hear the Grand�s new CEO, Adam Knight, deliver this prestigious lecture. Adam give an excellent and engrossing talk on some of the many famous theatres that he has been professionally associated with in various capacities. The Grand Theatre proved the perfect setting for his talk, which members of the Civic Trust greatly enjoyed.
Blackpool Civic Trust Awards for Achievement in 2022
We are inviting everyone to nominate a building or organisation for a Blackpool Civic Trust Award for achievement in 2022.
There are 6 categories which must meet the 6 criteria listed below and on the Nomination Form. Work must have been completed in Blackpool in 2022.
The closing date for receipt of forms is currently being discussed but please submit your forms.
Note that the Open Spaces Award closure date is 31st March 2023.
Categories:
1. Best New Build
2. Best New Refurbishment
3. Best Open Space
4. Best New Quality Visitor Attraction
5. Transforming Blackpool
6. Best Community Group
Criteria for nominations for awards:
1. Overall quality of design/construction
2. Aesthetic appeal
3. Respect for street scene/townscape
4. Accessibility
5. Landscaping
6. Respect for history and heritage of building/structure
Exclusions: nominations cannot be repeated in the same category in different years, work must have been completed in 2022, some allowance may be made for delays caused by the pandemic.
Click here to download a pdf format form.
Click on the image below to download the form in Word format.
Please return the form to:
See our 5 Blackpool Blue Plaque webpages click here
Click here for the News Archive
or to read the full 2022 news click here