News Archive 2016

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Annual Awards Dinner and Nominations

 

In case you have seen a new and exciting building, renovation or work by a community group, I enclose a nomination form for you to return before the end of December.

We are also busy making preparations for the Annual Awards and Dinner.

The Awards for 2016 will be presented on April 28th 2017 in the Washington Suite at the Imperial Hotel.

We have kept the ticket price at ?30:00 each and Sharon is now selling them. Please come and join us for this very special event.

Download a pdf version of the nomination form

Download a Word version of the nomination form

 

Lancashire Local History Federation

Blackpool Civic Trust have joined as members of the above group and we offer invitations to our members to attend their talks and courses. The next one is Saturday 18th February 2017 at Preston Masonic Hall entitled 'Toil and Strife: Working Conditions in the North West'. Members will have received an e-mail with booking details.

 

 

Blackpool Civic Trust has a new logo - November

Blackpool Civic Trust Christmas Tree

Our attractive tree was entered into the Christmas Tree Festival at Blackpool Winter Gardens on November 19/20th 2016.

Blackpool Civic Trust raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Care

Our coffee morning at St Stephens raised ?230.79 for Macmillan. Thanks to everyone who took part.

 

Andy Mitchell was guest speaker at our October Meeting

Blackpool Civic Trust welcomed Andy Mitchell, Radio Wave's News Editor as its guest speaker at the October members meeting.

Joan Humble, the Civic Trust's Chair, said "Andy gave a very interesting and hugely entertaining talk about his life in radio and television journalism. Our members thoroughly enjoyed it".

Joan Humble appointed Chair of Civic Voice

Joan Humble, Chair of Civic Trust, has been elected Chair of Civic Voice, the national charity that represents and campaigns for local civic trusts in England.

The Civic Voice Convention and AGM was held in Chester on 21st and 22nd October and Joan was unanimously elected as the new Chair.

Joan said: "It is a huge honour for me to become Chair of Civic Voice. As a member of the Board for over two years, I have spoken at meetings in the House of Commons and visited many civic trusts and societies around the country. I look forward to playing a bigger role in Civic Voice, while continuing as Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust and speaking up for our local community".

Listed Building Condition Survey Training

Blackpool Civic Trust are engaging on a new project to undertake condition surveys on the Grade II Listed Buildings in Blackpool and follow that up with the 300 Locally Listed Buildings. Some us went to training course last week and we are having a follow up practice session on the Chapel at Layton Cemetery on Tuesday 25th October. Here is the group on the first day.

Week 3 of Promenade Shelter Renovation

Blackpool Civic Trust volunteers have been working hard to renovate the Grade II Listed Prome-nade Shelter opposite Sandhurst Avenue.
Chair of the Civic Trust, Joan Humble, said ?The Promenade Shelters are in need of cleaning and painting. We asked the Council if we could help. I am pleased that Mark Anderson from the Coun-cil agreed to allow us to start on the Shelter opposite Sandhurst Avenue by the tram stop. The two members of Blackpool Coastal Protection joined us and together we have almost completed the renovation of this handsome, historic Grade II Listed building. Both residents and visitors regu-larly stop to praise our work and thank us for our efforts.

Blackpool Civic Trust always welcomes new members and if you want to play a part in helping to preserve our resort?s unique heritage please join us.

Photo names from Left to Right: John Garnham, Pat Hayes, Joan Humble (Chair), Barry Shaw, Steward (Coastal Protection).

 

Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning

Blackpool Civic Trust held their Macmillan Coffee Morning at St Stephen on Cliffs Parish Centre together with St Stephen on Cliffs New to You Pop Up Boutique on Saturday 1st October 10am till 2pm, as well as the church stalls, there was a raffle, tombola, craft stall and cake stall. Thanks to all those who came and who helped.

Imperial Hotel Turkish Bath Mosaic Floor

Civic Trust volunteers have now finished uncovering and cleaning all the tiles, including those on the ceiling, in one room of the Turkish Bath. We have carefully removed part of the thick asphalt floor that was laid down at the same time the Burmantofts wall tiles were plastered over or in some case painted. There are signs of damage to the original mosaic floor underneath the asphalt, but we hope that this will not prove to be extensive. 

The photographs were taken immediately after the asphalt was removed and prior to cleaning.

Good progress is being made cleaning the other two rooms and any Civic Trust member who wants to help with this ambitious and unique project is most welcome to join us.

North Shore Promenade Shelter Smartening

We have started work on the Promenade shelter by Sandhurst Avenue, North Shore. This is a very attractive Grade 2 listed structure and is generally in very good condition. We are giving the shelter a complete paint job and are being helped by Blackpool's Coastal Protection team, Paul and Stewart.

 If you would like to help with painting the shelter and can spare a few hours, please get in touch with Sharon Sanderson-Roberts (01253 315162) and give her your name. Alternatively, you may contact Paul Humble (01253 500881).

We will recommence work on the shelter on Tuesday, 27th September and work through to Thursday 29th September. We start at 9.30 am and finish at 3 pm. Additional sessions will be arranged, as required. So please watch this space.

Photo, group working
Ground level: Joan Humble and John Oldenwalder. On roof, Paul and Stewart (Blackpool Coastal Protection)

Photo, roof painting: Paul, Blackpool Coastal Protection

 

Heritage Open Days 2016

Blackpool Town Hall Guided Tour

On Saturday 10th September, Blackpool Civic Trust showed visitors around the Town Hall as part of Heritage Open Days.?

Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, Joan Humble,?said "it was a pleasure to be joined by the Mayor of Blackpool, Coun. Kath Rowson". Civic Trust volunteers showed many interested visitors around the building and explained its history. One visitor had come from Australia and spoke to the Mayor about her visit.

Photo
From L to R: Barbara Geary, West Australia: Pat Blackeley, Staining; Joan Humble, Blackpool Civic Trust, Mayor Coun. Kath Rowson, Christine Lambe, Civic Trust.

 

See the full list of Blackpool venues for Thursday 8th September to Sunday 11th September 2016

Click here for the full list

Fylde Decorative and Fine Arts Society research project, 'Tagging the Treasures'

Fylde Decorative and Fine Arts Society have been shortlisted in the Best Research category for a national award in the Historic England 2016 Angel Awards. The award is won by public votes.

The project is called Tagging the Treasures and was done using 150 volunteers who were trained to research and catalogue Lytham St Anne's Art Collection and produce an online and printed catalogue. This made images and information about the Collection fully accessible for the first time and created awareness of the Town Collection stored in the basement of the Town Hall and its importance to local culture and heritage. Quite an achievement.

If you wish to find out more and vote please click here

Voting closes at midnight on 12th October 2016

Photo: Fylde DFAS 'Tagging the Treasures'

 

Visit to Sizergh Castle, 4th August 2016

We had a most enjoyable visit to Sizergh castle. By way of welcome the sun came out when we arrived and stayed out while we explored the castle?s splendid gardens and woodlands.

Of special interest was the new ?Stumpery?, which was opened last month and marks the first large-scale development of the gardens for almost a century.

A stumpery uses discarded tree stumps as sculptural objects to house and display a variety of ferns, of which Sizergh has a national collection. Add to this new plants and woodland flowers and you have a stunning display. The tree stumps themselves have been ?recycled? as the head gardener of Sizergh Castle had them transported from the new Heysham to M6 link, where trees had been cleared and cut down.

Sizergh Castle itself was originally a? medieval house and is approximately 700 years old. Although owned by the National Trust, it remains the home of the Stricklands and is beautifully maintained.

 

Sizergh Castle

Members of Blackpool Civic Trust at Sizergh Castle

Sizergh Gardens

Sizergh Stumpery

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Civic Week June 2016

Read the full account with a lot more photos on our Civic Week 2016 page click here

Afternoon Tea on Civic Day

The Mayor presents the award for Street of the Year? 2016 to the residents of Sedgefield Close:

Heritage Quiz

Blackpool Civic Trust held its annual Heritage Quiz in the church hall at St Stephen?s on the Cliffs. The capacity audience of 100 enjoyed the quiz,?hot pot supper and raffles.

Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, said ?we were very pleased to be joined by the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Blackpool, Coun. Gary Coleman and Coun. Mrs Debbie Coleman and their two daughters. Everyone enjoyed? a very successful and entertaining evening?

 

Blackpool Civic Trust Best Kept Street in Blackpool Competition 2016

Is your street attractive and clean?
Does it have visible community spirit that adds to the attractiveness of the street?
Once more as part of Civic Week 2016 Blackpool Civic Trust will be holding a Best Kept Street Competition. We are looking for examples of good practice and community cooperation in your ward. If you think your street is worthy for the Best Kept Street Competition Street then please let you local councillor know, details can be found on the council website.
The winning Councillor will receive the Rose Bowl kindly donated by the late Cllr Norman Hardy, along with a plaque to put up on the winning street. Prizes will be presented at our Civic Day Event being held at the Art Deco Caf? at Stanley Park on the afternoon of Saturday 18th June 2016.
Councillors have to nominate their streets by Friday 3rd June 2016 so let them know in plenty of time that you want your street to be in with a chance of winning.

Blackpool Civic Trust at the Blackpool Pride Festival

Winter Gardens, Blackpool, 11th June 2016

 

Blackpool Civic Trust at the Volunteers Big Thankyou Celebration

Viva, Blackpool, 4th June 2016

Blackpool Civic Trust joined with volunteer groups from all over Blackpool in the annual thankyou and awards ceremony. This year is was held at Viva.

Blackpool Museum Team visits our project at the Imperial Hotel

The Blackpool  Museum Group were holding a meeting at the Imperial Hotel and popped down afterwards to have a look at the tiles we are busy uncovering and cleaning. They were suitably impressed by all the work members of the Civic Voice have been doing and how well the tiles are looking.

If you fancy putting in an hour or two helping to restore these splendid Burmantofts tiles, then please come along to the Imperial Hotel. We work on the tiles the 3rd week of the month from Monday to Thursday inclusive (9.30 - 4pm.) For more information contact either the Project Officer, Carl O?Hara or Paul Humble paulhumble@btinternet.com

Photo of the Blackpool Museum Team in the room near the Turkish Bath Tile Project

 

Blackpool Civic Week - 12th to 18th June 2016

See the programme below and to book with Sharon by e-mail Click here

 

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Armed Forces Dinner Friday 24th June 2016

Sharon will also be taking down names or payment for the Armed Forces Dinner which will be held on Friday 24th une 2016 at the Norbreck Castle Hotel.  The price of the meal is £18.95, with a drinks reception at 7pm, followed by a 4 course dinner at 7.30pm, then entertainment, carriages at midnight.

Blackpool War Memorials Project, 29th February 2016

'Blackpool councillors congratulate local volunteers for success on government funded programme'

Blackpool are the first group nationally to survey all local war memorials as part? of the? First World War Memorials Programme.

Councillor David Owen met with volunteers from the First World War Memorials Programme to congratulate them on their hard work and dedication. The meeting arose after Blackpool Civic Trust became the first group nationally to survey all of their local war memorials.

Gathering at Sacred Heart Church on Talbot Road, Councillor David Owen was given a short induction into the condition survey process.

Cllr David Owen, Councillor for Victoria Ward, said "As Blackpool Civic Trust's founding secretary and a Vice-President I am so proud to be able to congratulate the volunteers for all of their hard work on this vital programme"

Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, enthused "We are pleased to be the first group to survey all of our war memorials. Whilst not an easy task we were more than happy to undertake it. Being able to share in the success with the local representatives and discover the ways in which the project can move forward is particularly exciting.

I want to pay special thanks to Mike Coyle who has spent many years identifying Blackpool's war memorials. Mike is a member of Blackpool Civic Trust and also the War Memorials Trust. His advice and the training we received through Civic Voice were invaluable"

Read more about Blackpool War Memorials on our special page: Click here

Blackpool Civic Trust Annual Awards and Dinner

On Friday 26th February the Annual Awards and Dinner Ceremony was held at the Paradise Room at Blackpool Pleasure Beach where our awards were presented to the best of Blackpool in 2015. Please see our Awards Page click here.

Jean and Derek Mildren Presentation

Jean and Derek Mildren were presented with garden-centre vouchers in recognition of their many years running the raffle at Members Meetings. Jean and Derek must have raised very large amounts of money for the Civic Trust to which they have both given such loyal service.

 

Showzam! Procession Friday 12th February 2016

'Starting at St John's Square then moving around the town centre, Bivouac takes the streets hostage in a piece of roving theatre which sees ten blue figures turn fountains, benches, statues and buildings into a stage of smoke and flame.' Words from the programme.

 

 

41st Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony

41st Annual Dinner and the Awards Ceremony on the evening of Friday 26th February 2016 at the Paradise Room, Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

This year the awards evening is a very special one as we, The Blackpool Civic Trust, are to receive the Council Conservation Awards for all the great work that is being done on the Imperial Tile Project, as well as getting the award, members who have worked on the Project are to receive a certificate in recognition of their valuable contribution to the Project.

Tickets cost £30 each, which includes the awards ceremony, drinks reception and a four course meal. Click here for more details.

Pancake Evening 9th February

Our corporate member, St Stephen on the Cliffs Church, is holding a Quiz and Pancake evening on Shrove Tuesday, 9th February 2016. Tickets are £2.50 for adults, accompanied children are free( but need a ticket for numbers purposes)
One of our Members (Mr David Evans) currently holds the Tosser of the Year title, can you challenge him? Come along to find out!!

2015

Imperial Hotel Tile Project Update

We are making very rapid progress with our tile project at the Imperial Hotel. We continued working in the third week of December, which gave us a good appetite for Christmas dinner!

Our next regular session will be the third week of January from Monday to Thursday (9.30 - 4.30) inclusive. If you can spare an hour or two why not come along and join us. All Civic Trust members are very welcome.

Our Vice-President, Barry Shaw, hard at work:

Film Restoration Project

Blackpool Civic Trust joins with Blackpool Council on an exciting project to clean and restore four old reels of film of historical interest. The films record the speeches of past mayors of Blackpool and were found by chance buried in the basement of the Town Hall. They have now been sent away for restoration by specialists.

Photograph of Joan Humble of Blackpool Civic Trust and Carl Carrington of Blackpool Council:

Christmas Tree Festival

The Blackpool Civic Trust Christmas Tree is in the Festival 21/22 November 2015 in the Derham Lounge of the Winter Gardens. Dozens of trees were entered.

Visit to the new Tram Depot

19th November 2015

Members of Blackpool Civic Trust were pleased to visit the Tram Depot at Squires Gate and learn more about the operation of the new trams.
Joan Humble, Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, said "This is the third visit that BCT members have made to the Tram Depot. We have recruited many new members recently and several had never been inside the tram, so we arranged a new tour. It was a very informative and interesting visit. I would like to thank the Blackpool Transport Services staff who showed us around, answered questions and even let some of our members sit in the driver's seat of one of the trams".

For the 2015 news archive click here.

 

The Grade II* listed Grand Theatre, Blackpool. More beautiful inside would you believe!

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