News Archive 2018
Click on this link to view our news archive: Link to the news archive
Click on this link to view our: Link to Facebook Page
Monthly Meeting at St Stephen's on the Cliffs
The Robert Evans Mills lecture was given by Barry Band on the topic of 'Theatres in Church Street, Blackpool' on 19th November 2018. It was attended by the Mayor, Cllr Gary Coleman and Mayoress, Cllr Debbie Coleman. The event was held at St Stephen's on the Cliffs. Canon Andrew Sage welcomed Civic Trust members to the church and gave a short talk on the Actor's Chapel, which is unique in the UK.
Devonshire Road Rock Garden Project
Blackpool Civic Trust has been working with the Friends of the Rock Gardens to uncover and restore the impressive and extensive rock formations of the Devonshire Rock Gardens, which were opened in 1938 and are the highest point in the west Fylde.
At present volunteers are working hard on the Vista, where the original large rocks were obscured and sometimes buried beneath overgrown shrubs and the slow accumulation of soil.? The view across the Gardens with its two ponds and waterfalls is now much clearer and the attractive rocks in the Vista?s flowerbed are no longer hidden from sight.
Tram 227 Restoration Project
On Thursday 25th October 2018 open top 'boat' tram 227 was rolled out following restoration work in which Blackpool Civic Trust Volunteers played a part on the internals.
See more information on our Projects page.
Heritage Open Days 2018 - Town Hall Tour
It was a very busy, successful day, despite all the barriers and road diversions surrounding the Town Hall, and the inclement weather.
We had visitors from different parts of the country and got very positive feedback from all those who took the tour of the building.
The deputy Mayor, Cllr Kath Rowson and Deputy Mayoress, Joan Goldin, was in attendance in the morning and the Mayor, Cllr Gary Coleman, and Mayoress, Debbie Coleman, greeted visitors in the afternoon. Visitors greatly appreciated their relaxed, friendly manner and being shown the Mayor's Parlour, photo below with group led by our member John Garnham:
Joan Humble offers information:
Jimmy Armfield and Frank Swift Blue Plaque
Two Blue Plaques were unveiled on 6th September to commemorate and celebrate the outstanding achievements of football legends Jimmy Armfield and Frank Swift at a very well attended event. Both Jimmy Armfield and Frank Swift had very strong connections with Revoe and it was only fitting that the Blue Plaques for both of them have been put up in the area, Jimmy's at Revoe Academy and Frank's at Revoe Library.
Pupils of Revoe Academy worked with a local artist to produce striking, colourful murals commemorating Jimmy and Frank and these were unveiled alongside the Blue Plaques.
Another football legend, Harry Gregg, attended the celebrations and gave a brilliant, witty speech not only about fellow goal-keeper Frank Swift but about how the game of football has evolved and changed over the generations.
Unveiling the plaque by Jimmy Armfield's sons John and Duncan.
Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, who sponsored the plaques and event.
Harry Gregg former Manchester United goalkeeper.
Alex James MBE former England under 21 and Manchester City goalkeeper.
Mark Metcalfe, sports journalist who had the idea for the event while writing a book about Frank Swift.
Joan Humble of Blackpool Civic Trust
The Frank Swift mural.
The Jimmy Armfield Blue Plaque at Revoe Academy.
The Frank Swift Blue Plaque at Revoe Library
Watson Road Blue Plaque
Watson Road Park Blue Plaque was unveiled by the Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire John Barnett, attended by the Royal Signals Association, The Salvation Army, Blackpool, Blackpool Civic Trust and. The Friends of Watson Park. 19th August 2018.
The plaque marks the site of the World War 1 practise trenches modelled on those of Loos, Flanders.
Blackpool Civic Trust at the Blackpool Carnival 22nd July 2018
Blackpool Civic Trust at the Claremont Gala 2018
Blackpool Civic Week 11th to 16th June 2018
Read our Civic Week page for full details click here
Tram Restoration Project
Read our report on the restoration of tram 602 in which our volunteers are playing an important role.
27th April 2018 Blackpool Civic Trust Annual Awards and Dinner at Viva
On Friday 27th April 2018, Blackpool Civic Trust held its Annual Awards and Dinner at VIVA. In front of over 200 guests, including the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of Blackpool, Blackpool Civic Trust gave out awards to a school, community groups and local businesses who had contributed to supporting and improving Blackpool in 2017.
Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust, Joan Humble, commented:
'The evening was a very enjoyable way to celebrate individual and group achievement in Blackpool. I am pleased that the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress, Councillor Gary Coleman and Councillor Debbie Coleman, could join us, together with Blackpool MP, Gordon Marsden. The 2017 Awards highlight the good work of a variety of community groups and also businesses in Blackpool which are supporting our local economy'.
The winners in each category are:-
Junior School Environmental Shield: Park Community Academy
Senior School Environmental Shield: Park Community Academy
Blackpool Council Conservation Award:
Blackpool Council Property Services Department and Paul Humble of Blackpool Civic Trust,
and F Parkinson Ltd
Community Award: The Friends of Stanley Park
Best Open Spaces: The Secret Garden, Watson Road Park
Best Night Time Economy: The Stanley Arms, Brew Room
Best New Housing Development: Blackpool Housing Company,
for the conversion of properties at 114-120 Albert Road
Best Refurbishment: Thames Primary Academy
Judges special award: Donna?s Dream House
Highly Commended: The Little Black Pug Bar
Highly Commended: VIVA Diner
Best Shop Front: Highly Commended: Lingerie Lounge
Transforming Blackpool: World Fireworks Championship Blackpool
Special Award: The Street Angels
Awards at 6.45pm - Dinner at 8pm - After dinner entertainment by the West End Jerseys
More information on our poster below:
11th June - 16th June - Civic Week
There will be various events during Civic Week including the annual quiz night, Afternoon Tea, Bus Tour, Coffee Morning as below.
Monday 11th June - Blue Plaque Town Centre Walking Tour - 12noon
Tuesday 12th June - Civic Week Blue Plaque Bus Tour 1pm
Tuesday 12th June - Surprise Supernatural Ghost Walk - 6.30pm
Wednesday 13th June - Annual Quiz Night & Hot Pot Supper - 6.45pm - ?5
Thursday 14th June - Community Project - Jubilee Gardens - TBC
Thursday 14th June - Blackpool Tower Tour - 11am - please note change of time
Friday 15th June - Coffee Morning - 10am
Saturday 16th June - Civic Day Afternoon Tea at the Imperial Hotel - 2pm - Members ?10 Non Members ?13
April and May events, please contact Sharon for details
27th April - Blackpool Civic Trust Awards & Dinner - ?30.00
VIVA Blackpool, Church Street - Price includes drinks reception, 4 course meal and after dinner entertainment by the West End Jerseys.
2nd May - 10am - Civic Silver Cleaning - Free
Cleaning of the Civic Silver ready for Mayor Making, all equipment and utensils are provided.
8th May - 6.30pm - Prize Bingo - ?5.00 for Adults & ?3 for Children
Marton Methodist Church are having a prize bingo night if you would like to come along, the price includes 10 games of prize bingo, cheese, pate & biscuits, dessert, tea and coffee and soft drinks available thoughtout the evening,
12th May - 11am - 3.30pm - NWACTS Building at Risk Visit - Free
Heaton Hall is a Grade 1 listed building in Mancshester, that the NWACTS has declared its building at risk this year, NWACTS have organised a guided tour of the building and a speaker for the visit. Members to make their own way there.
March activities
9th March - 2pm - Regent Cinema - Free
Tour around the old Regent Cinema. An excellent visit viewing the retractable ceiling and 35mm projector which is being restored.
10th March - 1.30pm - NWACTS AGM - Free
The AGM of the NWACTS will take place at County Hall. The guest speaker is Lucy Smith, Northern Powerhouse Partnership Campaigns on the topic of ?What the Northern Powerhouse means to us?
22nd March - 6pm - Illumination Department - Free
Tour around the Illumination Department on Amy Johnson Way to see how some of them are made
10th April - 1pm - Masonic Hall Visit - Free
Tour & talk around the Masonic Hall.
Coach trip to Liverpool and to see the Terracotta Army 27th March.
The cost of the trip will be as follows
?10 for bus
?13 for Adults to see the Terracotta Army
?12 for Concessions to see the Terracotta Army
?5 for Children aged 6 to 17 to see the Terracotta Army
We will be leaving Blackpool approx 9am with the visit the Terracotta Army booked for 12.30pm, return journey will leave Liverpool at 4.30pm.
If you just wish to go on the trip to Liverpool and not see the Terracotta Army the cost will just be ?10 for the coach.
Christmas Meeting and Carol Singing
Our traditional December meeting with the Salvation Army brass band, carols and a hotpot supper was a great success. The new venue of St John's Parish Church provided a very sympathetic setting for the occasion. The Salvation Army brass band always proves popular with our members but this year was quite special. Our Vice-President, Cllr David Owen, who administers some charitable legacies, chose the Salvation Army as one of this year's recipients. He presented Major Sandra with a cheque for ?2,500 to support and further the very important work the Salvation Army does in Blackpool.
Professor Vanessa Toulmin gives the annual Robert Evans Mills Memorial Lecture
The November meeting of Blackpool Civic Trust is a special lecture held in the memory of Robert Evans Mills who was born in Oldham in 1891 but died in Blackpool in 1950. He left money in his will for an annual lecture to be given in his memory by a "competent historian" on "an aspect of the town's development and history ".
This year we were very pleased when Professor Vanessa Toulmin accepted our invitation to give the lecture. She spoke about "Art and Design at Blackpool Pleasure Beach", an area in which she is an expert, having written a book about Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The meeting took place in the Council Chamber at Blackpool Town Hall and was very well attended. We were joined by the Mayor of Blackpool, Coun. Ian Coleman, who thanked Professor Toulmin for her excellent and informative lecture.
Photograph left to right: Robert Owen of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, The Mayor, Councillor Ian Coleman, Joan Humble the Chair of Blackpool Civic Trust and Professor Vanessa Toulmin the guest speaker.
For the 2017 news archive click here.
The Grade II* listed Grand Theatre, Blackpool. More beautiful inside would you believe!