Friday 28 December 2012

Mechs Take The Spoils In Boxing Day Derby Mudbath

Squires Gate FC 0 - AFC Blackpool 2

AFC Blackpool took the spoils in this rain soaked derby encounter on Boxing Day.

www.afcblackpool.co.uk

Sunday 23 December 2012

Help Sammi Run The London Marathon To Support Baby Charity

Miss Best Kept Secrets Sammi Marsh is going to run in the 2013 London Marathon in support of Tommy's  charity.

Sammi said: "I'm running the London Marathon on april 21st for Tommy's charity which researches in to stillbirth, miscarriages and premature birth.The reason i have chosen this charity as it's a matter close to my heart as my cousin has suffered the loss of a little boy.

Please give as little or as much as you can as this is for a very good cause. I have to raise £1250 by 28th Febuary I will be holding some events and will post all the information on my Facebookj and Just Giving pages."

You can help Sammi reach her target by making a donation via her Just Giving page at: http://www.justgiving.com/Sammi-Marsh1

To find out more about Tommy's The Baby charity, go to: www.tommys.org 

Ice Hockey: Blackpool Seagulls 2012 Awards Night

Blackpool Seagulls ice hockey team finished off their first year back together as a team with an inter -squad match and award night at the Sub Zero Ice Arena in Cleveleys.

The Seagulls squad split into 2 teams - the "Seagulls" and the "Grim Reapers" for a light-hearted match which, for the record, the Reapers won 13-11.

The after match party was compèred by club captain Gary Shearman and the Awards were presented by Seagulls' Match Co-Ordinator Peter Bleackley.

The player awards were as follows:
Player Of The Year: Danny Jones (right in photo)
Best Defenceman: Mick Bucahanan (left in photo)
Best Forward: Mark Singer (below left)
Most Improved Player: Scott Anthony-Jones (bottom photo).

You can find out more about the Blackpool Seagulls Ice Hockey Team on the official website at: www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk  or by joining the team group on Facebook.
 








Wednesday 19 December 2012

Coco & Toms wins Christmas Window Award 2012

Coco and Toms designer outfitters in Garden Street, St Annes, was the winner of  our "Best Christmas Window Display" award this year for their fun and highly imaginative "Aleksandrs Ski Lodge" design - complete with festive meerkats!

Miss Best Kept Secrets - international model Sammi Marsh - was on hand to present the award.

Photo: Mark Courtney-Massey, Sammi Marsh and Roz Bates.

Monday 17 December 2012

Piccadilly Dance Orchestra On BBC TV Over Christmas!

Michael Law’s Piccadilly Dance Orchestra is providing the music for Len Goodman’s Christmas Show, Len Goodman’s Dancing Feet to be shown on BBC4 Thursday 27 December at 9.00 pm and BBC HD CHANNEL Monday 31 December at 8.00 pm

Featuring Erin Boag & MICHAEL LAW’S PICCADILLY DANCE ORCHESTRA

Len Goodman takes to the dance floor to discover the golden age of ballroom. The head judge of Strictly Come Dancing recalls the time when Britain went ballroom barmy. In the early 20th century millions enjoyed dancing. Graceful movement was everything as we grappled with the waltz, the tango – and each other. Len also reveals a surprising world of scandal and outrage – a time when ballroom was considered radical and trendy. What was it about Ballroom that people enjoyed so much? And why did we eventually turn our backs on what Len considers the greatest dance form of all?

Len visits Blackpool, the spiritual home of ballroom, and demonstrates some popular steps with professional dancer Erin Boag. He discovers how the smart set danced the night away at the Café de Paris and returns to a favourite dance hall from his youth, The Rivoli in south London.
Len talks to those who remember the golden age – dancers, singers and musicians. He also discovers the people who introduced ‘rules’ to ballroom; the dance leaders and teachers who were concerned that ballroom was out of control and needed new regulations to govern steps, movement and music.

http://www.youtube.com/user/PiccDan It Don’t Mean A Thing

More info about the Piccadilly Dance Orchestra at: www.pdo.org.uk

Thursday 13 December 2012

Atlas Sailing Experience - Exclusive Interview

We went along to Fleetwood Marina to meet Andy Dobson and see his beautiful yacht "Atlas" (in photo). He showed us round and told us about the various sailing packages he has to offer.  Ideal for Corporate entertainment or for team building.

Andy supports the charity Blue Lamp Foundation - for details please see http://www.bluelamp-foundation.org

You can hear what Andy had to say by clicking on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):




To find out more, visit the website at: www.atlassailing.co.uk

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." Plato - Greek Philosopher 427 - 347 BC

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Kingsbarns Golf Links to host the Final Qualifying for the 2013 Ricoh Women's British Open, Monday, 29th July 2013


Kingsbarns Golf Links has been selected to host the Final Qualifying for the 2013 Ricoh Women’s British Open on Monday, 29th July 2013, ahead of the Championship proper which will be played for the second time over the Old Course, St Andrews, 1st – 4th August.

Kingsbarns Golf Links is ranked amongst the top 100 courses in the world and, located just seven miles from the Old Course, provides the perfect stage for the curtain raiser to the 2013 Championship where the world’s best women will seek to show their links skills in the most famous corner of the golfing world.

Alan Hogg, Chief Executive of Kingsbarns Golf Links explained, “We are delighted that the LGU and IMG have selected us to host Final Qualifying for one of the world’s leading professional tournaments. Not only are we excited to play such an important part in the 2013 Ricoh Women’s British Open we are delighted to be supporting the Ladies Golf Union and women’s golf. We hope this will showcase the magnificent facilities we have here at Kingsbarns and very much hope it is an association that we can develop in the coming years as we look to build our Championship portfolio.”

Shona Malcolm, Ladies’ Golf Union’s CEO, added, “The Championship Committee is very happy to be adding Kingsbarns Golf Links to the rotation of prestigious clubs who host Final Qualifying for the Ricoh Women’s British Open Championship. We know Kingsbarns will be a popular choice among the players and spectators and we very much look forward to seeing which players will conquer the challenges offered by this magnificent links course and claim the qualifying places available.” 

The Ricoh Women’s British Open was founded by the LGU in 1976 and is staged in conjunction with IMG, the world’s largest sports marketing company. The event has been co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET since 1994 and gained Major status in 2001.

For further information please visit www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com

Photo: Lucy with the Ricoh Womens' British Open Trophy at this year's competition at Hoylake (she didn't win it...)

Sunday 9 December 2012

Christmas 2012 Opening at Parks Art Deco Cafe, Blackpool


The Parks Art Deco Cafe in Blackpool's Stanley Park have announced their Christmas and New Year times.   They will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and from 7th - 15th January 2013.

The Parks Art Deco Restaurant currently have their sumptuous Christmas menu on offer - until 23rd December 2012 - and as you can see the tables are specially laid for a festive feast.  Best to book to avoid disappointment.

Playing for Sunday lunch on 30th December 2012 will be Deadbeats Acoustic.  On 6th January 2013 it will be Sara Cheston and That Swing Thing Band.  On 20th January 2013 Frank Flynn and on 27th January 2013 Key Tars.   Have fun!

More info: www.parksartdecocafe.co.uk

Table bookings: 01253 395191

Listen Again: Scott Dennett Interview on 103.2 Preston FM

If you missed our radio show on 103.2 Preston FM on Friday, here's another chance to listen to our great interview with singer Scott Dennett (pictured). 

To listen, just click on the sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):




More info: www.parksartdecocafe.co.uk

Listen Again: Pendle War Poetry Winners on 103.2 Preston FM

If you missed our radio show on 103.2 Preston FM on Friday, here's another chance to listen to William Stephenson from Colne and Olwen Lund (pictured) from Barnoldwick reading out their poems from the recent Presentation Evening of the 2012 Pendle War Poetry Competition.

To listen, just click on the sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):



To find out more about the Pendle War Poetry Competition - and various other poetry competitions - click here: www.pendlewarpoetry.com

Saturday 8 December 2012

Blackhawks Downed By Late Seagulls Strike!

Blackpool Seagulls ice hockey team took a prestigious scalp as they beat Scottish visitors Paisley Blackhawks 9-8 with a last minute goal in a highly entertaining game at the Subzero  Ice Arena In Cleveleys.

Saturday 8th December 2012
Blackpool Seagulls 9 - Paisley Blackhawks 8
Period Scores: 1-3, 4-3, 4-2
Penalties In Minutes: Seagulls 14 - Paisley 6

Seagulls Scorers: 
#58 Craig Ainscough 4+2
#10 Bobby Hall 2+1
#42 Adam Holt 2+0
#17 Duncan Wrigley 1+0
#55 Harry Hall 0+3
#15 Mark Singer 0+2
#77 Gary Shearman 0+1

MVPs: Seagulls  #29 Darryl Kenyon, Paisley #54 Andrew Watson

Report (note:humourous...)

The match was preceded by a 1 minute silence in memory of former Seagulls player Dennis Burdekin, in the presence of guests of honour for the evening, Dennis's daughters Tracey, Alison, Jane and Susan, accompanied by Tony.

With Seagulls' top scoring partnership of Danny Jones and Joe Charlton having moved on to play in the NHL  (sorry - that should read NIHL.......) much was expected of new draftees Craig Ainscough and Harry Hall  and they certainly delivered with 4+5 between them.

However, the first period went to the highly fancied Blackhawks, who opened the scoring after just 26 seconds.  Aincough equalised 4 minutes later only for the visitors to retake the lead almost immediately and then pull further ahead to lead 1-3 after 20 minutes.

It was beginning to look rather ominious at start of the second period as the visitors scored again to take a commmanding 1-4 lead.

Then the Seagulls decided to adopt a new tactic and mysteriously began playing better short handed than when at full strength...!  Heineken League veteran Stefano Simi masterminded this game plan by getting himself two 2 minute penalties in quick succession during which the Seagulls scored 4 goals...

The visitors hit back with two more of their own to finish the period in front again at 5-6 but by now the home crowd was simmering with expectation.

At 5-6 down there appeared much cause for optimism in the 3rd period but this was immediately quashed by an own goal in the 41st minute, although there is no such thing as an "own goal" in ice hockey and the score was credited to the last attacking player to touch the puck : 5-7 to Paisley.

But then the Seagulls' pressure began to pay off - maybe the visitors were getting a little tired following their their long journey down from Scotland and a shortage of numbers on the bench...

First Adam Holt pulled a goal back in the 44th minute - 6-7. Then Duncan Wrigley equalised (49th minute) 7-7, Then Adam Holt again in the 51st minute to put Seagulls ahead for the first time in the game 8-7!


The game was on a knife edge.The Seagulls called a timeout.  Then Paisley hit back to equalise - 8-8 in the 55th minute.  Of all the games of ice hockey I have seen in almost 30 years this finale was one of the tensest I have witnessed....

57.33: Duncan Wrigley and his Paisley opposite number take 2 minutes each for roughing. 58.32:  another Paisley player goes ot the Penalty Box - this is only their 3rd penalty of the game but Seagulls are now 4 on 3 and absolutely on fire...!

58.00: Announcer forgets to announce "last two minutes in the third and final period..."

58.58: Harry Hall and Craig Aincough combine for Ainscough's 4th goal of the game - Seagulls hit a dramatic late winner and  it's now 9-8!

The last minute also held a few tense moments as with just 10 seconds to go Seagulls took another penalty.  Paisley now had a man advantage and pulled their netminder off to have another attacking player on the ice. The final few seconds ticked away - the hooter sounded - the crowd went wild - a winning end  to 2012 for the Blackpool Seagulls.

Official website: www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk

Photos by Scott Hislop (Paisley player)






Thursday 6 December 2012

"Hero" Special on 103.2 Preston FM - Friday 7pm

Join us for a special edition of our "Best Kept Secrets...In Conversation" show on 103.2 Preston FM this Friday 7th December from 7pm.

We'll be playing a selection of tracks from our special "Hero 2012" Christmas present for the troops CD as well as featuring a great interview with rising singing star Scott Dennett (in photo).

Along with a couple of songs from Scott, there will be more wonderful music from:

Paul Ellis
Sara Cheston
Lynne Fox
Liam Halewood

and original compositions from:
Anton Lorien
Dean Johnson
Raven Traitor
TWood feat KOF
and Mauri Clash City Rocker.

There's also poetry with winners from the recent Pendle War Poetry competition with William Stephenson from Colne and and Olwen Lund from Barnoldswick reading out their winning poems.

So join us from 7pm on Friday 7th December.  You can tune in to Preston FM on 103.2 FM in the local broadcast area or "listen live" worldwide via the internet at www.preston.fm

Sunday 2 December 2012

Review: Afternoon Tea at Capri Bar in Lytham

We spotted the new Capri Grand Cafe and Champagne Bar in Lytham a few weeks ago and went in for a coffee.  We were impressed so decided to go back to sample something off the very varied menu.  We decided to try their Afternoon Tea - definitely a must.

£9.95 per person for tea or coffee, delectable and very filling sandwiches, scone with butter and jam and gorgeous cakes.   Champagne option also available.

Capri's day-time menu offers breakfast, brunch and lunch as well as afternoon tea or just coffee and cake or tea and cake or a drink and mince pies and of course cocktails.

The evening menu looks delicious too - can't wait to try that out!   They also offer live music so why not check them out.

Capri Grand Cafe and Champagne Bar, 4, Dicconson Terrace, Lytham, Lancashire FY8 5JY

open every day from 8.30 a.m. until late - for more information or bookings, call 01253 737111


Swing into a Merry Christmas with Sara Cheston and That Swing Thing Band at the Merrie England Bar on North Pier, Blackpool, Thursday nights 8 p.m. 8th, 15th and 22nd December 2012

Sara Cheston and That Swing Thing Band will be on stage for your entertainment on Thursday evenings up to and including Thursday, 22nd December 2012.   The fun starts at 8pm and Sara
will be singing all your Christmas sing-along favourites as well as Swing songs.  

So if you fancy a treat and feel you need a reward after an evening's Christmas shopping in Blackpool town, why not pop into the Merrie England bar where you will find a  warm, festive welcome.  

To contact the Merrie England Bar call 01253 621452 or follow them on Facebook.

Wednesday 28 November 2012

"Let the Music Play" Lowther Pavilion, Lytham, Friday 7th December 2012


William Hicks celebrates the Music of the Legendary

BARRY WHITE
Let the Music Play….”

Lowther Pavilion St Annes
Friday 7th December 2012
Tickets £16.50 and £17.50
BOX OFFICE Tel: 01253 794 221

Direct from the USA William Hicks celebrates the music of the legendary BARRY WHITE with LIVE ORCHESTRA featuring the fabulous SOUL SISTERS.
William Hicks is a big man with a big voice.
With incredible attention to detail and an outstanding performance this has got to be the closest possible experience you could achieve to the legend that is  Mr Barry White.

“Let the Music Play …on and on...”




Tuesday 27 November 2012

TTN Records "Hero 2012" CD To Support Troops In Afghanistan At Christmas!

Copies of TTN Records Christmas CD for the troops "Hero 2012" have been handed over to Blackpool based UK Forces Support organisation for inclusion in their annual parcels, which will be sent to help give a little Christmas cheer to the British armed forces who will spending the festive period in Afghanistan.

The "HERO 2012" CD is a limited edition release which is not available for general sale and features contributions from artists and groups from across the North West and beyond.
 
This annual album project is unusual in concept as it gives the opportunity to local unsigned artists to appear on the same CD as other, more well known, performers
 
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT a fundraising CD as such - TTN Records do NOT sell these CDs and do NOT make any money out of this sort of project.

Copies of the CD are given free of charge to Services support organisations, ex Servicemens charities, Forces broadcasters etc so that they can then be used where they can give the most benefit.
 
To find out more about UK Forces Support, visit their website at: www.ukforcessupport.co.uk/

If any other armed forces support group or charity would like free copies of the "Hero 2012" to put to good use, please send an email to ttnrecords@btinternet.com
 
ARTISTS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO "HERO 2012" are:
Anton Lorien - www.antonlorien.com
Lucy London (feat. Mike Taylor & TJ) -
Mauri Clash City Rocker - www.myspace.com/mauriclashcityrocker
Raven Traitor - www.raventritor.com
Lynne Fox - www.lynnefox.co.uk
The Harry Rule Project - www.pendlewarpoetry.com
Magic Trees - www.magictreesband.com
 

Sunday 25 November 2012

Restaurant Review: Rowleys at Blackpool FC Hotel

For table bookings, call 01253 401953 and press option 3

For menu and more info: www.rowleysatbfc.com 

We went along to try out the Sunday lunch menu.  The food was very good, the staff helpful and attentive and the view - well absolutely fantastic of the wonderful Blackpool Seasiders' Football Stadium.

The hotel has a wide variety of rooms, including several with disabled access and facilities.   The restaurant offers special party evenings during December as well as Sunday lunch.  Booking essential.

Ice Hockey: Barons Rule Roost Over Shorthanded Flyers

Saturday 24th November 2012
English National Ice Hockey League Division 2 North
Fylde Flyers 5 - Solihull Barons 8

Period Scores: 1-1, 3-4, 1-3
Shots On Goal: Flyers 68 - Barons 61
Penalties In Minutes: Flyers 8 - Barons 34
Flyers Scorers: Kurtis Hall 2+1, Bobby Caunce 1+1, Dan Bracegirdle & Dan Fearon both 1+0, Grinbergs, Etherington, Murphy all 0+1

Flyers MVP: Sam Heyes
Referees: Liversedge / Wells
Attendance 133

Photo by Lisa Jones

For a match report and more photos, visit the official Flyers website here: http://www.fyldeflyers.co.uk/article.php?id=49

Flyers' next game is away to the Nottingham Lions next Sunday 2nd December at the National Ice Centre, face off 7.15pm

The next home game is not until Saturday 12th January, when they will entertain Hull Stingrays in a 5pm face off at the SubZero Ice Arena in Cleveleys.

Thursday 22 November 2012

Wirral Lodge Boutique Hotel, Meols, Wirral, Christmas Treats 2012

Meols is the little town near Hoylake (home of the Royal Liverpool Golf Links) on the Wirral Peninsular in the North West of England where Wilfred Owen the poet used to stay with relatives.

Wirral Lodge is a delightful boutique hotel and they are offering several treats to celebrate Christmas 2012 - check out their website
www.wirrallodge.co.uk
Like them on Facebook
and follow them on twitter

Wirral Lodge,
114 Birkenhead Road,
Hoylake
Wirral
CH

Tel. 0151 632 0800

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Christmas Evening Dinner Menu with Entertainment December 2012 at The Pavilion Tea Room and Restaurant, Ashton Gardens, St. Annes on the Sea, Lancashire

The Pavilion Restaurant will be offering a mouth-watering special Evening Menu with entertainment from 18.30 on Friday and Saturday evenings in December 2012.  Last orders: 21.00.
£18.95 per person.

Dining at the Pavilion in the evenings with entertainment is great fun so why not go along and sample the fare - if you have never been you are in for a treat!    For a sample menu see left.  Booking is essential for evening meals - to reserve a table please call 01253 724440.

The Pavilion will also be offering a delicious Festive Lunchtime menu from Saturday, 1st to Sunday, 23rd December 2012, inclusive - 2 courses £12.95 per person; 3 courses £14.95 per person.

The Pavilion Tea Room and Restaurant,
Ashton Gardens,
St. Georges Road,
St. Annes-on-Sea,
Lancashire,
FY8 2AE

Tel: 01253 724440

Emailoffice@ashtonpavilion.com   Website:  www.ashtonpavilion.com








Review: The Rise and Fall of Little Voice at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool until 24th November 2012

Having seen the film, we were wondering how "Little Voice" would translate onto the stage.  The scene was set as soon as we entered the auditorium which was transformed into a busy, northern working men's club, complete with compere telling jokes, people issuing raffle tickets and standing round chatting.   Once the raffle had been drawn and the prize given out, the compere left the stage, the house lights went down and Little Voice began.

In fact, the production works extremely well live with inspired scenery that goes easily from the front room, kitchen, stairs and bedroom of the house Little Voice shares with her Mother and the most amazing sound system - that takes us seamlessly from Little Voice's almost whispering to her full-blown belting out of Bassey, Streisand, Garland, Lulu, Tina Turner, Edith Piaf and more numbers - and very clever scene change (very brief) interludes, harking back to the working men's club with brilliant lights and music.   The final scene is incredibly, breathtakingly believable.

A really delightful and original touch is the fact that the audience is very definitely part of this production, immediately becoming the club members and their friends - you need to take raffle tickets offered (they are not sold but given to you) and bingo cards and yes there really is a raffle draw and a live game of bingo - with hilarious audience interaction - so don't forget your pens!

Multi-talented Jess Robinson is amazing in the title role of Little Voice as she works her way through the voices of her dead Father's favourite Diva Singers towards finding her own voice, Beverley Callard is excellent and very amusing as LV's Mother, Philip Andrew gives a great performance as a persuasive Rae Say, Mum's agent/boy friend who tries to get LV launched into show business against her will. Ray Quinn sensitively plays the part of the young telephone engineer who tries to save LV and Blackpool's own Duggie Brown is incredible as the Workingmen's Club compere and the older telephone engineer.   The play is superbly directed by Jim Cartwright.  

Mention has to be made of Sadie - the family's loyal, faithful friend and neighbour - she may not have had a lot to say but she certainly made up for it with body language and facial expressions - brilliant.

Definitely a MUST SEE The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is on at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool until Saturday, 24th November 2012.  PLEASE GO AND SEE IT - a real pre-Christmas treat.  Our thanks as always to everyone involved in this wonderful production from the cast on stage to the production team and the sound and lighting engineers and all the staff at the Grand Theatre both front of house and behind the scenes as well as the Friends of the Grand.
  

For the fastest way to book tickets for any show visit The Grand’s brand new interactive website www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk where you can now select your own seat!
Alternatively call the Box Office on 01253 74 33 39



Monday 19 November 2012

Sarah Ellen Hughes has a new Christmas song out now to purchase and it's in aid of Music as Therapy International Charity


BUY THE 2012 CHARITY CHRISTMAS SINGLE - "Let the Light shine down" - written by Sarah and performed by Riverside Children's Choir.

This is in aid of the Charity Music as Therapy International. 

Further details:

Thursday 15 November 2012

Royal Mail is changing the way they deal with items that don't fit through your letter box . . .

Not a lot of people appear to know this so we thought we ought to remind you - from September 2012 Royal Mail is changing the way they deal with items that don't fit through your letter box.   This means that such items will no longer automatically be taken back to the Sorting Office and a note left telling you this.

'Subject to regulatory approval, if you're not in when we try to deliver, we'll leave your item with a neighbour..."

If you don't want parcels etc. left with your neighbours, or if you prefer not to accept items on behalf of your neighbours, you will need to register online or call Royal Mail to inform them.  They will then send you a sticker which you put near your letter box.

To register please

Visit:   www.royalmail.com/out

or

Call:    08456 113 420


Parks Art Deco Cafe in Blackpool's Stanley Park announce their Christmas Luncheon Menu 2012

The beautiful Parks Art Deco Cafe in Stanley Park, Blackpool have released details of their 2012 Christmas Luncheon Menu - 3 courses £16.95 per person (see menu - left) - available from 1st December - 23rd December 2012.   Booking is essential.

Don't forget Sunday Lunchtime Music at the Parks Art Deco Cafe - every Sunday from 13h.00 until 15h.00 - again booking is essential for silver service.   The usual self-service menu is also available.

Parks Art Deco Cafe
West Park Drive
Stanley Park,
Blackpool,
FY3 9EQ.

Tel.: 01253 395191.

Wednesday 14 November 2012

See Champloo's White Caps At Blackpool Grand Theatre - 18th November

ONE NIGHT ONLY AT BLACKPOOL GRAND THEATRE - SUNDAY 18th NOVEMBER!

Bristol based Champloo is one of the UK’s leading b-boying dance companies. They take their name from the Japanese word Chanpuru, meaning to mix an unusual combination of elements to create surprising and astonishing outcomes. The company was founded in 2007 by Joel Daniel and Wilkie Branson, previously members of the street theatre b-boy crew, Physical Jerks.

Highly regarded for his dance film work, White Caps represents Wilkie Branson's first major live work. Integrating lyrical film with explosive breakdance, White Caps is a multimedia experience that follows the journey of two young men as they embark on an epic and gruelling personal adventure.
Created and performed by Branson and Daniel, White Caps is set to a soundtrack by Type Sun.

Type Sun have a cult following on the Bristol music scene, are known for working with root tradition drums and have collaborated with a variety of artists including Phil King, Eleanor Rusbridge and DJ Rouge to create a unique score.

Pricing: Adults £10.00 / Child £7.00

Tickets and info from: www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk or call 01253 290190

Bruce Foxton "From The Jam" Tour dates - Nov / Dec 2012

 
NOVEMBER
 Thurs 1st – GLOUCESTER, Town Hall*
Fri 2nd – CAMBER SANDS, Winter Warmer Scooter Rally*
Sat 3rd – CARDIFF, The Globe*
Sat. 10th – LEAMINGTON SPA, The Assembly*
Sat 17th – LUTON, The Centre For Carnival Arts
Wed 28th – MANCHESTER, Waterside Arts Centre*
Thurs 29th – LIVERPOOL, The Cavern,* 10 Mathew Street Liverpool L2 6RE
0151 236 9091 £20 Time tbc
Fri 30th – RICHMOND (N Yorks), Dalton & Gayles Hall
DECEMBER
 Sat 1st – CLITHEROE, The Grand*
Fri 7th – PORTSMOUTH, Wedgewood Rooms*
Sat 8th – YORK, The Duchess*
Sun 9th – LONDON, 100 Club (The Mod Ball)
Thurs 13th – BIRMINGHAM, The Ballroom*
Fri 14th – BARNSLEY, Building 21*
Sat 15th – BRIGHTON, Concorde*
Thurs 20th – GLASGOW, Academy
Sat 29th – DUBLIN, Temple Bar*
 
 
In 1977 The Jam released their debut album 'In the City', immediately they hit a nerve with the youth of the time. The Jam became one of the biggest selling bands in British history.
2012 marks the 35th anniversary of this seminal album and From The Jam featuring Bruce Foxton, Russell Hastings andMark Brzezicki will be doing a select number of dates performing this album from start to finish along with a selection of the classic hits and great album tracks.
From The Jam gained an immediate reputation for the kind of incendiary ‘live’ performances that sealed the reputation of The Jam all those years ago and 2012 has been another very busy year for the band
The band now include a Special Guest, drummer and founder member of BIG COUNTRY, MARK BRZEZICKI in place of Rick Buckler. This new line-up continues to gain terrific ‘live’ reviews –
“Brzezicki, Foxton and Hastings took things to new heights…” (Dundee Courier)
Recently reconciled following family bereavements, Paul Weller’s single ‘Fast Car/Slow Traffic’ from his most recent album, also featured Bruce on bass. There were also incredible scenes when Bruce recently appeared ‘live’ alongside Paul - for the first time in 28 years– to perform The Jam classics ‘The Eton Rifles’ and ‘The Butterfly Collector’ as well as ‘Fast Car/Slow Traffic’ at the second of Weller’s five night residency at the Albert Hall. Subsequently, the two worked together on the sleeve notes of the 30th Anniversary release of ‘Sound Affects’ by The Jam.
PAUL WELLER now appears as one of two Very Special Guests on the new FOXTON album, ‘Back In The Room’, along with Stax and Blues Brothers legend, STEVE CROPPER. The albu contains a total of 12 tracks, all written by Bruce Foxton and From The Jam vocalist/guitarist, Russell Hastings
This new line-up continues to gain terrific ‘live’ reviews –
“Brzezicki, Foxton and Hastings took things to new heights…” (Dundee Courier)
The Band:
BRUCE FOXTON is a part of the English Rock and Roll establishment. A musician (born 1/9/1955 Woking, Surrey) who is most commonly recognised as the bass player in legendary The Jam and Stiff Little Fingers.
In The Jam, he and drummer Rick Buckler were the driving force, power and rhythm section behind singer, guitarist, and songwriter Paul Weller. Bruce’s versatility is evident, taking lead vocals on ‘David Watts’ (The Kinks) and ‘News Of The World’,which was one from his own catalogue of of compositions. Foxton’s most notable work being ‘Smithers-Jones’, featuring bass/guitar/drums for the B-side of ‘When You're Young’ and later reworked with strings for the ‘Setting Sons’ LP.
After The Jam split in '82, Foxton pursued a solo career. He had a hit with the single ‘Freak’ and collaborated with other musicians, until he got the call from Stiff Little Fingers' Jake Burns, staying with SLF for fifteen years, recording four albums, namely, ‘Flags and Emblems’, ‘Get a Life’, ‘Tinderbox’ and ‘Guitar and Drum’.
In 1994, Rick and Bruce collaborated on ‘Our Story’, a biography of their eventful and cherished years in The Jam. Bruce toured with Bruce Watson, Mark Brzezicki (Big Country) and Simon Townshend (The Who) in 2006 as The Casbah Club supporting The Who in the U.K and Europe promoting their new album ‘Venustraphobia’.
MARK BRZEZICKI is primarily known for his work with Big Country, and is a former member of the groups The Cult, Ultravox, and Procol Harum. He has also played with Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, Midge Ure, Fish, The Pretenders and many others.
With Tony Butler (of Big Country) he was known as ‘Rhythm for Hire’. Brzezicki left Big Country in July 1989, but rejoined in 1993. Big Country started gigging again in 2007, as part of their 25th anniversary tour. In 2004, Brzezicki helped found a new band, Casbah Club, with Bruce Foxton and Simon Townshend.
Smash Hits magazine had a running gag in the 1980s wherein they referred to him as "Mark Unpronounceablename of Big Country".On Pete Townshend's ‘All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes’ and ‘White City: A Novel’ albums there are joking references to the spelling of his last name…!
RUSSELL HASTINGS (born 6th July 1965,Sussex England) worked with Rick Buckler since November 2005. A musician/vocalist in his own right Russell has shocked audiences nationwide this year with his authentic and passionate interpretation in performance (vocals and guitar) of The Jam's back catalogue.
Russell grew up on The Jam and this is evident in his attention to every detail, from the Rickenbacker to the Marshall 4x4everything as it was and should be. Energy, pride, execution and dynamic delivery remain his hallmarks as he continues to collaborate with Bruce as From The Jam.
 

"The Rise & Fall Of Little Voice" Coming To Blackpool Grand Theatre - 19th to 24th November.

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice will storm onto the Grand Theatre’s stage on Monday 19 November and will be at The Grand until Saturday 24 November!

The time is fast approaching for The Rise and Fall of Little Voice to take to the Grand Theatre’s stage, bringing with it sparkling comedy, a plethora of multi-talented star performers, a brilliant storyline written by Jim Cartwright and an over-all brilliant night of entertainment!

National Treasure, Beverley Callard (Liz McDonald- Coronation Street) and Ray Quinn will be starring in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice alongside multi-talented actress and impressionist Jess Robinson and Duggie Brown from The Comedians.

 The Rise & Fall of Little Voice is a sparkling night of comedy, divas and romance, written & directed by Jim Cartwright. It’s an Olivier-winning show that you won't want to miss!

 In this heart-warming northern fairytale, shy LV spends most of the time immersed in her late Father's record collection and perfecting her astonishing impersonations, much to the dismay of her fun loving, out of control mother Mari. Overheard singing by Ray Say, a hapless talent scout and Mari's man of the moment, Little Voice is propelled to stardom as Ray sets about creating the show of the century in the dingy local working man's club. With an agent from London coming and everything gambled on this one performance, Mari & Ray's ticket to the big time rests squarely on Little Voice's shoulders.

But has anyone asked Little Voice what she wants?

Love struck from a chance meeting during a BT telephone installation, Billy (Ray Quinn) is the only one to really care about Little Voice. With a cherry picker, some lights and a little gentle love he takes on Little Voice's demons and helps her to finally find her true unique voice.

 Beverley Callard is best known for her role as Liz MacDonald in Coronation Street, who she has played since 1989. Beverley left the soap in 1998 to concentrate on her other career as an aerobics instructor, and to spend more time with her family.

In 2001 she joined the cast of Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crispsand stayed with the series for the next four years. In 2003 she returned to Coronation Street where she stayed until filming her final scenes in April 2011.

Starring alongside Beverley is Ray Quinn, who began his career in Brookside winning numerous awards for his role including Best Dramatic Performance and Best Storylineat the Soap Awards 2002. However Ray is probably best known for coming second to Leona Lewis on 2006’s X Factor. Since then he has had a No.1 platinum selling album, Doing It My Way. Ray has also had his own sell-out tour as well as appearing on the X-Factor arena tour.

After winning 2009’s Dancing On Ice Ray went on two UK arena tours with the show and will be performing in Dancing On Ice in 2013.

The fabulously talented Jess Robinsonwill be playing the shy and sweet-voiced LV. Jess is an actress and impressionist who has appeared in both plays and musicals. She toured the country with Joan Collins, playing her daughter in Full Circle. She played Ophelia in Hamlet - The Musical! Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Liesl in The Sound Of Music... Recently Jess played The Queen Of Hearts for the Les Enfants Terribles production of Alice In Wonderland.

Jess has recorded numerous radio sitcoms and sketch shows for Radio 4, including; The Now Show, Fifteen Minute Musicals, The Castle and Newsjack. She can also be heard on several of the brilliant Doctor Who audio episodes and she is the voice of CBBCs Horrible Histories, which is coming to the Grand Theatre in 2013 with the Vicious Victorians and Terrible Tudors!

Jess has a remarkable vocal range and will be bringing her stunning singing voice and incredible accent skills to The Grand in the production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

The Rise & Fall of Little Voice is at the Grand Theatre
from Monday 19 November to Saturday 24 November.
Tickets from £16.50 - Booking and Transaction fees apply

For the fastest way to book tickets for any show visit The Grand’s brand new interactive website www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk where you can now select your own seat!
Alternatively call the Box Office on 01253 74 33 39

 

CD Release: "You" by Lynne Fox

"YOU" Album ~ Track listing

1. You
2. Save Your Love For me
3. New Kid On The Block
4. Embraceable You
5. Warm Warm Winter
6. In The Moonlight
7. The Days Of Wine And Roses
8. Another Cuppa Coffee
9. My Ship
10. Take Time For Love
11. Faraway
12. April Afternoon
13. S'wonderful
Album available from CD BABY & ACTIVE MEDIA DISTRIBUTION
 
Pacific Paradise Music, London has signed U.K. jazz singer, Lynne Fox to an exclusive worldwide recording deal. Her debut album and single with Deep Joy, "YOU" will be released worldwide in November 2012. The album is produced by the legendary session guitarist Martin Kershaw, who has played guitar on 40 NO 1 hits and all 122 Muppet Shows at ATV, in his 50 year long career.
 
Kershaw's new Pacific Paradise Music searched over 2,500 female singers for the production of a latin/jazz album with original compositions from Martin Kershaw and Session singer Bob Saker. Lynne has also slipped one of her own co-written compositions on the album along with a few covers. Lynne says "Nothing has ever been quite so exciting as having songs written especially for me by two people who I admire so much"
 
Even in the slow songs and through the bitter sweetness of much of the repertoire, an optimism underpins Lynne's interpretations. The title song YOU, Warm Warm Winter, Save Your Love for Me and New Kid On the Block, are ideal vehicles for the way Lynne balances her ‘joie de vivre’ with her understanding of sadness. Joy and pain walk hand in hand in Lynne's music.
 
The wonderful musicianship of Ronnie Scott's resident pianist James Pearson features on the album along with Level 42's famed Gary Husband on drums and Olie Hayhurst on double bass. Lynne also plays the piano on the track In The Moonlight. Colin Watson is the talented programmer on 3 tracks (1,5,11) on the album which adds even more colour to these outstanding performances. The combination of Lynne's vocal talent and great musicianship on the album makes this debut album a winner for producer Martin Kershaw, alongside the other great albums in musical history. It oozes pure class and experience in the music field!
 
Recorded at Ralph Salmins Studios, Welwyn Garden City, England, October 15th, 16th & 17th 2012. Recorded and mixed by Lester Salmins, electronic tracks (1,5,11.) programmed by Colin Watson of "Dance Machine" Mastered by Lester Salmins. Produced by Martin Kershaw.
 
 

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Christmas 2012 at the Fylde Coast's jewel in the crown Monterey Beach Hotel, St. Annes-on-the-Sea, Lancashire

The lovely Monterey Beach Hotel, which you will find on North Promenade in St. Annes-on-the-Sea, Lancashire near the Pier, has a new chef.   We have long been fans of the Monterey Beach Hotel, a lovely, cosy, family-run hotel where you will find a very warm welcome all year round and a beautiful situation overlooking the sea.

We booked a table for 31st October to sample the festive Hallowee'n menu and the food was superb - there was a wide choice of starters, three good mains and a lovely selection of desserts - all  home cooked.  There is also a comprehensive wine list. From the festive fair on offer we selected Samosas and Spiced Pumpkin Soup - both were delicious.  To follow we tried the Turkey with all the trimmings and the Gammon and Peach - accompanied by sprouts and a superb and innovative vegetable medley with lots of roast potatoes.  For dessert, we chose the very appropriate hot Parkin with Custard and a delectable chocolate cheese-cake.  The presentation was lovely too.  Tea and coffee to complete the meal.

So if you haven't yet made up your mind what to do to celebrate this Christmas, get in touch with the Monterey Beach Hotel as soon as possible, because places are limited and booking is essential.   Christmas at the Monterey is always very special - they have the most wonderful decorations.

For your Christmas Party from now until 22nd December - choose from Festive Lunchtime Meal at £14.75 per person - 3 courses plus mince pie and tea or coffee - or Festive Evening Dinners at £16.50 per person - bookings for parties of 20 and over.

Please call 01253 721317 or 01253 723392 to make arrangements.  Special diets, vegetarian and vegan meals are available, as are Diabetic Sweets - please specify when booking.

Limited seats are also available over the Christmas Holiday period as follows, prices per person:

23rd December - £20.00

24th December - £32.50

Christmas Day  - £45.00 for 6 course Luncheon or
£60.00 for Christmas Day luncheon and evening buffet

26th December - £30.00
27th December - £20.00
28th December - £20.00
29th December - £20.00
30th December - £20.00

New Year's Eve - £50.00 - 6 course dinner with entertainment

New Year's Day - £35.00  - 6 course dinner with entertainment

Overnight accommodation can be arranged at discounted rates.
 
The Monterey Beach Hotel
18 - 22 North Promenade
St. Annes-on-the-Sea
Lancashire