Female Poets Exhibition at Nelson Ace Centre - 15th August to 3rd September 2013

For more details, go to: www.femalewarpoets.blogspot.co.uk

Urban Altitude - New Urban Playground For Colne - Opens 8th June

Urban Altitude – a unique adventure playground in Colne – opens to the public on Saturday, June 8th.

After months of speculation and leaving motorists driving along Vivary Way wondering, Pendle Leisure Trust can finally reveal the purpose of the giant framework. It is the first of its kind to be built in the UK in an urban town centre location and measuring a massive 42ft.

The outdoor pursuit, situated behind Pendle Leisure Centre, off Crown Way, features a 60metre zip-wire, a Leap of Faith, power-fan, Jacobs Ladder, climbing wall and high and low rope courses built around a main activity tower.

Visitors have to make their way from station to station using a series of aerial ropes and ‘stepping stones’, with qualified instructors assisting them through their ‘journey’.

Urban Altitude is a joint venture between Pendle Leisure Trust and Alliance Leisure and supported by Pendle Borough Council. It will be run by a manager and a team of industry-leading qualified instructors.

For more information, check out: www.urban-altitude.co.uk

CD Release: ZTT Various Artists - Zambient One / Out 3rd June

ZTT – Various Artists - Zambient One

Release date: 3^rd June / Format: CD / SALVOCD061

·         Digitally Remastered from the original master tapes by Fine Spice for superb sound quality

·         Deluxe pocket pack comes with beautifully-illustrated 8 page booklet

A new concept in ZTT compilations, Zambient One draws from the catalogues of the most celebrated acts on the label (Art Of Noise, Propaganda, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, 808 State) but selects some rather different remixes to keep things interesting and add a sophisticated twist.
Sprinkle on some laid-back dance floor delights, slinky selections by the like of Hoodlum Priest, Instinct, Novecento and L.a.z.y. and leaven with a handful of classics from the Stiff Records archive – Tracey Ullman’s wonderful reading of The Waitresses I Know What Boys Like, a 21^st century re-boot of Jona Lewie’s Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties and Mint Juleps’ exalted take on Neil Young’s Only Love Can Break Your Heart.

Then pick up the 6am Ambient Mix of Kirsty MacColl’s hit single Walking Down(or make the time stand still, if you prefer) with their blissful version of Fred Neil’s Dolphins.

In short, Zambient One is Zang Tuum Tumb’s very personal collection of modern day lullabies (and wake up calls). The soundtrack to an imaginary road movie that heads off from Sarm Studios in West London on a torrential Friday night and arrives at the burning embers of Studio Mediterraneo in Ibiza just in time for sunrise on Sunday.

It’s a highly involving trip; one that will leave you refreshed and relaxed, ready to hit the bar – and wanting to experience it all over again.

Track Listing:
01 – Art Of Noise – Moments of Love (Beating Hart’s Mix)
02 – Hoodlum Priest – Sex Spirit
03 – 808 State – Pacific (Justin Strauss Mix)
04 – L.A.Z.Y. – When We Were Young (Starfish Mix)
05 – Tracey Ullman – I Know What Boys Are Like
06 – Jona Lewie – Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties (Alkalino’s Rework)
07 – Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Relax (Sex Mix Edition 2)
08 – Instinct – Sleepwalking (12” Extended Mix)
09 – Novecento – Day and Night (David Morales’ Def Mix)
10 – Propaganda – Dream Within A Dream (Within A Dream)
11 – Kirsty MacCool – Walking Down Madison (6am Ambient Mix)
12 – Heights of Abraham – Dolphins
13 – Mint Juleps – Only Love Can Break Your Heart

THE 2013 GREAT BRITISH RHYTHM & BLUES FESTIVAL, COLNE - 23rd to 26th August

This August Pendle Leisure Trust is celebrating 24 years of bringing International Rhythm and Blues to Colne, Lancashire,

 

With more than 600 artistes performing at nine official venues over four days, Colne’s annual Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival is now as the key UK rhythm & blues festival on the UK calendar , held over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Following last year’s resounding success, there will be another afternoon of Jazz on the Sunday.

 

Gracing the Muni’s International Stage will be Rolling Stones legend Bill Wyman and his Rhythm Kings, Ginger Baker’s Jazz Confusion – look out for the new movie ‘Beware of Mr Baker’; Blues Music Awards nominee Joe Louis Walker, former Steely Dan  & Doobie Brothers guitar supremo , Elliott Randall’s New York All Stars, , Lil’ Jimmy Reed, Steve Phillips & The Rough Diamonds, Paul Lamb &The King Snakes, Chicago Blues Harmonica All Stars – featuring 3 of the biggest three harmonica legends in music - Charlie Musselwhite, Sugar Blue and Billy Branch; The Swing Commanders, The Jive Aces, Ian Siegal, King King and the Chas Hodges Band. Climax Blues Band return, as well as Chris Farlowe & The Norman Beaker Band, the ever-reliable Nine Below Zero, Dr Feelgood and The Pretty Things are back to stun the Muni audience once again.

 

British Stage highlights include the sensational hit of TV’s Andrew Marr Show – Blues Boy Dan Owen (now under the wing of Mick Fleetwood and soon to tour with ZZ Top), Krissy Matthews and Cliff Stocker’s Slack Alice, who are guaranteed to ram the leisure centre. Look out too, for The Revolutionaires, the Maz Mitrenko Band and Midnight Train with Sam Kelly & Debbie Giles.

 

The Acoustic Stage continues its reputation for ‘you should’ve been there’ performances, with Deborah Bonham returning after her barnstorming International Stage performance in 2009 and fresh from recent appearances with Steve Cropper and Paul Rodgers;  Krissy Matthews provides a chance to see him in a more intimate environment, with other performances coming from Gypsy Bill Williams & Del Potter; Dale Storr, Mike Sweeney & Paddy O’Hare and Babajak .

 

The Jessica Foxley Stage returns again, giving young, local musicians a rare opportunity to perform in front of the hundreds of fans on the British Stage through the four day event.

 

And The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival will this year play host to the British Blues Awards, hopefully bringing even more people to the event.

 

The British Blues Awards recognises the best of Blues music, musicians and festivals in 15 different categories, including British Male and Female Vocalist, British Blues Band, British Instrumentalist and British Young Artist. The awards will be presented on the British Stage on the Sunday afternoon.

 

BBC Radio Lancashire will once again be broadcasting live from the British Stage at various times over the weekend.

  

For a full line-up, to find out more and to buy tickets, visit www.bluesfestival.co.uk.

3rd Annual Guitar Festival At ACE Centre, Nelson - Sunday 2nd June.

The 3rd annual Pendle Guitar Festival will be taking place at The ACE Centre in Nelson, on Sunday, June 2nd where live music, free guitar workshops, lessons and recording sessions, guitar valuations and a chance to buy, sell and trade new, used and vintage guitars will all be on offer.

ACE Centre studio engineer Andrea Quarin said: “The last two events were a tremendous success with people coming from all over to attend and now the Festival has become a firm favourite with musicians.”

Pendle Guitar Festival, which is being sponsored by Forsyth Music Shop in Deansgate, Manchester and the Swap Shop in Leeds Road, Nelson, will take place from 10am to 4pm.

Andrea added: “There will be lots happening, including live Acoustic, Country, Rock and Blues guitar performances and workshops given by Stuart Ryan, Gwyn Ashton and Adam Palma.

“There will also be free guitar lessons for all levels and a chance to make a free 10 minute recording in our studio, as well as stalls selling guitars, amps and related items, plus a display of vintage guitars.

“People can also bring along their own guitar for a free evaluation with the possibility of selling it to traders.

“This will be any musician or music-lover’s dream day out.” 

Tickets cost £4 in advance and £5 on the door. To book, or for more information, call (01282) 661080.

20p Student Coffee Events At Ace Centre, Nelson during June

Acoustic artists in East Lancashire are invited to play at a series of special college student events at the ACE Centre in Nelson during June.

Andrea Quarin from the ACE Centre said: "We will have a college student's 20p coffee events through June and we would like to put some acoustic acts during the events. Students from around the Pendle area will come to our bistro at The Ace Centre in Nelson between 4pm and 6pm and we will offer them coffee and teas at 20p each and free wifi. We are doing this in order to engage with the young community.

"This could be a great spot for artists to engage too with the younger audience. I was wondering if you could give a shout out to all your contacts to see if some artists are interested in playing. It will need to be strictly acoustic and although we won't be able to pay the artists, we will give them a couple of free pints. They will be able to sell CD's too."

The dates of the events are: 12th, 13th,19th, 20th, 26th and 27th June.

Anybody interested in playing should contact the Ace centre on 01282 661080 or visit the website at: www.acecentre.co.uk

New Ice Hockey Team Launches In Widnes

A new senior ice hockey team has been launched at the recently opened Silver Blades rink at Widnes.  It is called Widnes Wild and will be run by team manager Mick Caunce - who ran the Fylde Flyers team for two seasons at Cleveleys - and head coach Mark Gillingham who was also at Fylde.

The first signings for the new club have been announced as:

Calum Ruddick - a former Deeside Dragons player who also played roller hockey for GB.
Bobby Caunce - former Fylde Flyers and Lancashire Raptors forward
Ken Armstrong - a forward from Blackburn Eagles
Stewart Marriott - defenceman from Fylde Flyers.

The team is expected to play in Division 2 North of the National Ice Hockey League next season and open trials are being held from 6th June onwards for prospective players to go and try out for place on the roster.

For more information, check out the official website at: www.widnesicehockey.co.uk

Ballroom Dancing News

PHILIP WYLIE  HOLIDAY AND DANCE PRESENTS ‘IT'S NOT TOO LATE’ To be part of our exciting May and June dance programme which includes a unique Social Dance package at the Tower Ballroom Blackpool and the ever-popular English Riviera Dance Festival at Torquay. Before you journey into our ‘Not Too Late’ dance delights we suggest a quick view on our major clicks shown below and then of course will be delighted if you continue your journey through our dance programme. Happy Dancing and Best Wishes

'IT'S NOT TOO LATE'

TOWER BALLROOM BLACKPOOL 24th – 26th May 2013 The world famous and unique Tower Ballroom offers an outstanding dance experience with 3 days of social dancing for all. The exciting programme includes Coffee Dances, Tea Dances, Gala Evenings, Champions in Cabaret, Learn & Improve sessions, together with recording star Richard Keeling providing great live music. You can buy tickets on the door for all sessions. Click for leaflet 31ST ENGLISH RIVIERA DANCE FESTIVAL 31ST MAY – 7TH JUNE 2013 The popular Victoria Hotel Torquay offers a warm welcome, wonderful facilities and superb ballrooms. The outstanding programme includes dancing in two ballrooms, Learn & Improve sessions, Master-classes and 2 Gala evenings in the Town Hall with ‘Strictly Stars’ and British Champions in Cabaret. Choose your length of stay. If you download the leaflet you will see options not only for residents but also a choice of session tickets and season tickets for non- residents who are not on the hotel package. Click for leaflet ST. AUDRIES BAY SOMERSET 14th – 17th JUNE 2013 ST AUDRIES BAY HOLIDAY CLUB beautifully situated on the Somerset coast offering scenic delight, great walks and many outstanding attractions within easy reach. Great choice of casual comfort in caravans / bungalows / lodges & chalets or a touring pitch plus self-catering or part-board options. The evening dance programme is not only for those who can dance but also for those who would like to learn or improve. Click for leaflet SUMMER DANCE BREAK – ST. ANNES 21ST – 24TH JUNE 2013 The delightful sea facing INN ON THE PROM (St. Annes, Lancashire) offers not only a delightful ballroom but excellent comfort and facilities including Nivens Health Club & Spa. Full dance programme includes Young Dance Stars in Cabaret. Click for leaflet THEATRE & DANCE – SPECIAL OFFER BURN THE FLOOR Shaftesbury Theatre Top price tickets only £29.50!* (usually £57) Quote ‘HOLIDAY AND DANCE’ when calling the Box Office on 020 7379 5399 or going online to www.burnthefloor.com Burn The Floor is the ultimate high-voltage theatrical experience exploding with jaw-dropping choreography, heart-pounding music and breath-taking dance moves. From seriously sexy to irresistibly charming, the most talented ensemble of dancers in London join forces with two sensational singers and a live band in an electrifying production ‘that will have you leaping out of your seat to join in‘ Heat Magazine. Not just a feel good but a feel fantastic show – don’t miss your chance to experience Burn The Floor before it leaves London on 30 June. ANOTHER SPECIAL OFFER A Christmas ‘Early Bird’ offer for the famous ‘CHRISTMAS HOUSE DANCE PARTY’ at the Victoria Hotel Torquay. Deadline is 30th June for a special saving of £30 pp Download your Christmas leaflet now Click for leaflet For our full Diary of Dance events please download ‘What When Where’ DANCE TIP SO YOU WANT TO BE A BETTER DANCER Many who go dancing whether it be monthly, fortnightly, weekly, daily or even twice daily can be quite content with whatever dance steps they have learnt and do not wish to progress further. Why should they – dancing is not about a standard but personal and shared enjoyment. But there are those who wish to improve their dance performance for reasons of personal satisfaction. You might be seeking to know more choreography or maybe better partnering or leading skills, whatever the objective it is worth considering how best it can be achieved. You are probably going to dance classes or having private lessons either with a partner or without. At the sessions for inexperienced dancers you may quite simply be looking for further information on steps and how to execute them. For more advanced dancers you might wish for the dancing to feel better or look better. It is worth remembering dancers usually develop their performance in 3 ways – what they see, what they are told and what they feel when dancing with someone more experienced. Obviously we can learn from all 3 elements but sometimes as individuals one of the elements can be more meaningful, for example a gentleman dancer often needs a detailed explanation to lead well whereas the female sometimes picks up the action from the feel alone. Developing new techniques, posture or new body positions to one another can take time, maybe it will feel foreign, change the feeling of unison between man and lady, even in some cases the overall dance feel for a particular rhythm. Don’t despair, practice and mental perseverance will change an old muscle memory to maybe a new and more exciting action and posture with greater freedom for you and your partner plus the bonus of more attractive rhythmic interpretation. If you have that desire to know more, feel and look better don’t lose this, please foster it, you will have a lifetime of happy and self-absorbing dance experience before you. Happy Dancing! info@holidayanddance.co.uk www.holidayanddance.co.uk

Horseboating on our National Canals - do something different this weekend!

Saturday, 18th May, 2013 

National Waterways Museum, 

Ellesmere Port,

Wirral 

There will be a Horseboating demonstration after the unveiling of the boathorse sculpture and speeches at 11am – 2 miles                  

Towlines 2013: Horseboating dates

Can you help as crew or as a supporter?

Maria on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal

Friday May 17, West Slaithwaite to Slaithwaite, 2 miles, about 10 locks

Sunday May 19, Slaithwaite to Huddersfield, 5 miles, about 20 locks

Wednesday May 22, Huddersfield to Linthwaite, 4 miles, about 16 locks

Thursday May 23, Linthwaite to West Slaithwaite, 3 miles, about 14 locks

  

Gifford on the Shropshire Union Canal

  

Elland on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal  

Monday May 20, Skipton to Gargrave Boat to be at Gargrave for the Autoharp Festival, May 31 to June 2. Backcabin and hold accommodation available on Elland.

Vixen on the Rochdale Canal  

Friday May 31, Sowerby Bridge to Hebden Bridge (Stubbing Wharf), 5 miles, 12 locks  Can you find fare-paying passengers for her?  Up to 12.

For all horseboating activities, crew and other supporters are always much needed and welcomed.

Details from Sue Day: email enquiries@horseboating.org.ukor telephone landline 01457 834863, mobile 07711 121 056

If you would like to get involved as crew in 2013, please fill in a crew form - "Crew for 2013". See the HBS website www.horseboating.org.ukfor the form to download. You can fill it in online or print a hard copy to fill in by hand. Return to Sue Day by email or hard copy.
PDF version (Download needs Acrobat Reader or Foxit Reader) This gives a hard copy to fill in by hand. Send by post or hand it to Sue Day.
Word version (Download needs Microsoft Word, Open Officeor similar). This version can be filled in online and sent by email to Sue Day. 

Blackpool North Pier 2013 Summer Season Launch

Blackpool North Pier is inviting Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre accommodation providers, taxi drivers, and tram and bus drivers and conductors to a see a sneak preview of the resort’s most exciting, most fun-packed, and most family-friendly shows and events taking place on the pier this year in a special theatre show to be held as part of the North Pier’s 150^th Anniversary Celebrations on Tuesday 21^stMay.

This year’s Summer Season Showcase promises to be the most exciting preview event ever held at the pier as artists from the pier’s theatre productions, Merrie England shows and the Carousel Family Bar entertainers come together to provide a fun-packed, fully-produced summertime spectacular!

Stars from the North Pier Theatre’s sensational summer season will be performing snippets from their shows, including the stars of The Rat Pack is Back with guest star Kenny Lynch; Jukebox & Bobbysox, the 50s & 60s rock ‘n’ roll show; cast members from panto-musical The Wizard of Oz; artists from The Variety Show and The Ultimate Kids Variety Show; and the cast of last year’s hit summer show which returns this year by popular demand The Ragdolls tribute to The Jersey Boys.

Some of the artists who be performing in the Merrie England Bar throughout the summer will also take to the theatre stage including songstress Sara Cheston and comedy cabaret act Roberts ‘n’ Ashcroft. You will also get to meet the North Pier’s new entertainment team the Carousel Cadets along with The Captain and his first mate Piers the Parrot aka The Pirates of The Carousel, the new stars of the Carousel Family shows throughout the season!

The evening will also star the one and only Joey Blower who will be our host for the evening. This year Joey celebrates 20 years performing at the award-winning Merrie England Bar, as well as 35 years in entertainment; who better to compère Blackpool North Pier’s Summer Season Showcase…

There are two tickets available for accommodation providers, taxi drivers and bus and tram drivers and conductors for this very special evening which begins at 6.30pm in the Sun Lounge where those attending will receive a goody bag containing information on all North Pier events and shows, vouchers for complimentary show tickets and gifts from our supporters Morecambe Bay Wines and Heineken. You will also enjoy the wonderful sounds of the North Pier’s resident organist Trevor Raven and entertainment from the Carousel Cadetsbefore being escorted to the North Pier Theatre for the beginning of our Summer Season Showcase at 8pm.

Join us on Tuesday 21^st May and celebrate our 150^thAnniversary with a very special Summer Season Showcase. To ensure you get your tickets simply call into the new North Pier Information and Box Office (situated in The Conservatory) between 11am and 4pm before Sunday 19^th May. Bring along your accommodation’s business card, taxi ID or Bus/Tram ID and you will be given your two complimentary tickets. Please note, places are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

Emmaus Preston - The Homeless Charity Shop

Emmaus Preston - the homeless charity that works - is a star among charity shops.  They have a cafe where you can have snacks and a scone and tea so why not check it out.

49 - 50 Friargate,
PRESTON,
PR1 2AT

Tel.:  01772 796622

They also have a Craft Centre on the First Floor where they run all sort of craft courses and workshops.  In some cases there may be a nominal charge of £25 for those who can afford it.

For further details of these, please e-mail guyjohnsonemmaus@me.com and/or check out their website at emmaus.org.uk/preston

- so there is lots to see.  This month (i.e. May 2013) check out their amazing salt lamps.

To celebrate National Mills Weekend - Saturday, 11th and Sunday, 12th May 2013 Marsh Mill Thornton presents special events

TV Presenter Sally Jacks sells herself on E-Bay for Sam Shaw Appeal

Burnley girl Sally Jacks (pictured left) will auction herself for the Sam Shaw appeal in a UK first.

Following her appearance on Channel 4 show Come Dine with Me, which airs (Friday, May the 10th at 8pm on Channel 4), Sally Jacks, from (Ightenhill, Burnley) will offer her services on eBay and cook for the highest bidder. She plans to cook the winner from EBAY her menu from the Channel 4 show.

Sally, a singer formerly with Bucks Fizz, now appears regularly on cult TV shopping channel Bid TV. She has been searching for ways to help raise £250,000 needed to get 4 year old Lancashire lad, Sam Shaw, the cancer treatment he urgently needs.

Sam Shaw, from Hoddlesdon, has been fighting neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer since early this year. It is a cancer that has already spread to his bones and bone marrow. The fundraising will give Sam the treatment he needs in the USA. The NHS and UK medical facilities are unable to offer this treatment.

Sam’s mother Christine said, “As a parent all you want is to protect your child and see them grow up healthy and happy. Sam’s diagnosis has left us feeling completely helpless in the face of this terrible disease. He faces 80 days of intense chemotherapy, followed by surgery, further high dose chemotherapy, stem cell rescue, and radiotherapy and then, we hope immunotherapy in America. We’re hoping Sally can cook up the much needed funds”

Sally Jacks said, “Sam’s story broke my heart and I offered to do anything possible to help the family raise their target. As auctioning myself after Come Dine with Me will be a UK first on eBay, I hope many others will join me and bid”. Sally’s menu will be revealed on the night of the show.

The auction will open on eBay on May the 10^th after the show Come Dine With Me. Donations are welcomed at https://www.justgiving.com/samshawappeal.

Jessica Foxley Stage Auditions for Colne RnB Festival. Closing Date 16th June 2013!

Young musicians are again being given a fantastic opportunity to take centre stage during this year’s Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival.

The Jessica Foxley Stage was launched in 2010 in memory of a rising Colne star and or the past three years we have given young musicians a rare opportunity to perform on the British Stage during the four day event.

Now Rhythm and Blues bands are invited to audition for one of the sought-after places for this year’s Festival.

Live auditions, behind closed doors and in front of a panel of judges, will take place at The ACE Centre in Nelson on three dates in June.

Tuesday, June 25^th    6.00pm

Thursday, June 27^th   6.00pm
Sunday, June 30^th    12.00pm

Interested artistes need to submit a biog and relevant information to info@bluesfestival.co.uk by Sunday, June 16th 2013.

Not only will the chosen musicians win the chance to play in front of hundreds of both national and international Blues fans, they will also win the chance to produce a demo at Studio 11 Recording Studios at The ACE Centre in Nelson.

Liverpool Leopards Back On the Ice After 30 Years!

The Liverpool Leopards ice hockey team will take to the ice again after a break from completion of over 30 years to take on a team of Deeside Dragons in a special "Legends" game at Deeside Ice Rink in Queensferry, North Wales, on Saturday 13th July.

Many of the original players from the 70s and early 80s will be on the ice in game that is being played in aid of the  Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Charity, as well as the Dragons junior development clubs.


You can find out more about arrangements for the game here: https://www.facebook.com/events/634898549858600/?fref=ts

More about Deeside Dragons ice hockey club here: www.deesidedragons.co.uk

And more about the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Charity here: http://leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk/

The Diamond Ball - Millenium Hotel, London - 15th June 2013

The British Monarchist Society requests the pleasure of your company at "The Diamond Ball" held in the Millennium Hotel London Mayfair Grand Ballroom, to celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of Her Majesty's Coronation.

This black-tie/national-dress evening is presented in part by Help for Heroes, whom will be the beneficiary of the evening’s proceeds.

 

By purchasing your tickets and showing support for our Armed Forces, you will be helping us celebrate a truly historic event which benefits such an important cause, complete with a traditionally elegant four-course dinner exclusively prepared for the British Monarchist Society by the award winning celebrity Chefs of the Millennium Hotel London Mayfair.

 

For tickets and more information, click here: http://bmsdiamondball.co.uk/The-Diamond-Ball.html