Jason Robinson - Debut Announced For Fylde

Jason Robinson's much anticipated début for Fylde RFC will be against Preston Grasshoppers at the Woodlands on Saturday 11th September (ko 14.00). The legendary England RL & RU & British Lion will come out of a two and a half year's retirement to play in this very important National Two (North) league clash against Fylde's friends, neighbours and oldest rivals.

Jason has been training hard with the squad during the pre-season sessions in July and August and has run some coaching sessions. He has integrated easily with his new team mates and has already provided excellent leadership and has demonstrated his extraordinary skills on and off the ball. But it is in the heat of competitive battle that he will really be tested along with the rest of the Fylde squad. And no more so than on September 11th in the local derby. Can he reproduce his stunning talents at 36 years of age and in the hurly burly of N2N, three levels below the Premiership? Will he be able to be the decisive influence that he has been throughout his glittering career?

Local, national and international interest was ignited throughout the rugby world when news of his signing for Fylde was announced on Monday 26th July. A successful press conference on Thursday 29th July was attended by three TV channels, numerous national and local newspapers and the specialist rugby press.

Off the field, Jason has already helped Fylde RFC galvanise business sponsors and a number have already committed themselves to supporting the Club in 2010/11. He has also begun his work in the community where he will be assisting schools and other projects.

For more information about Fylde Rugby Club, visit www.fylderugby.co.uk

Houghton Weavers At Lowther Pavilion

We went and saw the Houghton Weavers at Lowther Pavilion on Sunday evening and had a really great time. They sing a wide variety of folk and traditional songs with a great mixture of old and new, punctuated with jokes and funny stores throughout.

I especially enjoyed "Bless This House", which although I knew, I'd never really heard sung live before and the thought provoking "Room In The Sky" about the badly thought out policy of demolishing traditional terraced streets and forcing people to move into tower blocks. There wear also humorous favourites such as Rawtenstall Annual Fair and Uncle Joe's Mint Balls, and as ever, they finished with a rousing performance of their all time anthem "The Blackpool Belle."

The band are celebrating 35 years together this year so, if you haven't seen them before: well, basically where have you been, then....?

Anyway they are playing lots more dates around the north west in the run up to Christmas so check out your local theatre.

They have a new CD and DVD coming out in time for Christmas. For more details of merchandise and tour dates, check out their website at http://www.houghtonweavers.com/

We recorded a brief interview with the lads before their show last night, looking ahead to their Christmas dates. This will be posted here shortly - so watch this space!

Big Band Night At The Sands Venue, Blackpool

We went along to the recently opened Sands Venue on Blackpool Promenade for the Big Band Night and were really impressed.

Host for the evening Richard Shelton (you may remember him as the murderous GP in Emmerdale...) sang some great swing numbers backed by the terrific Greg Francis Big Band.

Great menu choices and attentive service made the evening complete and what's great is that the taxi rank is right outside the entrance, so you don't have to worry about walking to the car park....

If you haven't been yet, it is definitely worth a visit. They have lots of different themed entertainment on different nights - so there's something for everybody. They even do Sunday lunch, which we hope to check out shortly... In the meantime, see their website for more details: http://www.the-sands-blackpool.co.uk/

William Hicks' Debut CD Launch at Mamma's Too

William Hicks - from Atlanta, Georgia - launched his debut solo CD at a special evening at Mamma's Too restaurant in St Annes on Friday evening.

The sell out audience were treated to a delicious hot buffet and performances by three local artists before William hit the stage.

Best known for his work with the American Four Tops Motown tribute, this CD sees William serve up a range of his own personal favourites, ranging from Nat King Cole to The Beatles and Tony Bennett to Tom Jones.

Track Listing:
1. Unforgettable 3:34 / 2. Fly Me To The Moon 3:08 / 3. I Left My Heart In San Francisco 3:33 / 4. Girl From Ipanema 4:02 / 5. Nobody But Me 2:42 / 6. Let There Be Love 2:24 / 7. L.O.V.E. 2:00 / 8. Autumn Leaves 2:56 / 9. Moon River 3:02 / 10. Fever 3:47 / 11. It's Not Unusual 2:39 / 12. Can't Buy Me Love 2:14

The CD can be bought on Amazon, itunes and direct from BigHix records - www.bighixrecords.com - where you can also find out more about future events and other local artists.

The next Soul Attic evening featuring William Hicks and local emerging artists will be held at Mamma's Too in St Annes on Friday 17th September with further dates on Sunday 24th October and Saturday 20th November

Tickets on sale now at £15 each from the venue - prior booking essential.

New Miss Blackpool's First Public Appearance - AFC Got Top!

Newly crowned Miss Blackpool 2010 Ella green made her first public appearance this evening - at AFC Blackpool's first home match of the season.

She met players and club officials before the game and inspired them to the top of the table with a 1-0 win over Atherton Collieries.

Ricoh Golf Special on Preston FM on Tuesday!

Paul & Lucy's keenly awaited Ricoh Women's 2010 British Open Golf Championship special will be aired on Preston FM on Tuesday 24th August at 4pm.

Incorporating live reports from the competition itself, exclusive interviews and comment this special programme follows the fascinating denouement of the event as well as discussing interesting issues such as youth development, competitions for senior women players and the psychology of winning.

Features: Juli Inkster, Laura Davies, Anne-Lise Caudal, Katherine Hull, Sean Gallagher.

The programme also features a preview of the 2010 Colne RnB Festival with interviews with emerging blues singer Lucy Zirins and Nine Below Zero's Dennis Greaves and there is a review of the 25th anniversary release of Propaganda's "A Secret Wish" CD and interview with Claudia Brucken.

Preston FM can be heard on 103.2FM in the Preston area and across the world on www.preston.fm

Walk Of Hope For The Maisy Rose Project - 4th September

In October 2009, 20 month old Maisy Rose Bolus died of a very rare brain tumour called Intracranial Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma.

It is so rare that the American pathologist called in to help had only seen 3 in her career, all were girls under 2 and presented in the same location in the brain.

Maisy’s short life is being remembered through The Maisy Rose Project who are carrying on her fight to help find cures for what are now the biggest killers of all childhood cancers.

The Maisy Rose Project is dedicated to raising awareness and funds to plough into the research of rare Brain Tumours so that Maisy can help children & families in the same situation.

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

Why not join in the Walk of Hope on 4th September to help raise funds and awareness.

Click on the icon below to hear our audio piece.

Lucy on Black Vegas

As Paul has already mentioned, we went along to the Grand Theatre to see Black Vegas as Skaface were appearing and I’ve been wanting to see them for a long time, as Colin Appleby my drumming teacher is the drummer. Skaface were absolutely fantastic, very professional and of course I just love everything they play.

On the same bill were a duo called Troubadour who were very good indeed and it was great to see Karima Francis Danny Wilde and Laura Catlow . However, much to my surprise, I was simply swept away by two of the other bands on the bill –Superstring and Sinister Footwear. I thought the drummer with Sinister Footwear was simply amazing – pity we couldn’t see him because it was rather dark at the back of the stage.

Both Superstring and Sinister Footwear were slick and very professional and sang material that they have composed themselves. I thought what they performed was tuneful and easy on the ear (especially for someone like me as, for example, I never liked the Rolling Stones).

I could hardly believe that Blackpool has such wonderful home grown talent. Both bands should be global hits – they certainly deserve to be. I especially can't wait to see Skaface, Superstring and Sinister Footwear again.

Lucy

Squires Gate In 5 Goal Thriller

Yes - 5 goals at Squires Gate, unfortunately all 5 were scored by visitors New Mills.

Miss Blackpool 2010 Final - Result and Exclusive Interview

1st Ella Green
2nd Ashley McKeever
3rd Charlotte Kershaw

Congratulations to all 16 finalists - all looked stunning!

Click on the icon below to hear all the excitement of the result plus an exclusive interview with Miss Blackpool 2010 Ella Green.

New Signing For Fylde Rugby Club

Fylde RFC has announced that England Counties and Lancashire lock forward Paul Arnold (30) will be joining the Club on a two year contract.

The totemic 2nd row giant has a great deal of Championship (level 2) experience at Orrell, Nottingham & Moseley after coming through the Sedgley Park youth system and making his senior debut for the North Manchester Club back in 2000. He made 78 appearances for Sedgley Park, 23 for Orrell (2004/5), 22 at Nottingham (2005/6) and 84 for Moseley (2006/9).

He moved back to his native North West and joined National Three (North) Caldy for the 2009/10 season at the end of which he finished the campaign as the division's top scorer with an extraordinary 27 league tries. This is a record for a forward in any of the national leagues. With Fylde's established flying star wingers Nick Royle and Oliver Brennand heading the N2N try scoring tables in recent seasons, the addition of Arnold promises a further burst of scoring but maybe from rather closer range!

Fylde Chairman Michael Brennand said: “This is not a short term arrangement. We are hoping that 'Arnie' will form the cornerstone of our pack for several years to come.”

There's rugby action at the Woodlands Memorial Ground tomorrow as Fylde host a 4 team tournament for the Ocean Hotal Challenge Cup. The tournament features teams from Leigh, Skipton and East Grindstead, as well as a Fylde XV. Games start at 2pm and admission is free but with a collection for Derian House children's hospice.

For more information about Fylde Rugby Club and the new season, visit www.fylderugby.co.uk

Skaface at Blackpool Grand Theatre

YES! After months of diary clashes, we finally managed to get to see Skaface - Blackpool's sensational ska covers band - at Blackpool's Grand Theatre last night as part of the "Black Vegas" local talent spotlight show.


They kicked off with Gangsters by The Specials and followed that up (in no particular order...so excited I can't remember what came when ...) with Too Much Pressure and On My Radio (originally made famous by the Selecter, Pressure Drop, Too Much Too Young, Nite Klub (The Specials), Special Brew and Lip Up Fatty (Bad Manners), Baggy Trousers & Night Boat To Cairo (Madness), Tom Hark (The Piranhas feat. Boring Bob Grover version as opposed to our own fave by Elias and his Zig Zag Jive Flutes), Woolly Bully (Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs), Geno (Dexy's Midnight Runners).

I can't begin to tell you what an enjoyable performance this was to watch. It felt like 1980 all over again - except that in 1980 I was old enough to like the music but not old enough to travel anywhere to go and see any of these bands play live...

I would definitely recommend going to see Skaface at the earliest opportunity - catch 'em quick before they go on to greater things.

And for flip's sake: somebody get me a t-shirt!

Miss Blackpool meets Ray Gordon Band

Reigning Miss Blackpool Jessica Berry took time out of her busy schedule to visit the Monterey Beach Hotel in St Annes on Monday to meet holidaymakers and see the Ray Gordon Big Band who have been a permanent fixture on the Fylde Coast for almost 25 years.

The band play every Monday night at the Monterey Beach Hotel (except Bank Holidays) from 8.30pm for hotel guests and members of the public to come along and dance or just enjoy the music.

Jessica Berry is pictured here with band leader Tony Hession.

The Drifters at Colne Muni - Interview / Preview

For more information and to book show tickets, visit: www.themuni.co.uk

Interview With Rossendale Utd Chairman Steve Hobson

Rossendale United chairman Steve Hobson came into the East Lancs Radio studio to give us his views on life in the North West Counties League following Rossy's relegation last term. Soundclips available shortly.

Exclusive Interview With Lucy Zirins

We had a fascinating chat with emerging blues singer Lucy Zirins from Burnley, looking ahead to her appearances at the Colne RnB Festival at the end of this month and the Carlisle Blues Festival in November.

Watch this space for details of radio broadcast dates and times.

To find out more about Lucy, go to www.myspace.com/lucyzirins

Complete Control Visit East Lancs Radio

Shez and Vinny from top Burnley/Rossendale punk covers band Complete Control came into the East Lancs Radio studio, accompanied by their promoter Paul, to tell us all abiout the group and what they've been doing recently. They also talked about the recent Nice n Sleazy festival in Morecambe, the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool and plans to play some dates in the USA next year.

Watch this space for details of interview features to be broadcast shortly but to find out more about the band in the meantime, check out their website at www.completecontrol77.co.uk

Nine Below Zero - Exclusive Interview

In an exclusive telephone interview, we spoke to Nine Below Zero founder member Dennis Greaves about 30 years with the band, appearing on The Young Ones, the new album and looking ahead to the Colne RnB Festival. Soundclips to follow.

Cafe Review: Cafe Artisan, Rawtenstall

Cafe Artisan, 1 Brook St, Rawtenstall, Lancashire, BB4 6AA
Tel: 01706 211114 e-mail: liveatartisan@hotmail.co.uk

Cafe Artisan is a cafe / bar in Rawtenstall, Lancs. Cafe by Day, Over 25's Bar at Night. Featuring regular live music. Peroni, Amstel and Guinness on Draught, bottled real ales and 30 home-made flavoured vodkas.

Opening Tines:
Weds 11am - 3pm, Thurs 11am till 7pm (food til 6pm), Fri / Sat 11am - Midnight (food til 8pm Fri & 5pm Sat), Sun 12pm - 4pm

Check out their website at www.cafe-artisan.co.uk. To hear our cafe review, click on the icon below:

Miss Blackpool 2010 - Sandcastle Photo Shoot

Somebody has to take on these difficult assignments...!

10 days to go to the Miss Balckpool 2010 Grand Final at the Imperial Hotel - get your tickets now at www. miss
blackpool
pageant .co.uk

Rebellion Festival - Sunday Highlights (well, ours anyway...)

Vice Squad At Rebellion Festival - where have you been these past 28 years...?

Forget Paris!

The last time I saw Vice Squad, they looked like that (left pic),

now they look like this (right pic).




As the title suggests, it is actually 28 years since I last saw Vice Squad play live - October (ish...) 1982: Sea Cadets Hall Cambridge. Absolutely Brilliant! The support was a local band called Flowers of the Past. It was particularly memorable as there were no trains or buses back to Peterborough afterwards so my dad had to drive all the way to Cambridge - find the place - and then drive me and Darren MacAuley home afterwards, ready for school the next day.

It was just after the "State of the Nation" EP had been released so they played all the songs off that, plus all the songs from the "Strand Strong Stand Proud" LP (which I absolutely loved and still do). They didn't play "Saviour Machine" but did do a version of the Pistols' classic "EMI" so that was alright - plus I bumped into Shane coming out of the toilet...!

So, as Vice Squad are my FAVORITEST BAND EVER - why did it take 28 years before I got to see them again ? Well, you know - the usual things, I had work.... and, well, stuff..... Of course it didn't help that Beki left the band to form Ligotage ("Crime and Passion" - great song!) and I never really took to the "Lia incarnation" of the group.

Fast forward now to 7th August 2010 and I'm Back - finally! Having seen the long queues of people trying to get into the Arena stage to see Peter & The Test Tube Babies, I immediately made my way to the Olympia stage to make sure of a place and found a safe place with a decent view leaning on a pillar.

The room filled up and tension mounted. The band came on and started with a song I didn't know..! Oh dear, hadn't thought of that... "Punx United" though - good rousing tune - then another "new" song. Oh well, I couldn't really expect them to play 30 year old songs JUST to suit me, could I..?

But then came “Living On Dreams” from the Last Rockers EP -the very first Vice Squad song I ever heard – back on John Peel’s Radio 1 show – and everything was all right. Apart, that is, from probably the only bloke taller than me in the room who didn’t appear remotely interested in what was happening on stage and kept chatting and laughing with his entourage. I moved from my cosy pillar and went to a side wall - better view of the stage , slightly closer, more “personal space” around me and the 50/50 nature of the set continued.

We got “Scarred for Life” and “Citizen” from the “State Of the Nation”, “Latex Love”, “Out Of Reach” and (my favourite...) “Rock n Roll Massacre” from Stand Strong mixed with newer material such as Defiant, Goodnight England and others that I can’t quite remember after just one hearing. They signed off with the great anthem “Stand Strong Stand Proud” and then a spine tingling rendition of “Last Rockers” that made me feel as if it was 1982 all over again .

So there you go: Beki’s back, I’m back, Vice Squad are still brilliant and the Rebellion Festival is a great opportunity to catch up on all those bands you’ve seen and loved / not seen for ages... only let’s not leave it another 28 years, eh guys...?

Rebellion Festival - Saturday Highlights

Well - what a day! Taking the photos in order: Lucy in Ren Aldridge's tent at the Punk Art Display. There is a good reaosn for this - just not quite sure what it is - you'll have to ask Ren... The band witnthe longest name at the Festival (probably...) "Don't Let Paris Fool You", OK we won't... Mauri Clash City Rocker went down well (pictured here with Max)..... Paranoid Visions from Dublin .... Vice Squad (yes...!.... UK Subs in the Empress Ballroom - huge queues outside to get in!...and UK Decay in the Pavilion Theatre - what a pretty bijou little place.

Full Vice Squad report to come

... and lots more tomorrow!