New Soul & Motown Nights At North Euston Hotel, Fleetwood - Exclusive Interview

There's a new regular Soul and Motown night in the Victoria Bar at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood featuring great music from experienced Soul disc spinner DJ Scottie and live singing from Sara Cheston (in photo).

Confirmed dates so far are: Friday 4th May 2012 and Friday 1st June 2012

Free admission!

To hear our great interview with Scottie and Sara talking about the Soul & Motown Nights, simply click on the sound icon below (this may take longer to load if you are running a Mac...):

Blackpool Win Away At Birmingham! A Good Omen For The Play Offs, Mr Holloway...?

Sunday 29th April 2012
Birmingham Rockets 9 - Blackpool Seagulls 11
Period Scores; 4-4, 1-3, 4-4
Seagulls Scorers:
Dave Anthony 3+0, Joe Charlton 3+0, Danny Jones 2+2, Brian Singer 1+2, Stefano Simi 1+1, Dan Coxon 1+1, Lee Shaughnessy 0+2, Mark Higson 0+1,Mick Buchanan 0+1, Phil Kirwan 0+1,

Seagulls Penalties:
Simi 4, Buchanan 30, Bleackley 2, Jones 4, Charlton 2

On Saturday 5th May, Blackpool Seagulls are playing the Sheffield Squeelers at Ice Sheffield Arena, face off 2.00 pm.  A coach is running to the game leaving the Saddle Pub at 10.30 am returning approx 7.30 pm. Cost is £10. To book your place, contact Peter Bleackley on: 07921 298 209.

The next Blackpool Seagulls home match is against Tyneside Jesters at the SubZero Arena in Cleveleys on Saturday 12th May - 5pm face off. 

For more information about the Blackpool Seagulls, visit the official website at www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk

 

Magic Trees Back In England! Tour Dates For 2012

Friday 4th May: Station Tavern, Lytham
Saturday 5th May:- The Vic, St. Annes
Sunday 6th May:  Tommy Ducks, Blackpool (South Shore)
In 2011, Magic Trees set out on a new adventure, moving to England and spending the summer playing music, meeting beautiful people and finding new inspiration for a new... album. Instead of hibernating to escape the Canadian winter upon their return home, the Trees embarked on a prairie province tour, taking them from the rocky north of Thompson, Manitoba, across the snow-covered flatlands of Saskatchewan and into the Rocky Mountains of Alberta.

The Magic Trees, armed with a pocketful of new songs and an insatiable hunger for new adventures and sandwiches, are excited to be returning to the UK for another summer of music and love! Known to some as the "Official Party People," the group is ready to rock, have a good time and share something that is bigger than all of us!

This year when the group returns, they will be branching out and welcoming bassist, Craig Kennerley, formerly of Twisted Romance to the ranks. 

For a list of upcoming UK dates, please view  the Magic Trees full gig calendar on Reverbnation- http://www.reverbnation.com/magictrees

Special Jubilee Afternoon Tea At "Parks" Cafe, Stanley Park

The "Parks" Art Deco Cafe in Stanley Park, Blackpool, will be offering a special afternoon tea to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June.

It will be available on Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Monday 4th June and costs £11.95 per person.

This will be a very popular way to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee and advanced booking is advised.

To find out what else is happening at the Art Deco Cafe, check out the official website at: www.parksartdecocafe.co.uk

Free Event Publicity During Mens Open Golf Championship

The Men's Open Golf Championship is coming to Royal Lytham & St Annes from 15th to 22nd July 2012 and the Lancashire Arts Development Team are organising special music events to coincide with the tournament.

They are producing a special directory of other music and arts events that are happening during this period and anybody who is planning an event during this time can have it listed in the brochure.

The deadline for content to go into the publication is: Friday 8th June 2012.

For more information contact: Deborah Rowe - Arts Development Team
Lancashire County Council
Tel:  01772  533040

mailto: Deborah.Rowe@lancashire.gov.uk

Lancashire Arts Development Website:
http://www3.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/atoz/a_to_z/service.asp?u_id=1308&tab=1

Great Sponsorship Opportunity - Name Your Own Football Stadium!

It cost around £100 million for Emirates to get their name on Arsenal's Ashburton Grove stadium and other big names have also paid large sums for similar deals. But YOU can have the chance of getting your company's name attached to a Premier Division football ground for just £50. That's right - £50! 

Ok, we may not be talking Arsenal or Manchester United or Liverpool and we may be talking the Premier Division of the North West Counties Football League but Squires Gate FC have come up with the idea of raffling the clubs stadium naming rights for the 2012/13 season and it costs just £50 to enter the draw.

Albert Cooper explains: "Like all small football football clubs, Squires Gate FC are looking to raise funds to help to be able to keep playing. Our groundsman, Brian Addison, who has been everything for the club, from player, skipper, sec. chairman, and award winning non league groundsman, spotted an article about Bath football club, who had put the name of their stadium up to raise funds, and he thought it might be what we are looking for.So we are selling tickets at £50 a go, and the winner will be able to name our Stadium the name of their choice."

All entrants will also receive a free season ticket for all of next season's home matches.

To enter the draw, or find out about other ways that you can help the club, please contact one of the following:
Brian Addison - 07530923570 and  01253 403100
Chairman Stuart Hopwood - 07850700171
Albert Cooper - 01253 728485

Where to see Vocal Duo Vineyard during April and May 2012

REMAINING APRIL 2012 DATES

Saturday 28th April 9pm-12.00pm

The Steamer

1-2 Queens Terrace Fleetwood
http://www.pubutopia.com/pubs/F/Fleetwood/Steamer/

Sunday 29th April  5pm-8pm: Henrys Bar & Grill Henry Street Lytham

http://www.henrysbarandgrill.co.uk/

MAY 2012

Saturday 5th May 8.30pm-11.30pm: The Fairhaven Marine Drive Lytham

http://www.ukpubfinder.com/pub/44135

Sunday 6th May 3pm-6pm: Mojito Tapas Bar Henry St Lytham

http://www.portofino-zest.com/Mojito-homepage.html

Thursday 17th May 7.45pm-11.45pm : Mojito Tapas Bar Henry St Lytham

http://www.portofino-zest.com/Mojito-homepage.html

Friday 18th May 8.30pm-11.30pm: The Fairhaven Marine Drive Lytham

http://www.ukpubfinder.com/pub/44135

Sunday 20th May 3pm-6pm: Mojito Tapas Bar Henry St Lytham

http://www.portofino-zest.com/Mojito-homepage.html

Thursday 24th May 9pm-12.00pm: Silantro Wood St St Annes on Sea

http://www.silantro.co.uk/


Friday, 25th May 8.30pm-11.30pm: The Fairhaven Marine Drive Lytham

http://www.ukpubfinder.com/pub/44135

Sunday 27th May 1pm-3pm: Parks Art Deco Cafe, Stanley Park, Blackpool
www.parksartdecocafe.co.uk

Sunday 27th May 5pm-8pm: Henrys Bar & Grill Henry Street Lytham

http://www.henrysbarandgrill.co.uk/

Link to Vineyard's website: http://www.vineyardentertains.co.uk/index.html

Sun young Yoo and Yani Tseng set sights on Ricoh Women's British Open

Sun Young Yoo, winner of the 2012 Kraft Nabisco Championship, has confirmed that she will join defending Champion, Yani Tseng, as they bid to win the 37th Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake, Wirral, 13^th to 16^thSeptember 2012.

The beginning of the month saw South Korean Sun Young Yoo beat I.K. Kim in a one-hole playoff for her second career victory and first major championship in what was a dramatic finale.  After I.K. Kim missed a one-foot par putt on the 18th hole to force a two-player playoff, Yoo hit her approach shot to 20-feet on the first playoff hole and sank the birdie putt to clinch what seemed to be an improbable victory at the season’s first major championship.

Both Sun Young Yoo and I.K Kim started the day 3 shots behind World Number One, Yani Tseng. Every expectation was for Tseng, with five career majors at the ridiculously young age of 23, to fill up another chapter in the history book. Yoo believed otherwise, playing some flawless golf, birdieing her final two holes to finish 9 under. She then birdied the first playoff hole to win the first Major of 2012.

Tseng’s career has gone from strength to strength since winning her first Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale in 2010, a feat she matched at Carnoustie last year. She arrived at Mission Hills Country Club for the season's first major having won three of the season's five events. Going into the Sunday, she had led or shared the lead in 10 of the last 11 rounds. She explained, “Winning the Ricoh Women’s British Open for two consecutive years has been huge for me and has really helped improve the mental aspect of my game, giving me the confidence to play as world number one. I have had a great start to the season and while I am disappointed to have just missed out on the seasons first major, it makes me doubly determined to defend at Royal Liverpool in September. I am really looking forward to returning to the UK and playing such a famous links course. It's my honour to play on such great courses that are always part of the Ricoh Women’s British Open’s rota.”

Yoo, who among her fellow South Koreans on Tour is known as the 'Course Clown,’ becomes the second South Korean to win the season’s first major, joining Grace Park (2004). It’s her first victory since she became a Rolex First-Time Winner at the 2010 Sybase Match Play Championship. Her joy at winning her first major at the prestigious Kraft Nabisco Championship has yet to subside as she explained, “I don't think any words can describe how I feel right now.  I'm more nervous now than what I was out on the course. I obviously feel sad for I.K, it happens, its golf and it's a crazy game.  To play with IK and the world number one over the final two rounds and come from behind to win was very special! They are both great players that I have known since I was young.  I’m sure that I’ll be able to put this into proper perspective soon, but right now, I’m having fun and excited about playing in more big tournaments.”

Shona Malcolm, the LGU’s CEO added, “We are very much looking forward to playing the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Liverpool for the first time this year and all our preparations are going well. The ladies’ game is very exciting at the moment and the standard is exceptionally high with Yani still on fire and as Sun Young Yoo and I.K. Kim showed in their nail-biting performance at the year’s first Major. This will be a world class field battling it out over one of the world’s best courses and I believe we are in for a fantastic week of golf.”

This year fans will again be able to watch the BBC’s extensive coverage of the Ricoh Women’s British Open in HD (high definition) underlining the significance of the Championship in the BBC’s sports portfolio.

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.

Ricoh, the leading technology provider of Managed Document Services and Production Printing, has been the title sponsor of the Ricoh Women’s British Open since 2007.

Best Kept Secrets Show On 103.2 Preston FM - Friday 7pm

Join us from 7pm on 103.2 Preston FM on Friday evening for "Best Kept Secrets....In Conversation".

In our highly popular radio show this week we will be featuring:

Singer of the week Liam Halewood talking about his music and the Blackpool Pride 2012 festival
A couple of tracks from the new CD by the Piccadilly Dance Orchestra
Bullets And Daffodils - The Wilfred Owen Story (photo)
Some of Lucy's own poems
the Oh Boy moment
Songs From The Neighbourhood 2 Concert
and lots more besides.

You can hear Preston FM On 103.2FM in the local broadcast area or "listen live" worldwide via the internet at www.preston.fm.

World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions to be played at Mission Hills Guangdong, China in 2012

Fourth and final World Golf Championships event of the season set for 29^th October – 4^th November at Olazabal Course

The International Federation of PGA Tours announced today that the 2012 World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions will be played the week of 29^th October – 4^th November 2012 at Mission Hills Guangdong, China, on the Olazabal Course.

The first HSBC Champions took place in 2005 and quickly established itself on the global golf map. It was awarded the title of World Golf Championship in 2009, further enhancing its reputation as one of world’s biggest tournaments. The previous seven editions of the WGC-HSBC Champions took place at Sheshan International GC, Shanghai with the following marquee players claiming the coveted title;  David Howell, YE Yang, Sergio Garcia, Francesco Molinari and Phil Mickelson – the only one to have won the title twice – and in 2011 Germany’s Martin Kaymer became the latest to join that impressive roll of honour.

Mission Hills hosted the 1995 World Cup, the first major international golf competition in China.  The longest among Mission Hills’ 12 courses at 7,320 yards, the Olazabal Course was designed by two-time Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazabal and also hosted more recent editions of the Mission Hills World Cup in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Developed by the late David Chu, Mission Hills is considered one of the first and most extensive golf and tournament facilities in China.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, speaking on behalf of the Federation, said, “It is a fitting tribute to David Chu that Mission Hills Guangdong will host the 2012 HSBC Champions.  David Chu’s vision for the growth of the game of golf in China was unparalleled and he, along with his sons Ken and Tenniel Chu, have executed on that vision. I have been to Mission Hills Guangdong on numerous occasions, and I know that the 2012 HSBC Champions will be an outstanding success there.”

Giles Morgan, Group Head of Sponsorship and Events for HSBC, said, “HSBC is excited about the prospect of the 2012 HSBC Champions being played at Mission Hills Guangdong.  Like the Chu family, we saw the opportunity for growth in China and having nurtured HSBC Champions into a major event over seven years in Shanghai we can now look forward to expanding our horizons even further in southern China, both because of its proximity to Hong Kong and so that Chinese golf fans there will have an opportunity to witness the world’s best professionals compete.”

Dr. Ken Chu, chairman of Mission Hills Group, said, “Mission Hills has always been devoted to promoting international exchange and goodwill through golf.  The Pearl River Delta has the most golf courses and largest population in China. With the World Golf Championships coming to Mission Hills in November for the first time, it will help to popularize the game of golf in China and further promote the region's sport, leisure and tourism development.”

HSBC’s agreement for sponsorship of the HSBC Champions runs through the 2012 event.  The International Federation of PGA Tours, HSBC, and IMG, the operator of the event, are currently engaged in discussions relative to the event’s future and will be making an announcement as to that at a later date.

The World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions is one of four World Golf Championships sanctioned and organized by the operational committee of the International Federation of PGA Tours, which includes the Asian Tour, European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, PGA TOUR, PGA Tour of Australasia and Sunshine Tour.  The other World Golf Championships include the Accenture Match Play Championship, Cadillac Championship and the Bridgestone Invitational.  The 2012 World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions boasts a prize fund of $7,000,000. 


For ticket information, regular field updates, the full qualifying criteria and more information, please visit www.hsbcgolf.com.

Film Review: “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”

 Having fallen in love with the trailer for this film back in February, I knew I would enjoy watching it and I was not disappointed.

Directed by Lasse Hallström, with superb casting, wonderful filming, a brilliant script by Simon Beaufoy from the book by Paul Torday and excellent performances from all the cast, the main actors being Amr Waked, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ewen McGregor, Emily Blunt and Tom Mison, the film tells the story of one man’s attempt to help his native country by building a dam to conserve their precious water supply.  As his hobby is fly-fishing, he wants to stock the resulting waters with salmon.   Undertaking such a difficult task (putting it mildly) requires a tremendous leap of faith and that is what this film is about, with several intruiging sub plots to keep us all guessing.  A message of hope at a time when we could all do with a lot of faith and hope.

As always, I’m the last to leave because I just cannot drag myself away until the screen has gone blank. I thoroughly enjoyed the film and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of every single person and animal involved in the making of this wonderful film – so I feel the least I can do is to try to read every name on the credits - thank you all.  I only wish I could slow down the credits for I am a rather slow reader!

New Release: "Fruits" By Dan Forshaw

Tracklisting:
1: Genesis - 9.36
2: Bangor Abbey - 3.38
3: Psalm 2 - 4.46
4: John 1 - 14.42
5: Lament - 5.52
6: Sit Or Kneel - 3.18
7: For Others - 4.59
8: Benediction - 4.58

Release date: 1st May 2012

Order link:    

You can listen to and download a copy of Dan's latest recording Fruits by visiting his bandcamp page.  "Fruits" will be available on BandCamp from 1st May till 30th June so if you want to 'name your price' then you better get over quickly!

Talking about this new release, Dan said: "  I have been considering a new style of recording, something a little more ‘out of the box’.   In particular I had been inspired greatly by continuing my studies of John Coltrane but also two saxophonists I had the privilege of hearing live in Belfast over the past few years, Jan Garbareck and Evan Parker.

"Garbareck’s work with the Hilliard ensemble mixes plainsong chant with solo soprano saxophone.  Their collaboration brought a best selling album in the mid 90s entitled Officium and their latest work, Officum Novum I heard performed live during the Queens festival in Belfast last October (2011).  Evan Parker is a superb, unique, saxophonist on the European music scene. Parker states that ‘John Coltrane determined my choice of everything’.  His solo saxophone improvisations are something to behold and I was throughly inspired by hearing him play and chatting with him. 

"His recordings are not something you put on to relax! Parker’s recordings are creative forces that really push the boundaries of the saxophone employing many advanced techniques such as multi-phonics, circular breathing and extending the range way beyond ‘the normal’.  Coltrane was of course the first major saxophonist to bring these techniques to mainstream jazz audiences.  Parker and other saxophonists such as Albert Ayler have moved this forward.

"So, the result of all this thinking, studying and practising is my latest project called, Fruits.  I don’t plan to make any physical CDs of Fruits at the moment, so you will need to download it from Bandcamp, and later in May, iTunes.  The great thing is that while the recording is up on Bandcamp YOU decide how much you want to pay, you can even pay nothing if you don’t feel it’s worth any of your hard earned cash (I hope you do)!"

Dan Forshaw Tour Dates:
Sunday, 29th April - Stanley Park, Blackpool
Monday, 30th April - Rimmers Music, Blackpool
Wednesday, 2nd May - The Galleon, Blackpool
Saturday, 12th May - Harrow, London
Sunday, 13th May - Jazz Vespers, Cambridge
Saturday, 19th May - Jazz in the Chapel, Northwood, London
Friday, 8th June - Clontoncally, Carryduff, Belfast
Sunday, 10th June - SD Bell & Co, Belfast
Wednesday, 13th June - Bert's Jazz Club, Belfast

More info here: www.danforshaw.com

More Soul & Motown Nights At The North Euston Hotel, Fleetwood

There's a great evening of Soul and Motown classics on offer at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood as popular DJ Scottie and top vocalist Sara Cheston will be performing in the Victoria Bar on selected evenings.

Admission is free.

The next dates are:

Friday 4th May 2012

and Friday 1st June 2012

Futuresound Festival at UCLAN

Evening 'Dine + Entertainment" dates at the Pavilion Restaurant, Ashton Gardens, St. Annes-on-the-Sea, Lancashire

28^th April – Beverley Alexander - vocalist

4^th May – Sara Creeney – vocalist

5^th May – Beverley Alexander - vocalist

11^th May – Beverley Alexander - vocalist

12^th May – Peter Ritmo - vocalist

18^th May – Sara Creeney - vocalist

19^th May – Peter Ritmo - vocalist

25^th May – Stuart Mayor – pianist

26^th May – James Marshall – vocalist

For menu options and to reserve a table please call 01253 724440

The Pavilion

Ashton Gardens

St. George’s Road

St Annes

Lancashire

FY8 1LW

www.ashtonpavilion.com

Review: Birds Of A Feather 2012 Tour / Blackpool Grand Theatre

What a pleasure it was to see those much loved television characters Sharon, Tracy and Dorian brought back to life - this time on the theatre stage - in a brand new show penned by the original TV writers bringing the story right up to date and Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph are really great in this humorous show.
Birds of a Feather ran on BBC1 for nearly ten years throughout the 1990s becoming a massive hit right from the word go. It remains not only a classic comedy but also, as a female-centred long-running series, a truly rare gem.

And now the three stars have reunited to recreate their adored characters, sisters Sharon and Tracy and their sex-mad neighbour, Dorian, in a brand new show from the producers of the highly successful stage adaptation of Victoria Wood's Dinnerladies.

The show runs at the Blackpool Grand Theatre until Saturday 28th April - for show times and tickets, visit the website at: www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk 

The tour continues around the country until July. You can see the rest of the tour dates here: http://www.birdsontour.com/tourdates.html

Thornton Cleveleys Band & The Houghton Weavers At Marine Hall - 29th April

Thornton Cleveleys Band commemorates 50 years with a celebratory concert featuring the Houghton Weavers (in photo).

A special night made up of music and comedy for all tastes promises to mark the bands 50th anniversary with a bang.


For tickets call Marine Hall on 01253 887693 or Thornton Cleveleys Band on 01253 851682 / 07746687245.
29 April 2012 @ 7.00 PM

Online bookings here: http://www.marinehall.co.uk/buytickets2.php?recordID=503

Book Now For "Magical Extravaganza On Ice" At Marine Hall, Fleetwood - 1st May

Audiences are invited to enter the mystical world of ‘Magical Extravaganza on Ice’ as the stage at Marine Hall is transformed into a world of enchantment.

This dazzling show combines the breathtaking talent of international ice skaters with the unbelievable skills of award winning magician Michael White and contortionist Hulan, in an exciting spectacle, performed entirely on ice!

High-energy skating routines, electrifying circus stunts and spellbinding magic acts will amaze and enthral audiences. Marine Hall, Fleetwood will be transformed for ONE NIGHT ONLY for the pleasure and delight of all the family; the glamour of Las Vegas, the mystery & illusion of Halloween and the astounding talents combine with  a ‘dash of magic’!

Magical Extravaganza On Ice is appearing at Marine Hall for ONE NIGHT ONLY on 01 May  at 7.30pm and tickets are available now. To book, call Marine Hall box office on 01253 887693 or order online at www.marinehall.co.uk

Adult seats are £15 - concession rates are £12.50 and for a Family (2 adults, 2 children) £ 50 

Dan Forshaw Dates In Blackpool - 30th April to 2nd May

Top international saxophonist Dan Forshaw and guitarist Willy Fluss will be playing for Sunday lunch at the Parks Art Deco Cafe in Stanley Park in Blackpool on Sunday 29th April from 1 to 3pm.

Table bookings are recommended - call 01253 395191 for details.

On Monday 30th April, he will be  giving a free workshop on the saxophone at Rimmers Music, Devconshore Road, Blackpool from 4 to 7pm.  Find out some inside tips on how Dan prepares for his gruelling schedule and also some pearls of wisdom from Dan's many teachers including, Branford Marsalis, Eric Alexander, Bob Reynolds, Tim Price, Jamey Aebserold, George Garzone, Dave Liebman, Frank Griffith and Mike Haugton.

Dan said: "This is not just for saxophone players, but also for students or those wanting to know more about working in the music industry etc..those taking BTech or A-Level music will find it invaluable! & it's FREE!!" 

On Wednesday 2nd May, The Dan Forshaw Quartet will be playing in the Galleon Bar, Abingdon Street, Blackpool from 9pm.  "The superb Dan Forshaw Quartet return to the Galleon for what is always a superb night of live jazz, blues and more! If you want to hear the best jazz in town then get down to the Galleon where Dan and the guys will be previewing new tracks from their album to be launched in the summer."

Earlier that day, Dan will bevisitng his old school - St Aidans in Preesall - where he will talk to current students about his experiences as a professional musician.  He will be be presenting the "John Bowen Prize For Music" named after his former music teach who was his own inspiration, and which he hopes will help inspire other young people to enjoy music as well.

To find out more about Dan Forshaw, check out his website at: www.danforshaw.com 

Ice Hockey: Blackpool Seagulls 12 - Sheffield Ice Tigers 5

Saturday 21st April 2012

Blackpool Seagulls 12 - Sheffield Ice Tigers 5

Period Scores: 4-1, 2-2, 6-2
Penalties In Minutes: Seagulls 8 - Sheffield 4

Seagulls Scorers: Stefano Simi 2+0, Danny Jones 2+3, Joe Charlton 4+1, Scott Anthony-Jones 2+1, Duncan Wrigley 2+1, Gary Shearman 0+1
Seagulls Penalties: Wrigley 4, Anthony-Jones 2, McGeever 2

Seagulls MVP: Danny Jones (in photo)

Blackpool Seagulls ice hockey team followed up last weekend's 4-2 away win at Flintshire with an impressive 12-5 home win over the Sheffield Ice Tigers at the SubZero ice arena in Cleveleys on Saturday evening.

After a tense opening, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock after 8 minutes but goals from Stefano Simi and Danny Jones and then a brace from Joe Charlton ensured that the Seagulls ended the period leading 4 -1.

Within a minute of the restart, the Tigers struck again to make it 4-2 but immediately afterwards, the Seagulls were able to take full advartange of a hooking penalty with Scott Anthony Jones scoring on the power-play to restore the two goal lead. Anthony-Jones then found himself in the penalty box for a two minute cross checking penalty on 23 minutes - which led to a third Sheffield goal - but Danny Jones fired in his second of the match for a second period scoreline of 6-3.

The Seagulls really found their stride in the 3rd period - despite another first minute strike from the Ice Tigers - as two goals from Duncan Wrigley, two more from Charlton and one each from Anthony-Jones and Simi saw the home side build up a formidable total.

A fifth strike by the visitors 2 minutes from the end came too late to spark any kind of revival and the Blackpool Seagulls were able to celebrate their first visctory on home ice since reforming after a 20 year absence from the game.

Blackpool Seagulls next home game at the SubZero ice arena is a friendly against Tyneside Jesters on Saturday 12th May, 5pm face off.

To find out more about the Blackpool Seagulls, check out their website at www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk,

NWCFL Premier Division: AFC Blackpool 1 - Congleton Town 2

Story to follow

www.nwcfl.com

www.afcblackpool.co.uk

Review: Two Piano Jazz at The Grand Venue , Clitheroe - 20th April

Where is Stephen Fry when you need him?
Ted Taylor and Frank Flynn on piano with Chris Hodder on classic guitar and bass wowed an appreciative audience at the Grand Theatre in Clitheroe. Two pianos and a bass, wonderful music, a superb sound system and the delightful in-house Grant Theatre Cafe Bar serving delicious lunch-time meals and/or drinks at reasonable prices.  Wonderful - what more can you want?

What sets Frank Flynn apart from other talented pianists (apart from his obvious talent as a musician) is his ability to get the audience laughing.  This line up definitely has the 'feel good factor' with a wide variety of pieces of music - classical, modern and swing - played by the trio together mirroring each other or occasionally individually.  Ted and Frank are back at the Grand on 15th June.

This was our first visit to the Grand Theatre in York Street, Clitheroe and we were very impressed indeed with everything we saw.  Run as a charity, this is very much a state-of-the-art community venture so check out their website www.thegrandvenue.co.uk because there is a lot going on - literally something for everyone.

Great jazz music every Friday lunchtime 12 noon to 2pm, £2 entry.

Watch out for the Ribble Valley Jazz Festival from 4th - 7th May 2012 - 13 venues in Clitheroe taking part, including the Grand Theatre - www.rvjazzandblues.co.uk

To find out what esle is happening at the Grand, check out the website at: www.thegrandvenue.co.uk

Review: Night Of The Stars in Aid Of RNLI, Colne - 18th April

A big thank you to everyone involved in presenting "A Night with the Stars Variety Extravaganza" at the Municipal Theatre in Colne, Lancashire on Wednesday, 18th April 2012 in aid of the Lifeboats charity RNLI.   In the week holding commemorations for the 100th anniversary of the loss of the Titanic, this was a very fitting charity to select, reminding us that we, as an island, depend heavily on the Lifeboats - all run by volunteers - as hardly a day goes by when they are launched to save lives.

The evening was fantastic - Des Day the Comedian was our compere, introducing the lovely Suzanne Roberts Dancers who danced several top-class, sizzling routines in gorgeous costumes, female vocalist Maddy Lane - singing songs from the 60s and 70s, John Paul - an amazing juggler, Brian Sefton - a very talented magician and, top of the bill, Classic Sounds duo (Ann Cookson and Peter G. Baldwin) with their brilliant, spine-tingling routine from 'Phantom of the Opera' as well as swing songs, singing both as a duet and separately.

To be honest, apart from the RNLI, it was Classic Sounds who drew us to attend the evening. We have heard Ann and Peter sing several times but we had never seen their act on stage and they are sensational.

All in all a superb evening's entertainment and we would like to thank everyone from the Stars to the backroom guys at the Theatre and everyone involved in organising the event - we know how much hard work goes into organising an evening such as this.

Classic Sounds vocal duo Ann and Peter (in photo) - www.classicsound.co.uk

Check out www.themuni.co.uk for future events at 'The Muni.'

Auditions For the 2012 Jessica Foxley Stage - Entries By 27th April

LIVE auditions have been announced for a music tribute to a rising star from whose life was cut tragically short.

Bands will be subject to a public vote if they want to perform on the Jessica Foxley Stage at the Great British R&B Festival in Colne this August.

In previous years, the stage has provided a showcase for some of East Lancashire’s finest young talent.
And for the 2011 outing, the chosen acts were offered slots on the British Stage, with the likes of Bright Shapes, Jayke Cox and Deep in the Mire excelling.

 
Entries must be received by April 27 .
The winners will also be given the opportunity to record a demo at Studio 11 in Nelson’s ACE Centre.

Live auditions will take place at the Muni Theatre on Saturday, May 19^th in front of a live audience and the public will get a chance to vote on who they think should represent new talent at this year’s festival. Interested artistes need to submit their application by clicking here

Ice Hockey: Flyers Finish Season With A Winning Weekend

Sunday 15th April 2102
English National League Division 2 North
Lancashire Raptors 0 - Fylde Flyers 7

Period Scores: 0-3, 0-1, 0-3

Birds Of A Feather Coming To Blackpool Grand Theatre - 24th To 28th April

One of BBC televisions most popular and fondly-remembered sitcoms, Birds of a Feather, comes to The Grand with all three of its original leading cast members, Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph.

Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran’s Birds of a Feather ran on the BBC for nearly ten years throughout the 1990s becoming a massive hit right from the word go and remains not only a classic comedy but also, as a female-centred long-running series, a truly rare gem.

Now the three stars of the TV series are reunited on stage to recreate their adored characters, sisters Sharon Theodopolopoudos and Tracy Stubbs and their sex-mad neighbour, Dorien Green, in a brand-new show created especially for the theatre by The Comedy Theatre Company, producers of the highly successful tour of Victoria Wood’s dinnerladies and Keeping Up Appearances.

Pauline Quirke could, until recently, be seen as Emmerdale’s Hazel Rhodes. She is also known for her portrayal of Olive Martin in the award-winning drama The Sculptress, Down to Earth, Cold Bloodand Missing. In 2008 Pauline launched The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, to celebrate her forty years in the business. She now has over thirty academies across the country!

Both Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph have performed in theatres across the UK in The Vagina Monologues. A regular guest panellist on ITV’s Loose Women Linda has also appeared on stage in Grumpy Old Women Live and 

Lesley’s theatre credits include Calendar Girls, Hot Flush, Humble Boy and Annie. She took part in, and won, channel 4’s Celebrity Come Dine with Me in October 2011 and presented a BBC Radio London show alongside Christoper Biggins.

Join ‘the birds’ when Birds of a Feather takes to the stage at the Grand Theatre from Tuesday 24^th until Saturday 28^th April.

Tickets from £16.50.

Booking/transaction fees apply

Book your seats now by calling the Grand Theatre Box Office on 01253 743339, online at www.blackpoolgrand.co.ukor at the Grand Theatre information sales point in the Houndshill Shopping Centre

Photo by John Kemp

Thai New Year Blessing At Siam Restaurant, Lytham

We were lucky enough to be invited to a special blessing by Buddhist monks for the Thai New Year at the recently opened Siam Thai restaurant in Pleasant Street, Lytham St Annes.

more to follow.

RMS Titanic Centenary Commemoration Evening In Fleetwood

Following on from their successful "Bullets and Daffodils" The Wilfred Owen Story evening, the North Euston Hotel held a very moving event to commemorate the sinking of RMS Titanic, one hundred years ago.

A very informative talk was followed by an evening meal with wonderful food, mirroring the original first class menu on the night of the Titanic sinking.

Great Edwardian style music played by a pianist, violinist and cellist as Wallace Hartley would have played on the ship, accompanied the meal. Click on the image below to hear some of this wonderful music.

When the meal was finished, there was a short break, then a very interesting question and answer session to complete the evening.  All in all it was a fantastic evening with everything perfect.  The Hotel is to be applauded.

The North Euston Hotel hold regular tea dances on Thursday afternoons from 2.00 p.m. dancing to the music of accomplished musician David Windle on keyboard.  It was David who played the piano at the Titanic Commemoration Evening.

There will be an Australian Wine and Dine evening on Friday 11th May 2012 - £29.95 per person, with overnight packages available for those who would like a mini holiday.

The North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6BN
Tel:  01253 876525   www.northeustonhotel.com

Here's a brief clip of the Edwardian style trio playing ast the Titanic Evening at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood on the night of 14th April 2012.

RMS Titanic Centenary Commemoration Evening In Fleetwood

Following on from their successful "Bullets and Daffodils" The Wilfred Owen Story evening, the North Euston Hotel held a very moving event to commemorate the sinking of RMS Titanic, one hundred years ago.

A very informative talk was followed by an evening meal with wonderful food, mirroring the original first class menu on the night of the Titanic sinking.

Great Edwardian style music played by a pianist, violinist and cellist as Wallace Hartley would have played on the ship, accompanied the meal. Click on the image below to hear some of this wonderful music.

When the meal was finished, there was a short break, then a very interesting question and answer session to complete the evening.  All in all it was a fantastic evening with everything perfect.  The Hotel is to be applauded.

The North Euston Hotel hold regular tea dances on Thursday afternoons from 2.00 p.m. dancing to the music of accomplished musician David Windle on keyboard.  It was David who played the piano at the Titanic Commemoration Evening.

There will be an Australian Wine and Dine evening on Friday 11th May 2012 - £29.95 per person, with overnight packages available for those who would like a mini holiday.

The North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood, Lancashire FY7 6BN
Tel:  01253 876525   www.northeustonhotel.com

Here's a brief clip of the Edwardian style trio playing ast the Titanic Evening at the North Euston Hotel in Fleetwood on the night of 14th April 2012.

Ice Hockey: Blackpool Seagulls Pick Up First Win For Almost 20 Years: Flintshire 2 - Seagulls 4

details will be posted here shortly

NWCFL Premier Division: AFC Blackpool 1 - Glossop North End 3

AFC Blackpool 1 - Glossop North End 3
Congleton Town 3 - Squires Gate 0

AFC Blackpool are at home to AFC Liverpool on Tuesday 17th April and then at home again on Saturday 21st April when they will entertain Congleton Town in their last home game of the season.

Squires Gate are away at Flixton on Wednesday evening and then at home to Flixton on Saturday.
www.afcblackpool.co.uk      www.nwcfl.com

Ice Hockey: Flyers Finish Home Campaign On A High Note: Fylde Flyers 9 - Hull Stingrays 3

Saturday 14th April 2012
English National League Division 2 North
Fylde Flyers 9 - Hull Stingrays 3
Period Scores: 4-0, 3-3, 2-0
Shots On Goal:
Penalties In Minutes:
Flyers Scorers:
Flyers MVP: Sam Heyes
Referee:
Attendance:

Match stats and photos will be posted here shortly

More info: http://www.eiha.co.uk/Leagues/EnglishNational/North2.aspx

Support The Seagulls On Charity Cycle Ride For Children's Hospice

Kind hearted ice hockey players are swapping their skates for wheels to raise money for a childrens hospice.

Members of the recently reformed Blackpool Seagulls ice hockey team are taking part in the  60 mile Manchester to Blackpool cycle ride on Sunday 8th July to raise funds for the Brian House childrens hospice, which is based at Trinity Hospice in Blackpool.

The Seagulls team, who are based at the SubZero Ice Arena in Cleveleys, recently reformed after a break of 20 years as a recreational side and include a number of players from the old British League team of the 1980s, along with other younger enthusiasts and supporters.

In their first game back, they helped raise £1500 for the Great Ormond Street Hospital based CHILDREN with CANCER leukaemia charity and £1500 for Help for Heroes in a special charity match against the UK Firefighters team and now they are facing a different kind of challenge.

You can find out more about Brian House childrens hospice here: www.trinityhospice.co.uk/brian-house/

If you would like to support the Seagulls as they ride to raise money for Brian House, you can make a donation here:  www.justgiving.com/Blackpool-Seagulls

To find out more about the Blackpool Seagulls ice hockey team, check out their official website at: www.blackpoolseagulls.co.uk