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

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.

 

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.

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

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

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, 29^th July 2013, ahead of the Championship proper which will be played for the second time over the Old Course, St Andrews, 1^st – 4^th 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...)

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

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)

"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

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.