More to come - please check back!
In the meantime, you can see more photos here: https://www.facebook.com/paulandlucy/media_set?set=a.567427506640997.1073741825.100001212595763&type=3
Saturday 29 June 2013
Armed Forces Gala Dinner 2013 At Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool
More to come - please check back!
In the meantime, you can see more photos here: https://www.facebook.com/paulandlucy/media_set?set=a.567427506640997.1073741825.100001212595763&type=3
Thursday 27 June 2013
Miss Blackpool 2013 Heat 2 Result
1st: Lauren Carr (left in photo)
2nd: Shannon Marie Hammill (right in photo)
It was a very difficult decision for the 5 intrepid judges (including yours truly...) as all 12 contestants looked stunning and had different qualities about them. In fact, the result was so close that both the two winners got exactly the same marks.
Both Lauren and Shannon now qualify for the grand final that will take place at Blackpool's Norbreck Castle Hotel on Friday 16th August. This is a dazzling black tie event - one of the big nights in the Blackpool social calendar and tickets are on sale now at £35 each.
There are 5 more heats at G Casino - every Thursday evening until 1st August and new contestants are always welcome. It is completely free to enter the competition, free to watch the heat and you can bring your family and friends to support you.
For more information about the competition, how to enter, and to see the judges' marks from the heats, visit the official website: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk
To hear our exclusive interview with reigning Miss Blackpool Kim Braithwaite from last year's final click here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2012/08/miss-blackpool-2012-grand-final-result.html
There are lots more photos and interview clips from previous year's heats and finals - just scroll down through July and August 2012 and 2011 to find them...
Thursday 20 June 2013
Miss Blackpool 2013 Heat 1 Result
1st: Kendall Rae Knight (right in photo)
2nd: Joanne Walker (left in photo)
It was a very difficult decision for the judges as all 14 contestants looked stunning and had different qualities about them.
Both Kendall and Joanne now qualify for the grand final that will take place at Blackpool's Norbreck Castle Hotel on Friday 16th August. This is a dazzling black tie event - one of the big nights in the Blackpool social calendar and tickets are on sale now at £35 each.
There are 6 more heats at G Casino - every Thursday evening until 1st August and new contestants are always welcome. It is completely free to enter the competition, free to watch the heat and you can bring your family and friends to support you.
For more information about the competition and how to enter, visit the official website: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk
To hear our exclusive interview with reigning Miss Blackpool Kim Braithwaite from last year's final click here: http://www.bestkeptsecrets.biz/2012/08/miss-blackpool-2012-grand-final-result.html
There are lots more photos and interview clips from previous year's heats and finals - just scroll down through July and August 2012 and 2011 to find them...
Friday 14 June 2013
Cissia And Ada Coming To Blackpool Grand Theatre 15th and 16th July 2013
Cissie and Ada an Hysterical Rectomy will be showing at the Grand Theatre Blackpool from Monday 15 to Tuesday 16 July 2013.
Broadway Theatre and Cutting the Strings Theatre Company are pleased to announce that Les Dawson’s comic creation Cissie and Ada will once again appear at on the Grand Theatre’s stage thirty years after their first stage appearance in the Laugh with Les Show as part of the Grand’s 1983 Summer Season.
Originally directed and staged by Barrie Stead, Les headlined the show with the Rolypolysas special guests, alongside singer Katie Budd and the Maurice Merry’s Musicmakers.
Roy Barraclough joined Les to perform a range of Cissie and Ada sketches for the twice nightly shows.
The Cissie and Ada characters celebrated on Blackpool’s Comedy Carpet first appeared on the Sez LesTV show in the 1970’s, and came about by Les and Roy improvising two northern women whilst waiting around during the TV rehearsals.
The two comedians had developed their personas around the earlier comedy of Norman Evans, who had created a similar role as a women gossiping over the garden wall.
Cutting the Strings Theatre Company has secured the rights to the original sketches written by comedy writer Terry Ravenscroft which were unperformed for thirty years.
The play Cissie and Ada an Hysterical Rectomy will include many of the memorable classic scripts that are woven around Dawson’s later life story.
Two former Coronation Street favourites Eric Potts(Diggory) and Steven Arnold (Ashley) join Steve Nallon (famous for his Mrs Thatcher impersonation live and on seminal satirical TV show Spitting Image) and actress Natasha Magigi.
Cissie and Ada: An Hysterical Rectomy is directed by John Jackson Almond whose directing credits include Elegies for Angels, Punks & Raging Queens 2010 UK Revival (Shaw Theatre), An Audience with Kerry Ellis (Shaw Theatre) and Romeo & Juliet Shots (Young Vic).
At the Grand Theatre Blackpool see the immortal comic characters Cissie and Ada come back to life in the hilarious new play Cisse and Ada A Hysterical Rectomy from Monday 15 to Tuesday 16 July.
For the fastest way to book tickets for any show visit The Grand’s interactive website www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk where you can select your own seat! Alternatively call the Box Office on 01253 743339.
Colne Family Fun Day In Aid Of Sam's Neuroblastoma Appeal - 20th July 2013
Four-year-old Sam is fighting Neuroblastoma – an aggressive childhood cancer. To give him the best chance of beating the disease, he needs clinical treatment in America - but it comes at a cost!
In total, Sam needs £250,000 to pay for the treatment and associated costs. The therapy he needs is not available in the UK and will not be funded by the NHS.
Almost half the amount has already been raised, but there is still a long way to go in order to get Sam to America.
A whole host of entertainment has been arranged for Saturday, July 20th at the Muni Theatre between 12pm and 7pm.
There will be live music from The Cultivators, Red Confusion, The Gin Pit Rock Band and Crash, as well as lots of family fun courtesy of singers Annie Bond, Siobhan Masi, Lisa Ormerod and Jennifer Ball; the best of Colne’s Got Talent, party activities and tunes from DJs Neil Gallary and Jim Robinson.
A fire-engine and mascots from the Fire Brigade and Silentnight will also be there.
This should be a great family day out, so come along and support Sam!
Tickets are just £3 and are available from the Muni Box Office at Colne Town Hall.
Sam also has a Just Giving page where you can find out more about his appeal and make an online donation: http://www.justgiving.com/SamShawAppeal
Sam also has a Just Giving page where you can find out more about his appeal and make an online donation: http://www.justgiving.com/SamShawAppeal
See Des O'Connor at Blackpool Grand Theatre - Sunday 7th July for One Night Only
The much-loved entertainer Des O’Connor has just completed a sensational season in the West End musical Dreamboats and Petticoatsand was recently awarded a CBE for his services to entertainment and broadcasting. He will appear live on stage in his one man show, full of laughter, song and music at the Grand Theatre Blackpool on Sunday 7 July.
2013 is a milestone year for this legendary entertainer as he celebrates his 80th birthday and 50 years in television.
Des is one of only a handful of British entertainers to be acclaimed internationally on stage and television. His American series was shown in over 40 countries and seen by 200 million people world-wide. On stage he has appeared at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, The Sydney Opera House, The O’Keefe Centre in Toronto and over 1000 times at the London Palladium.
Since his first television series in 1963, Des has starred in or hosted his own mainstream television show every year for over 45 years - longer than anyone anywhere in the world!
In 2001 he received the Special Recognition Award at the National TV Awards and his top-selling autobiography Bananas Can’t Fly was published the same year.
Recent TV includes Des O’Connor Tonightand ITV’s celebration special to mark Des’s 40th year in prime-time television, Des O’Connor Comedy Tonight.
Since his first television series in 1963, Des has starred in or hosted his own mainstream television show every year for over 45 years - longer than anyone anywhere in the world!
In 2001 he received the Special Recognition Award at the National TV Awards and his top-selling autobiography Bananas Can’t Fly was published the same year.
Recent TV includes Des O’Connor Tonightand ITV’s celebration special to mark Des’s 40th year in prime-time television, Des O’Connor Comedy Tonight.
His award-winning ITV 1 daily celebrity talk show Today With Des & Mel with co-host Melanie Sykes proved such a hit with viewers that the show more than doubled its audience.
In 2007 Des took over the helm of the hugely popular Channel 4 TV show Countdown for 2 years. His interview on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories (ITV) was the highest-rated of the series in 2011.
Des is also a multi-million recording selling singer, having released 36 albums with sales of over 16 million and having spent 117 weeks in the top ten charts. His recent album, titled Inspired, comprises 18 brand new songs co written by Des and Alan Hawkshaw, who has worked with Elvis and Barbra Streisand. He will be working on a new album with Hawkshaw for release later in 2012.
In January this year Des completed a sensational three month season in the hit West End musical Dreamboats and Petticoatsat the Playhouse Theatre, London. The show (minus Des!) will be coming to The Grand in November 2013!
Des is also a multi-million recording selling singer, having released 36 albums with sales of over 16 million and having spent 117 weeks in the top ten charts. His recent album, titled Inspired, comprises 18 brand new songs co written by Des and Alan Hawkshaw, who has worked with Elvis and Barbra Streisand. He will be working on a new album with Hawkshaw for release later in 2012.
In January this year Des completed a sensational three month season in the hit West End musical Dreamboats and Petticoatsat the Playhouse Theatre, London. The show (minus Des!) will be coming to The Grand in November 2013!
Don't miss this rare opportunity to see a true showbusiness legend live on stage for a wonderful evening of comedy, laughter and music.
Des O’Connor will be performing at the Grand Theatre Blackpool on Sunday 7 July at 7:30pm.
Tickets £20.00 - Booking and Transaction Fees Apply
For the fastest way to book tickets for any show visit The Grand’s interactive website www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk where you can select your own seat! Alternatively call the Box Office on 01253 743339.
Opportunity For Local Artists In St Annes
Guy explains: " The purpose of Back West Art Trail is to transform the bare brick walls of Back West Crescent in St Annes with local original art. Local artists are invited to introduce themselves and upload a samples of their art for inclusion in a database which will be presented to St Annes businesses, with a view to securing sponsorship for the costs of producing and hanging weatherproof panels.
"Businesses will be able to choose the piece they deem suitable. All art will reveal details of the Artist and Sponsor, which will hopefully drive interest and even sales for both. ZPQ Printers on Back West have agreed to produce the art onto Foamex boards in batches of 6 at a time. A number of businesses have shown interest in sponsoring so we can make a start but I need a database of local art to present businesses so that they can choose with confidence.
"Any artists interested should join this open group https://www.facebook.com/
For more information, contact Guy via Facebook or at Dark Halo Music, Back West Crescent, St Annes, FY81SN
Motor Neurone Disease Charity Film Screening At Nelson ACE CEntre - 21st June 2013
Local fundraiser for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Debra Denney, joined up with the ACE Centre - a destination for arts, culture and enterprise in the region - to arrange one of the few screenings of the film in the North West on the 21st June.
I Am Breathing is a film about 34-year-old Neil Platt as he ponders the last months of his life. Within a year, he goes from being a healthy young father to becoming completely paralysed from the neck down, as a result of MND.
Knowing he only has a few months left to live, and while he still has the ability to speak, Neil puts together a letter and memory box for his baby son Oscar to tell the story of his life. His goal of raising awareness for this terrible disease was the purpose of this film and his blog, and excerpts from his blog have been used to narrate the film itself.
As an NHS worker, Debra’s involvement in MND started when she cared for a lady with the disease at Pendleside Hospice. So effected by the cruel and brutal nature of this condition, Debra started fundraising to fight back against an incurable disease that kills five people in the UK everyday.
This screening of I Am Breathing is the most recent of Debra’s many fundraising endeavours. Since 2004, she has raised over £8,000 for MND, climbing Mount Olympus, completing both the Mont Blanc and Inca trails, Debra is currently training to climb the three national peaks in 24 hours in August this year.
The avid fundraiser said, “Neil’s journey towards the end of his life is filled with emotion and wit, which should be an inspiration to us all. Please support this unique experience by attending a screening of I Am Breathing, which will be watched all over the world on the 21stJune.”
The screening starts at 7.30pm on Friday 21st June. Tickets are priced at £4.00 per person and are available from The ACE Centre, Cross Street. Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 7NN.
Tuesday 11 June 2013
Vintage Craft Fair at the Chadwick Hotel, Lytham St. Annes Saturday, 15th June 2013 12 noon till 4 pm
Entry free. 12 noon until 4 pm
Fabulous singer Kelly Johnson (below) will entertain. For further information check out the organiser's website -
www.hollowaysofpoulton.co.uk
The Chadwick Hotel
113 - 115 S. Promenade
Lytham St. Annes
Lancashire
FY8 1NP
Tel.: 01253 720061
Monday 10 June 2013
Meet Miss Blackpool in Houndshill Shopping Centre - This Saturday 15th June 11am to 2pm
Prospective entrants will have the opportunity to Kim and Karen and find out what is involved. The 2013 heats will take place at G Casino on South Promenade on Thursday evenings from 20th June to 1st August and the competition is FREE to enter.
More information: www.missblackpool2013.co.uk
Try The "Faulty Towers Dining Experince" Live At Blackpool Grand Theatre - 8th to 13th July
Expect mayhem, hilarity and a good dollop of fun with Faulty Towers The Dining Experience live at the Grand Theatre from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 July!
Each ticket includes a three-course meal set on the Grand Theatre’s stage and two hours of side-splitting entertainment!
Join Basil, Sybil and Manuel in July 2013 for a dining experience like no other! The world tour of Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is coming to Blackpool’s Grand Theatre for a two hour eat, drink and laugh sensation...you won’t want the meal to end!
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience starts as the audience waits to be seated then hurtles along for two hours of fully immersive, highly improvised and site-specific comedy theatre. With only a third of the show scripted, everything stays fresh as Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve a three-course meal with a good dollop of mayhem – while the audience play the part of their restaurant diners. Do expect all the best gags and a rip-roaringly hilarious night out...just don’t mention the war!
Experience a meal like no other in the surroundings of the beautiful Matcham designed Grand Theatre with non-stop entertainment throughout...a truly unique night out all set on the Grand Theatre’s stage!
For the meal of a lifetime come along to Faulty Towers The Dining Experience at the Grand Theatre from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 July.
Monday to Saturday evenings 7:00pm, Saturday lunch 12:30pm. All tickets include a three-course dinner and a two hour show.
For the fastest way to book tickets for any show visit The Grand’s interactive website www.blackpoolgrand.co.ukwhere you can select your own seat! Alternatively call the Box Office on 01253 743339.
Tubular Bells For Two At Blackpool Grand Theatre - one night only: 23rd June
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When Mike Oldfield released his 1973 masterpiece Tubular Bells, it required more than 30 musicians to perform it. Now, 40 years on, performed by just two massively talented musicians, this thrilling show recreates the album on stage in a unique and compelling theatrical experience.
“This two man orchestra brings the soundtrack of 70s back to life... an intensely focused race around every twist and turn of Oldfield's quirky masterwork.” The Times
The original 1973 album shot to number one around the world, throwing its young composer into the international spotlight and kick-started Richard Branson’s Virgin Empire. Now forty years later, two Australian multi-instrumentalists race from instrument to instrument juggling pianos, organs, guitars, mandolin, drums, glockenspiel, loop pedals, synthesizers and, of course, Tubular Bells.
Tubular Bells ‘For Two’ burst onto the international scene at the Sydney Festival and was the smash-hit show of the 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe - winning a Herald Angel Award and garnering several five star reviews.
Join us to witness this herculean feat as Daniel Holdsworth and Aidan Roberts recreate the beauty and playful lunacy of one of the most important albums of the 20th Century with just four hands and four feet.
For a night of incredible music, come and see Tubular Bells ‘For Two’
on Sunday 23 June at 7:30pm at the Grand Theatre Blackpool.
Tickets £22.50 - Booking and Transaction Fees Apply
For the fastest way to book tickets for any show visit The Grand’s interactive website www.blackpoolgrand.co.ukwhere you can select your own seat! Alternatively call the Box Office on 01253 743339.
Stepping Out at Blackpool Grand Theatre - 14th to 16th June
This feel-good comedy concentrates on the group as they gradually move from stumbling acquaintances with each other to forge a team worthy of performing to an outside audience.
They all have their own reasons for being in the class and they let the audience in on stories about their lives, hopes and anxieties.
It all comes down to the spectacular finale-will they be able to overcome their nerves to carry it off? Come and watch Stepping Out at The Grand to find out!
Poulton Drama is a long established local theatre group specialising in cutting edge drama. With top quality actors and backstage team they have won many awards and accolades, most recently for Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. They last appeared at the Grand Theatre in May 2012 with the brilliant play-version of Blood Brothers and are set to wow audiences again with Stepping Out in June.
All tickets £10.00 Concessions £8.00
Booking/Transaction Fees Apply.
For the fastest way to book tickets any show, visit The Grand’s website blackpoolgrand.co.uk where you can select your own seat! Alternatively call the Box Office on 01253 74 33 39
Don’t forget - Parking is available at a discounted rate at the secure West Street Car Park, directly opposite the theatre’s entrance. Book your parking ticket when you book your show tickets from the Box Office and you can have parking from 5.30pm until 12.30am for only £2.50!
Sunday 9 June 2013
6th July 2013 - Blackpool: Fun Day Out to Raise Money for the Royal Marine Charities
From the Chairman of the Fylde Ex-service Liaison Committee:
Since 1664 the Royal Marines have been defending Britain’s shores. Whenever called upon the men who wear the coveted Green Beret have delivered time and again with their trademark professionalism and modesty.
However in recent conflicts the Marines have paid a heavy price and in order to provide support to the men and families of those who have paid that price Royal Marine Charities have issued a challenge to raise £6 million by the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines Corps in October 2014.
To support this challenge the Blackpool Branch of the Royal Marine Association have organised a sponsored Commando Yomp from Blackpool Cenotaph to Cleveleys and back, a distance of 9 miles.
However this isn’t a race, it’s more a fun day out to raise some money for a very worthy cause and we want as many people as possible to come out and show their support for the lads. The route will follow the promenade and is therefore suitable for people with a disability and as well as individual entries we would particularly like to see family teams, local businesses, Cadet Units and supervised school groups taking part.
Every participant of the event which takes place on 6th July 2013 will receive a commemorative medal (see below) to mark the occasion and entry is only £5.
For more information and to take part please contact:
Paul Deacon on 07810 330073 or email: pdeacon1@gmail.com
If you cannot come along but would like to support the cause then online donations are also welcome by visiting www.justgiving.com/
Finally please send this to as many other people that you know who may be interested in supporting this very worthy cause
“I never knew an appeal to them for honour, courage or loyalty that they did not realise
more than my expectations. If ever the hour of real danger should come to England,
they will be found the country’s sheet anchor”.
Sir John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent on the role of the Royal Marines
Saturday 8 June 2013
The Devil's Porridge Museum, Eastriggs,DG12 6TQ, Scotland
More than 30,000 men and women from all corners of the world came to work in the huge factory on the Solway.
So for something truly inspirational why not go and have a look?
They are at Daleside, Eastriggs which is between Gretna and Annan.
Opening from 31st March until 28th October Monday - Saturday 10 am till 4 pm and Sunday 12 pm - 4pm Admission Prices: £3.50 for adults; £2.50 for Over 60s. Family ticket: 2 adults and 3 children costs £8
Further details are on www.devilsporridge.co.uk or call 01461 700021.
There is also an appeal running at the moment to raise sufficient funds to have a statue to the memory of the munitions workers whose contribution to the war effort can sometimes be forgotten.
The Devil's Porridge, Daleside, Butterdales, Eastriggs, DG12 6TQ
Thursday 6 June 2013
Fleetwood Museum Trust presents "Unsinkable" a commemoration of the Titanic in Lancashire, Fleetwood Museum, 20th June 2013 - 2nd November 2013
For further information and for exhibition opening times, etc., please call 01253 876621 or see www.fleetwoodmuseum@lancashire.gov.uk
83rd Thames Sailing Barge Match, Saturday 13th July 2013 - Erith, Kent
The Race was first held in 1863 and features the beautiful Thames Sailing Barges.
For further details please see www.thamesmatch.co.uk
The Thames Sailing Barge Match is funded entirely by donations from individuals and organisations.
The photo is of Cambria - Fastest Barge over the Course in 2012 and Coasting Class Champion in 2012, 2011, 1938 and 1927.
Pendle Hippodrome Theatre Summer Season
For further details, please contact Milly on millyg@btinternet.com or see the Theatre's website on www.phtheatre.co.uk
PENDLE HIPPODROME THEATRE
New Market Street
COLNE
Lancashire BB8 0NY
Tel.: 01282 863210
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