Chris Fenn Art Exhibition at The Strand Lodge, Wilton Parade, Blackpool, Thursday, 12th December 2013 2 pm - 8 pm

Review: Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" UK Tour at Blackpool Grand Theatre

It is a real treat to be able to see the Mousetrap on it's first ever UK tour after 60 years continuous running in London's West End.

If you like murder mysteries and Agatha Christie stories, then you won't be disappointed.

It's a classic Christie plot: a country house cut off by snow, lots of strange guests and, of course, a murder to solve.

All the cast were fantastic but it was especially nice to see Karl Howman - who most people ill best remember for his "Jack-the-lad" characters on TV - playing the mysterious Mr Paravicini.

The Mousetrap runs at the Blackpool Grand Theatre until Saturday - do try and see it!

Monday 25 to Saturday 30 November Tickets: From £15.50, Concessions Available.

Call Box Office on 01253 74 33 39 or visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

A full list of tour dates can be seen here: http://mousetrapontour.com/

NIHL Ice Hockey Round Up - weekend of 23rd and 24th November 2013

Blackburn Hawks moved up into 4th place in the NIHL Moralee Conference (North 1) after a 4-2 home win over 2nd place Billingham Stars (photo by John Milton).  Whitley Warriors drop down into 5th after a 5-1 defeat away at league leaders Solway Sharks on Saturday evening.

Sharks lead the table with 22 points from 13 games while Stars are second with 16 points form 12 games.  Then there is a chasing pack of 4 teams - Blackburn, Whitley, Sheffield Spartans and Sutton Sting - any of whom are all just a win away from third sport.

Sutton picked up a  2-4 away win over Manchester Minotaurs to overtake them in the table.  Telford Titans remain bottom with no points from their 12 games so far this season.

In the Laidler Conference (North 2) league leaders Deeside Dragons beat 2nd placed Nottingham Lions 2-1 and extended their lead ta the top to  5 points.

In Sunday's other game, resurgent Solihull Barons shut out Widnes Wild 14-0 (photo by Keith Davies) and join Nottingham on 18 points but with a game in hand.

On Saturday evening, Hull Stingrays won 2-4 away at Sheffield Senators and now sit 5th in the table.

More info:  www.blackburnhawks.com   www.eiha.co.uk   www.bluelinerhockey.com

Local Football Round Up

An understrength AFC Blackpool missing 6 first team players were beaten 2-6 by second bottom Winsford United in the NWCFL Premier Division (in photo). Squires Gate FC lost 0-1 at home to Ashton Athletic. 

AFC Blackpool are away next Saturday where they face Runcorn Town in the Premier Division.  Squires Gate are also away in league action at Silsden.

On a more positive note, Blackpool Wren Rovers beat Coppull 2-0 in the first round of the West Lancashire League's Richardson Cup. Next Saturday, the Wrens are at home to Euxton Villa in a 2pm kick off.

Team websites: www.afcblackpool.co.uk   www.squiresgatefc.co.uk  www.blackpoolrovers.co.uk  League websites: www.nwcfl.com  http://westlancashireleague.pitchero.com/

North / South Divide - Paul's NIHL Column On Blueliner Hockey

Paul has been busy making his opinions known again on a range of ice hockey topics on the special hockey news site Blueliner Hockey. com.

This time around, he is looking at the new ice rink that is about to open at Streatham and making suggestions to bring hockey to new parts of the country.

To see that story, click here: http://bluelinerhockey.com/north-south-divide-3-what-a-refreshing-change/

He also reflects on Blackburn Eagles' first league win of the season here: http://bluelinerhockey.com/north-south-divide-4-blackburn-eagles-swoop-to-victory/

Photo:  Paul on the Blueline ...geddit..?

"Seri-Graff 3" New Exhibition by Robin Ross at Sides Art & Frames in Lytham until 31st December

I first met Robin Ross in 1996 and, at the time , he was much more confident than I was that I might make a good radio presenter. It so happens that he was absolutely right and I have been doing it on and off ever since and that has, in turn, led to other things as well.  Once of those other things is our  "Best Kept Secrets" website which now gives use the chance to promote Robin's latest Art exhibition.

Seri-Graff 3 by Robin Ross is a brand new solo limited print show with no more than 6 in each run

Seri-Graff 3 can be viewed Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm at
Sides Art & Frames
1 Tudor Buildings, South Westby Street
Lytham St Annes
FY8 5JE

Sunday, 15th December 2013 1 pm - 4.30 p.m. at Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton, Wirral - The Merseybeat Story "A Christmas Cracker"

The Fun Factory - Charity to help the children of disabled parents

We met an amazing family today who are proof that every cloud has a silver lining.  They set up the charity The Fun Factory to help children of disabled parents have some fun times - check out their amazing website:   http://thefunfoundation.co.uk and join their Facebook Page too.

Sunday, 8th December 2013 at The Pheasantry, PizzaExpress, 152 Kings Road Chelsea, LONDON SW3 4UT

Ice Hockey: NIHL North Round Up For The Weekend Of 16th & 17th November 2013

After a fascinating weekend of ice hockey in both the Moralee (North 1) and Laidler (North 2) Conferences, things are even less clear cut than they were before!

Solway pulled ahead at the top of the Moralee Conference on Saturday night with a 6-4 win over Blackburn Hawks while Sheffield Spartans edged Sutton Sting 3-2 to move into 3rd place.  However, second bottom Sting then sensationally beat Solway 6-3 on Sunday night while Billingham stars came from behind to snatch a winner with 4 second to play in their North East derby with Whitley Warriors to climb back into second place.

In the other Moralee match on Sunday, Manchester Minotaurs won 13-3 away at bottom team Telford Titans.

In the Laidler Conference, Blackburn Eagles picked up their first points of the season with a 6-4 win over Widnes Wild on Saturday.

The big game on Sunday night saw Deeside Dragons fight back from 2-6 down to beat Coventry Blaze 7-6 and maintain their lead at the top of the table with other results meaning that Blaze dropped down to 4th..

Nottingham Lions' 4 point weekend with wins at Sheffield Senators (2-7) and at home against Hull Stingrays (5-2) moved them into 2nd place while Solihull Barons scored 23 goals in their two away wins - at Hull (1-10) and Widnes  (2-13) to leapfrog Blaze into 3rd.

More information:  www.eiha.co.uk  www.blackburnhawks.com www.bluelinerhockey.com

Photo: Solway Sharks v Blackburn Hawks by John Milton www.togger.co.uk

Cheshire Dogs' Home, Warrington - Christmas Fair - Sunday, 1st December 2013 - 11 am - 4 pm

Local Football Round Up - 16th November 2013

AFC Blackpool slumped to a dispiriting 0-4 defeat at home to West Didsbury & Chorlton in the NWCFL Premier Division.  The game was actually closer than the result suggests and the home side felt aggrieved at some of the officiating.

AFC Blackpool are at home against next Saturday when they entertain Winsford in a league encounter.  Squires Gate FC are also at home- against Ashton Athletic.

In the Quarter Final of the Lancashire Shield, Blackpool Wren Rovers beat Garstang on penalties after drawing 1-1 after extra time.  Next Saturday Wren Rovers are at home to Coppull in the 1st Round of the Richardson Cup - 2pm kick off.

More information:  www.afcblackpool.co.uk , www.squiresgatefc.co.uk  www.nwcfl.com  www.blackpoolrovers.co.uk

Please vote for The Devil's Porridge WW1 Munitions Factory Museum in The People's Millions on 26th November 2013

The Devil's Porridge Museum, which commemorates the state of the art WW1munitions factory in Gretna needs our help.  They have been short-listed for the People's Millions and will go head-to-head with another good cause on Border TV. Eastriggs Primary School have combined forces with their volunteers to make a short film to be broadcast on 26^thNovember.

They need as many votes as possible to win £50,000 towards our new inter-active museum which is set to open next year. It will ensure that the amazing story of how Eastriggs and Gretna were built in WW1 for the greatest munitions factory of the time, is told to future generations. It will also be a lasting commemoration to those who died in both world wars.

You can phone in your support from 9.00am to midnight on Tuesday 26th of November. The number will be available on the People's Millions website from early morning and on Border TV News at 600pm where supporting films will be aired.

Please, please vote (10p) and vote often. Thank you.

Photo from The Devil's Porridge showing why Sir Arthur Conan Doyle coined the phrase.  Munitions factories were vital to the cause of winning the war.  The soldiers said that those who worked in munitions factories faced as much danger as those who were fighting.   Many munitions workers were killed or injured.

 

You can also Like their Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/devilsporridge?fref=ts

The Devil's Porridge Museum, Daleside, Butterdales Road, Eastriggs, DG12 6TQ.

Poetry Reading Event At Fleetwood Library - 29th November 2013

Poetry enthusiasts from up and down the Fylde coast are invited to a special poetry reading event at Fleetwood Library on Friday 29th November from 11am to 1pm.

 

Local poet and author Lucy London (in photo) will lead the event and participants will have the opportunity to: 

 

Discuss the WW1 Exhibition

Talk about their own favourite poets

Read out their own poems

Admission to the event is free and tea and biscuits will be served.

 

For more information, you can email Lucy directly at  info@femalewarpoets.com

Also, why not have a look at her research website at www.femalewarpoets.blogspot.co.uk 

 

 

Animal Aid Christmas Fayre Sunday 8th December 2013 Kensington Town Hall, London

Female Poets Of The First World War Exhibition In Fleetwood - Dates Extended!

The highly popular exhibition at Fleetwood Library has been extended and will now run until the end of November.

This exhibition by Lucy London includes biographical details and examples of work from women who wrote poetry during the Great War including Fleetwood teacher Margaret Rowntree.

 

The are also details of "Inspirational Women of World War 1" and the "Fascinating Facts Of The Great War" section covers the time that war poet Wilfred Owen spent in Fleetwood, the role played by Fleetwood's trawler fleet in the conflict and much more besides. 

 

Fleetwood Library can be found on North Albert Street, Fleetwood FY7 6AJ

Opening Times are: Monday 9am to 5pm, Tuesday 9am to 7pm, Wednesday 9am to 12.30, Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm.

 

To find out more about Lucy's project, visit her website at www.femalewarpoets.blogspot.co.uk

 

The Mousetrap - First Ever UK Tour Comes to Blackpool Grand Theatre 25th to 30th November 2013

For 60 years, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has been the world’s longest running stage production. The first ever tour of the record-breaking production opened on 11 September 2012 in Canterbury and will be coming to the Grand Theatre Blackpool from Monday 25 to Saturday 30 November.

The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be?

One by one the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motive are finally revealed.

In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

The cast includes returning company member Karl Howman (Brush Strokes) as Mr Paravicini alongside: Joanna Croll (Sirens, Doctors) as Mollie Ralston, Ellie Jacob (DCI Banks, Misfits) as Miss Casewell, Christopher Gilling (ITV’s Law and Order, BBC1’s Silk) as Major Metcalf, Anne Kavanagh (Chichester Festival Theatre’s Goodnight Mr Tom, August: Osage County at the National Theatre) as Mrs Boyle, Henry Luxemburg (Hollyoaks, Hotel Babylon) as Giles Ralston, Ryan Saunders (Sweet Bird of Youth at the Old Vic, The History Boys UK tour) as Christopher Wren and Jonathan Woolf (Travelling Light at the National Theatre) as Sgt Trotter.

Mousetrap Productions has licensed 60 productions of The Mousetrap world-wide to mark the 60^th year. During this period the world’s longest running show will be seen in every continent, with professional productions scheduled for Australia, China, Korea, Turkey, South Africa, Russia, Czech Republic, Hungary, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Poland, Spain, Scandinavia, Venezuela, and across the United States and Canada.

Monday 25 to Saturday 30 November Tickets: From £15.50, Concessions Available.

Call Box Office on 01253 74 33 39 or visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

A full list of tour dates can be seen here: http://mousetrapontour.com/

Book Now For "Broken" by Motionhouse at Blackpool Grand Theatre - 19th November 2013

Broken erupts on the stage with dancers displaying stunning athleticism combined with incredible digital imagery and original music in a uniquely visual and adrenaline-fuelled spectacle. This trademark Motionhouse production considers the precarious relationship we have with the earth and lures the audience into a world of shifting perspectives.

Broken builds on the success of the company’s major international hit, Scattered, based on the elemental theme of water, which Motionhouse performed on the Grand Theatre’s Stage in 2009.

Broken is a co-commisioned piece by the Grand Theatre Blackpool, Warwick Arts Centre, Watford Palace Theatre and Swindon dance.

Created by artistic director Kevin Finnan, Broken is currently embarking upon a major UK tour following its premiere at Warwick Arts Centre in October 2013 and will be performing at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on Tuesday 19 November.

This also follows a monumental year for the company, which saw Kevin Finnan take the role of Choreographer and Movement Director for the 2012 Paralympics Games Opening Ceremony.

Tickets £11.50 Full, £8.50 Concession, £7.00 Schools

 Call Box Office on 01253 74 33 39 or visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk  

Charity Festive Shopping Extravaganza + Dinner Wednesday, 27th November 2013 Hilton Hotel

We noticed a new (to us) Charity Shop in St. Annes, Lancashire, (UK - we are wary since discovering  Fleetwood Libraries in Canada and the USA) - in aid of debra the skin charity.   The shop is really beautiful - more like an exclusive boutique and definitely worth a look.

To find out more about the charity go to www.debra.org.uk

In the shop we found a poster for the charity dinner Shopping Extravaganza organised by Debenhams in aid of three local charities - one of them being debra.  

On offer is a festive, two course dinner menu with mulled wine, coffee and truffles served in the Queens Suite at the Hilton Hotel on Blackpool Promenade AND lots of stalls for your to browse and find those special Christmas presents in a relaxed atmosphere.  Coffee and mince pies when you've finished shopping - some stalls cash only.

Tickets £15 per person

For further details and to book please call 01253 627977 or e-mail events.blackpool@hilton.com

William Hicks celebrates the legendary Barry White Lowther Pavilion Friday 22nd November 2013 7.30pm

Yes William Hicks is bringing the fabulous Barry White sound to the Lowther Pavilion on Friday, 22nd November 2013 at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets are £16.50 and £17.50 from the Box Office 01253 794221 or on line at www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk

Vagina Monologues Coming To Colne Muni - Diane Keen Exclusive Interview!

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES at the Municipal Hall in Colne - Thursday 21 November

Eve Ensler's hilarious Broadway and West End smash hit -The Vagina Monologues - is a celebration of female sexuality in all its complexity and mystery and is well-known to have audiences laughing out loud one minute, and crying the next!

These are real women’s stories of intimacy, vulnerability and sexual self-discovery, delivered with passion, humour and humanity.

The Vagina Monologues is back with a new, all-star cast, featuring Hollie-Jay Bowes (feisty Michaela McQueen from Hollyoaks), TV favourite Terri Dwyer (Loose Women) and Diane Keen (Doctors, Ruth Rendell Mysteries - in photo). 

An un-missable show for every generation - bring your mum, best friend, sister or even gran - this is the ultimate girls' night out!

GROUP BOOKING OFFER – BOOK 5 TICKETS AND GET 6^TH FREE!

Doors Open:  7pm Show Starts:  8pm

Ticket Prices: £19.50 Adult  £16.50 Conc

Booking link for Colne show: http://www.themuni.co.uk/events/vagina-monologues/

To hear our great interview with Diane Keen, click on the sound icon below
(please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):

 


For more information about the touring show - and more tour dates, click here: http://vaginamonologues.co.uk/tour-dates/

Ice Hockey: NIHL North Round Up - Weekend of 9th &10th November

It was “all change” at the top of the NIHL North Moralee Conference this weekend as last season’s NIHL North 1 league champions Solway Sharks leapfrogged Billingham Stars into top spot.

Stars slumped to a shock 3-0 shut-out defeat at second bottom Sutton Sting on Sunday evening and the Sharks took full advantage by shutting out Sheffield Spartans 8-0 on Saturday night and then winning 7-5 away at third place Whitley Warriors on Sunday.

Solway now lead the Moralee Conference with 18 points from 10 games. Billingham have 14 points from 10 games and Whitley have 12 points from 9 games.

The Spartans bounced back from that Saturday night set back to beat bottom club Telford Titans 8-2 on Sunday to maintain their 4^th place in the table.

In the weekend’s other league game, Blackburn Hawks drew 2-2  at home to Manchester Minotaurs, leaving the two rivals in 5^th and 6^th respectively.

Laidler Conference (N2) league leaders Deeside Dragons were held to a 2-2 draw at second bottom Sheffield Senators on Sunday, despite outshooting the opposition 33 to 17. This was quite an achievement for the Senator who had previously only picked up 3 points all season as they who led 1-0 at one point and kept the Dragons at bay until the 37^th minute.

Widnes Wild moved up to 5th place in the table after a 2-2 draw with last season’s N2 champions Nottingham Lions.

In the division’s other game of the weekend , 4^th place Solihull Barons beat 2^nd place Coventry blaze 6-3 to lift themselves to the edge of the chasing pack.  They are 4 points behind 3^rd place Lions and 5 behind Blaze but have 2 games in hand over both of them.  Deeside remain top with 19 points from 11 games.

 

More info:  www.eiha.co.uk    www.blackburnhawks.com 

Photo: Blackburn Hawks v Manchester Minotaurs  by John Milton www.togger.co.uk 

Local Football Round Up

The place to be for goals was Blackpool Wren Rovers' Bruce Park where the reserve team beat Haslingden St Marys 5-1 in a very entertaining match, albeit with all 6 goals coming in the first half.

The Wren Rovers 1st team match away at Burnley United in the West Lancashire League Premier Division was postponed. AFC Blackpool's North West Counties League Premier Division match away at St Helens Town was also postponed and Squires Gate lost 1-2 at home to Alsager.

Next Saturday 16th November Wren Rovers 1st team are at home to Garstang in the quarter final of the Lancashire Amateur shield in a 1.30pm kick off. Also on Saturday, AFC Blackpool are at home to West Didsbury & Chorlton in a NWCFL Premier Division fixture - 3pm kick off.

Squires Gate's next match is not until Wednesday 20th November when they are away to AFC Liverpool.

More information: www.afcblackpool.co.uk  www.squiresgatefc.co.uk   www.blackpoolrovers.co.uk   www.nwcfl.com   http://westlancashireleague.pitchero.com/

Photo: Minute's silence before the game in memory of the Fallen in two world wars and numerous other conflicts

Fleetwood Library, Lancashire, UK to retain WW1 commemorative exhibition until the end of November 2013

News has just come in that Fleetwood Library would like to retain the exhibition until the end of this month as it has attracted quite a lot of attention.

Fleetwood Library
North Albert Street
FLEETWOOD
Lancashire
FY7 6AJ
UK

As there are also Fleetwood Libraries elsewhere in the world, I think it wise to specify - there is one in Canada and one in the USA.

Entry is free and you can view the exhibition during normal library opening hours.

If you have never visited Fleetwood - where Wilfred Owen was posted in October - December 1916 before leaving for the Western Front - don't forget to visit:

The North Euston Hotel, which was the HQ of the Gunnery School

Fleetwood Golf Links - where the firing ranges were situated and

Wilfred Owen's lodgings in Bold Street, Fleetwood (blue plaque in situ)

Fleetwood Freeport is also worth a visit, as it is alongside the marina which is full of interesting yachts.

And Fleetwood has a park called Memorial Park - near Fleetwood Town FC - which has just received a grant for renovations.

Fylde Coast musician Frank Flynn announces new Group - CDF - 25th November 2013 9 - 11 pm Ashley Club, Thornton FY5 5HQ

Pendle War Poetry Prize Winner Christine on CBC Radio In Canada

Christine Poropat from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada (in photo), was featured on CBC Radio's Points North programme where she read out her poem that has won second prize in the Overseas Category of this year's Pendle War Poetry Competition.

You can hear Christine read out her poem and tell about her family's involvement in the Second World War in this excellent feature that was put together by Jennifer Norwell at CBC Sudbury, Ontario.

To listen, click on the sound icon below (please note this may take longer to load if you are using a Mac...):


Photo by Jennifer Norwell, CBC.

To find out more about the Points North programme on CBC, click here:  http://www.cbc.ca/pointsnorth/

To see details of all the winners of the 2013 Pendle War Poetry Competition, look here: www.pendlewarpoetry.com

The Lancashire Hussars

The Hussars is a none profit organisation dedicated to recreating the lifestyle of the British Yeomanry cavalry in WW1, with a static display showing period photographs going back to the 19^th century, and original equipment.

On top of this, we have a riding team of currently eight riders who put on displays of period drill and weapons displays from horseback.   The troop rides in historically accurate uniforms and where possible use original equipment for the horses.

We are interested in hearing from people wanting to join in the fun and help out with our shows, or simply stand back and take photographs of us. Of course if you are looking for someone to sponsor, we are always open to suggestions…

We can be contacted on Lancashirehussars@hotmail.co.uk and with help we will shortly be putting up our own website.

Psychic & Dine Evening - Rowleys At Blackpool FC HOtel - 12th November 2013

Rowley’s at Blackpool FC Hotel and Supernatural Events will be presenting local psychic and spiritual medium Crissi Hawkes at the football ground restaurant for an enlightening evening of mediumship on Tuesday, November 12^th; the first in a series of Psychic and Dine events.

Crissi Hawkes began developing as a medium twenty years ago; originally guided towards the spiritualist church who assisted in her training. She also trained at Stanstead Hall College in psychic studies. She has served as a medium in SNU Churches across Blackpool and the Fylde Coast and has performed many sold-out evenings of mediumship and psychic events at locations across the North West. Crissi uses her gift to pass on messages from loved ones in the spirit world, hoping to give comfort and guidance to those who wish to receive.

Psychic and Dine will begin in Rowley’s restaurant at 7pm (for 7.30pm) on Tuesday, November 12^thand will include an evening of mediumship and a two-course meal. Tickets are priced at just £14.95 per person and must be booked in advance by calling 01253 401953 (choosing option 3).

Book Now for Classic Clapton - Eric Clapton Tribute at Colne Muni - 15th November 2013

CLASSIC CLAPTON the World's No1 Eric Clapton Tribute Band featuring front-man Mike Hall will be making a welcome return to Colne in November after a gap of eight and a half years. 

 

They will be performing at The Muni Theatre, Albert Road, Colne on Friday 15^th November at 8.30pm.  Doors open 7.30pm.  Tickets priced £10 advance (£12 on the door) are available from the box office - Tel: 01282 661234.  Visit the venue’s website:- www.themuni.co.uk  This will be the band’s second visit to Colne.  They performed a very successful concert here in 2005.  Fans are advised to book early for their next appearance.

 

They will perform all of EC's classic songs including Wonderful Tonight, Tears in Heaven, Crossroads, I Shot The Sheriff, Lay Down Sally, Cocaine and of course Layla!  There will even be an “UNPLUGGED” segment. 

 

NEARLY 2 HOURS OF CLASSIC CLAPTON

 

The band was formed in 1985 in Newcastle upon Tyne long before the term “tribute band” was invented and named themselves ''After Midnight'' after Eric Clapton’s first solo hit.  Their ability to re-create Clapton’s electrifying stage performances, really caught the audience’s imagination.  In guitar/vocalist Mike Hall, the band possesses a front man who not only looks like Eric, he sings and plays guitar like him too! 

 

In 1999, Mike won a national look-alike competition held at Madam Tussauds, London.  Mike has met Slowhand twice, and even received a message of encouragement from the guitar maestro (written on a Concorde menu).  

 

TYNE TEES TELEVISION were so impressed, they made a programme about the band, called 'COVER THEIR TRACKS'.  It was shown in August 2000 and received rave reviews, leading to national recognition. Last year Mike was filmed by Japanese TV for a documentary about Slowhand's classic song Layla.  The programme was shown on BS Fuji TV Japan in January 2013.

 

In 2001 they embarked on an extensive tour of UK Theatres.  They called the tribute show "CLASSIC CLAPTON".  Since then, they have continued to perform throughout the UK and Europe including concerts at The Royal Festival Hall, London and a triumphant appearance at Glastonbury Festival in 2002.  In the past few years they have performed numerous concerts in Europe including Spain, Estonia and Holland.  In 2009 they appeared at St Andrews Auditorium in Mumbai.  A 10,000 mile round-trip for 1 gig, but it was a great experience.

 

In the past 28 years CLASSIC CLAPTON have become something of a rock institution.

 

CLASSIC CLAPTON comprises 4 excellent musicians:-  Mike Hall (lead vocals/guitar) & Paul Warren (keyboards/ backing vocals).  Since their last appearance in 2005 they have been re-joined by Danny Davison (drums) and Dave Robson (bass guitar /backing vocals).  Dave is a former member of chart band Geordie.  In fact he was with them at the time Brian Johnson left to join AC/DC.  Dave & Danny were both original members of CLASSIC CLAPTON.

 

CLASSIC CLAPTON have released three albums.  Firstly “THE MUSIC OF ERIC CLAPTON” contains brilliant cover-versions of 17 Clapton Classics.  Their second is a live double CD ''CLASSIC CLAPTON Unplugged''  recorded at Belfast Waterfront Hall.  In 2004 they released their third album “CLASSIC CREAM” – featuring 20 songs made famous by the sixties supergroup.  All three albums will be available at Colne.

 

Eric Clapton has been a major international star since the mid 1960's, when he revolutionised electric guitar playing, with his virtuoso performances in John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.  He has won an incredible 19 Grammies and is the only triple inductee into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of The Yardbirds, Cream and as a solo artist).

 

Eric Clapton’s recent tours unfortunately have visited only a limited number of large UK arenas.  If fans want to hear all of his hits performed in more intimate surroundings, they really should attend a CLASSIC CLAPTON concert.  The whole of Clapton's illustrious career will be covered including Cream, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, The Yardbirds, Blind Faith, Derek & The Dominos and the solo years.

 

For more information, see the web-site:-   www.classic-clapton.com

 

 

 

Ice Hockey: NIHL North Round Up - Weekend of 2nd/3rd November 2013

Blackburn Hawks returned to winning ways last night with a 16-1 win over the Moralee Conference’s bottom club Telford Titans (in photo). The Titans had a similar mauling on Saturday night when they lost 15-1 at home to last season’s league champions Solway Sharks.

That win moved Sharks level on point with league leaders Billingham Stars and the status quo was maintained after both teams won their games on Sunday evening, with Solway just edging a 4-3 win away at Sheffield Spartans and Billingham winning by the same scoreline at home to Sutton Sting.  Both teams now have 14 points but Billingham have played a game more.

In the other Moralee game of the weekend, Whitley Warriors beat Manchester Minotaurs 6-1 to maintain their 3 place in the league table.

In the Laidler Conference (North 2), Deeside Dragons maintained their position at the top of the table with a 4-2 win away at title challengers Nottingham Lions while Coventry Blaze took advantage to move clear in second place with their 7-1 win over Widnes Wild.

Solihull Barons 3-2 away at Sheffield Senators keeps them in 4th place – 8 points behind the league leaders but with 2 games in hand.

On Saturday evening, bottom club Blackburn Eagles almost picked up their first points of the campaign but were just edged out by Hull Stingrays in a 3-4 home defeat.

More information:  www.blackburnhawks.com     www.eiha.co.uk   www.bluelinerhockey.com

Paul's Latest Opinion Column On Blueliner Hockey

"The New TV Deal Is Good For The NIHL As Well.."

You can read Paul's latest thoughts on British ice hockey on Blueliner Hockey by following this link:

 http://bluelinerhockey.com/new-tv-deal-is-good-for-nihl-as-well/

Pendle War Poetry Competition - 2013 Results Announced

The results have been announced for the 2013 Pendle War Poetry Competition - with prizes and merits being award in 5 different categories:

Under 18 UK
Under 18 Overseas
Pendle Adult
UK & Ireland Adult
Overseas Adult.

The results of the 2012/13 Lancashire Limerick Competition have also been announced.

A full list of the winners for each category can be found on the competition website: www.pendlewarpoetry.com

NWCFL: AFC Blackpool 2- Stockport Sports 1

AFC Blackpool picked up a well deserved 2-1 home win over Stockport Sports in the NWCFL Premier Division with goals from Shane Hull (15mins) and Martin Baird (57 minutes).  That win leaves them 10th in the league table with 24 points.

At the same time, Squires Gate FC picked up a shock 2-1 win away at league leaders Maine Road to knock them off top spot and move themselves into 12th place on 23 points.

Squires Gate are at home to Alsager in the league next Saturday 9th November while AFC Blackpool are away at St Helens Town.

More info:  www.afcblackpool.co.uk   www.squiresgatefc.co.uk  www.nwcfl.com 

In the West Lancashire League, Blackpool Wren Rovers won 7-1 away at Vickerstown.  A full match report can be seen here: http://www.blackpoolrovers.co.uk/club/84960/Matches/report/4924646

Next Saturday they are away at Burnley Utd in a 2pm kick off and the reserves are at home to Haslingden St Mary - also a 2pm kick off.

Best Kept Secrets Website - 250,000th Hit!

Just before midnight on Wednesday 30th October 2013, we reached 250.000 hits. That's a quarter of a million! 

Big thanks to all our friends and supporters - to everybody who looks at the site and, of course, to everybody who send us news items to include.

We are now looking forward to the 500.000th hit.  Get clicking everybody!