Blackpool Allotments

Reading a recent copy of the local Gazette, this reader gave his thoughts on the allotment situation in Blackpool. "Inspirational allotments - Ever since watching River Cottage on TV, I have been inspired to 'grow my own', surprisingly enough at the unlikely age of 25. For the past year I've been growing in small pots, I recently decided to apply to several allotments in the area. I was saddened by the long waiting lists of anything between three and four years. Blackpool clearly has a shortage of plots. There are many benefits which come with this pastime. It gets people outside enjoying nature, exercise, gives a sense of achievement, well-being, reduces stress and is great for the community. Just a simple addition of more plots or allotment sites would give so much to Blackpool. Think of them as outdoor community centres, no bricks needed! name and address supplied."

Good on the boy I say, this is the day and age of couch potatoes and youths sitting down watching television with their 'tv dinners' or playing their computer games in what I perceive as very unhealthy and unsociable lifestyles which does little to promote cohesion within our local communities or society as a whole. It is good to hear this young man describes taking his interest 'at the unlikely age of 25' by growing his own but does not have enough space. I too have to agree with him that I am saddened to hear of waiting lists of up to 3 years across most of Blackpool's allotments.

I think there is something here which Blackpool could build on further, it could become a leader in promoting good healthy lifestyles and has already demonstrated that it is committed to doing so. The town recently deployed a 'Pay as you Go' cycle scheme which is great for visitors and locals alike, hubs are located at key points across the resort. It has fantastic sports facilities and a spectacular lengthy promenade, the beautiful Stanley Park Gardens and Marton Mere wildlife sanctuary. Why not add to that list and give the people of Blackpool the opportunity to grow their own and encourage people of all ages within it's communities to get stuck in. The health benefits from this pastime are great and like the land itself should be reaped. Scattered across the town there are many overgrown and unused spaces which could be used, so why do we not do something about the shortage of plots, 3 years waiting lists say there is clearly a call for it!

In my opinion, one of the best chippy's I know...

For those who live in Blackpool, when you think of where to go for a good old traditional British takeout and you want the best, a few places might spring to mind. Award winners such as Harry Ramsden's, The Cottage or even your own local down the end of the street? If you can overcome the hype and fame, or "thats where we have always gone too", then there is an absolute gem of a fish & chip shop I discovered quite recently that you should all know about 'Preston Old Road Chippy', which coincidentally enough, it is located on Preston Old Road.

It may look plain on the outside and plain on the inside, but do not be deceived by looks. Preston Old Road Chippy is run by a very hard working chinese couple who run an impeccable fish & chip shop service for the communities of Marton. I have tried some of these award winning fish and chip shop chips, and frankly I do not know what the hype is about sometimes.

In my opinion, Preston Old Road Chippy have mastered the fine art of the humble British potato chip, deeply fried and ripened to perfection, slightly moist and perfectly tasty. An 80p side portion is plenty for two and at a push even 3 which represents tremendous value for money. A large fish will set you back at just £2.30, I don't think you can even buy and cook it yourself for that. If you want a healthy option, a smaller fish is available for just £1.80. No quality is spared and you can expect to find old favourites such as 'Hollands' pies plus all the usual fish & chip shop condiments such as mushy peas, chip shop gravy and a few alternatives for the more discerning customer. Once you have put your order in, you won't be waiting long.

Give it a try sometime, don't just take my word for it.

Marton Mere

Up until quite recently, I took my first walk around Marton Mere, a tranquil refuge on Blackpool's urban fringe. It is an important conservation area which is nationally recognised as a site of special scientific interest for its bird populations, but also supports a variety of other nationally important species such as dragonflies, butterflies, bats and orchids. It is equally a quiet recreation area and environmental education centre for schools.

The site was formerley Blackpool Corporation's rubbish tip, today it is described as a biodiversity hot spot with a diversity of habitats including open water, reed beds, grassland as well as pockets of woodland and scrub. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the area through the designated footpaths around the site and visiting numerous bird watching hides.

It is also a great place for foragers, here you will find plenty of free pickings. At the right times of year there is an abundance of apples, pears, blackberries and elderberries in the brush. Let us know if you find anything exciting.

A few facts: Blackpool Tower

A few facts... Blackpool Tower was opened on the 14th May 1894. It's design and structure was inspired by that of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This Grade 1 listed building stands 158m (518ft 9") half that of the Eiffel Tower, and can be seen as far as 30 miles away.

The top of the tower is home to Britain's highest royal mail post box. Maintenance access is by 563 steps from roof to the top of the tower. There are 5 miles of cables which feed 10,000 light bulbs which are used to illuminate the tower. 2,500 tonnes of iron, 93 tonnes of cast steel and 5,000,000 bricks were used to construct the lower buildings and tower. The cast steel and iron are distributed in such a way that if it did ever collapse it would fall into the sea.

Stanley Park

It has been a good year or so since I visited Stanley Park last, the regeneration work there is still ongoing and coming along very nicely. Blackpool has much to be proud of, the flower displays are a real showcase, it is little things like this which make a difference. I know locals like to go to Stanley Park as much as visitors do, but good flower displays are a good sign that Blackpool is taking tourism seriously. You would be surprised looking around at other seaside towns which let themselves down for the simple reason of saving a few quid, landscaping out the flower beds for more low maintenance alternatives, we should consider ourselves lucky.

Another thing I noticed was that Stanley Park Cafe appeared to have been taken over? The last time I stopped by there for my usual hot chocolate, sandwich and a cake, there was notices of do's and dont's plastered all over the walls, staff were talked down to, photographs of the proprietors were affixed like a shrine, it made you feel most uncomfortable. This all appears to have changed, in my humble opinion it is still as expensive as before, but there is more choice on the menu.

I will have to make more of an effort and visit the park more often, it is truly beautiful all year round and each and every season is different. The park is very family friendly and there is always something to see. It is well worth mentioning bring some bread with you for the ducks or some nuts for the squirrels which are very tame.

Blackpool Arts and Culture

I am somewhat impressed by the regeneration which has been undergoing some years now in Blackpool. The town is progressively cleaning up it's act toning down it's 'kiss me quick' image, adopting a more upmarket and cosmopolitan approach. By building upon it's staple attractions, Blackpool is becoming a town which caters for people from all walks of life, be it romantic couples, families, tram enthusiasts, thrill seekers and to add to the list art lovers.

I particularly like the way in which it is capturing 'art and culture', for those who have visited the promenade will see there is now a whole section with modern sculptures, a wind funnel and even the world's largest disco ball on display, it is quite a spectacle too. Without any music you can happily sit back on a warm or mild evening and tranquilly pass time soothed by the light display it creates.

I will write some more on this as the blog progresses...

Introduction to Blog Blackpool

As this is my first post, I would like to introduce you to 'Blog Blackpool'. A blog setup by local individual who shall remain anonymous for it's entirety.

The blog will cover a wide array of local subjects from recreational pastimes to local politics and even giving a bit of praise where due. Articles will be of my own personal experiences or general knowledge, I will also give the opportunity for members and readers to come forward and have their say about anything published here in confidence.