Issue 5 - February 2014

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they certainly weren’t replaced with anything of true value.“There has been a sea change with the local authority as people like Carl Carrington and the In an interview with Craig Fleming, feature writer press conference and someone asked, ‘What heritage team work together to promote the for the Blackpool Gazette he revealed his passion next?’ ‘Space travel’ was the answer “He claimed past. Progress doesn’t mean you bulldoze about Blackpool- then and now. he was launching commercial space travel and everything in sight.”the people on the Fylde Coast first read about Journalist Craig was born in Helmshore in the To illustrate the Gazette’s influence, Craig’s Virgin Galactic in the Gazette.”Rossendale Valley. His father was a Geordie, a granddaughter at her primary school watched a shipwright on the River Tyne who moved south “When I first started in June 1972 The Gazette piece about the old buildings in Blackpool. and met his future wife while working at the local was a tiled building in Victoria Street which “My granddaughter recognised me as Porritt’s cotton mill. Craig says he wanted a looked like something out of the Superman films. presenting ‘Then and Now,’ on the Gazette Geordie accent but never got one. He went to We later moved out to Preston New Road into website.Helmshore County Primary, same school as his the old Telefusion headquarters, then to Avroe

mother and before that his grandmother, who House on Blackpool Airport land. “She’s asked me since about buildings ‘in the had attended on its opening day. As a youngster olden days’ and it showed me my “In the early days I couldn’t afford a car so I took he was always writing stories and poetry. He granddaughter was interested in local history the bus to go out on jobs or walked everywhere attended Haslingden Grammar and then Harris and heritage and that is being fostered by the but at least you got to see and familiarise yourself College, Preston, where senior lecturers frowned schools.”with an area. That was in the days before emails on him editing the Rag mag. and mobile phones.” On asking what life would be like in retirement, “They told me ‘that’s not journalism,’ but it raised Craig said he was sure he would still have an “The Gazette has changed over the years and lots for charity and I had great fun finding corny active interest in some way, not least reading was one of the first newspapers in the country to jokes.” Memory Lane and the Lost Archive supplement.take on new technology, digital first now being His first job was in the summer break before the buzz word of the parent company.” “We have a wonderful archive of glass negatives going to college for a one year journalism course. and it is brilliant we are sharing this with the Craig’s interest in heritage started when he

wider public.”“What a soul destroying job it was, welding metal worked in Victoria Street.bread trays at a factory in Haslingden. I kept He also has a lot of admiration for Tony Sharkey “I was fascinated by the various architectural hoping my A level results were good enough!” and the Local History Centre at Central Library, styles around - the Little Vic, the Winter Gardens

often working very closely with them for After the journalists course he applied to several and its archway.”Memory Lane. newspapers, including The Gazette. “In my lunch break I didn’t go down to the “Various readers have collections left by relatives “At the interview editor Brian Hargreaves told me seafront but looked above street level to see a and we put them in touch with the library so he had misplaced my application letter, and had building’s true value.”these collections can be catalogued. It’s ironic no vacancies, but perhaps I could persuade him Craig inherited Memory Lane and through the that with newspapers in full colour when there is to give me a job. I must have done something articles got to know local historians.so much interest in the black and white right, because he took a chance on me, and a “People seem surprised I’m not Blackpool-born photographs.”week later I became a junior reporter. as they say I have a passion for the town and yes I I am sure I am not alone in saying how valuable “I have always found the job exciting, meeting have after more than 41 years in the job.”Craig’s input has been to the recognition of people and writing about them.” Reflecting on his career Craig says it is sad so Blackpool’s wonderful heritage and we wish him “Worst experience was on night duty and on a many buildings were torn down in the name of all the best in the future!routine call to police I was told a chap was progress, particularly in the 60’s and 70’s because

clinging to the flag pole at the top of Blackpool Tower. I assumed it was a wind-up. Two hours later a different officer mentioned the same incident. ‘Not you as well,’ I groaned, ‘so how long has he been up there?’ “He replied ‘since 1939’ and I suggested the poor chap would be frozen solid after all those years. The situation was genuine, the 19:39 was the time not the year!”The most memorable personality Craig has met was in the late nineties when he went for lunch with Richard Branson, head of the Virgin empire, to Majorca, to launch his Virgin Sun packages. He literally took journalists on a day trip to a hotel he owned. His mum, a former air hostess, served up ice creams on the plane. Out of the blue he changed into a matador’s costume in the men’s toilets at Palma Airport for a publicity shot. “As a person he was absolutely brilliant, so unassuming and yet at the same time you knew he was a calculating business man. We had a

Shirley Matthews Clarke B.A.(hons)

A BIG ADD VENTURE IN BLACKPOOL

wonderful talk on the history of the What have 3 dogs, the RNLI and s e a s i d e t o w n f r o m i t s h u m b l e saucy seaside postcards got in beginnings.common? Well all will be revealed.Tony Sharkey from the Local History

An enthusiastic and lively group of 20 Centre based at the Central library people arrived for a 5 day residential fascinated us with photographs showing course on 4th November at the Savoy the throngs of thousands of people Hotel. “taking the air” on the beach in the late As a Blackpool Heritage Champion and a 19th and early 20th Century to the “Vicar tutor for the Workers Education in a barrel” and other obscure side Association, (WEA) I was there to shows. But the group could not resist welcome them, explain the action learning about the censorship criteria of packed programme of events for the the saucy seaside postcards and had week and give them the background them asking if they could visit the centre information into the work of the heritage before a trip to the Winter Gardens. Such volunteers. was the interest in learning about the

unique heritage of the town. One learner The group, members of a charity which said “The enthusiasm of the historians provides access to life-long learning for rubbed off on the students,”visually impaired people. They are called

Add-Venture in Learning, check out their On the last evening Brenda Warburton website for more information. from the Royal National Lifeboat

Institute (RNLI) put us through our paces The members included 10 visually with the new life saving equipment used impaired accompanied by three hard by the Blackpool branch. She explained working and trusty guide dogs called; how the 4th Emergency Service is run by Ice, Hero and the mighty Quinn. Who very brave men and women who risk incidentally was as big as a small horse their lives saving others and they are all but as soft and tactile as a teddy bear. volunteers.Each person had their own designated J o h n n y s a i d a b o u t t h e c o u r s e s ighted guide to support with “Expectations have been met largely orienteering, writing and other valuable thanks to the enthusiasm of volunteers work.and guides/speakers”. The “Unexpected They had travelled from as far afield as; benefit laughter and enjoyment” “Made Leeds, Bridlington, Oxfordshire, London, new friends” and others have told me the Kendal, Sheffield, Devon, Scunthorpe “additional health and well being and Squires Gate.benefits.. too many to mention”.During the week we visited Blackpool I would like to thank all the staff and Tower and were able to hear all about the volunteers who helped to make the circus and go behind the scenes to visit course such a wonderful success and the animal enclosures. Then watch and show off Blackpool as only they can. A listen to the magnificent organ in the quote from a lady who as a child living on Tower Ballroom. Comments from the the Wirral had not been allowed to visit learners included “As this was my first Blackpool, “I realise Blackpool is a place I visit to Blackpool I was surprised at the would come to visit” and why not we amount of history and information given have got it all.to us I feel as if I couldn’t absorb any more

in the time.”The programme included a guided tour of Marton Little Windmill, The Winter Gardens and the Town Hall, Bryan Lindop, Head of Blackpool Transport gave a splendid talk on the history of the trams as well as a complimentary trip to Fleetwood on one of the new trams to see the illuminations. One learner said “Learned more than expected about trams…. as well as the additional health and well being outcomes of, “plenty of health walks and sea breezes.”In the evenings we had guest speakers, including; local historian Barry Shaw from the Civic Trust, who gave a

Anne Scholefield

ShowzamBlackpool’s Festival of Circus, Magic and New Variety is back!Experience this extraordinary annual festival, all across Blackpool, with acts like the fantastic Sooty Show, ‘B’ The Underwater Bubble show and the hilarious Meet The Hogwallop Family. Showzam has something for all the family, and runs from the 14th to the 23rd of February.

WINTER GARDENS HERITAGE TOURSThe Winter Gardens – Start in the Floral Hall15-19 February, 11am £8 (Maximum 25 places on each tour)To book tickets visit www.showzam.co.uk or call the Tourist Information Centre 01253 478222

THE BLACKPOOL TOWER: HERITAGE TOURSThe Blackpool Tower 15-23 February, 11am Prices from £9.95 Book tickets www.theblackpooltower.com

PLEASURE BEACH BACKSTAGE TOURMeet at The Globe Theatre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach17 – 19 February, 10.30am Price £14 (Maximum 35 places on each tour)To book call the Tourist Information Centre 01253 478222

S T A G E W O R K S W O R L D W I D E PRODUCTIONS BACKSTAGE TOURMeet at The Globe Theatre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach20- 21 February, 11am Price £14 (Maximum 35 places on each tour)To book call the Tourist Information Centre 01253 478222

“B” THE UNDERWATER BUBBLE SHOWThe Blackpool Tower Circus Arena Sat 15 Feb – Sun 23 Feb 2.30pmMaking its UK premier for Showzam! “B” is an original theatrical circus show that blends bubbles with dance, juggling, acrobatics, sand magic and special effects, all in a themed, visual, entertaining and colourful performance. Children (aged 3-14) £8, Toddlers (aged 1-2) £6, Adults £10, Family Ticket for 4 (Min 1 adult, max 2 adults 18+) £32.To book visit www.showzam.co.uk or call 01253 478222

SHOWZAM! PRESENTS THE SOOTY SHOWThe Winter GardensMon 17 Feb – Tue 18 Feb 4pmSooty comes home to Blackpool in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nation’s favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty's TV Partner Richard Cadell -who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief! Boy, will he have his hands full! Kids under 14 - £6.99, Adults - £9.99, Family Ticket (Min 1 adult 18+) - £27.99, Kids under 2 free if babes in arms. To book visit www.showzam.co.uk or call 01253 478222

MEET THE HOGWALLOP FAMILYThe Grand TheatreThur 20 Feb – Sat 22 Feb 7.30pmIf you loved reading Roald Dahl’s The Twits you’ll love this! The Hogwallop family are inhabitants of a fantastic and darkly funny universe created by the fantastic Lost in Translation Circus. Children under 14 £6.99, Adults 9.99, Family Ticket (Min 1 adult, max 2 adults 18+) £27.99, children under 2 free if babes in arms. To book visit www.showzam.co.uk or call 01253 478222

MR MEMORY LANE

Photo by Kevin Taylor

Barry Shaw steps back in time to report on the events that led to the unfortunate death of Mrs Toomey.“In the memory of even the oldest inhabitant of Blackpool, does not exist a remembrance of such a sad and fearfully tragic event as that which took place on Sunday 13th October 1895 at one of the oldest hostelries in Blackpool – THE FOXHALL HOTEL! Nothing in recent years has caused such a sensation in Blackpool as has the committal of this horrible murder.Sarah Toomey had been in the employ of Richard Seed, the landlord of the Foxhall Hotel, as cook and chambermaid for over a year. Throughout that period, she had been a good and steady worker and was much liked by all her co-workers. Her husband, John Toomey, joined his wife at The Foxhall recently taking the position of kitchen porter.John Toomey was born at Cork in Ireland about 57 years ago and whilst very young went to London where he followed the pursuit of a cloth packer and was employed in that capacity in many big London warehouses. Whilst in the City, he met with the deceased whose maiden name was Sarah Wilkinson. She was then in service at a gentleman’s private house.John married Sarah 35 years ago at St Peter’s Church, London. The couple then went to live in Hulme, Manchester, where they resided for about twenty years. Toomey was a warehouseman in any of the chief houses of that city until about three months ago when he came to Blackpool. There were eight children by the marriage, two boys and six girls, all of whom are now grown up.The reason of joining his wife was because of his jealous nature. Whilst at the employ at The Foxhall he worked well and gave satisfaction. Last week as the season ended, the waiters terminated their engagements and along with them Toomey received his notice although his wife was being kept on.On Sunday, a farewell dinner was held at noon at which all the staff were present along with Toomey and his wife. As is usual, there was much merriment and laughter at which the cook and her husband joined in heartily.At the conclusion of the dinner, all the servants retired to their rooms for the afternoon and the cook went along with the rest. On coming down about ten minutes to six, Waiter Joseph Smith was surprised to find the cloth was not laid for tea as was usually done by the cook. He remarked that it was a peculiar thing the cook was not there and said to one of the barmaids ‘Where’s t’ cook?’He saw the barmaids preparing their own teas therefore he thought the cook must have overslept herself. Accordingly, he went upstairs, knocked at the bedroom door and humorously remarked ‘Come on cook. All tickets ready’. He was greatly staggered, however, on opening the door to find the cook laid limp and motionless, face downwards in a pool of blood with her throat cut. The gash was most shocking, extending from ear to ear with the head being nearly completely severed from the body. He then informed the barmaids who had come of what he saw and said ‘she’s as dead as a door nail’’They then acquainted the Landlord with the fact and he immediately sent Leonard Seed, his son, for

Doctor Barton and afterwards for the police. Doctor Barton arrived on the scene but his services were of no use, the woman being quite dead. About seven o’clock, the police conveyed the corpse to the Police Station. Joseph Smith, along with PC Howarth, found a knife daubed with blood under the body. The knife was a clasp knife with a blade about four and a half or five inches long with a buck-horn handle.The blade was blood-stained and blood was also clotted in the neck where the blade fitted. With regards to this knife, it had been identified as one which was purchased from the ironmonger’s shop of Messrs Bickerstaff and Son, Foxhall Road.It seemed that on the Friday previous to the murder, a man, answering the description of Toomey, entered the shop and asked for a large knife without a clasp. He said he wanted it because he was going to Canada.There was strong evidence to believe that a murder had been committed. Evidently, as soon as the crime was committed, supposedly by the husband, he fled from the scene of the dastardly deed.

Toomey was seen later that day at the Red Lion Hotel in All Hallows Road, Bispham, enjoying a beer and smoking a cigar. Toomey then had another glass of beer, after which he left the hotel remarking he was going on to Fleetwood to catch the Belfast boat. The Landlord, Samuel Castle, saw him start on the road to Fleetwood and that was the last that was seen of the supposed murderer.However, Toomey did not reach Fleetwood. It was reported that a brown billycock hat and steel-grey coloured jacket were found on the beach near where the barque ‘Abana’ was wrecked at Bispham last December. It is generally supposed that Toomey had divested himself of these garments and then drowned himself in the sea. Some two weeks later, the decomposing body of the jealous husband was found by John Rawcliffe, a Wyre Dock Wolloper*, whilst out shooting on the beach between Rossall and Fleetwood. As to the character of Toomey, his children stated that he was always very fond of drink even when a young man. In addition to this, he was a most jealous man; in fact he would go into a fit of passionate jealousy over absolutely nothing at all. Quarrels, as a result, were very frequent.They were not altogether surprised when the tragedy was reported to them as Toomey frequently threatened to murder his wife and he had repeatedly held knives and pistols over her head. It is also reported that only the Friday previously he informed one of his daughters that he would finish her mother before very long and that he would give her (his daughter) his watch and chain.At the inquest, the Coroner’s Jury returned a verdict of ‘wilful murder’ on the body of Sarah Toomey while the inquest into the body of John Toomey, the Jury returned a verdict of ‘Felo-de-Se’ (suicide) on the Foxhall Killer”.Barry ShawBlackpool Civic Trust*n. Slang. Dock Wolloper is a casual labourer about docks or wharves.

the hull of Foudroyant (wrecked June,1897) and furniture made from the timber, found their way into shops and market stalls in the town, for the ‘benefit’ of the tourists.

When writing his ‘History of Blackpool’ (Fairhaven), as well as at Fleetwood. The List also testifies to the bravery of back in 1837, Thornber included ‘ T h o s e I n f e r n a l B a n k s ’ a n d Lifeboats’ Crews in those early years, in reference to the shipwrecks along the u n p r e d i c t a b l e w e a t h e r , h a v e open, oar driven boats; often in coast. He commented that ‘…a full list contributed to the likelihood of disaster. appalling conditions. A ship in of them would be a very big one’. Mayes (2000, p105- 108) illustrates the difficulties used flairs to summon help. If Indeed, it is recorded that he put his shifting of the banks over a period 1885 help came, it had to come via horse pen down to observe a ship in to 1919 , on ly adding to the drawn trailers to the sea. There are difficulties off Bispham (Clarke, 1910). unpredictable nature of sailing this occasions when it took hours to gather After the incident, he was to be coast. The decline of the ports, the horses and launch the Lifeboat from instrumental in raising awareness of the legislation, advent of the RNLI and points along the coast, not just from the need to provide Blackpool with a predictable weather have mitigated Lifeboat stations. Crew were mainly Lifeboat. risks and reduced casualties. drawn from local Fishermen, who may

Whilst records and reports clearly Mention must also be made of the War have been out fishing at the time of the feature the ‘celebrity’, wrecks: Mexico time rescues, reflecting aircraft call.(1886), Abana (1894), Foudroyant ditchings of operational and training The Sources used in the research, derive (1897), Riverdance (2008). There are flights from the three airfields in area. from the internet, local newspapers, the however, other notable events Other wartime records not recorded Cleveleys Shipwreck Memorial and recorded – the 12 vessels lost in a storm here are those of Fleetwood Trawlers historical accounts of the Lifeboat in 1833; the loss of Lifeboats and their lost in service and recorded on the ‘Real Stations of St Annes, Blackpool and crews in 1852 and 1886; and the loss of Price of Fish’ Memorial in Fleetwood Fleetwood. In one or two cases the the Fleetwood Ferry in 1863, fully laden Museum. Post war launchings have author recalls conversations with his with passengers. We would be relieved been directed to mainly leisure craft Grandfather about adventures of his to find that all but the Ferryman were and people rescues. Fleetwood and great grandfather, a crewmember and saved. There are also 11 vessels listed as fishing all along the coast might have later Coxswain of the St Annes Lifeboat, 'Unidentified', as indeed are, those lost provided Vessel names in the list but Henry Melling. also remain ‘Unidentified’. there are surprisingly few.

Our Wreck Heritage offers many more Wrecks are defined in law in Section 255 fascinating stories yet to be told and of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, 'facts' to be confirmed for someone in they include the debris of wrecks the future. My hope is that this article “jetsam, flotsam, lagan and derelict serves as a prompter to that research.found in or on the shores of the sea or

MPC.any tidal water”. Prior to the 1854 Merchant Shipping Act and the appointment of the ‘Receiver of Wrecks’ to protect them from theft, ‘Wrecking’ was seen as contributing to the good fortune and economy of those who lived round the coast. Occasionally, locals enticed ships to founder on banks and shore, in order to pillage their The research for this paper included cargo’s. Whilst there is no evidence of producing a comprehensive list of the that on this coast, in 1839 three Marton 170+ serious incidents and multiple life men were convicted of theft of silk from loss recorded since before 1700. The list the stricken ‘Crusader’. In contrast, there will be available at Blackpool’s Central are records of the relief felt by locals Library. when the ‘Happy’ foundered in 1779 The list testifies to the fishing families as providing a bounty of peas to locals the main rescuers before RNLI suffering from famine at the time.intervention. The list also indicates the Other commercial opportunities were volume of traffic along, to & from the p r e s e n t e d b y t h e s e w r e c k s . Fylde Coast. The cargo types show the Enterprising businessmen were able to dependence of the Fylde area on sea bid for the carcasses of a wreck to make traff ic . This coupled with the money from them. Souvenirs like that Shipbuilding and dock facilities at on the right, cast from the copper from Freckleton, Lytham, Grannies Bay

A TERRIBLE TRAGEDYMURDER AT THE FOXHALL HOTEL

OUR SHIPWRECK HERITAGETRAGEDIES, RESCUES & PROFIT

SAVE OUR COMRADES CLUB!!

SIR HIRAM MAXIM’S ‘CAPTIVE FLYING MACHINE’ AT PLEASURE BEACH,BLACKPOOL 1904 You may have seen publicity, or heard from various sources that the

Comrades is now in administration, and we need to find a buyer or benefactor for the building on the possible basis that the new owner will rent the building back to the Comrades Club, Orb Art, and Model Railway club. Initially we have 6 months to do this before we lose the building. The photo shows the building when it was Blackpool Grammar School in the early 1900's. The building is part of the Blackpool Heritage trail, and it is the latest piece of Victorian Blackpool to be put at risk; we at the Comrades Club are looking to secure the building’s future by approaching potential buyers, benefactors and heritage organisationsThe debt to the brewery, plus other accumulated costs, has multiplied to an unmanageable level. Tim Pipe, has been running things for the last 3 years or so, and together with a few committee members, myself included, are trying to save the club. We are looking for interested parties in acquiring the club in order to save the building, which unfortunately is not a listed building.

Although the club is looking for a benefactor, investor of sympathetic buyer, the club has another option! That is to set up a new company or charity to buy the building, the company or charity will then raise funds by selling shares in the building. Initially only a pledge will be required. The building currently has some rental income but there are many areas that are under utilised that can generate further income. The company or charity could then look to apply for further funding through The Big Lottery or the Heritage Lottery Fund. There are various avenues that can be explored.With this option in mind, I am looking for volunteers to help promote and carry out the administration required to launch a company/charity of this kind. I do not have the time to take all of this work on so if no one comes forward to help this option will not be pursued!The building represents a reasonable investment whether as a club or as a plot of building land. All users of the building will have many months of notice if the club is to close, so ask that they continue to use the club until the bitter end.Thank you for your support!!Please contact Comrades Club 01253. 625812tim_pipe@tiscali.co.uk

A note from Tim Pipe(Chairman, Comrades Club)

Sir Hiram Steven Maxim was born in Sangerville, Maine, USA on February 5th 1840. He became a naturalised British subject and was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1901. Described as a chronic inventor, patenting 271 creations during his lifetime including a hair curling iron, a steam propelled flying machine and a mouse trap, he made his name as an armaments expert creating the MAXIM (later Vickers-Maxim) machine gun.In 1894 his flying machines held the Altitude Record (8 seconds) until it was broken in 1903 by aviator Orivlle Wright.In 1904 he designed a Captive Flying Machine which he hoped would stimulate public interest in powered flight and provide finance for his experiment with aviation.On November 24th 1916, at Streatham, Sir Hiram Maxim died, sadly without fully realising his ambitions. Flying Machines were built on fun parks at Earls Court, Crystal Palace, South port and BLACKPOOL.

The Blackpool machine opened on August 1st 1904 with 20 passengers in each of its 10 carriages paying 3d (three old pennies) for the thrill of travelling at speeds of up to 40mph. It lured thousands of visitors to the sands beyond the Victoria (South) Pier.In 1921 the Flying Machine was purchased by the Pleasure Beach Company for £750 and remains today the only survivor of the originals built by Maxim. It is truly a venerable antique, being the oldest ride alongside the present day Pleasure Beach attractions.Barry ShawBlackpool Civic Trust

Did you know...?It takes 7 years to paint Blackpool Tower from top to bottom and the tower's lift travels 3,500 miles every year!

The Fylde Coast Shipwreck Memorial, Cleveleys.Photo by the author

Barry Shaw steps back in time to report on the events that led to the unfortunate death of Mrs Toomey.“In the memory of even the oldest inhabitant of Blackpool, does not exist a remembrance of such a sad and fearfully tragic event as that which took place on Sunday 13th October 1895 at one of the oldest hostelries in Blackpool – THE FOXHALL HOTEL! Nothing in recent years has caused such a sensation in Blackpool as has the committal of this horrible murder.Sarah Toomey had been in the employ of Richard Seed, the landlord of the Foxhall Hotel, as cook and chambermaid for over a year. Throughout that period, she had been a good and steady worker and was much liked by all her co-workers. Her husband, John Toomey, joined his wife at The Foxhall recently taking the position of kitchen porter.John Toomey was born at Cork in Ireland about 57 years ago and whilst very young went to London where he followed the pursuit of a cloth packer and was employed in that capacity in many big London warehouses. Whilst in the City, he met with the deceased whose maiden name was Sarah Wilkinson. She was then in service at a gentleman’s private house.John married Sarah 35 years ago at St Peter’s Church, London. The couple then went to live in Hulme, Manchester, where they resided for about twenty years. Toomey was a warehouseman in any of the chief houses of that city until about three months ago when he came to Blackpool. There were eight children by the marriage, two boys and six girls, all of whom are now grown up.The reason of joining his wife was because of his jealous nature. Whilst at the employ at The Foxhall he worked well and gave satisfaction. Last week as the season ended, the waiters terminated their engagements and along with them Toomey received his notice although his wife was being kept on.On Sunday, a farewell dinner was held at noon at which all the staff were present along with Toomey and his wife. As is usual, there was much merriment and laughter at which the cook and her husband joined in heartily.At the conclusion of the dinner, all the servants retired to their rooms for the afternoon and the cook went along with the rest. On coming down about ten minutes to six, Waiter Joseph Smith was surprised to find the cloth was not laid for tea as was usually done by the cook. He remarked that it was a peculiar thing the cook was not there and said to one of the barmaids ‘Where’s t’ cook?’He saw the barmaids preparing their own teas therefore he thought the cook must have overslept herself. Accordingly, he went upstairs, knocked at the bedroom door and humorously remarked ‘Come on cook. All tickets ready’. He was greatly staggered, however, on opening the door to find the cook laid limp and motionless, face downwards in a pool of blood with her throat cut. The gash was most shocking, extending from ear to ear with the head being nearly completely severed from the body. He then informed the barmaids who had come of what he saw and said ‘she’s as dead as a door nail’’They then acquainted the Landlord with the fact and he immediately sent Leonard Seed, his son, for

Doctor Barton and afterwards for the police. Doctor Barton arrived on the scene but his services were of no use, the woman being quite dead. About seven o’clock, the police conveyed the corpse to the Police Station. Joseph Smith, along with PC Howarth, found a knife daubed with blood under the body. The knife was a clasp knife with a blade about four and a half or five inches long with a buck-horn handle.The blade was blood-stained and blood was also clotted in the neck where the blade fitted. With regards to this knife, it had been identified as one which was purchased from the ironmonger’s shop of Messrs Bickerstaff and Son, Foxhall Road.It seemed that on the Friday previous to the murder, a man, answering the description of Toomey, entered the shop and asked for a large knife without a clasp. He said he wanted it because he was going to Canada.There was strong evidence to believe that a murder had been committed. Evidently, as soon as the crime was committed, supposedly by the husband, he fled from the scene of the dastardly deed.

Toomey was seen later that day at the Red Lion Hotel in All Hallows Road, Bispham, enjoying a beer and smoking a cigar. Toomey then had another glass of beer, after which he left the hotel remarking he was going on to Fleetwood to catch the Belfast boat. The Landlord, Samuel Castle, saw him start on the road to Fleetwood and that was the last that was seen of the supposed murderer.However, Toomey did not reach Fleetwood. It was reported that a brown billycock hat and steel-grey coloured jacket were found on the beach near where the barque ‘Abana’ was wrecked at Bispham last December. It is generally supposed that Toomey had divested himself of these garments and then drowned himself in the sea. Some two weeks later, the decomposing body of the jealous husband was found by John Rawcliffe, a Wyre Dock Wolloper*, whilst out shooting on the beach between Rossall and Fleetwood. As to the character of Toomey, his children stated that he was always very fond of drink even when a young man. In addition to this, he was a most jealous man; in fact he would go into a fit of passionate jealousy over absolutely nothing at all. Quarrels, as a result, were very frequent.They were not altogether surprised when the tragedy was reported to them as Toomey frequently threatened to murder his wife and he had repeatedly held knives and pistols over her head. It is also reported that only the Friday previously he informed one of his daughters that he would finish her mother before very long and that he would give her (his daughter) his watch and chain.At the inquest, the Coroner’s Jury returned a verdict of ‘wilful murder’ on the body of Sarah Toomey while the inquest into the body of John Toomey, the Jury returned a verdict of ‘Felo-de-Se’ (suicide) on the Foxhall Killer”.Barry ShawBlackpool Civic Trust*n. Slang. Dock Wolloper is a casual labourer about docks or wharves.

the hull of Foudroyant (wrecked June,1897) and furniture made from the timber, found their way into shops and market stalls in the town, for the ‘benefit’ of the tourists.

When writing his ‘History of Blackpool’ (Fairhaven), as well as at Fleetwood. The List also testifies to the bravery of back in 1837, Thornber included ‘ T h o s e I n f e r n a l B a n k s ’ a n d Lifeboats’ Crews in those early years, in reference to the shipwrecks along the u n p r e d i c t a b l e w e a t h e r , h a v e open, oar driven boats; often in coast. He commented that ‘…a full list contributed to the likelihood of disaster. appalling conditions. A ship in of them would be a very big one’. Mayes (2000, p105- 108) illustrates the difficulties used flairs to summon help. If Indeed, it is recorded that he put his shifting of the banks over a period 1885 help came, it had to come via horse pen down to observe a ship in to 1919 , on ly adding to the drawn trailers to the sea. There are difficulties off Bispham (Clarke, 1910). unpredictable nature of sailing this occasions when it took hours to gather After the incident, he was to be coast. The decline of the ports, the horses and launch the Lifeboat from instrumental in raising awareness of the legislation, advent of the RNLI and points along the coast, not just from the need to provide Blackpool with a predictable weather have mitigated Lifeboat stations. Crew were mainly Lifeboat. risks and reduced casualties. drawn from local Fishermen, who may

Whilst records and reports clearly Mention must also be made of the War have been out fishing at the time of the feature the ‘celebrity’, wrecks: Mexico time rescues, reflecting aircraft call.(1886), Abana (1894), Foudroyant ditchings of operational and training The Sources used in the research, derive (1897), Riverdance (2008). There are flights from the three airfields in area. from the internet, local newspapers, the however, other notable events Other wartime records not recorded Cleveleys Shipwreck Memorial and recorded – the 12 vessels lost in a storm here are those of Fleetwood Trawlers historical accounts of the Lifeboat in 1833; the loss of Lifeboats and their lost in service and recorded on the ‘Real Stations of St Annes, Blackpool and crews in 1852 and 1886; and the loss of Price of Fish’ Memorial in Fleetwood Fleetwood. In one or two cases the the Fleetwood Ferry in 1863, fully laden Museum. Post war launchings have author recalls conversations with his with passengers. We would be relieved been directed to mainly leisure craft Grandfather about adventures of his to find that all but the Ferryman were and people rescues. Fleetwood and great grandfather, a crewmember and saved. There are also 11 vessels listed as fishing all along the coast might have later Coxswain of the St Annes Lifeboat, 'Unidentified', as indeed are, those lost provided Vessel names in the list but Henry Melling. also remain ‘Unidentified’. there are surprisingly few.

Our Wreck Heritage offers many more Wrecks are defined in law in Section 255 fascinating stories yet to be told and of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, 'facts' to be confirmed for someone in they include the debris of wrecks the future. My hope is that this article “jetsam, flotsam, lagan and derelict serves as a prompter to that research.found in or on the shores of the sea or

MPC.any tidal water”. Prior to the 1854 Merchant Shipping Act and the appointment of the ‘Receiver of Wrecks’ to protect them from theft, ‘Wrecking’ was seen as contributing to the good fortune and economy of those who lived round the coast. Occasionally, locals enticed ships to founder on banks and shore, in order to pillage their The research for this paper included cargo’s. Whilst there is no evidence of producing a comprehensive list of the that on this coast, in 1839 three Marton 170+ serious incidents and multiple life men were convicted of theft of silk from loss recorded since before 1700. The list the stricken ‘Crusader’. In contrast, there will be available at Blackpool’s Central are records of the relief felt by locals Library. when the ‘Happy’ foundered in 1779 The list testifies to the fishing families as providing a bounty of peas to locals the main rescuers before RNLI suffering from famine at the time.intervention. The list also indicates the Other commercial opportunities were volume of traffic along, to & from the p r e s e n t e d b y t h e s e w r e c k s . Fylde Coast. The cargo types show the Enterprising businessmen were able to dependence of the Fylde area on sea bid for the carcasses of a wreck to make traff ic . This coupled with the money from them. Souvenirs like that Shipbuilding and dock facilities at on the right, cast from the copper from Freckleton, Lytham, Grannies Bay

A TERRIBLE TRAGEDYMURDER AT THE FOXHALL HOTEL

OUR SHIPWRECK HERITAGETRAGEDIES, RESCUES & PROFIT

SAVE OUR COMRADES CLUB!!

SIR HIRAM MAXIM’S ‘CAPTIVE FLYING MACHINE’ AT PLEASURE BEACH,BLACKPOOL 1904 You may have seen publicity, or heard from various sources that the

Comrades is now in administration, and we need to find a buyer or benefactor for the building on the possible basis that the new owner will rent the building back to the Comrades Club, Orb Art, and Model Railway club. Initially we have 6 months to do this before we lose the building. The photo shows the building when it was Blackpool Grammar School in the early 1900's. The building is part of the Blackpool Heritage trail, and it is the latest piece of Victorian Blackpool to be put at risk; we at the Comrades Club are looking to secure the building’s future by approaching potential buyers, benefactors and heritage organisationsThe debt to the brewery, plus other accumulated costs, has multiplied to an unmanageable level. Tim Pipe, has been running things for the last 3 years or so, and together with a few committee members, myself included, are trying to save the club. We are looking for interested parties in acquiring the club in order to save the building, which unfortunately is not a listed building.

Although the club is looking for a benefactor, investor of sympathetic buyer, the club has another option! That is to set up a new company or charity to buy the building, the company or charity will then raise funds by selling shares in the building. Initially only a pledge will be required. The building currently has some rental income but there are many areas that are under utilised that can generate further income. The company or charity could then look to apply for further funding through The Big Lottery or the Heritage Lottery Fund. There are various avenues that can be explored.With this option in mind, I am looking for volunteers to help promote and carry out the administration required to launch a company/charity of this kind. I do not have the time to take all of this work on so if no one comes forward to help this option will not be pursued!The building represents a reasonable investment whether as a club or as a plot of building land. All users of the building will have many months of notice if the club is to close, so ask that they continue to use the club until the bitter end.Thank you for your support!!Please contact Comrades Club 01253. 625812tim_pipe@tiscali.co.uk

A note from Tim Pipe(Chairman, Comrades Club)

Sir Hiram Steven Maxim was born in Sangerville, Maine, USA on February 5th 1840. He became a naturalised British subject and was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1901. Described as a chronic inventor, patenting 271 creations during his lifetime including a hair curling iron, a steam propelled flying machine and a mouse trap, he made his name as an armaments expert creating the MAXIM (later Vickers-Maxim) machine gun.In 1894 his flying machines held the Altitude Record (8 seconds) until it was broken in 1903 by aviator Orivlle Wright.In 1904 he designed a Captive Flying Machine which he hoped would stimulate public interest in powered flight and provide finance for his experiment with aviation.On November 24th 1916, at Streatham, Sir Hiram Maxim died, sadly without fully realising his ambitions. Flying Machines were built on fun parks at Earls Court, Crystal Palace, South port and BLACKPOOL.

The Blackpool machine opened on August 1st 1904 with 20 passengers in each of its 10 carriages paying 3d (three old pennies) for the thrill of travelling at speeds of up to 40mph. It lured thousands of visitors to the sands beyond the Victoria (South) Pier.In 1921 the Flying Machine was purchased by the Pleasure Beach Company for £750 and remains today the only survivor of the originals built by Maxim. It is truly a venerable antique, being the oldest ride alongside the present day Pleasure Beach attractions.Barry ShawBlackpool Civic Trust

Did you know...?It takes 7 years to paint Blackpool Tower from top to bottom and the tower's lift travels 3,500 miles every year!

The Fylde Coast Shipwreck Memorial, Cleveleys.Photo by the author

Barry Shaw steps back in time to report on the events that led to the unfortunate death of Mrs Toomey.“In the memory of even the oldest inhabitant of Blackpool, does not exist a remembrance of such a sad and fearfully tragic event as that which took place on Sunday 13th October 1895 at one of the oldest hostelries in Blackpool – THE FOXHALL HOTEL! Nothing in recent years has caused such a sensation in Blackpool as has the committal of this horrible murder.Sarah Toomey had been in the employ of Richard Seed, the landlord of the Foxhall Hotel, as cook and chambermaid for over a year. Throughout that period, she had been a good and steady worker and was much liked by all her co-workers. Her husband, John Toomey, joined his wife at The Foxhall recently taking the position of kitchen porter.John Toomey was born at Cork in Ireland about 57 years ago and whilst very young went to London where he followed the pursuit of a cloth packer and was employed in that capacity in many big London warehouses. Whilst in the City, he met with the deceased whose maiden name was Sarah Wilkinson. She was then in service at a gentleman’s private house.John married Sarah 35 years ago at St Peter’s Church, London. The couple then went to live in Hulme, Manchester, where they resided for about twenty years. Toomey was a warehouseman in any of the chief houses of that city until about three months ago when he came to Blackpool. There were eight children by the marriage, two boys and six girls, all of whom are now grown up.The reason of joining his wife was because of his jealous nature. Whilst at the employ at The Foxhall he worked well and gave satisfaction. Last week as the season ended, the waiters terminated their engagements and along with them Toomey received his notice although his wife was being kept on.On Sunday, a farewell dinner was held at noon at which all the staff were present along with Toomey and his wife. As is usual, there was much merriment and laughter at which the cook and her husband joined in heartily.At the conclusion of the dinner, all the servants retired to their rooms for the afternoon and the cook went along with the rest. On coming down about ten minutes to six, Waiter Joseph Smith was surprised to find the cloth was not laid for tea as was usually done by the cook. He remarked that it was a peculiar thing the cook was not there and said to one of the barmaids ‘Where’s t’ cook?’He saw the barmaids preparing their own teas therefore he thought the cook must have overslept herself. Accordingly, he went upstairs, knocked at the bedroom door and humorously remarked ‘Come on cook. All tickets ready’. He was greatly staggered, however, on opening the door to find the cook laid limp and motionless, face downwards in a pool of blood with her throat cut. The gash was most shocking, extending from ear to ear with the head being nearly completely severed from the body. He then informed the barmaids who had come of what he saw and said ‘she’s as dead as a door nail’’They then acquainted the Landlord with the fact and he immediately sent Leonard Seed, his son, for

Doctor Barton and afterwards for the police. Doctor Barton arrived on the scene but his services were of no use, the woman being quite dead. About seven o’clock, the police conveyed the corpse to the Police Station. Joseph Smith, along with PC Howarth, found a knife daubed with blood under the body. The knife was a clasp knife with a blade about four and a half or five inches long with a buck-horn handle.The blade was blood-stained and blood was also clotted in the neck where the blade fitted. With regards to this knife, it had been identified as one which was purchased from the ironmonger’s shop of Messrs Bickerstaff and Son, Foxhall Road.It seemed that on the Friday previous to the murder, a man, answering the description of Toomey, entered the shop and asked for a large knife without a clasp. He said he wanted it because he was going to Canada.There was strong evidence to believe that a murder had been committed. Evidently, as soon as the crime was committed, supposedly by the husband, he fled from the scene of the dastardly deed.

Toomey was seen later that day at the Red Lion Hotel in All Hallows Road, Bispham, enjoying a beer and smoking a cigar. Toomey then had another glass of beer, after which he left the hotel remarking he was going on to Fleetwood to catch the Belfast boat. The Landlord, Samuel Castle, saw him start on the road to Fleetwood and that was the last that was seen of the supposed murderer.However, Toomey did not reach Fleetwood. It was reported that a brown billycock hat and steel-grey coloured jacket were found on the beach near where the barque ‘Abana’ was wrecked at Bispham last December. It is generally supposed that Toomey had divested himself of these garments and then drowned himself in the sea. Some two weeks later, the decomposing body of the jealous husband was found by John Rawcliffe, a Wyre Dock Wolloper*, whilst out shooting on the beach between Rossall and Fleetwood. As to the character of Toomey, his children stated that he was always very fond of drink even when a young man. In addition to this, he was a most jealous man; in fact he would go into a fit of passionate jealousy over absolutely nothing at all. Quarrels, as a result, were very frequent.They were not altogether surprised when the tragedy was reported to them as Toomey frequently threatened to murder his wife and he had repeatedly held knives and pistols over her head. It is also reported that only the Friday previously he informed one of his daughters that he would finish her mother before very long and that he would give her (his daughter) his watch and chain.At the inquest, the Coroner’s Jury returned a verdict of ‘wilful murder’ on the body of Sarah Toomey while the inquest into the body of John Toomey, the Jury returned a verdict of ‘Felo-de-Se’ (suicide) on the Foxhall Killer”.Barry ShawBlackpool Civic Trust*n. Slang. Dock Wolloper is a casual labourer about docks or wharves.

the hull of Foudroyant (wrecked June,1897) and furniture made from the timber, found their way into shops and market stalls in the town, for the ‘benefit’ of the tourists.

When writing his ‘History of Blackpool’ (Fairhaven), as well as at Fleetwood. The List also testifies to the bravery of back in 1837, Thornber included ‘ T h o s e I n f e r n a l B a n k s ’ a n d Lifeboats’ Crews in those early years, in reference to the shipwrecks along the u n p r e d i c t a b l e w e a t h e r , h a v e open, oar driven boats; often in coast. He commented that ‘…a full list contributed to the likelihood of disaster. appalling conditions. A ship in of them would be a very big one’. Mayes (2000, p105- 108) illustrates the difficulties used flairs to summon help. If Indeed, it is recorded that he put his shifting of the banks over a period 1885 help came, it had to come via horse pen down to observe a ship in to 1919 , on ly adding to the drawn trailers to the sea. There are difficulties off Bispham (Clarke, 1910). unpredictable nature of sailing this occasions when it took hours to gather After the incident, he was to be coast. The decline of the ports, the horses and launch the Lifeboat from instrumental in raising awareness of the legislation, advent of the RNLI and points along the coast, not just from the need to provide Blackpool with a predictable weather have mitigated Lifeboat stations. Crew were mainly Lifeboat. risks and reduced casualties. drawn from local Fishermen, who may

Whilst records and reports clearly Mention must also be made of the War have been out fishing at the time of the feature the ‘celebrity’, wrecks: Mexico time rescues, reflecting aircraft call.(1886), Abana (1894), Foudroyant ditchings of operational and training The Sources used in the research, derive (1897), Riverdance (2008). There are flights from the three airfields in area. from the internet, local newspapers, the however, other notable events Other wartime records not recorded Cleveleys Shipwreck Memorial and recorded – the 12 vessels lost in a storm here are those of Fleetwood Trawlers historical accounts of the Lifeboat in 1833; the loss of Lifeboats and their lost in service and recorded on the ‘Real Stations of St Annes, Blackpool and crews in 1852 and 1886; and the loss of Price of Fish’ Memorial in Fleetwood Fleetwood. In one or two cases the the Fleetwood Ferry in 1863, fully laden Museum. Post war launchings have author recalls conversations with his with passengers. We would be relieved been directed to mainly leisure craft Grandfather about adventures of his to find that all but the Ferryman were and people rescues. Fleetwood and great grandfather, a crewmember and saved. There are also 11 vessels listed as fishing all along the coast might have later Coxswain of the St Annes Lifeboat, 'Unidentified', as indeed are, those lost provided Vessel names in the list but Henry Melling. also remain ‘Unidentified’. there are surprisingly few.

Our Wreck Heritage offers many more Wrecks are defined in law in Section 255 fascinating stories yet to be told and of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, 'facts' to be confirmed for someone in they include the debris of wrecks the future. My hope is that this article “jetsam, flotsam, lagan and derelict serves as a prompter to that research.found in or on the shores of the sea or

MPC.any tidal water”. Prior to the 1854 Merchant Shipping Act and the appointment of the ‘Receiver of Wrecks’ to protect them from theft, ‘Wrecking’ was seen as contributing to the good fortune and economy of those who lived round the coast. Occasionally, locals enticed ships to founder on banks and shore, in order to pillage their The research for this paper included cargo’s. Whilst there is no evidence of producing a comprehensive list of the that on this coast, in 1839 three Marton 170+ serious incidents and multiple life men were convicted of theft of silk from loss recorded since before 1700. The list the stricken ‘Crusader’. In contrast, there will be available at Blackpool’s Central are records of the relief felt by locals Library. when the ‘Happy’ foundered in 1779 The list testifies to the fishing families as providing a bounty of peas to locals the main rescuers before RNLI suffering from famine at the time.intervention. The list also indicates the Other commercial opportunities were volume of traffic along, to & from the p r e s e n t e d b y t h e s e w r e c k s . Fylde Coast. The cargo types show the Enterprising businessmen were able to dependence of the Fylde area on sea bid for the carcasses of a wreck to make traff ic . This coupled with the money from them. Souvenirs like that Shipbuilding and dock facilities at on the right, cast from the copper from Freckleton, Lytham, Grannies Bay

A TERRIBLE TRAGEDYMURDER AT THE FOXHALL HOTEL

OUR SHIPWRECK HERITAGETRAGEDIES, RESCUES & PROFIT

SAVE OUR COMRADES CLUB!!

SIR HIRAM MAXIM’S ‘CAPTIVE FLYING MACHINE’ AT PLEASURE BEACH,BLACKPOOL 1904 You may have seen publicity, or heard from various sources that the

Comrades is now in administration, and we need to find a buyer or benefactor for the building on the possible basis that the new owner will rent the building back to the Comrades Club, Orb Art, and Model Railway club. Initially we have 6 months to do this before we lose the building. The photo shows the building when it was Blackpool Grammar School in the early 1900's. The building is part of the Blackpool Heritage trail, and it is the latest piece of Victorian Blackpool to be put at risk; we at the Comrades Club are looking to secure the building’s future by approaching potential buyers, benefactors and heritage organisationsThe debt to the brewery, plus other accumulated costs, has multiplied to an unmanageable level. Tim Pipe, has been running things for the last 3 years or so, and together with a few committee members, myself included, are trying to save the club. We are looking for interested parties in acquiring the club in order to save the building, which unfortunately is not a listed building.

Although the club is looking for a benefactor, investor of sympathetic buyer, the club has another option! That is to set up a new company or charity to buy the building, the company or charity will then raise funds by selling shares in the building. Initially only a pledge will be required. The building currently has some rental income but there are many areas that are under utilised that can generate further income. The company or charity could then look to apply for further funding through The Big Lottery or the Heritage Lottery Fund. There are various avenues that can be explored.With this option in mind, I am looking for volunteers to help promote and carry out the administration required to launch a company/charity of this kind. I do not have the time to take all of this work on so if no one comes forward to help this option will not be pursued!The building represents a reasonable investment whether as a club or as a plot of building land. All users of the building will have many months of notice if the club is to close, so ask that they continue to use the club until the bitter end.Thank you for your support!!Please contact Comrades Club 01253. 625812tim_pipe@tiscali.co.uk

A note from Tim Pipe(Chairman, Comrades Club)

Sir Hiram Steven Maxim was born in Sangerville, Maine, USA on February 5th 1840. He became a naturalised British subject and was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1901. Described as a chronic inventor, patenting 271 creations during his lifetime including a hair curling iron, a steam propelled flying machine and a mouse trap, he made his name as an armaments expert creating the MAXIM (later Vickers-Maxim) machine gun.In 1894 his flying machines held the Altitude Record (8 seconds) until it was broken in 1903 by aviator Orivlle Wright.In 1904 he designed a Captive Flying Machine which he hoped would stimulate public interest in powered flight and provide finance for his experiment with aviation.On November 24th 1916, at Streatham, Sir Hiram Maxim died, sadly without fully realising his ambitions. Flying Machines were built on fun parks at Earls Court, Crystal Palace, South port and BLACKPOOL.

The Blackpool machine opened on August 1st 1904 with 20 passengers in each of its 10 carriages paying 3d (three old pennies) for the thrill of travelling at speeds of up to 40mph. It lured thousands of visitors to the sands beyond the Victoria (South) Pier.In 1921 the Flying Machine was purchased by the Pleasure Beach Company for £750 and remains today the only survivor of the originals built by Maxim. It is truly a venerable antique, being the oldest ride alongside the present day Pleasure Beach attractions.Barry ShawBlackpool Civic Trust

Did you know...?It takes 7 years to paint Blackpool Tower from top to bottom and the tower's lift travels 3,500 miles every year!

The Fylde Coast Shipwreck Memorial, Cleveleys.Photo by the author

Issue 5 - February 2014

Blackpool Heritage News is created by Blackpool Heritage Champions to celebrate and promote Blackpool's heritage. Blackpool Heritage News is about you, your past and your present.

We want your stories and your pictures. Love heritage and discover Blackpool.

If you would like to contribute to this newsletter or comment on the contents please contact 01253 301004 or email blackpoolheritagenews@volunteercentrebwf.org.uk

The Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde is a Registered Charity, No: 1125184 and a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England & Wales No: 5756723 Copyright 2013 ©

Mission: To provide support and inspiration for volunteers, organisations and groups to develop volunteering in the community.

www.blackpoolheritagenews.co.uk BlackpoolHeritageNew

they certainly weren’t replaced with anything of true value.“There has been a sea change with the local authority as people like Carl Carrington and the In an interview with Craig Fleming, feature writer press conference and someone asked, ‘What heritage team work together to promote the for the Blackpool Gazette he revealed his passion next?’ ‘Space travel’ was the answer “He claimed past. Progress doesn’t mean you bulldoze about Blackpool- then and now. he was launching commercial space travel and everything in sight.”the people on the Fylde Coast first read about Journalist Craig was born in Helmshore in the To illustrate the Gazette’s influence, Craig’s Virgin Galactic in the Gazette.”Rossendale Valley. His father was a Geordie, a granddaughter at her primary school watched a shipwright on the River Tyne who moved south “When I first started in June 1972 The Gazette piece about the old buildings in Blackpool. and met his future wife while working at the local was a tiled building in Victoria Street which “My granddaughter recognised me as Porritt’s cotton mill. Craig says he wanted a looked like something out of the Superman films. presenting ‘Then and Now,’ on the Gazette Geordie accent but never got one. He went to We later moved out to Preston New Road into website.Helmshore County Primary, same school as his the old Telefusion headquarters, then to Avroe

mother and before that his grandmother, who House on Blackpool Airport land. “She’s asked me since about buildings ‘in the had attended on its opening day. As a youngster olden days’ and it showed me my “In the early days I couldn’t afford a car so I took he was always writing stories and poetry. He granddaughter was interested in local history the bus to go out on jobs or walked everywhere attended Haslingden Grammar and then Harris and heritage and that is being fostered by the but at least you got to see and familiarise yourself College, Preston, where senior lecturers frowned schools.”with an area. That was in the days before emails on him editing the Rag mag. and mobile phones.” On asking what life would be like in retirement, “They told me ‘that’s not journalism,’ but it raised Craig said he was sure he would still have an “The Gazette has changed over the years and lots for charity and I had great fun finding corny active interest in some way, not least reading was one of the first newspapers in the country to jokes.” Memory Lane and the Lost Archive supplement.take on new technology, digital first now being His first job was in the summer break before the buzz word of the parent company.” “We have a wonderful archive of glass negatives going to college for a one year journalism course. and it is brilliant we are sharing this with the Craig’s interest in heritage started when he

wider public.”“What a soul destroying job it was, welding metal worked in Victoria Street.bread trays at a factory in Haslingden. I kept He also has a lot of admiration for Tony Sharkey “I was fascinated by the various architectural hoping my A level results were good enough!” and the Local History Centre at Central Library, styles around - the Little Vic, the Winter Gardens

often working very closely with them for After the journalists course he applied to several and its archway.”Memory Lane. newspapers, including The Gazette. “In my lunch break I didn’t go down to the “Various readers have collections left by relatives “At the interview editor Brian Hargreaves told me seafront but looked above street level to see a and we put them in touch with the library so he had misplaced my application letter, and had building’s true value.”these collections can be catalogued. It’s ironic no vacancies, but perhaps I could persuade him Craig inherited Memory Lane and through the that with newspapers in full colour when there is to give me a job. I must have done something articles got to know local historians.so much interest in the black and white right, because he took a chance on me, and a “People seem surprised I’m not Blackpool-born photographs.”week later I became a junior reporter. as they say I have a passion for the town and yes I I am sure I am not alone in saying how valuable “I have always found the job exciting, meeting have after more than 41 years in the job.”Craig’s input has been to the recognition of people and writing about them.” Reflecting on his career Craig says it is sad so Blackpool’s wonderful heritage and we wish him “Worst experience was on night duty and on a many buildings were torn down in the name of all the best in the future!routine call to police I was told a chap was progress, particularly in the 60’s and 70’s because

clinging to the flag pole at the top of Blackpool Tower. I assumed it was a wind-up. Two hours later a different officer mentioned the same incident. ‘Not you as well,’ I groaned, ‘so how long has he been up there?’ “He replied ‘since 1939’ and I suggested the poor chap would be frozen solid after all those years. The situation was genuine, the 19:39 was the time not the year!”The most memorable personality Craig has met was in the late nineties when he went for lunch with Richard Branson, head of the Virgin empire, to Majorca, to launch his Virgin Sun packages. He literally took journalists on a day trip to a hotel he owned. His mum, a former air hostess, served up ice creams on the plane. Out of the blue he changed into a matador’s costume in the men’s toilets at Palma Airport for a publicity shot. “As a person he was absolutely brilliant, so unassuming and yet at the same time you knew he was a calculating business man. We had a

Shirley Matthews Clarke B.A.(hons)

A BIG ADD VENTURE IN BLACKPOOL

wonderful talk on the history of the What have 3 dogs, the RNLI and s e a s i d e t o w n f r o m i t s h u m b l e saucy seaside postcards got in beginnings.common? Well all will be revealed.Tony Sharkey from the Local History

An enthusiastic and lively group of 20 Centre based at the Central library people arrived for a 5 day residential fascinated us with photographs showing course on 4th November at the Savoy the throngs of thousands of people Hotel. “taking the air” on the beach in the late As a Blackpool Heritage Champion and a 19th and early 20th Century to the “Vicar tutor for the Workers Education in a barrel” and other obscure side Association, (WEA) I was there to shows. But the group could not resist welcome them, explain the action learning about the censorship criteria of packed programme of events for the the saucy seaside postcards and had week and give them the background them asking if they could visit the centre information into the work of the heritage before a trip to the Winter Gardens. Such volunteers. was the interest in learning about the

unique heritage of the town. One learner The group, members of a charity which said “The enthusiasm of the historians provides access to life-long learning for rubbed off on the students,”visually impaired people. They are called

Add-Venture in Learning, check out their On the last evening Brenda Warburton website for more information. from the Royal National Lifeboat

Institute (RNLI) put us through our paces The members included 10 visually with the new life saving equipment used impaired accompanied by three hard by the Blackpool branch. She explained working and trusty guide dogs called; how the 4th Emergency Service is run by Ice, Hero and the mighty Quinn. Who very brave men and women who risk incidentally was as big as a small horse their lives saving others and they are all but as soft and tactile as a teddy bear. volunteers.Each person had their own designated J o h n n y s a i d a b o u t t h e c o u r s e s ighted guide to support with “Expectations have been met largely orienteering, writing and other valuable thanks to the enthusiasm of volunteers work.and guides/speakers”. The “Unexpected They had travelled from as far afield as; benefit laughter and enjoyment” “Made Leeds, Bridlington, Oxfordshire, London, new friends” and others have told me the Kendal, Sheffield, Devon, Scunthorpe “additional health and well being and Squires Gate.benefits.. too many to mention”.During the week we visited Blackpool I would like to thank all the staff and Tower and were able to hear all about the volunteers who helped to make the circus and go behind the scenes to visit course such a wonderful success and the animal enclosures. Then watch and show off Blackpool as only they can. A listen to the magnificent organ in the quote from a lady who as a child living on Tower Ballroom. Comments from the the Wirral had not been allowed to visit learners included “As this was my first Blackpool, “I realise Blackpool is a place I visit to Blackpool I was surprised at the would come to visit” and why not we amount of history and information given have got it all.to us I feel as if I couldn’t absorb any more

in the time.”The programme included a guided tour of Marton Little Windmill, The Winter Gardens and the Town Hall, Bryan Lindop, Head of Blackpool Transport gave a splendid talk on the history of the trams as well as a complimentary trip to Fleetwood on one of the new trams to see the illuminations. One learner said “Learned more than expected about trams…. as well as the additional health and well being outcomes of, “plenty of health walks and sea breezes.”In the evenings we had guest speakers, including; local historian Barry Shaw from the Civic Trust, who gave a

Anne Scholefield

ShowzamBlackpool’s Festival of Circus, Magic and New Variety is back!Experience this extraordinary annual festival, all across Blackpool, with acts like the fantastic Sooty Show, ‘B’ The Underwater Bubble show and the hilarious Meet The Hogwallop Family. Showzam has something for all the family, and runs from the 14th to the 23rd of February.

WINTER GARDENS HERITAGE TOURSThe Winter Gardens – Start in the Floral Hall15-19 February, 11am £8 (Maximum 25 places on each tour)To book tickets visit www.showzam.co.uk or call the Tourist Information Centre 01253 478222

THE BLACKPOOL TOWER: HERITAGE TOURSThe Blackpool Tower 15-23 February, 11am Prices from £9.95 Book tickets www.theblackpooltower.com

PLEASURE BEACH BACKSTAGE TOURMeet at The Globe Theatre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach17 – 19 February, 10.30am Price £14 (Maximum 35 places on each tour)To book call the Tourist Information Centre 01253 478222

S T A G E W O R K S W O R L D W I D E PRODUCTIONS BACKSTAGE TOURMeet at The Globe Theatre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach20- 21 February, 11am Price £14 (Maximum 35 places on each tour)To book call the Tourist Information Centre 01253 478222

“B” THE UNDERWATER BUBBLE SHOWThe Blackpool Tower Circus Arena Sat 15 Feb – Sun 23 Feb 2.30pmMaking its UK premier for Showzam! “B” is an original theatrical circus show that blends bubbles with dance, juggling, acrobatics, sand magic and special effects, all in a themed, visual, entertaining and colourful performance. Children (aged 3-14) £8, Toddlers (aged 1-2) £6, Adults £10, Family Ticket for 4 (Min 1 adult, max 2 adults 18+) £32.To book visit www.showzam.co.uk or call 01253 478222

SHOWZAM! PRESENTS THE SOOTY SHOWThe Winter GardensMon 17 Feb – Tue 18 Feb 4pmSooty comes home to Blackpool in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nation’s favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty's TV Partner Richard Cadell -who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief! Boy, will he have his hands full! Kids under 14 - £6.99, Adults - £9.99, Family Ticket (Min 1 adult 18+) - £27.99, Kids under 2 free if babes in arms. To book visit www.showzam.co.uk or call 01253 478222

MEET THE HOGWALLOP FAMILYThe Grand TheatreThur 20 Feb – Sat 22 Feb 7.30pmIf you loved reading Roald Dahl’s The Twits you’ll love this! The Hogwallop family are inhabitants of a fantastic and darkly funny universe created by the fantastic Lost in Translation Circus. Children under 14 £6.99, Adults 9.99, Family Ticket (Min 1 adult, max 2 adults 18+) £27.99, children under 2 free if babes in arms. To book visit www.showzam.co.uk or call 01253 478222

MR MEMORY LANE

Photo by Kevin Taylor

Issue 5 - February 2014

Blackpool Heritage News is created by Blackpool Heritage Champions to celebrate and promote Blackpool's heritage. Blackpool Heritage News is about you, your past and your present.

We want your stories and your pictures. Love heritage and discover Blackpool.

If you would like to contribute to this newsletter or comment on the contents please contact 01253 301004 or email blackpoolheritagenews@volunteercentrebwf.org.uk

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they certainly weren’t replaced with anything of true value.“There has been a sea change with the local authority as people like Carl Carrington and the In an interview with Craig Fleming, feature writer press conference and someone asked, ‘What heritage team work together to promote the for the Blackpool Gazette he revealed his passion next?’ ‘Space travel’ was the answer “He claimed past. Progress doesn’t mean you bulldoze about Blackpool- then and now. he was launching commercial space travel and everything in sight.”the people on the Fylde Coast first read about Journalist Craig was born in Helmshore in the To illustrate the Gazette’s influence, Craig’s Virgin Galactic in the Gazette.”Rossendale Valley. His father was a Geordie, a granddaughter at her primary school watched a shipwright on the River Tyne who moved south “When I first started in June 1972 The Gazette piece about the old buildings in Blackpool. and met his future wife while working at the local was a tiled building in Victoria Street which “My granddaughter recognised me as Porritt’s cotton mill. Craig says he wanted a looked like something out of the Superman films. presenting ‘Then and Now,’ on the Gazette Geordie accent but never got one. He went to We later moved out to Preston New Road into website.Helmshore County Primary, same school as his the old Telefusion headquarters, then to Avroe

mother and before that his grandmother, who House on Blackpool Airport land. “She’s asked me since about buildings ‘in the had attended on its opening day. As a youngster olden days’ and it showed me my “In the early days I couldn’t afford a car so I took he was always writing stories and poetry. He granddaughter was interested in local history the bus to go out on jobs or walked everywhere attended Haslingden Grammar and then Harris and heritage and that is being fostered by the but at least you got to see and familiarise yourself College, Preston, where senior lecturers frowned schools.”with an area. That was in the days before emails on him editing the Rag mag. and mobile phones.” On asking what life would be like in retirement, “They told me ‘that’s not journalism,’ but it raised Craig said he was sure he would still have an “The Gazette has changed over the years and lots for charity and I had great fun finding corny active interest in some way, not least reading was one of the first newspapers in the country to jokes.” Memory Lane and the Lost Archive supplement.take on new technology, digital first now being His first job was in the summer break before the buzz word of the parent company.” “We have a wonderful archive of glass negatives going to college for a one year journalism course. and it is brilliant we are sharing this with the Craig’s interest in heritage started when he

wider public.”“What a soul destroying job it was, welding metal worked in Victoria Street.bread trays at a factory in Haslingden. I kept He also has a lot of admiration for Tony Sharkey “I was fascinated by the various architectural hoping my A level results were good enough!” and the Local History Centre at Central Library, styles around - the Little Vic, the Winter Gardens

often working very closely with them for After the journalists course he applied to several and its archway.”Memory Lane. newspapers, including The Gazette. “In my lunch break I didn’t go down to the “Various readers have collections left by relatives “At the interview editor Brian Hargreaves told me seafront but looked above street level to see a and we put them in touch with the library so he had misplaced my application letter, and had building’s true value.”these collections can be catalogued. It’s ironic no vacancies, but perhaps I could persuade him Craig inherited Memory Lane and through the that with newspapers in full colour when there is to give me a job. I must have done something articles got to know local historians.so much interest in the black and white right, because he took a chance on me, and a “People seem surprised I’m not Blackpool-born photographs.”week later I became a junior reporter. as they say I have a passion for the town and yes I I am sure I am not alone in saying how valuable “I have always found the job exciting, meeting have after more than 41 years in the job.”Craig’s input has been to the recognition of people and writing about them.” Reflecting on his career Craig says it is sad so Blackpool’s wonderful heritage and we wish him “Worst experience was on night duty and on a many buildings were torn down in the name of all the best in the future!routine call to police I was told a chap was progress, particularly in the 60’s and 70’s because

clinging to the flag pole at the top of Blackpool Tower. I assumed it was a wind-up. Two hours later a different officer mentioned the same incident. ‘Not you as well,’ I groaned, ‘so how long has he been up there?’ “He replied ‘since 1939’ and I suggested the poor chap would be frozen solid after all those years. The situation was genuine, the 19:39 was the time not the year!”The most memorable personality Craig has met was in the late nineties when he went for lunch with Richard Branson, head of the Virgin empire, to Majorca, to launch his Virgin Sun packages. He literally took journalists on a day trip to a hotel he owned. His mum, a former air hostess, served up ice creams on the plane. Out of the blue he changed into a matador’s costume in the men’s toilets at Palma Airport for a publicity shot. “As a person he was absolutely brilliant, so unassuming and yet at the same time you knew he was a calculating business man. We had a

Shirley Matthews Clarke B.A.(hons)

A BIG ADD VENTURE IN BLACKPOOL

wonderful talk on the history of the What have 3 dogs, the RNLI and s e a s i d e t o w n f r o m i t s h u m b l e saucy seaside postcards got in beginnings.common? Well all will be revealed.Tony Sharkey from the Local History

An enthusiastic and lively group of 20 Centre based at the Central library people arrived for a 5 day residential fascinated us with photographs showing course on 4th November at the Savoy the throngs of thousands of people Hotel. “taking the air” on the beach in the late As a Blackpool Heritage Champion and a 19th and early 20th Century to the “Vicar tutor for the Workers Education in a barrel” and other obscure side Association, (WEA) I was there to shows. But the group could not resist welcome them, explain the action learning about the censorship criteria of packed programme of events for the the saucy seaside postcards and had week and give them the background them asking if they could visit the centre information into the work of the heritage before a trip to the Winter Gardens. Such volunteers. was the interest in learning about the

unique heritage of the town. One learner The group, members of a charity which said “The enthusiasm of the historians provides access to life-long learning for rubbed off on the students,”visually impaired people. They are called

Add-Venture in Learning, check out their On the last evening Brenda Warburton website for more information. from the Royal National Lifeboat

Institute (RNLI) put us through our paces The members included 10 visually with the new life saving equipment used impaired accompanied by three hard by the Blackpool branch. She explained working and trusty guide dogs called; how the 4th Emergency Service is run by Ice, Hero and the mighty Quinn. Who very brave men and women who risk incidentally was as big as a small horse their lives saving others and they are all but as soft and tactile as a teddy bear. volunteers.Each person had their own designated J o h n n y s a i d a b o u t t h e c o u r s e s ighted guide to support with “Expectations have been met largely orienteering, writing and other valuable thanks to the enthusiasm of volunteers work.and guides/speakers”. The “Unexpected They had travelled from as far afield as; benefit laughter and enjoyment” “Made Leeds, Bridlington, Oxfordshire, London, new friends” and others have told me the Kendal, Sheffield, Devon, Scunthorpe “additional health and well being and Squires Gate.benefits.. too many to mention”.During the week we visited Blackpool I would like to thank all the staff and Tower and were able to hear all about the volunteers who helped to make the circus and go behind the scenes to visit course such a wonderful success and the animal enclosures. Then watch and show off Blackpool as only they can. A listen to the magnificent organ in the quote from a lady who as a child living on Tower Ballroom. Comments from the the Wirral had not been allowed to visit learners included “As this was my first Blackpool, “I realise Blackpool is a place I visit to Blackpool I was surprised at the would come to visit” and why not we amount of history and information given have got it all.to us I feel as if I couldn’t absorb any more

in the time.”The programme included a guided tour of Marton Little Windmill, The Winter Gardens and the Town Hall, Bryan Lindop, Head of Blackpool Transport gave a splendid talk on the history of the trams as well as a complimentary trip to Fleetwood on one of the new trams to see the illuminations. One learner said “Learned more than expected about trams…. as well as the additional health and well being outcomes of, “plenty of health walks and sea breezes.”In the evenings we had guest speakers, including; local historian Barry Shaw from the Civic Trust, who gave a

Anne Scholefield

ShowzamBlackpool’s Festival of Circus, Magic and New Variety is back!Experience this extraordinary annual festival, all across Blackpool, with acts like the fantastic Sooty Show, ‘B’ The Underwater Bubble show and the hilarious Meet The Hogwallop Family. Showzam has something for all the family, and runs from the 14th to the 23rd of February.

WINTER GARDENS HERITAGE TOURSThe Winter Gardens – Start in the Floral Hall15-19 February, 11am £8 (Maximum 25 places on each tour)To book tickets visit www.showzam.co.uk or call the Tourist Information Centre 01253 478222

THE BLACKPOOL TOWER: HERITAGE TOURSThe Blackpool Tower 15-23 February, 11am Prices from £9.95 Book tickets www.theblackpooltower.com

PLEASURE BEACH BACKSTAGE TOURMeet at The Globe Theatre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach17 – 19 February, 10.30am Price £14 (Maximum 35 places on each tour)To book call the Tourist Information Centre 01253 478222

S T A G E W O R K S W O R L D W I D E PRODUCTIONS BACKSTAGE TOURMeet at The Globe Theatre, Blackpool Pleasure Beach20- 21 February, 11am Price £14 (Maximum 35 places on each tour)To book call the Tourist Information Centre 01253 478222

“B” THE UNDERWATER BUBBLE SHOWThe Blackpool Tower Circus Arena Sat 15 Feb – Sun 23 Feb 2.30pmMaking its UK premier for Showzam! “B” is an original theatrical circus show that blends bubbles with dance, juggling, acrobatics, sand magic and special effects, all in a themed, visual, entertaining and colourful performance. Children (aged 3-14) £8, Toddlers (aged 1-2) £6, Adults £10, Family Ticket for 4 (Min 1 adult, max 2 adults 18+) £32.To book visit www.showzam.co.uk or call 01253 478222

SHOWZAM! PRESENTS THE SOOTY SHOWThe Winter GardensMon 17 Feb – Tue 18 Feb 4pmSooty comes home to Blackpool in a fabulous new show to delight the whole family. Joining the nation’s favourite bear will be Sweep, Soo and Sooty's TV Partner Richard Cadell -who will be attempting to keep Sooty from getting up to mischief! Boy, will he have his hands full! Kids under 14 - £6.99, Adults - £9.99, Family Ticket (Min 1 adult 18+) - £27.99, Kids under 2 free if babes in arms. To book visit www.showzam.co.uk or call 01253 478222

MEET THE HOGWALLOP FAMILYThe Grand TheatreThur 20 Feb – Sat 22 Feb 7.30pmIf you loved reading Roald Dahl’s The Twits you’ll love this! The Hogwallop family are inhabitants of a fantastic and darkly funny universe created by the fantastic Lost in Translation Circus. Children under 14 £6.99, Adults 9.99, Family Ticket (Min 1 adult, max 2 adults 18+) £27.99, children under 2 free if babes in arms. To book visit www.showzam.co.uk or call 01253 478222

MR MEMORY LANE

Photo by Kevin Taylor