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gynn 19-08-2011 15:45

Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
?Not what we wanted here? - Local - Blackpool Gazette

It's that time of year again. Blackpool Illuminations start in a couple of weeks. After last year's switch on by Robbie Williams, this years ceremony will be performed by.......Keith Lemon.

Who? I've never heard of him. Has anyone else?

:confused::confused::confused:

cashman 19-08-2011 15:49

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
never heard of him.:confused: they asked me but i declined.:Dhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-14526773 this must be the guy,looks like a cheap option. lol

gynn 19-08-2011 16:07

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
'He will be joined by singers including Pixie Lott, Joe McElderry, Olly Murs, Scouting For Girls and Beverley Knight.'

I've heard of all of them. They are bigger stars than him, so can't one of them switch the lights on?

:confused:

MargaretR 19-08-2011 16:10

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
I have heard of none of them:confused:



I must get out more:rolleyes:

cashman 19-08-2011 16:12

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
yer not alone margaret,i aint either.

katex 19-08-2011 16:13

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
I had the same thought too when I heard it ... thought it was just me who was out of touch. :rolleyes:

garinda 19-08-2011 16:36

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Keith Lemon isn't real.

He's a character created by Leigh Francis.

Probably the most successful comedians of the last ten years, with the Avid Merrion character, and the series Bo' Selecta!

Critically acclaimed, and hugely popular with audiences.

Quite a coup for Blackpool.

I should imagine he'll be a big draw.

heth 19-08-2011 16:54

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
He does Celeb Juice on ITV2, I find him funny. :D

He will pull in the crowds, he has got better with age I think.

heth 19-08-2011 16:57

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
1 Attachment(s)
On Celeb Juice he works with Ferne Cotton and Holly Willbooby. :D

jaysay 19-08-2011 17:39

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by heth (Post 927818)
On Celeb Juice he works with Ferne Cotton and Holly Willbooby. :D

Seems like the lads got a bit of sense:D

BERNADETTE 19-08-2011 23:00

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by heth (Post 927817)
He does Celeb Juice on ITV2, I find him funny. :D

He will pull in the crowds, he has got better with age I think.

I find him funny as well:D

Eric 20-08-2011 02:03

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR (Post 927803)
I have heard of none of them:confused:



I must get out more:rolleyes:

Me neither, hon ... and who the hell is Robbie Williams:confused:

garinda 20-08-2011 05:18

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric (Post 927921)
Me neither, hon ... and who the hell is Robbie Williams:confused:

Try and imagine if Englebert Humperdinck had had a child with serial killer Aileen Wuornos.

Can belt out a tune, has a liking for tattoos, and is a little bit mental.

;):D

steeljack 20-08-2011 05:49

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 927924)
Try and imagine if Englebert Humperdinck had had a child with serial killer Aileen Wuornos.

Can belt out a tune, has a liking for tattoos, and is a little bit mental.

;):D

guess anyone with an Indian father who changed his name from Ranjiv to Englebert/Gerry and a Floridian serial killer lesbian prostitute as a mother would be a 'little bit mental ' specially if they came from Stoke ;)

(Stoke is Derbyshires equiv. to Lancashires Bacup , think 'Dueling Banjos')

hope that explains things Eric ;) :D :D

yerself 20-08-2011 10:25

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric
and who the hell is Robbie Williams:confused:

He was a centre back for Accrington Stanley.

Name : Robbie Williams
Squad Number : 15
Date Signed : July 1999
Position : Defender
Date of Birth : 12/04/1979
Previous clubs : St. Dominics

garinda 20-08-2011 10:29

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by BERNADETTE (Post 927917)
I find him funny as well:D

Me too.

Nowt to do with age, having a sense of humour.

:D

garinda 20-08-2011 10:32

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by yerself (Post 927972)
He was a centre back for Accrington Stanley.

Name : Robbie Williams
Squad Number : 15
Date Signed : July 1999
Position : Defender
Date of Birth : 12/04/1979
Previous clubs : St. Dominics

He was also in the boy-band, 'Who Are They? Exactly!'

:Banane42::Banane21::Banane08::Banane02::Banane57:

Eric 20-08-2011 12:42

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 927924)
Try and imagine if Englebert Humperdinck had had a child with serial killer Aileen Wuornos.

Can belt out a tune, has a liking for tattoos, and is a little bit mental.

;):D

You know, bud, sometimes asking a question instead of hightailing it to Google generates answers that are a lot more fun, and more appropriate.:D

I like tattoos, and I'm a little bit mental:D .... but I can't carry a tune in a bucket:( Ok, two out of three aint bad;)

mobertol 20-08-2011 14:24

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 927809)
Keith Lemon isn't real.

He's a character created by Leigh Francis.

Probably the most successful comedians of the last ten years, with the Avid Merrion character, and the series Bo' Selecta!

Critically acclaimed, and hugely popular with audiences.

Quite a coup for Blackpool.

I should imagine he'll be a big draw.

Fraid I'm still non the wiser...
Love the lights though -it was often my birthday treat to drive through them and stop at Kentucky fried chicken on the way home!:D

jaysay 20-08-2011 14:29

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by yerself (Post 927972)
He was a centre back for Accrington Stanley.

Name : Robbie Williams
Squad Number : 15
Date Signed : July 1999
Position : Defender
Date of Birth : 12/04/1979
Previous clubs : St. Dominics

Think the Robbie Williams your on about yerself has a few more bob than your man:rolleyes:

Benipete 21-08-2011 11:06

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 928015)
Fraid I'm still non the wiser...
Love the lights though -it was often my birthday treat to drive through them and stop at Kentucky fried chicken on the way home!:D

That's not a treat It's a sentence.:D:D

Margaret Pilkington 21-08-2011 14:26

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
well, I have heard of him......but I have to admit that I loathe him.
OK, call me sad! I do have a sense of humour, but it isn't tickled by crude,lewd behaviour and foul language. (shudders)
It can't be a generational thing because Ma loves him and laughs her socks off at him.

walkinman221 21-08-2011 19:27

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Potato!!!!!!:D

kathleen_firth 21-08-2011 22:30

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
i love him, :)
does any one know if you have to buy tickets this year for the switch on, as i heard last year you did.

Eric 21-08-2011 23:50

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 928163)
well, I have heard of him......but I have to admit that I loathe him.
OK, call me sad! I do have a sense of humour, but it isn't tickled by crude,lewd behaviour and foul language. (shudders)
It can't be a generational thing because Ma loves him and laughs her socks off at him.


So you don't like Chaucer, eh;):D

gynn 22-08-2011 06:43

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric (Post 928211)
So you don't like Chaucer, eh;):D

Was he the guy who switched on the 1382 lights? There was controversy then as well. No-one outside Canterbury had ever heard of him. :(

Margaret Pilkington 22-08-2011 13:08

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric (Post 928211)
So you don't like Chaucer, eh;):D

I have to admit that I haven't read Chaucer(though I am sure there are sanitised versions that a prude like me would accept)....but I guess it would be full of Old English language......some of which is still in use today....as expletives and derogatory remarks.

I don't find crude, lewd behaviour, with or without bad language, the least bit comedic.
It isn't big and it isn't clever. I choose not to watch it.

garinda 22-08-2011 13:24

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
He is crude.

But part of the joke is the character's a pastiche, and reflects today's obsession with celebrity.

Similar to Alan Partridge.

Who showed that you don't need to be intelligent to work in television.

Just luckily in the right place, at the right time.

:D

garinda 22-08-2011 13:29

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
I'll bet my last dollar he'll get more laughs than either Jayne Mansfield, or Red Rum.

Two past Blackpool switch hitters.

;)

garinda 22-08-2011 13:33

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Past celebrities, who've switched on the illuminations.

My own favourite was Gilbert Harding, in '54.

He was a hoot.

:D


mobertol 22-08-2011 14:15

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Some interesting names there - saw Clarkson + chums doing it on their programme recently on Discovery Channel. Glad to see Dr. Who managed 2 appearences and, always the true Time-Lord, looked younger in his later materialisation. Never heard of Dale Winton, Blue and Steps - why on earth did they invite the PM of North Rhine-Westphalia?

Margaret Pilkington 22-08-2011 14:35

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 928297)
He is crude.

But part of the joke is the character's a pastiche, and reflects today's obsession with celebrity.


:D

Yes....I get that bit......he is a character, but one that youngsters see and feel that because of what he does on TV, somehow makes that kind of behaviour acceptable...normal even.
That is a very sad reflection on what we have become.
He may get a lot of laughs, he isn't my cup of tea.

katex 22-08-2011 14:52

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 928304)
why on earth did they invite the PM of North Rhine-Westphalia?

Would think that was due to the fact that Blackpool is twinned with Bottrop ... a city in the North Rhine .. Westphalia.

mobertol 22-08-2011 15:03

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
You learn something new every day!

gynn 22-08-2011 15:35

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Looking at the list, it is clear that the choice of Mr Lemon is entirely in keeping with the standards set in previous years!

Eric 22-08-2011 17:58

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 928233)
Was he the guy who switched on the 1382 lights? There was controversy then as well. No-one outside Canterbury had ever heard of him. :(

Yeah ... that's the guy:D Wat Tyler, who was probably an ancestor of Liv Tyler, got the nod for the job; but he was dumb enough to get himself offed because someone mistook him for a revolting peasant.;)

Benipete 22-08-2011 18:04

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
I find it amazing how many people don't know what a light bulb looks like.I've had them for years now.:hehetable

jaysay 22-08-2011 18:22

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Benipete (Post 928331)
I find it amazing how many people don't know what a light bulb looks like.I've had them for years now.:hehetable

One bloke said it was art, a light bulb switching on and off in an empty room:rolleyes:

cashman 22-08-2011 18:27

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jaysay (Post 928332)
One bloke said it was art, a light bulb switching on and off in an empty room:rolleyes:

Was probably a pub landlord.:D

jaysay 22-08-2011 19:04

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 928334)
Was probably a pub landlord.:D

Na A landlord would make you pay for the electricity :D:D

katex 22-08-2011 19:14

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 928317)
Looking at the list, it is clear that the choice of Mr Lemon is entirely in keeping with the standards set in previous years!

To you, Gynn, but Blackpool has to go along with celebrities who would attract the biggest crowd, and you would be in the minority. That's marketing.

Red Rum was interesting .. wonder which hoof he used.. :)

garinda 22-08-2011 19:37

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by katex (Post 928341)
To you, Gynn, but Blackpool has to go along with celebrities who would attract the biggest crowd, and you would be in the minority. That's marketing.

Red Rum was interesting .. wonder which hoof he used.. :)

Exactly.

It isn't the Hay-on-Wye Literary Festival.

It's kiss-me-quick, bold, brassy, bright and breezy, Blackpool.

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 20:28

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
This thread is pathetic, even by the standards of some of the other rubbish which is regularly posted on here. What does it matter which celeb non-entity pulls the switch - the Blackpool Lights are on display for over two months, so the opening night visitors will make up a small proportion of those visiting that seedy town. Anyway - what's it got to do with Accy, other than we have a similar annual thread on which idiot switches on the Christmas Lights?

garinda 22-08-2011 20:38

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928349)
This thread is pathetic, even by the standards of some of the other rubbish which is regularly posted on here. What does it matter which celeb non-entity pulls the switch - the Blackpool Lights are on display for over two months, so the opening night visitors will make up a small proportion of those visiting that seedy town. Anyway - what's it got to do with Accy, other than we have a similar annual thread on which idiot switches on the Christmas Lights?

Blackpool only exists because of mill towns like Accy.

No Trade Union movement, no annual paid holidays, no Blackpool.

garinda 22-08-2011 20:45

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928349)
This thread is pathetic, even by the standards of some of the other rubbish which is regularly posted on here. What does it matter which celeb non-entity pulls the switch - the Blackpool Lights are on display for over two months, so the opening night visitors will make up a small proportion of those visiting that seedy town. Anyway - what's it got to do with Accy, other than we have a similar annual thread on which idiot switches on the Christmas Lights?

It has more relevance to this area, than one of your better threads. Which was about homosexuals in the navy.

Seeing as we didn't get that many Royal Navy ships dropping anchor at the canal down Church.

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...-sea-7959.html

:rolleyes:

Margaret Pilkington 22-08-2011 20:59

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928349)
This thread is pathetic, even by the standards of some of the other rubbish which is regularly posted on here. What does it matter which celeb non-entity pulls the switch - the Blackpool Lights are on display for over two months, so the opening night visitors will make up a small proportion of those visiting that seedy town. Anyway - what's it got to do with Accy, other than we have a similar annual thread on which idiot switches on the Christmas Lights?

You are such a carmudgeon.
If you don't like the thread start a better one.....one that you think might
interest people.

Margaret Pilkington 22-08-2011 21:01

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Would you like some cheese to go with that w(h)ine Tealeaf?

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 21:01

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 928351)
Blackpool only exists because of mill towns like Accy.

No Trade Union movement, no annual paid holidays, no Blackpool.

What a shame you don't know your history. Blackpool exists primarily because of the railways; it was already a seaside destination by the time of the formalisation of the Wakes Weeks in the 1900's but these were unpaid until the 1936 Holiday Bill for paid holidays was enshrined in law.

However, you're right insofar as the town's clientele were primarily from the Lancashire mill towns (Morecambe's visitors were West Yorkshire - hence the similarity in alot of architectural style between terraced streets in Morecambe & places like Bradford and the direct rail link which still exists)

I wonder, however, what some of those old Victorian Trade Union leaders - with their ideas of self improvement and moral standards would now make of this drug-ridden, child-grooming, tatty collection of streets that not only calls itself a town but the UK's seaside capital?

garinda 22-08-2011 21:06

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 928356)
Would you like some cheese to go with that w(h)ine Tealeaf?

Please, may I urge you to show a little compassion.

He's still not feeling himself, ever since he lost his little summer job on the coast, when he fell victim to new technology.


laughing sailor - YouTube

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 21:15

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
I seem to remember it was the famous Laughing Policeman which was outside the Funhouse in Blackpool - just a shame you couldn't answer a) with an argument, or failing that, b) with a You Tube link to the said constable.

garinda 22-08-2011 21:20

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Thread wander sorry, but some interesting old film clips, associated with this area's cotton industries on here...

BBC - Nation on Film - Textiles - Conditions in the mill

garinda 22-08-2011 21:22

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928363)
I seem to remember it was the famous Laughing Policeman which was outside the Funhouse in Blackpool - just a shame you couldn't answer a) with an argument, or failing that, b) with a You Tube link to the said constable.

I decided against the Laughing Policeman.

Knowing how interested you are in old salty sea-dogs, I thought you'd prefer a nice sailor.

;)

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 21:24

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 928366)
I decided against the Laughing Policeman.

Knowing how interested you are in old salty sea-dogs, I thought you'd prefer a nice sailor.

;)

Speak for yourself, chummy.

garinda 22-08-2011 21:28

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928363)
I seem to remember it was the famous Laughing Policeman which was outside the Funhouse in Blackpool - just a shame you couldn't answer a) with an argument, or failing that, b) with a You Tube link to the said constable.

There's no argument to be enjoyed.

Your statement that this thread has no local relevance, has been rendered irrelevant, by providing evidence of one of your threads which has absolutely nothing to do with this area.

Retlaw 22-08-2011 21:29

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928357)
What a shame you don't know your history. Blackpool exists primarily because of the railways; it was already a seaside destination by the time of the formalisation of the Wakes Weeks in the 1900's but these were unpaid until the 1936 Holiday Bill for paid holidays was enshrined in law.

However, you're right insofar as the town's clientele were primarily from the Lancashire mill towns (Morecambe's visitors were West Yorkshire - hence the similarity in alot of architectural style between terraced streets in Morecambe & places like Bradford and the direct rail link which still exists)


I wonder, however, what some of those old Victorian Trade Union leaders - with their ideas of self improvement and moral standards would now make of this drug-ridden, child-grooming, tatty collection of streets that not only calls itself a town but the UK's seaside capital?

Its also surprising how many people from Greater Accrington, moved to live in Blackpool & St Annes during WW1. Quite a number of men service papers which show their next of kin address in Acc, are crossed out, and a new address in Blackpool written in. Many ex soldiers from Greater Acc, emigrated to Canada in the 1920's, many of them had returned by 1930's, jobs were just as hard to get in Canada as they were here.
Retlaw.

garinda 22-08-2011 21:33

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928367)
Speak for yourself, chummy.

I usually do.

Unless someone can afford my fees, and hires me to speak for them.

Personally I can't remember the last time I started a thread about sailors on here.

As they aren't really of much concern around here. Nor do I care where they shoot their cannon balls, or in whom.

That we leave to you.

:rolleyes:

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 21:47

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Retlaw (Post 928370)
Its also surprising how many people from Greater Accrington, moved to live in Blackpool & St Annes during WW1. Quite a number of men service papers which show their next of kin address in Acc, are crossed out, and a new address in Blackpool written in. Many ex soldiers from Greater Acc, emigrated to Canada in the 1920's, many of them had returned by 1930's, jobs were just as hard to get in Canada as they were here.
Retlaw.

What do you think are the reason's for that, Walter? It's not something I've heard of before. Are these wounded ex-seviceman - discharged - who have moved to the coast on medical advice? Or because alot of housing in Blackpool was built immeadiatly prior to WW1 (from Nori!) and there was suddenly a surplus of cheap housing? Or fewer jobs in the mills, because of conversion to a war economy?

I can guess the reasons for people returning from Canada, but the flit to Blackpool does have me puzzled.

garinda 22-08-2011 21:48

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
1937 bus timetable.

http://transportpasttimes.co.uk/imag...accrington.jpg

gynn 22-08-2011 21:55

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928379)
What do you think are the reason's for that, Walter? It's not something I've heard of before. Are these wounded ex-seviceman - discharged - who have moved to the coast on medical advice? Or because alot of housing in Blackpool was built immeadiatly prior to WW1 (from Nori!) and there was suddenly a surplus of cheap housing? Or fewer jobs in the mills, because of conversion to a war economy?

I can guess the reasons for people returning from Canada, but the flit to Blackpool does have me puzzled.

It was the perception that the air in Blackpool was cleaner and fresher. My dad used to swear blind that his annual week's holiday in St Annes cleared all his blocked tubes because "the air was like wine".

Maybe if he's stopped smoking his 40 Capstan full strength every day, he might have felt better without having to go to the coast!

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 21:57

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Very Good, Rindy - but do you really think the hard working people of Accy & Church (forget about the Ossy scoundrels) would care, having paid their hard-earned 3/9d, would care about which fool turned on the lights?The same applies today.

gynn 22-08-2011 22:00

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 928380)

Do you have any posters advertising Blackpool as an ideal holiday destination for gay sailors?

It might give Tealeaf's thread some local relevance.

garinda 22-08-2011 22:04

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928385)
Very Good, Rindy - but do you really think the hard working people of Accy & Church (forget about the Ossy scoundrels) would care, having paid their hard-earned 3/9d, would care about which fool turned on the lights?

In 1937 Prince George, Duke of Kent, flicked the switch.

Can't see that notorious bisexual, and squeeze of Noel Coward, being much of a draw.

Even to the cap dothing royalists down Church.

They should have had Rin Tin Tin Jr.

They'd have filled a fleet of buses, to see that celebrity mutt.

garinda 22-08-2011 22:08

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 928386)
Do you have any posters advertising Blackpool as an ideal holiday destination for gay sailors?

It might give Tealeaf's thread some local relevance.

I believe there were some, but they were acquired some years ago by a London collector, with a keen interest in such ephemera.

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 22:08

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 928383)
It was the perception that the air in Blackpool was cleaner and fresher.

That's still the case. But my reading of Walter's post is that servicemen (possibly discharged) and/or their families were moving there during the course of WW1. If they are actually serving, then work out the logistics of trying to move house from Accy to Blackpool - it's difficult enough to do today, nevermind 1916 & organising it from a muddy trench on the Western Front is a totally different challenge.

gynn 22-08-2011 22:11

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 928388)
In 1937 Prince George, Duke of Kent, flicked the switch.

Can't see that notorious bisexual, and squeeze of Noel Coward, being much of a draw.

Even to the cap dothing royalists down Church.

They should have had Rin Tin Tin Jr.

They'd have filled a fleet of buses, to see that celebrity mutt.

Mght have attracted a few gay sailors.

But don't knock 1937. In 1938 they had to make do with Councillor Mrs Quayle!

garinda 22-08-2011 22:16

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928385)
Very Good, Rindy - but do you really think the hard working people of Accy & Church (forget about the Ossy scoundrels) would care, having paid their hard-earned 3/9d, would care about which fool turned on the lights?The same applies today.

People here get excited and giddy enough to stand in the Christmas drizzle, to watch some third rate licky-likey tribute act turn-on Accy's amazing Winter Lights Festival.

The Keith Lemon character will be a big draw in Blackpool.

Oddly, there are similarities.

Like you Teabag, he makes people laugh out loud, and is also a bit of a cult.

;)

garinda 22-08-2011 22:24

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928390)
That's still the case. But my reading of Walter's post is that servicemen (possibly discharged) and/or their families were moving there during the course of WW1. If they are actually serving, then work out the logistics of trying to move house from Accy to Blackpool - it's difficult enough to do today, nevermind 1916 & organising it from a muddy trench on the Western Front is a totally different challenge.

Just a guess, perhaps it's down to more affordable rents.

Old man away at the front, not much coming in, as working wages.

Lots of recently built accommodation at the coast, but no one taking holidays, because of the war.

A similar thing happened in the eighties.

Lots of people on the dole moved to Morecambe, and took up residence in cheap accommodation once used by long-gone holiday makers.

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 22:25

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 928388)
In 1937 Prince George, Duke of Kent, flicked the switch.

.

That's just it, you idiot. At one time proper celebrities switched on the lights - Formby, Matthews, Mansfield, Red Rum - and not one of these urinal dregs that are now the norm.

In any case, you've still missed the point of my original post - there are eight weeks of the lights and people can go on any night. Is that advert you posted just for the switch-on night? I think not...it's for trips over several weeks. You, no doubt, would turn up on opening night, salivating at the thought of seeing your latest celeb hero but most people are there for them and their kids and the light spectacle.

gynn 22-08-2011 22:29

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928395)
At one time proper celebrities switched on the lights - Formby, Matthews, Mansfield, Red Rum

....not forgetting Councillor Mrs Quayle......

garinda 22-08-2011 22:34

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928395)
That's just it, you idiot. At one time proper celebrities switched on the lights - Formby, Matthews, Mansfield, Red Rum - and not one of these urinal dregs that are now the norm.

In any case, you've still missed the point of my original post - there are eight weeks of the lights and people can go on any night. Is that advert you posted just for the switch-on night? I think not...it's for trips over several weeks. You, no doubt, would turn up on opening night, salivating at the thought of seeing your latest celeb hero but most people are there for them and their kids and the light spectacle.

I've never actually seen the Illuminations.

I've only been to Blackpool once, and that was to see Timothy West and Prunella Scales in The Merchant of Venice, when I was at school.

At the peak of Blackpool's popularity, between the wars, my family went to Bournemouth.

Perhaps I should go and see Keith Lemon do the honours.

I'll see if I can find a more up to date bus timetable.

Sounds like a fun sort of a town.

;)

Eric 22-08-2011 22:34

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
We have our own version of the illuminations in Canada ... and they switch on automatically every year Fall Foliage in Canada - Find the Best Places in Canada to See Autumn Colors in Canada

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 22:38

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 928396)
....not forgetting Councillor Mrs Quayle......

1938, I believe; the gathering storm of WW2. A sensible decision - use someone local, save money because in the following 6 years there ain't going to be any lights to switch on.

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 22:39

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric (Post 928398)
We have our own version of the illuminations in Canada ... and they switch on automatically every year Fall Foliage in Canada - Find the Best Places in Canada to See Autumn Colors in Canada

Eric = Bee

cashman 22-08-2011 22:40

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 928393)

Like you Teabag, he makes people laugh out loud, and is also a bit of a cult.

;)

Yeh been using jaysays spellcheck?:D:D

garinda 22-08-2011 22:41

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 928396)
....not forgetting Councillor Mrs Quayle......

Or those other celebrated notables, Cliff Michelmore, Tony Blackburn, and Carol Jean Grant, Miss United Kingdom 1976.

garinda 22-08-2011 22:42

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 928401)
Yeh been using jaysays spellcheck?:D:D

No, it's this damned key-board, sticking again.

:rolleyes::D

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 22:46

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
By the way, did anyone know that Blackpool Airport was the first one in the UK to run flights for fare-paying passengers?

gynn 22-08-2011 22:48

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928405)
By the way, did anyone know that Blackpool Airport was the first one in the UK to run flights for fare-paying passengers?

.....and that is relevant to Accrington because......? :rolleyes:

garinda 22-08-2011 22:54

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928405)
By the way, did anyone know that Blackpool Airport was the first one in the UK to run flights for fare-paying passengers?

Yes, we did.

We also know that the pilot used to announce to the passengers,
'Scream if you want to go faster.'
As he dipped the plane towards the muddy brine of the Irish Sea.

Tealeaf 22-08-2011 23:06

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 928406)
.....and that is relevant to Accrington because......? :rolleyes:

It's not relevant whatsoever.....but I was not the one to start this stupid thread.

By the way - what's happened to Garinda? He reminds me of Colonel Gaddafi - when the heats on, he does a runner.

Eric 22-08-2011 23:24

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928400)
Eric = Bee

Not quite Fermat's last theorem ... but obscure enough in its own simplistic way. Most likely the product of a simple mind.

gynn 22-08-2011 23:27

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928408)
It's not relevant whatsoever.....but I was not the one to start this stupid thread.

I've enjoyed this thread. Better than talking about gay sailors holed up in Church.

errr sorry......bad turn of phrase! :o:o:o

steeljack 22-08-2011 23:35

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
interesting mention of the Russian ambassador turning on the lights during the 50s , seems Russia was still thought of as a workers 'utopia' in those days , remember my Grandma telling me of a big 'workers/Labour' rally at Manchester Free Trades Hall the featuring Bulganin or Molotov ... one of Stalins boys

Tealeaf 23-08-2011 00:24

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by steeljack (Post 928412)
interesting mention of the Russian ambassador turning on the lights during the 50s , seems Russia was still thought of as a workers 'utopia' in those days , remember my Grandma telling me of a big 'workers/Labour' rally at Manchester Free Trades Hall the featuring Bulganin or Molotov ... one of Stalins boys

It was 1955 the Russkie turned up, before the buggars went into Hungary the following year. We should have learned a lesson then, but what happened in 1957? We invited the US ambassador, one year after the Yanks - are so-called allies - had shafted us at Suez.

PS - for those of you who know nowt about history - which is most of you - the Suez campaign involved the UK retrieving one of it's oversea's assets. It was a bit like chasing a burglar and grabbing his swag bag, only to be told by the new cop on the block that what's in the bag was lawfully the burglars. The new cop, was of course, the Yanks and because of what happened we made a tactical withdrawal from Suez. Had we stuck around, there would have been no '67 war, no '73 war, no Hamas, no Gaddafi, no Ayatollah, no Locherbie, no Gulf War 1 and 2....oil would be at 50p a barrel and we wouldn't have the burka brigade taking up three out of every four beds in the maternity unit at Blackburn hospital.

steeljack 23-08-2011 01:12

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928414)

Had we stuck around, there would have been no '67 war, no '73 war, no Hamas, no Gaddafi, no Ayatollah, no Locherbie, no Gulf War 1 and 2....oil would be at 50p a barrel and we wouldn't have the burka brigade taking up three out of every four beds in the maternity unit at Blackburn hospital.

Was too young at the time to remember much about the events , and don't necessarily disagree with your views on Suez .... But after reading a bit about the period ... think the UK Govt. had bit off a bit more than they could chew with that adventure .... the country was nearly bankrupt and trying to rebuild bombed out cities and industries which required labour which was tied up in a conscript army fighting the Mau Mau (Barrack Hussien Obama's grandad), the Malay emergency (Britains Vietnam which we won due to the fact there were no embedded journalists), and also but not sure of the timeline Aden .. we also had the BAOR (sp?) taking up thousands of conscript manpower in Germany, and had only finished fighting in Korea a couple of years earlier .

re. the the Burka filled beds , if I'm not mistaken this , the 50's was the time the UK's doors were first opened to Commonwealth labour to fill the labour shortage partially created by having conscript filled armed forces . Not sure what the UK national birthrate was during the late 30's or early 40s times of economic depression and wartime but wouldn't have thought there were not that many young men available after the Armed Forces had taken them .... just my thoughts

sorry for thread wander

jaysay 23-08-2011 09:12

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 928393)
People here get excited and giddy enough to stand in the Christmas drizzle, to watch some third rate licky-likey tribute act turn-on Accy's amazing Winter Lights Festival.

The Keith Lemon character will be a big draw in Blackpool.

Oddly, there are similarities.

Like you Teabag, he makes people laugh out loud, and is also a bit of a cult.

;)

A bit of a cult, had to read that one twice Rindi:D

jaysay 23-08-2011 09:15

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman (Post 928401)
Yeh been using jaysays spellcheck?:D:D

Ah you spotted it too hey cashy, shows we're both on the same wavelength mate:D:D:D

jaysay 23-08-2011 09:16

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 928411)
I've enjoyed this thread. Better than talking about gay sailors holed up in Church.

errr sorry......bad turn of phrase! :o:o:o

Ya but spot on gynn:rolleyes:

mobertol 23-08-2011 14:17

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Retlaw (Post 928370)
Its also surprising how many people from Greater Accrington, moved to live in Blackpool & St Annes during WW1. Quite a number of men service papers which show their next of kin address in Acc, are crossed out, and a new address in Blackpool written in. Many ex soldiers from Greater Acc, emigrated to Canada in the 1920's, many of them had returned by 1930's, jobs were just as hard to get in Canada as they were here.
Retlaw.

The attached photo shows my Great-Grandparents and their first 6 children taken outside their Blackpool guest house(you can just see the sign for "Vacancies" in the window. During WW1 while he worked in the mine and lived at Rock Mount (Altham West) she ran the guest house for soldiers (mainly Ghurkas) -my mum still has journals with her accounts. They returned to Accy after the war -presumably she made a nice living there but it must have been hard work with the young ones to look after too! (My Grandad John is the cute little boy center front)

mobertol 23-08-2011 14:33

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
To harp back to comments earlier in the thread by TeaLeaf about the relevance to Accrington and area of Blackpool - it was "the" Mecca for the Lancs working class for decades. In fact, if it hadn't been for a Wakes Week holiday my Grandparents would probably never have met -she was from Padiham and my Grandad from Accy, they met on one of the piers and I would imagine that many others followed suit -it was a great melting pot...

garinda 23-08-2011 15:42

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Interesting information on this link, about the history of Accrington railway station, where generations of people caught the chuff-chuff to Blackpool.

Disused Stations: Accrington Station

Eric 23-08-2011 16:33

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 928488)
To harp back to comments earlier in the thread by TeaLeaf about the relevance to Accrington and area of Blackpool - it was "the" Mecca for the Lancs working class for decades. In fact, if it hadn't been for a Wakes Week holiday my Grandparents would probably never have met -she was from Padiham and my Grandad from Accy, they met on one of the piers and I would imagine that many others followed suit -it was a great melting pot...

"(Met) on one of the piers":confused: Shouldn't that have been "under one of the piers";)

jaysay 23-08-2011 17:47

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
We used to go to the costa del roughit every year for our holls, just one week mind you, we stayed at number 10 Moor Street South Shore, my parents used to book for the years after when we were leaving

mobertol 24-08-2011 11:39

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric (Post 928511)
"(Met) on one of the piers":confused: Shouldn't that have been "under one of the piers";)

I admit to wearing rose tinted specs -they would never have been involved in any "goings on"!!!:o

Michael1954 25-08-2011 05:16

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf (Post 928349)
This thread is pathetic, even by the standards of some of the other rubbish which is regularly posted on here. What does it matter which celeb non-entity pulls the switch - the Blackpool Lights are on display for over two months, so the opening night visitors will make up a small proportion of those visiting that seedy town. Anyway - what's it got to do with Accy, other than we have a similar annual thread on which idiot switches on the Christmas Lights?

Hey up, rentagob is spouting off again!

jaysay 25-08-2011 09:00

Re: Blackpool Illuminations Switch On
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael1954 (Post 928759)
Hey up, rentagob is spouting off again!

Its his hobby:rolleyes:


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