Blackpool Pleasure Beach Gearing Up For Another Year

They say that the best way to judge how noisy and successful a fairground is, is to go there when it’s closed. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is a prime example with the Grand National, Nickelodeon Land and the whooshing Big One all eerily quiet.

The forty four acre south shore site is gearing itself up for another successful season, with mini diggers and cranes more common that burger bars. With recruits arriving for training, the only “scary” things are the independent inspectors making their regular visits.

One of Blackpool's top attractions

The finishing touches are being put in place for the new season, which sees the Pleasure Beach reopen for weekends on Saturday, but there’s surprisingly a lot of work still going on – even with just a few days to go.

Among the biggest changes taking place for 2015 is the demolition of the old monorail station, opposite the Wallace and Gromit Thrill-O-Matic – opening up the overpass area which links the two ends of the park.

Another huge project has been refurbishing the 110-year-old Flying Machines, complete with new aircraft although they’ve retained the old-school, traditional feel. From the oldest to the newest, also under way are the groundworks for Skyforce – a Red Arrows-inspired flying experience, due to open in the spring, which allows visitors to make their ride as thrilling or as simple as they choose in self-piloted ‘planes’.

Alex Payne and Jason Taylor are among those in charge of preparing the park to open again after the winter break.

As technical director, Alex’s job behind the scenes is to oversee the maintenance work onsite as well as the new build schemes.  “You only really notice the noise, or lack of it, when it changes,” he said. “So as the park reopens or closes, that’s when you pick up on it.”

Alex has a team that fights a never-ending battle against corrosion, with  the park suffering a  buffeting by the winds off the Irish Sea, blasting the sand and salt water into the rides.
Skyforce, in the shadow of the Big One’s main climb, will be one of the most exposed rides onsite, and a special method has been developed to hopefully delay the onset of corrosion, while existing rides are showered with love by the team onsite and contractors.

“There’s a team of abseilers working on the Big One during the closed season, chipping off the paint, repairing corrosion and reapplying paint.” Alex said.  “At 120ft up, at the return bend of the Big One, it’s battered by everything. The paint is blasted off by the sand in the air and then the sea air gets into the metal-work. We have to give it as much love as we can. With all the rides, it’s a case of delaying the onset as we’ll never stop it given where we are. I cannot emphasise what a problem corrosion is for us.”

The 75-strong in-house team of engineers works year-round to look after the site, with contractors providing additional specialist services.

This week the last of the rides are being pieced back together, and water tanks are refilled – as no matter how cold the forecast may be, guests to the park will still want to tackle the water rides such as the soaking-promising Valhalla, the kids’ Rugrats Lost River log flume and white-knuckle coaster Infusion.

Valhalla is one of the first rides back in action each year after the closedown maintenance programme, as it takes so long to be ready for riders. “It takes about a week to refill,” Alex explained. “So the maintenance works have to be complete pretty much straight after Christmas, to allow it to refill and to then be able to do testing.

“There’s so much to the ride, with integrating the effects system and the mechanics, that’s it’s always a big task. Servicing the boats is a rolling programme, and they’ll go into the workshop throughout the season, and that applies across the park.”

Jason Taylor, production and logistics manager, is more front-of-house, heading up the on-park entertainment team among other things. “Last year we introduced on-park activities and this year we want to really push it forward,” he said.

“We’ve got a Summer Of Slime planned, which is awesome and will be the first time we’ve had slime on park – for the guests and the staff. Where we had the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ film last year, this year there will be Spongebob Squarepants and Shaun the Sheep movies and they’re both so popular as characters here – so that’s another great way to enhance the experience for visitors.”

                                                    https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/

Shrovetide Is More Than Just Pancakes

When we are growing up, we are all very aware of Shrove Tuesday, popularly known as “Pancake Day”, but it is but one day amongst three that make up the Shrovetide Period. As is often the case, the roots lie in the religious calendar and Shrovetide is normally the week before lent.

Collop Monday often involves bacon

In the modern world, we hear people say that they are “giving something up for lent”, normally being something that represents a personal sacrifice.

As we grow older, we become aware that Ash Wednesday follows Shrove Tuesday, but you may have to be more of a historian to know that the Monday before Shrove Tuesday is also known as Collop Monday.

It has other names such as Rose Monday, Merry Monday and Hall Monday. The name “collop” which is the most popular comes from the term used for cuts of bacon which were often eaten before Lent started, with the fat from the bacon being used to fry the pancakes the next day.

The National Trust Highlight The Death Of A Hero

This new year of 2015 is the fiftieth anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill, and the National Trust is marking the event with a unique exhibition celebrating his life and achievements, concentrating on the last few weeks of his life, the funeral and his legacy.

The exhibition takes place at his former home, Chartwell in Kent and the Trust have provided many previously unseen exhibits, including the flag that flew in Washington the day that he died.
Check the relevant web page for full details:

                                                            All the relevant information

When It Comes To Castles, Nunney Is Small But Beautiful

Nunney Castle - small but beautifully formed

Whenever you visit a new place on holiday, there's always the same problem as to how you are going to fit everything thing that you want to do into such a short period of time. A holiday should be a time for relaxation, and if you have already driven some distance to reach the holiday destination, do you really want to be spending more time behind the wheel, ticking off places that will be on you “must see” list.

Perhaps what  you are looking for is a place to visit for a short day trip, somewhere that will provide you with something to interest you, yet encourage you to slow down and take time to pick up the flavour and atmosphere of the locality.

An increasing number of you are spending time in the beautiful county of Somerset. So often have we dashed through the county, probably ticking off the junctions on the M5 motorway as we head to the higher profile holiday destinations of Devon and Cornwall.

Junction 21  showing Weston-Super-Mare - not long now to the signs for Highbridge and Burnham -   look there goes Bridgewater - not too far to Taunton and a break at the services and the first “Welcome to Devon” sign coming up shortly - when to you think we'll hit our first queue ?– phew, you get worn out just reading it.

This is why Somerset has an increasing popularity. From the rugged beauty of Lorna Doone's Exmoor to the wonderful Blue Flag beaches of the north coast, it has everything to match its more famous South Western partners. Beautiful little cities such as Wells with its magnificent cathedral and the wonderful west front with over three hundred statues, and a host of family orientated attractions will provide a holiday to remember.

Want to go back with one particular memory ? Why not go back home and say that you visited the smallest castle in England. That's certainly what the residents of the pretty little village of Nunney will tell you.  We all know that Windsor is the biggest, but the smallest? - what's this all about?

Dating from the fourteenth century, the castle, for that is indeed what it is, was built by Sir John Delamere, from money that he quite likely earned fighting in the Hundred Years War.  Complete with the almost compulsory moat,  it was dramatically  altered in the late sixteenth century,.

Ownership had past down to the Catholic Prater, family, who like many of the Catholic faith sided with the Crown. Regrettably this proved an unfortunate move, and in a battle fought in September 1645, the north wall was breached, and surrender ultimately followed.

After much neglect, culminating in the 1910 collapse of more of the north wall, the property is now in the care of English Heritage, and is well worth a holiday visit. It doesn't take up too much time out of your day, and will encourage you to slow down and “take the air”.

The younger members of your family group will also like the chance to see the ducks that wander the streets near to the river. If you are holidaying at the right time of year, you may be lucky enough to be in Nunney, when the flower show and Street Fayre are on. In this modern world, Nunney, like so many other small villages has an excellent web site listing what's what in this vibrant little Somerset community.

After all of this, you should bow to the inevitable, and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the local pub, the George, a seventeenth coaching inn with splendid lunch and dinner menus and excellent local ales.

Wales Has Some Really Spooky Ghost Tours

Plenty of strange goings on at Llancaiach

Now that the evenings have drawn in, and there are autumn mists aplenty, the time is right to get the very best out of the many ghost walks that are on offer.
VisitWales has six great recommendations that could really give you the shivers.

Llancaiach Fawr. Near Caerphilly

One of the most haunted houses in Wales,  Llancaiach Fawr  dates  its history from about 1530. Having been restored to how it was in 1645, there are reports of strange goings on in nearly every room of the house. As you walk the dark rooms by candlelight you may just see the ghost of nineteenth century housekeeper “Mattie” or you could be lucky enough to glimpse Edward Prichard, master of Llancaiach Fawr during the Civil War.

Creepy Cardiff

There is no shortage of haunted buildings in the historic capital city, and this walk takes in some of Cardiff’s most creepy. The best tour begins in the heart of the city centre by the National Museum of Wales,  and you will be told stories of ghost hauntings, reincarnation, dragons and burials. This ghost tour is widely regarded as one of the most informative and entertaining in Britain.

The Llandaff Ghost Walk

Taking place in one of the most historic parts of the city, this is a highly recommended  walk that takes in the ancient village setting of Llandaff .  Behind today’s quiet setting lies a turbulent past of war, plunder and tragedy. You will learn about ghostly tales of ancient Celtic spirits, modern hauntings, mysterious lights and misty forms that appear in the cathedral cemetery and along the River Taff.

Ghostly Tenby

Get an introduction to the ghostly goings on in what is now a top coastal resort.  Your informative guide will arrange to meet you outside the Lifeboat Tavern where you will start your ghost tour. You go to various haunted locations and hear tales of ghosts, pirate spirits, murders and demons. This tour is packed with local history and as well as hauntings, you will be told about local superstitions at sea, death rituals, fairy magic and witches. With a place called Dead House Steps included, the scene is already set!

Plas Mawr, Conwy,  North Wales

Take advantage of the Plas Mawr evening tours at certain times of the year where you will be taken around the centuries old Elizabethan town house.  It is ornately decorated with fireplaces and colourful plasterwork and is reportedly haunted. Your guide will tell you about the history of the house and relay stories of spooky goings on. As you walk the old passageways you will come to rooms decorated with pentagrams to ward off evil spirits – there’s plenty to make your hair stand on end!

Bodelwyddan Castle, North Wales

Take a ghost walk in the company of their in-house paranormal investigations team. As you wander around the castle you will learn about the history of the house, its inhabitants and listen to ghost stories and personal accounts of paranormal experiences. If you are feeling really brave, the paranormal investigations team also run over night investigations.

                                                             http://www.visitwales.com/

Visit Batman’s Nottinghamshire “Home”

Well, it’s probably stretching the truth slightly, but if you are a fan of blockbuster movies, then you might recognise Wollaton Hall in Nottinghamshire, as it gallantly played the part of Wayne Manor in the “Dark Knight Rises”.

Dating back to Elizabethan times, this historic Elizabethan mansion is one of the areas most popular attractions in, and a number of important scenes were filmed in the grounds and Hall, including a garden party scene at night which features in the film’s trailer. A graveyard was also constructed in the grounds for the filming, and a number of internal refurbishments were made to the Hall to create the perfect Wayne Manor.

Quite a contrast to the Bat Cave

There were household names aplenty from Hollywood, including cast and crew such as Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine.

Wollaton Park is also home to a herd of red deer, which roam freely around the magnificent gardens and parkland.  As the leaves turn golden and fall from the trees, take a stroll around the park where you can see the deer at their finest. With the magnificent Wollaton Hall as your backdrop, make sure you take plenty of photographs of these impressive animals.

The Hall was designed by Robert Smythson and built by Sir Francis Willoughby between 1580 and 1588 for his family. Now a prominent Grade One listed building, the stunning Hall houses the city's Natural History Museum along with reconstructed room settings.

It stands on a natural hill three miles west of Nottingham City Centre, and is also home to Nottingham's Industrial Museum (open the last Sunday of each month for Sunday Steamings) and the Yard Gallery.

For visiting times, check out the site below:

When to visit Wollaton Hall

Welcome To Yorkshire For Some Great Christmas Markets

We have only just broken into November, and the autumn half term has just come and gone, but the tourism boards are already breathlessly promoting the many Christmas markets that are being set up to tempt us into buying seasonal food and gifts.

Yorkshire is no different to many parts of Britain, but does have the advantage of beautiful scenery and atmospheric old market towns to provide a backdrop to these festive gatherings.
The information set out here is taken from the Yorkshire Tourist Board site, and gives you all the gen on where you can find the best markets in this most popular of English Counties:

Christkindlmarkt, Leeds, 14 November - 20 December

This is one of the most established German Christmas Markets in the UK, with traditional wooden stalls, festive greenery, Christmas carousel rides and twinkling colourful lights all creating a unique continental style festive atmosphere in the heart of Leeds city centre. Set in the stylish civic setting of the award winning Millennium Square, Christkindelmarkt attracts many hundred thousands of visitors to Leeds each year and forms an integral part of the city's annual events programme.

Sheffield Christmas Market, 14 November - 24 December

A truly magical experience awaits you on Fargate with the arrival of the Sheffield Christmas Market. Traditional wooden cabins offering a huge choice of seasonal goodies makes this the perfect place to stock up on gifts, foods and treats! This year also sees the introduction of a brand new Moroccan market which, sitting alongside the traditional Christmas cabins, will add a little bit of spice to the festivities. Nestled in the middle of the two markets Santa will be meeting the children of Sheffield in his very own Lapland cabin. The market will be open daily from 10am to 6pm (8pm on Wednesdays) until Christmas Eve.

The Moors National Park Centre Christmas Fair, 15-16 November

The Moors National Park Centre's popular annual Christmas Fair presents over 30 stalls celebrating the very best of local arts, crafts and seasonal gifts, from jewellery, ceramics and stained glass to willow tree decorations, scented soaps and handmade chocolates. There's also a visit from Santa, traditional organ music and children's craft-making activities.

Bridlington Dickensian Festival, 23 November

The High Street will be a hive of activity with the main celebrations commencing at 12:00 on Sunday, 23rd November as Town Crier, David Hinde, heralds in the days events. There will be in excess of 40 stallholders lining the streets alongside shopkeepers and residents dressed in period costume and offering a wonderfully diverse selection of festive produce, food, mulled wine, crafts, gifts and games. Indoor venues and many of the Old Town shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs will be open for the day and evening bringing their own charm and uniqueness to the proceedings. Come and enjoy the Victorian atmosphere, revel in delight at the musicians, singers and street entertainers of all types including a Victorian Street Organ, Brass Band, Buskers, Morris Dancing, Skiffle Group, Punch and Judy Show, Birds of Prey and Children's Rides all adding to the festive fun!

Country Living Fair, Harrogate, 27-30 November

Soak up the magic of the festive season at the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, enjoy a great day's shopping and leave with a hoard of heavenly gifts. The Fairs bring together hundreds of exhibitors from all over the UK in a festive extravaganza of quality and craftsmanship.

Harrogate Christmas Market, 27-30 November

Organised by Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, this four-day festive market will be filled with high quality Yorkshire and Harrogate products. There will be more than 140 chalets, mini-marquees, traditional market stalls and outdoor gazebos selling everything from Yorkshire cheeses and chutneys to handmade gifts and Christmas decorations.

St Nicholas Fayre, York, 27 November - 21 December

St Nicholas Fayre, one of the UK's favourite Christmas markets, is extending in 2014 from four days to over three weeks for the first time in its 23-year and highly successful history. This year, enjoy St Nicholas Fair/ market for fabulous pre-Christmas shopping for 25 days from Thursday 27 November to Sunday 21 December. There'll be lots to celebrate, including a rolling programme of different market stalls throughout the Fair, and themed weeks of specialty stalls featuring Food, Sparkles and Toys.

Grassington Dickensian Christmas Festival, 29 November, 6 and 13 December

For three saturdays, Grassington travels back in time for the annual Dickensian festival. Step back in time to an era when Dickens was alive. Street entertainment, buskers, shoe-shine boys, chestnut sellers, santa's grotto, pickpockets, living statues, traditional Christmas outdoor market, indoor craft fair plus lots more. A family fun day out.

Festive Family Fun at Lightwater Shopping Village, 5-7 December

Christmas for the family starts here…. this year bring your little ones to experience the magic of Christmas at Lightwater Valley. Meet Santa and his helpers in his Grotto, watch our talking reindeer show, be amazed by our Christmas magic show and browse an array of stalls selling beautiful hand-crafted gifts – perfect to purchase those unique Christmas presents from.

10th Annual Christmas Craft and Food Fair, Sledmere House, 5-7 December

The tenth annual Christmas Craft and Food Fair features over 100 stalls selling crafts, gifts, decorations and food for the festive period. Visitors are welcome to walk in the gardens (not normally open to the public during winter.) The Terrace Cafe and Fair Cafe will be open and younger visitors can meet Father Christmas in his magical Grotto at the House and recieve a gift.

Helmsley Makes Christmas Magical, 6th December

Whether it's high quality designer fashion & accessories, making your home ready for Christmas, enjoying art in the many galleries, or feasting on festive food & drink, Helmsley has something for everyone. And whatever the weather, you're guaranteed a warm welcome!

A Dickensian Christmas in Rotherham, 6 December

Rotherham travels back in time this Christmas. Rotherham travels back in time for a fantastic Dickens Christmas celebration this year. With music, entertainment, Dickensian craft workshops and much more!

Leyburn Christmas Festival, 6 December

The annual Christmas event is organised by Leyburn and Mid Wensleydale Business Association with the support of Round Table. Father Christmas usually arrives in great style and delivers presents to local children. Stalls and festive music add to the occasion to provide a lovely festive festival for all the family to enjoy. Market stalls for those Christmas gift ideas, refreshments and entertainment.

Knaresborough Christmas Market, 6-7 December

A wonderful festive weekend in the picturesque North Yorkshire market town of Knaresborough with quality stalls, shops and entertainment. This Christmas market always offers a full range of regional specialities, with locally produced fare from independent stallholders being very popular with visitors.

Victorian Christmas Weekend at Main Street, Haworth, 6-7 December

Every year at Christmas time, Haworth is lit by twinkling fairy lights and festive shop windows. Each weekend in December the village hosts bands, choirs, carol singers and Father Christmas for visitors to enjoy with traders dressing in Victorian costume. The cobbled street is home to wonderful independant shops, tea rooms and public houses. If you are travelling to Haworth by car, parking is available in the Bronte Parsonage and Bronte Village car parks which are council owned

Sheffield Antiques Quarter Vintage Christmas Market, 7 December

There will be a fabulous line up for our Christmas Market with over 40 stalls to include Heeley Bank Antiques Centre, Galabeer and the Dog, Granny's Wardrobe, Fox and Gingerbread Vintage, Lily Ponds French Brocante, And proud design, The vaults Arts and Crafts - Bottom Draw, Victoria-May Vintage, Grey Day Vintage, Reclaimed interiors, Fresh n Chic Boutique, Dear Prudence, H.E.R. Vintage, Dawson's Yard, Back in the Day, The Bindi People, Swifities, and much much more.

Skipton Yuletide Festival & Christmas Market, 7 & 14 December

The 'Gateway to the Dales' brings you Skipton's famous Yuletide Festival and market, which is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. Together with the market and great food stalls, there will be a full range of entertainment in the Town Centre throughout the day, both in the main High Street Arena and at locations across the Town. The whole of Skipton truly has a real Christmassy feel!

Yorkshire's Magical Winterland, Harrogate, 10-23 December

Yorkshire's Magical Winterland is a 14 day indoor christmas event and is a fully immersive event including a winter market, winter walk through experience, live performance stage (featuring local artists), circus, write to Santa cabin, Santa's grotto, feed Santa's reindeer, Alpine Peak theatre (A Christmas Carol puppet show), make a 'Christmas wish' cabin, family ride attractions, bouncy castle, avalanche escape slide, face painting and much more.

Beverley Festival of Christmas, 14 December

This is arguably the largest Festival of its kind in Yorkshire which includes a Christmas Market with over 100 festive stalls, a fairground, various musical groups and individuals performing a varied programme of music and dance, a display by Bernese Mountain Dogs, a display of falconry, a re-enactment of a street battle by the Sealed Knot, marching and military bands, stilt walkers and Victorian street entertainers, a classic car rally and last but by no means least - Santa on his sleigh drawn through the town

Castle Howard's Stable Courtyard Christmas Market, 18 December

For the perfect place to escape the crowds and pick up great gifts for the festive season, visit Castle Howard's Stable Courtyard and Market. Get great stocking fillers and books for all the family at the Bookshop, gifts for the home and children's toys in the Carriage House and a range of seasonal treats from the Farm Shop.