Remembering Bill Curtis

If the title of this article rings a bell, it’s for a good reason. Historian Elinor “Bill” Curtis, who died in September 2006, was a popular figure in Fleetwood and a recognised authority on the town’s history and development. She wrote several books and pamphlets detailing the history of the North Euston Hotel, the Pharos and Lower Lighthouses, and the Mount Pavilion. Her book “Images of Fleetwood and the Wyre Towns” has become well-known for its value as a chronicle of local social history, while “The Golden Dream”, which follows the town’s birth, is also very popular.

Bill was a frequent contributor to Life in Fleetwood magazine and its sister publications, writing regular articles and features; you may well have read her articles without realising it. Journalists, historians and lay folk alike found her knowledge of the Fylde Coast to be formidable, and she was the first point of contact for many people with historical questions.

In addition to her comprehensive historical knowledge, Bill was known for her no-nonsense approach and dry wit. A woman of considerable energy, she was a founder member of Fleetwood Photographic Society, and for many years ran Fleetwood Camera Centre alongside her husband Colin, who died in 2004.

Bill Curtis’ contribution to the town of Fleetwood was a substantial one, and she will be missed by many. In publishing her articles, in print and on the web, we wish to pay tribute to a woman who can rightly be considered a real Fleetwood institution.

Stez is 30!

Local lad John”Stez” Stirzaker recently celebrated his 30th birthday at a lavish fancy dress party. The imagination and ingenuity on show meant that the party became a real talking point across the town.

Congratulations John… here’s to the next 30!

Share your family’s news:

We’d be delighted to share your news with the local community, so whether you’re welcoming a new arrival, celebrating a marriage, or mourning a loss, please get in touch and we’ll post the details here for everyone to see. Send as much information as you can, and attach a picture too if you want.

Email your photos to mailto:announcements@lifeinfleetwood.co.uk, allowing at least a week’s notice.

Grunshaw Revealed as MP Candidate

Fleetwood’s next MP could be local councillor Clive Grunshaw, it has been revealed. Read more

Fundraiser for Devastated Families

A fundraising event has raised over £1000 in support of two tragic Fleetwood families. Read more

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare · Xbox360 (tested), PS3, PC · £39.99

I can honestly say that I have played a lot of games in my 25 years as an avid gamer and I have played some really special games in that time. This is one of them.

Call of Duty 4 raises the bar so high in terms of gameplay, graphics, sound and story I think it will be a long time before I play anything that comes close to a game so perfect. Having just finished the single player campaign not 24 hours ago I’m already playing it through for a second time.

Believe me when I say that there are so many stand out moments it would be wrong for me to spoil it for you. What I can say is that I ducked, shouted, jumped, laughed and cried (well almost, mainly because I didn’t want the game to end) - the first time a game has really moved me.

Then on to multiplayer, and again top notch, the maps are varied and encourage working together as a team. So do me a favour, stop what you are doing, get your wallet out and BUY THIS GAME! I promise you won’t be disappointed. See you online, soldier.

Graphics - 10
Sound - 10
Gameplay - 10
Overall Score - 10

Official website: www.charlieoscardelta.com

Get paid to shop online!

Fleetwood based website Money Back Madness is a monster success.

Just over a year ago Fleetwood entrepreneur Steve Barnes of Larkholme, Fleetwood, launched a new concept in online shopping, a website that actually pays you to shop online at your favourite websites.

The process is simple: sign up, then click on one of the many retailers affiliated to the service. When you complete a transaction they simply credit your account with the appropriate cash back.

For more information visit:-
www.moneybackmadness.co.uk

Merisia

When winter’s gales lash the Fylde’s shores our lifeboatmen face anxious times - they must be alert and ready to put to sea in the most atrocious conditions if needed. Their commitment, dedication and courage is never in doubt. Read more

Fleetwood Salutes the War Dead

Fleetwood’s Memorial Park fell silent on Sunday the 11th November, as tributes were paid to fallen servicemen and servicewomen in the annual Remembrance Day service. Read more

The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie

A stranger lost in the fog… an isolated house… a brutal murder… a houseful of suspects. They’re all familiar ingredients in a murder mystery, but few crime writers can weave them into a compelling tale with the deftness of Agatha Christie, and it was a sheer delight to witness the Agatha Christie Theatre Company performing this famous play at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre on the 9th November.

An all-star cast, including stage and screen legend Susan Penhaligon, EastEnders star Dean Gaffney and BBC presenter Richard Blackwood, breathed life into the characters in a subtle, complex tale of deceit.

As is typical with Agatha Christie’s work, the play was extraordinarily well paced, an uncomfortable atmosphere of tension gradually building as the characters’ motivations became clear. A gradual drip-feed of facts turned the archetypal “whodunnit?” scenario into something far richer and more rewarding.

Even in terms of stage design, the play came up trumps - a relatively sparse room contrasted starkly with the bold African frescoes above, like the events of the past overshadowing the present to terrible effect. Themes of cruelty, loyalty and seething resentment made for uncomfortable viewing, while a succession of twists and red herrings kept everyone guessing until the final shattering exposition.

An outstanding cast delivering sterling performances, a taut script, and engaging stage direction - these are the hallmarks of a truly great night at the theatre, and all were present at this outstanding production.

To find out more about this show, click here to visit the Blackpool Grand Theatre website.

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