Blackpool Illuminations

[GJH]

We decided some time ago that we wanted to see the illuminations for the first time in many years and we have returned today from a weekend doing so.

@Ambilkate wanted to see some photos so here you are Kate. Hope you like them

 

[movan]

Hope you don't mind but I looked at them too ... Lovely memories. Thank you.

 

[Munchie]

Ahhh so glasshoppah Glaham @GJH you have seen the light!

 

[Ambilkate]

Thankyou so much Graham lovely pics I want a camera like your such lovely cris clear pics THANKYOU X

 

[grasscutter]

Great photos Graham. We still enjoy a couple of days in Blackpool when the illuminations aren on.

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[scousebird]

Lovely pics. Haven't seen the Blackpool lights for years.

 

[GJH]

Thanks for all the kind comments.

There's nothing special about the camera. It's only a Canon Ixus 155, chosen as much for the ease of carrying it in a pocket as much as anything else Also, I'm no good at all at using a conventional viewfinder so have to have a camera with a rear display screen otherwise I miss the bits I want

As for the crispness of the photos, you should see the ones I deleted

 

[scotjimland]

Is that a log burner chimney on the van Graham ?

 

[GJH]

Is that a log burner chimney on the van Graham ?

Not quite Jim It's the VAWT that I bought second hand earlier this year. See Broken Link Removed

 

[scotjimland]

Not quite Jim It's the VAWT that I bought second hand earlier this year. See Broken Link Removed

just joshing...

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[GJH]

just joshing...

Yes, I know. I can take it like a man though

 

[scotjimland]

I can take it like a man though

stop there..

information overload

 

[Viennese]

Where did you stay Graham??

 

[GJH]

Where did you stay Graham??

South Shore Cricket & Squash Club. Several C&CC DAs/sections and the MCC have rallies there through the year. It was £8.50 a night this time and I think that's pretty standard. There are buses from outside into Blackpool and St Annes/Lytham through the day but they stop at about 6:30 in the evening. A taxi back from near the Tower on Sunday was £10.40 plus tip.

 

[scotjimland]

South Shore Cricket & Squash Club. Several C&CC DAs/sections and the MCC have rallies there through the year. It was £8.50 a night this time and I think that's pretty standard. There are buses from outside into Blackpool and St Annes/Lytham through the day but they stop at about 6:30 in the evening. A taxi back from near the Tower on Sunday was £10.40 plus tip.

you mean to say you didn't freeload .. I mean wild camp on the prom.. tisk tisk.. (shakes head and hides.. )

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[GJH]

you mean to say you didn't freeload .. I mean wild camp on the prom.. tisk tisk.. (shakes head and hides.. )

Only allowed in Cleveleys Jim and we wanted to be closer in Besides, we would rather have some security

 

[Geo]

South Shore Cricket & Squash Club. Several C&CC DAs/sections and the MCC have rallies there through the year. It was £8.50 a night this time and I think that's pretty standard. There are buses from outside into Blackpool and St Annes/Lytham through the day but they stop at about 6:30 in the evening. A taxi back from near the Tower on Sunday was £10.40 plus tip.

£10.50 then

 

[GeebeeJaybee]

Isn't it interesting how we all differ.

I am quite glad to hear that people still enjoy Blackpool - as for us we live too close (about 50 miles) and find the place so dirty and tacky that we never go by choice (I do have to go for work regularly though).
It is one of the most deprived areas in the UK with all the associated issues from that but without people visiting it would be much much worse so maybe we should give it another try.

Jen

 

[GJH]

Isn't it interesting how we all differ.

I am quite glad to hear that people still enjoy Blackpool - as for us we live too close (about 50 miles) and find the place so dirty and tacky that we never go by choice (I do have to go for work regularly though).
It is one of the most deprived areas in the UK with all the associated issues from that but without people visiting it would be much much worse so maybe we should give it another try.

Jen

This was the third time in three years that we had stayed at South Shore Cricket Club. The location is great for visiting other places to the north and south along the coast as well as Blackpool itself.
Blackpool is good at being Blackpool and, no doubt, people who expect anything being different would be disappointed. It certainly does tat better than the likes of Rhyl and Ingoldmells (which I think are more tacky myself ).
Behind the scenes there are some run down streets but that's the same as many towns these days. One of my great grandmothers (after the death of her husband) had a guest house at 3 Bute Avenue (off Dickson Road), next door to her sister in law's guest house. I have a photo taken about a hundred years ago and the area was quite respectable. It's nowhere near as nice now but somewhat less tatty than a few years ago when somebody took some photos for me.
On previous trips we had been wary about going into the town at night, especially on weekends, after hearing tales of stag & hen parties. This weekend, of course, that was unavoidable. We weren't out at the dead of night, of course, but people around were mainly family groups and couples and the atmosphere was safe and friendly.
The council put in a lot of money to refurbish the front and the tram network a few years ago so they deserve a reward for doing so. Some of the attractions are very expensive but there is plenty to do for people who don't want to spend a lot as well.