The Fossil Tree Hotel

Saturday, 19 March 2016

The history of dancing in Blackpool

Dancing has been paired with Blackpool in the collective imagination for a long time. The beautiful Tower Ballroom is known the world over as being the home of ballroom dancing, within the dancing community. However in recent years it’s also been accepted as that by those who watch Strictly Come Dancing. The origins of the connection actually stretch back further than that.

The first public dances were held in Blackpool in 1837, when Dr John Cocker set up the Assembly Rooms. Granted the dances performed were probably not exactly like the ones you see on Strictly Come Dancing, but something a lot more formalised.

1840 saw the introduction of the Polka, and the Mazurka to English ballrooms, the Polka being particularly scandalous to the older generations, and those of a sensitive disposition.

Blackpool hosted their first Dance Festival in 1920, something that is credited to two men, Mr Harry Wood or Nelson Sharples, nobody’s quite sure which one thought of it first. Either way, it was held that year in the Empress Ballroom. It ran for seven years, before taking a break due to a change of management in 1927. It restarted in 1929, adding different styles of dance to the competition.

In 1931, the first British Professional and Amateur Ballroom Championship was held, after people became more interested in the ‘English style’ of dancing.

The war years saw a break in the dance competition being held, but by 1946 it was revived, although the stage dancing was no longer part of the competition.

The modern era has seen ballroom dancing reach the masses, thanks to the advent of Come Dancing and Strictly Come Dancing, on the television. More and more people have been coming to Blackpool because of the dancing connection, as well as all of the other attractions that the town has to offer.

If this article has inspired you to come and stay in the home of Ballroom, then come and stay at the Fossil Tree Hotel.

Hazel and Phil Stoker run a welcoming and friendly hotel, catering specifically to adults who want a peaceful break. They have many people who come for repeat stays, and would love to hear from you.

Contact: 01253 351599

Website: www.fossiltree.co.uk

Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fossiltreehotel

Twitter is @fossiltree.

Monday, 14 March 2016

Ten Things You Might Not Know About Blackpool - UK

Here are Ten Interesting things about Blackpool UK.

1. People have been living in the area around Blackpool for at least 13,500 years. There was a elk skeleton from that period discovered in the town, during 1970, and it had man made barbs in it’s side. It’s housed in the Harris Museum now.

2. In the 1700’s it was famous for seabathing, and cures for illness, just like Bath and Lyme Regis were.

3. It’s known as the ‘Home of Ballroom’

4. Charles Dickens visited the town on 21st April 1869

5. Amy Johnson is known to have used the Stanley Park Aerodrome, (currently the site of Blackpool Zoo) for flights.

6. It was the first municipality in the world to have electric street lighting, getting it in 1879

7. It had one of the first electric tramways, track laid between Cocker Street and Dean Street in 1885

8. The Grand Theatre was one of the first theatres in the UK to have all electric lighting

9. Blackpool Tower generated it’s own electricity until 1924

10. The Blackpool Illuminations started in 1879, a year before Thomas Edison patented the light bulb

If these facts have sparked a interest, and you want to come and visit the town, then you might need a place to stay. If so, then come and stay at the Fossil Tree Hotel Blackpool UK.

Contact Hazel Or Phil: 01253 351599

Website: www.fossiltree.co.uk

Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fossiltreehotel
Twitter is @fossiltree.

10 Famous Names Born In Blackpool

Ten Famous Faces you might not know were born in Blackpool

· * Jenna Coleman (Actress born in 1986) she is famous for her role in Doctor Who.

· * Cynthia Lennon (born in 1939) John Lennon’s first wife was born in the town. She is also well known thanks to the many portrayals of her in films about the Beatles over the years.

· * David Thewlis (Actor) he’s famous for many roles, such as Remus Lupin in the Harry Potter films.

· * Zoe Ball (TV presenter) she’s been on radio and television since the 1990’s.

· * Robert Smith (singer) the Cure member was born in Blackpool in 1959.

· * Pauline Moran (actress) famed for being in Poirot with David Suchet, is also a born and bred Blackpool resident.

· * Chris Lowe (singer) the Pet Shop Boys member was born there in 1959

· * Jodie Prenger (singer and actress) she became famous for winning the role of Nancy through a televised talent competition. She was born in Blackpool in 1979.

· * Ronnie Clayton (Boxer) he won the European Featherweight title, and was one of three brothers who all boxed for a living.

· * Daniel Whiston (Ice skater) is most famous for being a pro skater on the show Dancing on Ice. He was born in the town during 1976.

If you are a fan of the people mentioned, and wish to come and visit the town of their birth, or just want to have a relaxing short break, then you will need somewhere to stay. The Fossil Tree is the place that you need to contact.

Hazel and Phil, the owners of the Fossil Tree provide a home away from home for their guests, giving them a friendly welcome.

Contact: Telephone number: 01253 351599

Website: www.fossiltree.co.uk

Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fossiltreehotel

Twitter is @fossiltree.