Have you heard the one about the Bishop and the Big One? A Lancashire church has challenged its Bishop and a key member of its leadership team to take on a white-knuckle challenge to raise money for a flagship development project.The Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev Philip North, and lay reader at St John’s in Lytham, Joanne Hutchinson, have agreed to clamber 235ft up the Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach tomorrow evening (Friday).All money raised will go towards extensive works at the back of the church, including disabled facilities, a kitchen and a place where children’s activities can take place.Bishop Philip said: “I’m excited - and a bit apprehensive for Friday night, but I’m sure I will be in good hands. “And with lots of prayer before - and during - the climb, I’m certain it will turn out to be a great night and will hopefully raise lots of money for a wonderful cause.“It will also be amazing to see Blackpool and the surrounding area … [Read more...] about Bishop’s climb to the heavens up Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Big One rollercoaster
Blackpool big one
Daredevil Bishop praying for help on Big One climb
The Bishop of Burnley is preparing to climb to the heavens - by climbing the highest rollercoaster in Europe. It will not be the first time the Bishop has attempted a daring stunt – not long after being made a Bishop in 2015 he abseiled down the outside of St John’s Church tower in Whittle-le-Woods, near Chorley.Amazingly, Bishop Philip admits he is uncomfortable with heights, but this time at least the stunt will involve a steady climb up steps rather than abseiling down the outside of the rollercoaster structure; and there will be ropes and safety staff on hand as well.He said: “I’m excited, and a bit apprehensive, for Friday night but I’m sure I will be in good hands. And with lots of prayer before, and during, the climb I’m certain it will turn out to be a great night and will hopefully raise lots of money for a wonderful cause.“It will also be amazing to see Blackpool and the surrounding area from such a high and exposed position and to … [Read more...] about Daredevil Bishop praying for help on Big One climb
‘I can’t wait to ride the Big One’
For years Kaysha Grocott was afraid to ride on roller-coasters because she was worried she was too big to safely enjoy any white knuckle attraction. Now, after losing almost half her bodyweight, Kaysha is looking forward to a trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach for a ride on the Big One. And she says shedding more than eight stone i has given her the confidence to change her job, her relationship, and has even saved her life – as well as giving her a chance to have children in the future. Kaysha, aged 32, said: “I struggled with my weight for a long time. I wanted kids, but I was told I had polycystic overies [a condition where multiple cysts are formed, which can make women less fertile and is often linked to being overweight]. “I was quite slim when I was younger. I worked for the NAAFI (Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) at a camp in Germany and it was quite a party lifestyle. Then I came back to the UK and settled back into a normal life. “I lost control of … [Read more...] about ‘I can’t wait to ride the Big One’
‘Blackpool was the highlight of the year for Northern families like mine’
We all have happy memories of childhood days at a seaside resort, bucket and spade in hand, sun blazing down. It’s easy to forget those resorts don’t disappear come chillier autumn days. Not for me. My dad worked in Blackpool every winter, repairing the piers battered by the unforgiving Irish Sea. So that meant day trips to the resort in the icy winds rounded off by a tram ride down the prom to see the illuminations, followed by a chippy tea. Of course, we also had the summer holidays with nan and grandad, donkey rides on the sands and fighting with my cousins over who got to sit at the front of the log flume at the Pleasure Beach. Less than an hour’s drive from Manchester, Blackpool was the highlight of the year for Northern families like mine. It was bold, it was brash, but it was fun. And it still is as we return for our Celebrate The Great British Seaside series. Lindsay Turner has travelled to Blackpool for the day from Wigan, with husband … [Read more...] about ‘Blackpool was the highlight of the year for Northern families like mine’
The complete Manc’s guide to making the most of Blackpool this summer
Everybody loves a day out at the seaside - and although Manchester doesn't have a beach, we have got Blackpool more or less on our doorstep. And it's easy to see why the resort has been like an (illuminated) beacon calling to generations of Mancunians from the end of the M55 for years. There are LOADS of things to do, whatever your budget and whatever the weather, making it a favourite for day trippers and holidaymakers. From a simple stroll along the prom with a bag of chips, to adrenalin-packed adventures at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, taking in the view at the top of the Tower, dancing in the ballroom, tackling the water slides at the Sandcastle or trying your luck at the countless arcades, you'll never be bored. But because there's so much on offer, it can often be difficult to cram everything in. So here we've compiled a handy guide to the resort's big tourist attractions - new additions and old favourites - to help you plan your trip and make the most out of your time. South … [Read more...] about The complete Manc’s guide to making the most of Blackpool this summer