Author Archives: Pete of MIP

Manchester to Blackpool rail electrification by 2016

Posted on 27 November 2010 by Pete of MIP

Philip Hammond, the Secretary of State for Transport, stated in Parliament on the 25th November 2010: ‘The Chancellor also announced on 20 October the electrification of the lines between Liverpool, Manchester, Preston and Blackpool, representing an investment of up to £300 … Continue reading →

Posted in Political, Rail, Technology | 5 Comments

Dewlay Wind Turbine at Garstang

Posted on 17 November 2010 by Pete of MIP

The very large wind turbine built at the Dewlay Cheesemaker site at Garstang is now operating.  Driving past it is very impressive and creates quite a landmark.  Yesterday was a very light wind but the turbine was turning and seemed to … Continue reading →

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Manchester to Blackpool Rail Electrification

Posted on 17 November 2010 by Pete of MIP

It was a surprise to discover the good news announced in the governments spending review on 21st October 2010 seemed to have no coverage.  Here is what the chancellor said: ‘In the North West, we will invest in rail electrification between Manchester, … Continue reading →

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PNE bottom of the championship

Posted on 14 November 2010 by Pete of MIP

How many clubs have stayed with a manager when they have been at the bottom with things seeming to be getting worse in November, yet……… Yesterday PNE dropped to bottom following the home defeat to Hull and Crystal Palace winning at … Continue reading →

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Anyone for strawberry picking?

Posted on 8 November 2010 by Pete of MIP

Reading in the paper today that David Cameron is taking a business delegation to China to follow on from his Indian visit.  A bit further down an article that Jaguar – Land Rover might build a factory in China to … Continue reading →

Posted in Made in Preston, Political | Comments Off on Anyone for strawberry picking?

Ronnie Clayton – Preston born star of Blackburn Rovers

Posted on 1 November 2010 by Pete of MIP

On October 29th Ronnie Clayton, the famous Blackburn Rovers midfielder of the 1950’s and 60’s, died aged 76. Making his first team debut at the age of 17, playing for England at 20 and captaining England at 25 and yet continuing … Continue reading →

Posted in Preston North End | 1 Comment

Defence Review

Posted on 1 November 2010 by Pete of MIP

The defence review announced on the 19th October ended the UK requirement for Harrier, Nimrod MRA4 and vertical take off F35 which all provide work in the local BAE SYSTEMS factories.  The Nimrod has been in work for well over 10 years … Continue reading →

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Liam Fox in Saudi Arabia supporting local industry

Posted on 24 September 2010 by Pete of MIP

It is reported the UK Minister of Defence Liam Fox is meeting the King of Saudi Arabia and will discuss potential arms sales.  The US has recently announced the sale of $100bn of arms to the region and the UK … Continue reading →

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High Speed Rail to go ahead

Posted on 23 September 2010 by Pete of MIP

It was announced this week that the extension of high speed rail north from London will go ahead and not be part of a spending reduction. The statement was that building would begin in 2015 to Birmingham and then be extended to Manchester … Continue reading →

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Andrew Flintoff – Freeman of Preston retires

Posted on 18 September 2010 by Pete of MIP

On the last day of the cricket season Andrew Flintoff MBE, Freeman of Preston, former captain of the Lancashire and England cricket teams, 2005 BBC sports personality of year, 2005 joint cricketer of the year, scorer of the most 6’s for England announced … Continue reading →

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Burnley 1 Referee 3 PNE 3

Posted on 11 September 2010 by Pete of MIP

North End live on BBC2 today and looking good at 3-1 in the lead. Then a bit of an incident where Burnley thought a PNE player had handled although it looked one of those unavoidable handballs.  The ref looked a … Continue reading →

Posted in Preston North End | 1 Comment

3rd degree vulnerability in Preston

Posted on 10 September 2010 by Pete of MIP

The data research company Experian has published an analysis that shows the areas around Preston to be more vulnerable than average to government cut-backs.  Out of 324 areas Preston and its surroundings are generally in the third quartile 0r positioned around 250th.  … Continue reading →

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BAE trims its cloth

Posted on 10 September 2010 by Pete of MIP

Around 450 jobs are to go at BAE SYSTEMS Warton and Samlesbury plants out of a total of 950 that will be shed nationally.  In such a large company it could be expected that there will be a lot of … Continue reading →

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PNE in 21st place at the end of August

Posted on 29 August 2010 by Pete of MIP

Not the best start to the season. Scoring one goal in 4 games and playing 2 teams who are struggling. Interesting controversy about Portsmouth being a premium game with an entrance charge of £30. PNE need to get some money … Continue reading →

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Industrial Revolutionaries in Preston

Posted on 24 August 2010 by Pete of MIP

The Industrial Revolutionaries is a display at the Harris Museum in Preston.  The revolutionaries are the people who made an impact in Preston and include cotton magnates and reformers, mill workers and inventors.  The display was funded by a number of … Continue reading →

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Southport Flower Show 2010

Posted on 19 August 2010 by Pete of MIP

Visited the Southport Flower Show today, Thursday, only 16 miles from Preston along the A59.  Enroute was impressed by the large flat fields that are now on the Ribble Estuary.  Don’t recall fields being that far out before. Would it … Continue reading →

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Game 2: Swansea 4, PNE 0

Posted on 14 August 2010 by Pete of MIP

Nothing much to say, looks pretty bad. The case for the defence: It is said PNE have never done well at Swansea.  It is said PNE players are coming back from injury.  It is said it’s early yet. To use the … Continue reading →

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Blackpool 11, Preston 3*

Posted on 14 August 2010 by Pete of MIP

A wake up call. The elected Preston council is struggling to get its projects put into place. Tithebarn, Winckley Square, Flag Market are being thwarted. On transport the bus sale has been done and redone, and light rail proposals seem uncertain.  The … Continue reading →

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Garstang Agricultural Show

Posted on 7 August 2010 by Pete of MIP

Went to the Garstang Show today. Bit worried the car would be stuck in the field but it was pretty dry.  The bulls are creatures of awe bellowing at the cows, not sure what it was about but imagined. Horses, … Continue reading →

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PNE 0 Doncaster Rovers 2

Posted on 7 August 2010 by Pete of MIP

First game of the season and PNE are in good company as Middlesbrough and Reading lost at home as well.  Do names matter though.  Last season PNE won all their opening games and in the end just managed to escape … Continue reading →

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