Author Archives: Pete of MIP

Gas Strikes Ahead

Posted on 23 March 2010 by Pete of MIP

While I’m on the theme of strikes, todays papers say 8,000 British Gas fitters have voted to go on strike over bullying by management. The BBC say the union haven’t told British Gas what the dispute is about although it seems … Continue reading →

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Rail Strikes ahead

Posted on 21 March 2010 by Pete of MIP

Rail strikes threatened.  The RMT union are very busy at the moment with threatened strikes about whether signalmen work 3 days or 4 days and about re-structuring of maintenance staff resulting in 1500 redundancies out of 18,000 staff.  In Scotland they’ve … Continue reading →

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Miller Arcade. Where is it going?

Posted on 21 March 2010 by Pete of MIP

The LEP reports that the sale of Miller Arcade has fallen through. The building is looking in good condition and quite welcoming although it doesn’t have many shops in it and seems a bit isolated.   It’s on the corner of the shopping area … Continue reading →

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High Speed Rail from Manchester, not Preston, announced

Posted on 11 March 2010 by Pete of MIP

The government announced its proposed 250mph High Speed Rail link plan today with a Y shaped network. The line to Birmingham from Euston is to be first followed by a line to Manchester and a separate one from Birmingham to Sheffield … Continue reading →

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Council Tax 2010 – Preston highest

Posted on 10 March 2010 by Pete of MIP

Council taxes have hardly increased in 2010 / 11.  That appears to be good news although I’m a bit sceptical about why, just before a General Election. Mustn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Preston has increased its Band … Continue reading →

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National Trust not near here

Posted on 7 March 2010 by Pete of MIP

The National Trust list of properties doesn’t have much in this area. Rufford Hall and Formby are the two most local sites.  Gawthorpe Hall is in East Lancashire.  Then you head into Cheshire or Cumbria for the next ones. Across England; Lincolnshire … Continue reading →

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The UKIP effect in Lancashire

Posted on 4 March 2010 by Pete of MIP

The second article on how parties could affect the Preston area and Lancashire if they obtained power or held influence after the General Election.  UKIP are today’s subject as they were in the news last week after a speech by their … Continue reading →

Posted in Made in Preston, Political | 1 Comment

Snowdrops in March

Posted on 26 February 2010 by Pete of MIP

It’s nearly the end of February and snowdrops are out.  I thought that was January’s job.  We’re going to get a rush they say as the season is a month late; crocii, daffodils, tulips, blossom. Most days it’s been around … Continue reading →

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Green Party and Lancashire

Posted on 24 February 2010 by Pete of MIP

An election is coming so what will some of the parties be offering to the region.  Starting with the Green Party. They deserve a couple of seats in Parliament, I think.  You expect the Green Party to support green policies. Yes, … Continue reading →

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Space Shuttle – International Space Station over Preston

Posted on 21 February 2010 by Pete of MIP

Missed it again.  Friday morning, 19th Feb,  at 5.26am the Space Shuttle, Endeavour, and the International Space Station flew over Preston before separating, it was 200 miles high at 36 degrees  above the horizon so not directly overhead. Very bright as well. Endeavour is … Continue reading →

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1 Year Old

Posted on 18 February 2010 by Pete of MIP

Missed my blogs birthday on February 6th 2010. The Made In Preston Blog is 1 year old and has about 180 posts. I thought it’ll only last a few weeks but it’s still hot. So tonight I’ll pop a bottle of wine and … Continue reading →

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Darren Ferguson Roller Coaster

Posted on 17 February 2010 by Pete of MIP

Preston are seeking a consistent formation since the arrival of Darren Ferguson. The result against Derby was disappointing after a good start.   Tuesday 16th: Derby 5 PNE 3. From 1-0 up to 5-2 down. Darren and the teams record in the league is: … Continue reading →

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On your marks for a General Election

Posted on 17 February 2010 by Pete of MIP

The starting grid for the General Election is taking form.  What can be expected in the region? In 2005 the results were: Preston – Labour – majority 9,407.  Achieved 50% of the vote. South Ribble – Labour – majority 2,184. Achieved … Continue reading →

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National Football Museum goes to Istanbul

Posted on 17 February 2010 by Pete of MIP

What a shock!  We all thought it was going to Manchester. Having a quick look at the NFM website – it seems it’s gone to Istanbul.  Closer look shows it’s a few pieces for a while.  Istanbul, Manchester perhaps hard to … Continue reading →

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H.J.Berry in administration

Posted on 15 February 2010 by Pete of MIP

The old furniture maker in Chipping went into administation this week. A blow to a way of work, skills and manufacturing as well as the staff and village. Last year it featured on Gerry Robinson’s TV programme and he offered … Continue reading →

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December 2009 house prices in Lancashire

Posted on 15 February 2010 by Pete of MIP

According to the Land Registry average house prices in Lancashire reached their lowest in August 09 and have since risen to £117,750 in December 2009,  equal to February 2006. This change is fairly uniform across the range of houses from … Continue reading →

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Angel of Preston

Posted on 14 February 2010 by Pete of MIP

There is a flurry of commentary about placing a statue next to the M6 to symbolise Preston.  One is a semi-buried soldier denoting the historic battles that took place in Preston and the other is a statue symbolising a military … Continue reading →

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Island of Preston

Posted on 29 January 2010 by Pete of MIP

The Coastal Management Plan for the next 100 years has been issued and the coast around the Ribble estuary is largely to be protected except for an area on the south bank that will be allowed to make a managed … Continue reading →

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Winckley Square as it was

Posted on 26 January 2010 by Pete of MIP

A couple of thousand are said to have completed cards objecting to the plans for Winckley Square.  As I wasn’t aware of what the objectors are voting for, except a vague statement that the square should be restored to its previous appearance … Continue reading →

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North West football ups and downs

Posted on 19 January 2010 by Pete of MIP

North End well beaten with a mixed display at Bristol with Mr Ferguson in charge for the first time. There’s time, but with Chelsea scoring 7 and playing PNE in the cup next week the defence are no doubt practicing … Continue reading →

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