Author Archives: Pete of MIP

BAE Systems and EADS proposed merger

Posted on 21 September 2012 by Pete of MIP

BAE Systems announced that they are in talks to merge their business with the European Aeronautic, Defence and Space Company (EADS). This naturally arouses some fears ranging from a personal job level up to a national security level. In 1999 … Continue reading →

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Preston Guild 2012 – that was the fabulous week that was

Posted on 10 September 2012 by Pete of MIP

Not a lot to say about Preston Guild 2012 –  just brilliant.  The processions, ceremonies, shows, events, displays and the crowds were the cake and the cream.   The small touches like the Temperance Display and the P3 20 added … Continue reading →

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Preston Guild 2012 – I was there – Saturday 1st September 2012

Posted on 2 September 2012 by Pete of MIP

Preston Guild is once every 20 years so we weren’t going to miss this one.  We loved the Royal Jubilee, the Olympic Games and we were sure we’d enjoy Preston Guild. It seemed everyone was in a great mood, the … Continue reading →

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One Week to Preston Guild 2012: Our Plan

Posted on 27 August 2012 by Pete of MIP

Wake me up on Friday in time for Preston Guild.  There are some great things being planned, but here is our plan. Saturday 1st September will be our main day. Will be fighting the crowds flooding in for the Final … Continue reading →

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Local TV applicants in Preston

Posted on 14 August 2012 by Pete of MIP

The government is planning to grant licenses for up to 65 local TV stations. Applications are now in and successful ones will be announced later this year. They will be expected to start broadcasting within 2 years with many expecting … Continue reading →

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Virgin rail service in Preston decision due

Posted on 13 August 2012 by Pete of MIP

The familiar Virgin rail might be about to be exited from Preston station. This week a decision on which company runs the West Coast Main Line from the 10th December 2012 will be made. Rumour has it that First Group … Continue reading →

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Preston Guild 2012 turns up the heat

Posted on 11 August 2012 by Pete of MIP

Preston comes together as events are announced for the 2012 Guild.  Here are four unmissables: The new multi-million pound ‘Discover Preston’ display in the Harris Museum, opened on 28th July, is something I’ve been burning to see.  On Friday 17th … Continue reading →

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Heroes of Salamanca

Posted on 23 July 2012 by Pete of MIP

July 22nd, 1812. Salamanca, Spain.  Wellington’s troops defeat Napoleon’s in the first major victory of the Peninsular War that demonstrated the prowess of the Duke of Wellington, then an Earl. To mark this victory the Rifles were given the freedom of … Continue reading →

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Preston Guild – Honorary Burgesses Named

Posted on 20 July 2012 by Pete of MIP

To be a burgess at Preston Guild is quite an honour. Putting yourself into a line that goes back centuries.  It is a hereditary role so new ones are joined at the Guild Ceremony by existing burgesses and those who … Continue reading →

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Olympic Torch Relay in Preston

Posted on 30 June 2012 by Pete of MIP

The Olympic Torch passed through Preston on the 23rd June.  Some 10,000 turned out to watch it. It is fascinating how many watch this and why. We went to Garstang, the day before it went through Preston, and the weather … Continue reading →

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New Hawk aircraft order from Saudi Arabia

Posted on 26 May 2012 by Pete of MIP

Some good news. The government of Saudi Arabia has ordered 22 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers as part of a package of training equipment which includes 55 Pilatus PC21 basic training aircraft.  The Hawks will be delivered in 2016. This will reduce the … Continue reading →

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Preston Passion

Posted on 27 April 2012 by Pete of MIP

The Preston Passion play on Good Friday was shown live on BBC from Preston Bus Station.  Yes this sounds unromantic yet Preston Bus Station is a huge structure of unique style well suited to such a performance. The performance used … Continue reading →

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New F35 Manufacturing Facility opened at BAE SYSTEMS Samlesbury

Posted on 27 April 2012 by Pete of MIP

BAE SYSTEMS opened a £150m manufacturing facility at Samlesbury near Preston in March. This will enable one rear fuselage a day to be produced for the F35 Joint Strike Fighter by 2016.

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Preston area Rail Electrification dates announced

Posted on 27 April 2012 by Pete of MIP

Network Rail have announced the dates for electrified rail services near Preston as follows: Manchester to West Coast Main Line and Newton-le-Willows, December 2013 Newton-le-Willows to Liverpool Lime Street; Hyton to Wigan, December 2014 Preston to Blackpool, December 2015 Manchester … Continue reading →

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Electrification of the Manchester to Blackpool line

Posted on 24 March 2012 by Pete of MIP

The Chancellor confirmed in Wednesday’s budget what had been stated before. That the line from Manchester to Blackpool via Preston will be electrified.  Just to remind us that some money is flowing into the North West, although it doesn’t compare … Continue reading →

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Preston Passion – Good Friday 6th April 2012, 10am.

Posted on 24 March 2012 by Pete of MIP

On Good Friday a Passion Play will take place in Preston, televised live on BBC1.  Ticket are available to be an active member of the performance or to be an audience member. Click on the link below. http://www.prestonguild2012.com/?OBH=413&ID=322 The Manchester … Continue reading →

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First win for Westley at PNE

Posted on 15 February 2012 by Pete of MIP

Preston 1 Hartlepool 0.  Over 14,000 watched PNE score fairly late in the game and take their first win for the new manager.  The team has a lot of new faces and PNE could be on target for record turnover … Continue reading →

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Graham Westley takes over at PNE

Posted on 22 January 2012 by Pete of MIP

Graham Westley has moved from Stevenage to take over the managers job at Preston North End. Bringing his 2 coaching staff, John Dreyer and Dino Maamria. Not wasting any time he signed 3 loan players on Friday 20th January: Jamie … Continue reading →

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High Speed Rail to Preston

Posted on 11 January 2012 by Pete of MIP

Ben Wallace MP for Wyre and Preston North spoke in parliament on including Preston in the High Speed Rail route, HS2. To which Justine Greening replied as below. As reported in ‘they work for you’: Ben Wallace (Wyre and Preston North, … Continue reading →

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PNE end Phil Brown’s time

Posted on 15 December 2011 by Pete of MIP

After a poor run of results PNE’s new Chairman, Peter Ridsdale, told Phil Brown his time was up yesterday, 14th December, only 11 months after he replaced Darren Ferguson. PNE have had a string of management changes with Alan Irvine … Continue reading →

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