Author Archives: Pete of MIP

Preston Bus Station Demolition

Posted on 8 December 2012 by Pete of MIP

A Preston Councillor was interviewed on Friday’s BBC North West Tonight. The gist of his statement was that the council could not afford to refurbish and keep open Preston Bus Station while it was under pressure on budgets for front … Continue reading →

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Preston Bus Station to be destroyed by lack of vision

Posted on 7 December 2012 by Pete of MIP

Preston Bus Station destroyed by vandals might be a bit hard.  Yet Preston Council have neglected the building and then announced that it will cost too much to refurbish. Even though it is one of Preston’s main features. Quoting huge … Continue reading →

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Owner of the former BTR Leyland sells off rail interests

Posted on 29 November 2012 by Pete of MIP

When I left school I went for an interview at BTR (British Tyre and Rubber) in Leyland but luckily they didn’t want me. That factory closed with the downturn in manufacturing and end of Leyland Motors as a stand-alone company. … Continue reading →

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Police Commissioners – Labour candidate wins Lancashire

Posted on 25 November 2012 by Pete of MIP

The Labour candidate, Clive Grunshaw, won the Police Commissioners £85,000 a year role in Lancashire on a 15% turn out and winning 39% of the first votes.  This gives him about 6% support overall, and a lot of indifference. Not … Continue reading →

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Police Commissioners – voting

Posted on 10 November 2012 by Pete of MIP

It seems a bad idea to let each region have a police force led by someone with a political allegiance.  However an election is being held on the 15th November for Police Commissioners. From a simple and non-party perspective it … Continue reading →

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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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