Archive for the ‘Lancaster’ Category

Leighton Hall opens its doors for its 2008 season this week. The opening on May 1 will mark the 50th anniversary of the famous stately home near Carnforth opening its doors to the public.

Events planned for 2008 include the Lakeland Classic Car Rally on July 13, the Leighton Hall Food and Craft Fair on September 6 & 7, and the Doll’s House and Miniatures Fair on October 12.

The 2008 season runs until 30 September. Leighton Hall is open Tuesdays to Fridays, bank holiday Sundays and Mondays, and Sundays during August. Admission prices to the hall and grounds are £6 for adults, £4 for children (aged 5-12), and £5 for senior citizens. Family tickets (2 adults and 3 children) priced at £18 are also available.

North West picnic lovers can vote for their favourite picnic spot in a competition being organised by Bolton-based bakers Warburtons. Ten sites in the region have been nominated:

Stanley Park – Blackpool
Lyme Park – Disley, Cheshire
Heaton Park – Manchester
Formby Beach – Merseyside
Beeston Castle – Tarporley, Cheshire
Barley Picnic Site – Pendle Hill, Ribble Valley
Jumbles Reservoir – Bradshaw Valley, Bolton
Beacon Fell – Goosnargh, near Preston
Fell Foot Park – Windermere, Lake District
Crook o’ Lune – Lune Valley, Lancaster

Votes can be registered at www.welovebread.co.uk until May 16 2008. All voters are entered into a draw to win a picnic in Central Park, New York.

The winner will be announced at the start of June and will go compete against the other regional winners for the title of ‘Warburtons Best Picnic Spot 2008’.

Mitchell’s have announced that the Water Witch pub in Lancaster will reopen next month following an extensive refurbishment.

Lancaster’s John O’Gaunt pub has reopened this week with a new manager. New boss Gary Wood has promised to keep the doors open and restore the pub to its former glory.

Over the last few months the famous jazz venue was repeatedly closed and reopened by its former landlord.

Lancaster’s John O’Gaunt pub is to reopen this weekend after mysteriously shutting its doors last week. The closure of town centre pub, famous for its live music, is rumoured to be related to a tenancy dispute.

The continental street market scheduled to be held in Lancaster this weekend has been postponed and will now take place from November 30 to December 2 2007. This weekend’s Charter Market will still go ahead.

The annual Northwest Tourism Awards will be held at Manchester Central on October 10. The event, organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, will be hosted by BBC TV presenter Ranvir Singh. The finalists include:

Large Hotel of the Year

Grosvenor Pulford - Chester
Lakeside Hotel - Windermere
Lancaster House Hotel - Lancaster
Radisson Edwardian Hotel - Manchester
Holiday Inn - Liverpool

Small Hotel of the Year

Alderley Edge Hotel - Cheshire
Swinside Lodge Hotel - Keswick
The Millstone - Mellor, Blackburn
Great John Street Hotel - Manchester
Hillbark Hotel - Wirral

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Chester Zoo - Chester
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery - Carlisle
Blackpool Zoo - Blackpool
Urbis - Manchester
Walker Art Gallery - Liverpool

Lancaster University has been named as the best university in North West England by a prestigious university survey. The Sunday Times University Guide 2007 ranked the university above its rivals Manchester, Liverpool and the University of Central Lancashire. Nationally it ranked 18th, breaking back into the top 20 after a 5 year absence.

Lancaster University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings said, ‘We are delighted to have this vote of confidence from students, peers and head teachers which has combined with our sound research and teaching record to prove what we at Lancaster already know, that Lancaster University is an outstanding, friendly collegiate community which students love with an academic reputation that rivals its bigger competitors.’

Over 500 vintage cars, commercial vehicles and motorbikes will be parading through the grounds of Leighton Hall, in Lancashire next month.

The 9th annual Leighton Hall Classic Car and Motorcycle Show takes place at the home of Mr and Mrs Gillow Reynolds, on Sunday 8th July 2007 from 10am – 4pm.

Individual enthusiasts proudly displaying their fabulous classic cars, will be joined by many car clubs for a day of motoring nostalgia amongst the trade stands, exhibits and auto jumble.

Wonderfully restored cars ranging from early Model T fords, magnificent Rolls Royce’s, Jaguars and Sunbeams, sit alongside breath taking Aston Martins, as well as old favourites like Vauxhall, Minis and Morris Minors. There’ll be appearances by vintage tractors and stationery engines as well as a big selection of MGs driving through the gates.

The cars are positioned perfectly on the terrace at the front of the hall, whilst a good selection of pre and post war motorbikes, grace the surrounding lawns.

With running commentaries, a selection of the vintage vehicles will be driven round the arena area, at various times in the afternoon. There’s also plenty of competitions and prizes for exhibitors.

Now in its 9th year, this hugely popular event gives patrons chance to really get up close to these wonderful vehicles, and rummage through the vast auto jumble, whilst the enthusiasts get to dust off their “pride and joys” and drive them to the show. More than 3,000 visitors are expected at the show, which is one of 17 events being organised by Woodward Automotives during 2007.

Mark Woodward, the shows organiser said, “I always look forward to this particular show. The magnificent Leighton Hall is the perfect backdrop for all the beautifully restored cars. It’s a great opportunity to talk to lots of enthusiasts and watch the vehicles driving down through the parkland. It’s a bit like stepping back in time, seeing the classic cars parked outside the house!”

Admission includes access to Leighton’s grounds, gardens, parkland and birds of prey aviaries. House tours are available at a small additional charge. There are also light refreshments available from Leighton’s charming tearoom.

Exhibitor entries (at £2.50 each) close on Friday 29th June 2007. For further information on taking part, contact Mark Woodward on 01253 407779 or 07768 741610.

The show is open from 10am – 4pm on Sunday 8th July 07. Easy to find Leighton Hall, near Carnforth is well signposted on the A6 between Lancaster and Kendal, Admission prices are: Adults / OAPS £5.00 Children £2.50. Plenty of free parking available.

The public inquiry into the Heysham M6 road link announced in February will begin on July 3 and will last approximately 24 days. The exact venue has yet to be announced but will be in Morecambe or Lancaster.