Category Archives: Uncategorized

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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Garden Bird observations in snowy weather

Posted on 10 January 2010 by Pete of MIP

Two Fieldfare birds have been visiting our garden this week.  Have never heard of them before, let alone seen one.  The snow has driven them out of the country and they’ve nearly stripped our holly tree of berry’s. We read … Continue reading →

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Coldest for years

Posted on 4 January 2010 by Pete of MIP

Don’t remember a cold spell like this for a long time. Certainly not at this time of year. Seem to recall 1981-ish being very cold in early January.  Went out this morning at 10am and it was minus 3C and … Continue reading →

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Avenham, Miller Parks and Lancashire Museum get lottery funding

Posted on 17 December 2009 by Pete of MIP

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG) agreed a grant of £1.75m to Avenham and Miller Parks. This tops up the £2.7m granted in 2005. Also the Lancashire Museum in Stanley Street has been allocated £0.9m from the … Continue reading →

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Peace at Christmas

Posted on 11 December 2009 by Pete of MIP

President Obama made a great speech with many messages in Oslo when receiving his Nobel Peace Prize. The part below stood out as a lesson to everyone if viewed in the context of your personal life. ‘I know that engagement with repressive regimes … Continue reading →

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International Space Station over Preston

Posted on 25 November 2009 by Pete of MIP

The International Space Station with Space Shuttle Atlantis was visible from Preston yesterday morning (24th Nov) at 4.46 and it was very bright (if no clouds), I was in bed and it was probably raining. Atlantis undocked from the International … Continue reading →

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House Prices Down but Turning (perhaps)

Posted on 13 November 2009 by Pete of MIP

The Land Registry figures for the end of September show the North West having one of the lowest average house prices in the UK. The North West being Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Manchester and Merseyside. Overall in the North West the … Continue reading →

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Competition Commission says Stagecoach must sell Preston Bus

Posted on 11 November 2009 by Pete of MIP

 The Evening Post alerted me to the Competition Commission announcement released today that Stagecoach must sell Preston Bus to a bidder able to provide a competitive service. It seems a bit late for this as the deal was done months ago, buses … Continue reading →

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Nuclear Irish Sea announced

Posted on 9 November 2009 by Pete of MIP

Today the government announced 5 new nuclear power stations on the shore of the Irish Sea. Three in Cumbria, 1 at Heysham, 1 in Anglesey. There are currently 3 that have limited life remaining. The government has also announced a … Continue reading →

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Late October Spring

Posted on 29 October 2009 by Pete of MIP

17 degrees today, no wind, a watery sun. Set out across the Fylde and hundreds of geese were flying south in constantly changing V formations quite low. Opened the car window to hear them talking to each other.  Where had … Continue reading →

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X factor prediction

Posted on 27 October 2009 by Pete of MIP

Started watching X factor last year and was hooked. Discounting YouTube hits, here are my predictions,  it was harder than I thought – and probably completely wrong. 9th – Lloyd – nice bloke, a bit overwhelmed, voice not strong. 8th – Ollie … Continue reading →

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Royal Lancashire Show to end. Perhaps?

Posted on 26 October 2009 by Pete of MIP

The show has had empty years before but today the Royal Lancashire Show committee put into place actions to put it on ice saying the costs of 2 flooded years have been too much. The Royal Lancashire Agricultural Society also say … Continue reading →

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National Football Museum Deferred Decision

Posted on 23 October 2009 by Pete of MIP

The leader of Preston Council says on his blog. “Our bid (from Lancashire County Council, UCLan andPreston City Council) is the only one that guarantees the museum financial security. We are offering £400,000 a year plus up to £3.5m to … Continue reading →

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Tithebarn Syndrome and Blackpools Casino

Posted on 23 October 2009 by Pete of MIP

Is Preston heading along a cul-de-sac with the Tithebarn Project?  For many years the Casino was going to be the saviour of Blackpool, the ‘Las Vegas’ of Lancashire.  When the rug was pulled Blackpool had a spell of total loss … Continue reading →

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Forensic Science Services Laboratory at Euxton to close

Posted on 22 October 2009 by Pete of MIP

There has been speculation about re-organising the Forensic Science Service (FSS) for a few months and today it was announced the laboratory in Euxton, near Chorley, will close with the loss of 185 jobs possibly in 2011. The jobs will … Continue reading →

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North v South and the meaning of life

Posted on 15 October 2009 by Pete of MIP

Watched John Prescott on TV last night with his wife on the subject of north v south.  Quite like John Prescott he’s a down to earth type who can stand his corner, although him and his wife especially like their fancy … Continue reading →

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Visit to Manchester

Posted on 10 October 2009 by Pete of MIP

Drove to Manchester for a Saturday excursion, weather was very nice as well. Almost didn’t when we heard about the demonstration planned but we didn’t see anything like that although police on horseback were prominent. Manchester gets more impressive each … Continue reading →

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International and National powerplay week

Posted on 4 October 2009 by Pete of MIP

Interesting week.  Irish vote to sign the EU Reform Treaty also known  as the Lisbon Treaty. It’s now a bit of a tightrope for the Conservatives as to whether the Poles and Czechs sign before an election in the UK. If … Continue reading →

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