BUS-TED UP – Join Campaign to save ‘Accrington Pals’ Bus at Food & Drink Festival 2017!

Members of the public will get to voice their views on a campaign to restore a classic ‘Accrington Pals’ bus back to its former glory.

The show-stopping vintage vehicle – a 1974 Leyland Leopard – will be wheeled out for everyone to see at this year’s Accrington Food Festival on Saturday, June 3rd.

It is thought to be one of the last known surviving buses of its type in the world . . . and the only one painted in the original colours of the East Lancashire Regiment.

One of the most poignant stories to emerge from World War 1 is that of the Accrington Pals, officially named the 11th Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment.

In the First Battle of the Somme 720 men from this regiment engaged German forces suffering devastating losses with 638 men listed as killed, missing or wounded.

The colours of the East Lancashire Regiment were blue melton with a red pinstripe and it was in tribute to the regiment that Accrington town’s buses were painted blue and red.

Rather than painting the window frames and mudguard cream, the decision was to use black instead to reflect the mourning of the town for the devastating loss of life.

A modern transport policy has changed the bus fleet – but one bus remains – a 1947 Leyland Leopard.

When it was de-commissioned the bus was restored for show use.

Murray Dawson, Managing Director of Scott Dawson Advertising, whose agency organises the food festival and is supporting the campaign, says: “The bus is in a poor state of repair and requires a complete refurbishment. However, it is simply unthinkable to many people that this visual link with history is lost forever because it represents the proud identity of the town.

“The plan is to restore the bus to a modern safety standard such as fitting modern safety belts and digital touch screens so that it is available to hire for local schools and organisations. “

As part of Murray’s ongoing civic pride initiative to the area, technical colleges have been invited to help with the restoration using students’ skills such as painters, upholsterers, mechanics and electricians.

Once restored the bus would be available to take children from local school to places of historical interest such as Haworth Art Gallery and Stanhill Heritage Trail.

Local groups such as the Accrington Stanley Supporters have also expressed interest in using it when travelling to local fixtures.

Adds Murray: “The bus could be used for events connected with local heritage and civic duties – a visual colour symbol of the bus of the town and an important link to its history.

“Used in this way the bus will be a living example of the transport heritage of the local community and a symbol of civic pride.”

If any members of the public are interested in finding out more about joining the restoration process, the bus will be on display at this year’s Accrington Food Festival on Saturday, June 3rd.

Supporting Treasures of Rusholme calendar project

A Rusholme community arts organisation is celebrating the heritage of the area through a calendar of images – and Scott Dawson Advertising was delighted to provide the design and print.

The ‘Treasures of Rusholme 2017’ calendar, produced by Creative Rusholme using images by local artist and photographer Phil Barton, is on sale now. It features striking photographs of 12 key locations from across the area, including Georgian properties on Moon Grove, Manchester Central Mosque in Victoria Park, Whitworth Art Gallery, modernist icon The Toastrack and The Curry Mile.

Through the calendar Creative Rusholme aims to raise the profile of the local community and develop the huge cultural potential of the neighbourhood on Manchester’s Southern Corridor. The arts organisation believes Rusholme has so much to offer: two galleries, three parks, a major conservation area, and residents from all over the world including many thousands of young people.

Phil Barton gave his photography free of charge for the production of the calendar. He explained why he was so keen to get involved in the Treasures of Rusholme calendar project. Phil says, “We are proud of both the area’s heritage and its vibrant present, and the Treasures of Rusholme 2017 calendar celebrates this.

“I was happy to provide my images free of charge to the project and work with Creative Rusholme to see it come to fruition. We hope that the calendar will encourage people to look anew at our wonderful neighbourhood and appreciate just how much there is to see and do in Rusholme.”

The calendar is being sold by volunteers from a variety of Rusholme community organisations. All money raised from the sale of the calendars will go straight back into the local community.

Local resident Elaine Bishop explains, “Local groups will share the proceeds from the sale of the calendars to help ‘green’ Rusholme, through tree planting and the planting of bee friendly plants, local food growing and arranging community clean-ups.”

Scott Dawson Advertising did the work free of charge as part of our commitment to supporting community endeavour.

There’s more information about the Rusholme area of South Manchester online at www.rusholmearchive.org/TreasuresofRusholmeCalendar2017

 

‘Hy’-end Magazine Boost for Hyndburn

Scott Dawson Advertising is launching a brand new feel-good glossy publication for the Lancashire district of Hyndburn.

LIFE:STYLE Magazine plans to promote the positive side of Accrington and its surrounding areas appealing to tourists, business investors, heritage, music and culture fans.

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“I am thrilled to see a lifestyle magazine promoting the area and the very hard work going on behind the scenes by my office, the district council, and the many brilliant community groups we have here.”

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones, pictured, said: “I am thrilled to see a lifestyle magazine promoting the area and the very hard work going on behind the scenes by my office, the district council, and the many brilliant community groups we have here.”

Mr Jones added: “There is a thriving business community in Hyndburn and I hope members of this  community will step up to support LIFE:STYLE magazine and help get the positive aspects of the area out to a wider audience.”

The twice yearly magazine will showcase local businesses, shops, cafes and restaurants, and concentrate on promoting civic pride.

Said a spokesperson for Scott Dawson Advertising, which will produce an autumn/ winter and spring/summer edition: “Like other areas of Lancashire Hyndburn also enjoys the benefit of bustling town life with both major retail and food chains and small independent shops and restaurants, picturesque parks and villages and breath-taking countryside – which is perfect for running, cycling and hiking enthusiasts.

“We wanted to produce a magazine to share all that is wonderful about the area.”

LIFE:STYLE Magazine promises to explore and encompass all aspects of the area’s rich ethnic diversity.

The first issue will feature a lively dinner debate between four Hyndburn men of Irish, English, Pakistani and Polish descent, about their varying views on Family Values.

Interested in advertising in LIFE:STYLE Magazine? Please call Sue on 01282 426846.