Latest news with #EastLancs
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cycling's national elite return to East Lancs for Grand Prix
The Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix makes its thrilling return tomorrow (July 22), promising an electrifying evening of high-speed racing and top-tier talent right in the heart of town. Kicking off at 5.30pm, the Colne Grand Prix is part of the British Cycling Lloyd's National Circuit Series, and is one of only six such prestigious events across the UK. This year's event features four races, beginning with the youth race at 5.45pm, sponsored by The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival. Matthew Bostock was the winner of the 2024 National Mens Elite Race and is set to return (Image: Larry Hickmott) At 6.25pm, the support race gets underway, sponsored by Coalition Facilities Management. READ MORE: The ultimate family guide to what's on this summer across East Lancs The national women's elite race, sponsored by headline partner Fort Vale, starts at 7.20pm, bringing some of the country's best female cyclists to the start line. Teams to watch include Smurfit Westrock, Loughborough Lightning, CJ O'Shea Racing, DAS Hutchinson, and Brother UK - On Form. The National Womens Elite Race is back in Colne for the second time after making its debut in 2024 (Image: Larry Hickmott) 2023 winner Sophie Lewis is expected to return to defend her title with DAS Hutchinson. At 8.20pm, the national open race, also sponsored by Fort Vale, will round off the night with a bang. READ MORE: 500 dancers celebrating Wuthering Heights taking to moors to oppose wind farm The start list features powerhouse squads like DAS Richardsons, Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli, TAAP Kalas, Cycling Sheffield, Dolan Factory Racing, and international contenders Alpecin-Deceuninck from Belgium. All eyes will be on Matthew Bostock, last year's champion, as he returns hungry for victory in the colours of TEKKERZ CC. Thousands of people will line the streets for a glimpse of the action (Image: Colne Town Council) Nathan Cutler, events and facilities officer at Colne Town Council, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome some of the best riders in the country and beyond back to Colne. "The Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix is more than just racing, it's a celebration of our community, bringing together families, cycling fans, and local businesses for an unforgettable evening." More than just world-class cycling, the event has become a true community celebration, with street food stalls, local outlets, and favourites like the popular Thai Food Van making it a fantastic night out for everyone. For full details, race times, and more, visit the Colne Grand Prix website.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tributes paid to cricketing legends who played in Blackburn
A Blackburn cricket club has paid tribute to two cricketing legends who have died. Over the weekend, Cricket Australia announced Bob Cowper had died aged 84. Cowper, whose batting average was behind only the great Don Bradman, played for East Lancs CC in the 1960s. Left-handed batsman Bob Cowper played 27 Tests for his country before leaving the game for a career in stockbroking and merchant banking. The club said: 'We're saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper, Australian Test cricketer and 1966 East Lancashire Cricket Club professional. 'An Ashes hero with 2,066 Test runs (avg 46.84) and a top score of 307 vs England, he led East Lancs to a historic Lancashire League and Worsley Cup double with 906 runs & 72 wickets. "He played alongside the late Brian Bowling, another club legend who also recently passed away. 'Our deepest sympathies go to Bob's family, friends and all who knew him.' In April, the club paid tribute to Brian Bowling, who died at the age of 92. The club said: 'Brian took over 600 League and Cup wickets for the Club across a 1st XI career spanning 24 seasons. "Brian's 612 wickets have been bettered by only four other East Lancs players in our 161-year history. 'He was part of the 1966 and 1980 Double-winning teams and in total won six League titles and six Worsley Cups in a highly successful East Lancs career. 'Brian was a true gentleman who was regularly seen supporting the club at matches from his retirement until last season, and he would be seen practising at nets well into his 70s.' In the first home game of the season last month, between East Lancs and Great Harwood, players from both sides held a minute's silence to remember Brian. In 1997, the Lancashire Telegraph's Peter White featured Brian as part of 'Off The Record' in which the 64-year-old was leaving batsmen in a spin. Bob Cowper is survived by wife Dale and daughters Olivia and Sera. Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird added: "Bob was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket. "He was a wonderful batter who will always be remembered for his famous triple century at the MCG. "He was also a significant contributor to cricket in other roles, including as an ICC match referee, and his wisdom was always keenly sought."
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tributes paid to cricketing legends who played in Blackburn
A Blackburn cricket club has paid tribute to two cricketing legends who have died. Over the weekend, Cricket Australia announced Bob Cowper had died aged 84. Cowper, whose batting average was behind only the great Don Bradman, played for East Lancs CC in the 1960s. Left-handed batsman Bob Cowper played 27 Tests for his country before leaving the game for a career in stockbroking and merchant banking. The club said: 'We're saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper, Australian Test cricketer and 1966 East Lancashire Cricket Club professional. 'An Ashes hero with 2,066 Test runs (avg 46.84) and a top score of 307 vs England, he led East Lancs to a historic Lancashire League and Worsley Cup double with 906 runs & 72 wickets. "He played alongside the late Brian Bowling, another club legend who also recently passed away. 'Our deepest sympathies go to Bob's family, friends and all who knew him.' In April, the club paid tribute to Brian Bowling, who died at the age of 92. The club said: 'Brian took over 600 League and Cup wickets for the Club across a 1st XI career spanning 24 seasons. "Brian's 612 wickets have been bettered by only four other East Lancs players in our 161-year history. 'He was part of the 1966 and 1980 Double-winning teams and in total won six League titles and six Worsley Cups in a highly successful East Lancs career. 'Brian was a true gentleman who was regularly seen supporting the club at matches from his retirement until last season, and he would be seen practising at nets well into his 70s.' In the first home game of the season last month, between East Lancs and Great Harwood, players from both sides held a minute's silence to remember Brian. In 1997, the Lancashire Telegraph's Peter White featured Brian as part of 'Off The Record' in which the 64-year-old was leaving batsmen in a spin. Bob Cowper is survived by wife Dale and daughters Olivia and Sera. Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird added: "Bob was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket. "He was a wonderful batter who will always be remembered for his famous triple century at the MCG. "He was also a significant contributor to cricket in other roles, including as an ICC match referee, and his wisdom was always keenly sought."
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Three from East Lancashire made Deputy Lord-Lieutenants of Lancashire
Six new deputy lieutenants, including one from Blackburn and two from Burnley, have been appointed by Amanda Parker, the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire. They will be joining the existing team of deputies who help and support Ms Parker in her duties as King Charles' representative across Lancashire. The newly commissioned Deputy Lieutenants include Banu Adam, of Blackburn, and Caroline Broadhurst and David Collinge of Burnley. Banu is the founder and director of Arts2Heal, a creative arts-based charity that promotes mental health and wellbeing through therapeutic interventions. Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Amanda Parker (Image: LCC) With around 120 members, the charity has worked towards establishing a long-term, sustainable arts programme connecting communities across the region but also globally. For her work in mental health provision, Banu was awarded the British Empire Medal by Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Caroline is currently the deputy chief executive of the Rank Foundation, an organisation that looks to encourage community leaders to develop entrepreneurial mindsets. She will be taking over as chief executive of the organisation in June. Banu Adam, who received a BEM in 2022 (Image: Archive) David is the managing director of John Spencer Textiles in Burnley and is currently the court assistant for The Worshipful Company of Weavers. Descending from the military, the Office of Lord-Lieutenant dates to the reign of Henry VIII when the holder was responsible for the maintenance of order and for military purposes. READ MORE: East Lancs British Empire Medals to be presented at Lancaster Castle READ MORE: Meet the new deputy lieutenants appointed in Lancashire David Collinge was made a Deputy Lord Lieutenant (Image: Archive) Now they are representatives for the king and arrange visits for The Royal Family, the presentation of medals and awards on behalf of the king and participation in social activities with the Lieutenancy. They also liaise with units from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Air Force and their associated cadet forces. The function of a Deputy Lieutenant is to assist the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out her public duties. Other people commissioned for the role include Professor Graham Baldwin, vice-chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire, Wes Johnson, who is the principal at Myerscough Agricultural College, and Caroline Wareing, a solicitor with Slater and Gordons Lawyers.
