Delight at Morecambe social club as theme park legend Frontier Fred drops in

Frontier Fred made a special appearance at The Clubhouse country and western party

The mascot from Morecambe's former Wild West theme park has made a comeback to delight party-goers at a club for people with disabilities.

'Frontier Fred' was the guest of honour at The Clubhouse's country and western-themed day on Sunday.

The Clubhouse provides a safe environment for young adults who have complex neurological, developmental or cognitive disabilities, offering various activities from exercise to social get-togethers.

Frontier Fred was the popular 'deputy dog' who used to patrol Frontierland in Morecambe during the fairground's heyday.

Sadly Fred hung up his sheriff's badge when the theme park on Marine Road West closed in 2000.

But he made a special appearance at the party thanks to the team at the Beach Bird shop on Marine Road Central, who own a Frontier Fred 'head'.

Andy Winters from Beach Bird pictured with 'Frontier Fred' in 2023

Councillor Margaret Pattison was also a guest at the party.

"It was a real pleasure to visit the Clubhouse in Morecambe, a wonderful community organisation that has been at the heart of Charles Street since it was founded by local parents in 1964," said Councillor Pattison.

"Open five days a week, the Clubhouse provides a welcoming space for people of all ages. It brings generations together through a variety of groups and activities, creating friendships, support, and a real sense of belonging within our community.

"The team is always looking for new ideas to grow and develop what they offer from sign language sessions and the Belonging Book group to the popular Monday Hub and Friday Bingo, there is something for everyone.

"There are also exciting plans to introduce a Mother and Baby Club, and, looking ahead, a youth group for 13 to 18-year-olds, giving young people a safe and supportive place to meet and thrive.

"What makes the Clubhouse so special is its volunteers. Every activity is made possible by their dedication generosity, and many of the trustees are volunteers themselves. Their commitment is truly inspiring and is the reason the Clubhouse continues to flourish.

"I was honoured to judge the fancy dress competition during the Clubhouse's Cowboy Day. It was a fantastic event, filled with laughter, creativity, and community spirit. Everyone entered into the fun, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces.

Frontierland makes a comeback for the day at The Clubhouse!

"The Clubhouse is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together. 

"It has been serving Morecambe for over 60 years, and with the passion of its volunteers and exciting plans for the future, it will continue to make a positive difference for many years to come.

"Thank you to Trish Ritchie, Matt Wearing, Paula Halkic, Marie and the amazing team, The Old Sea Dog and The Beach Bird Morecambe."

Paula Halkic, volunteer and secretary at The Clubhouse, said: "We got a grant from Mencap, and we thought we'd put on a country and western party and open it up to the community.

"We had a carriage loaned to us by our neighbour, there were a lot of people in fancy dress and the community working together, was fantastic."

Frontierland, which opened in 1987 on the site of the former Morecambe Pleasure Park fairground and was owned by Blackpool Pleasure Beach, included popular rides such as the 'Texas Tornado' roller coaster, the Mexican Hat, the Runaway Mine Train (previously known as the Wild Mouse) and the Log Flume.

The land has been derelict for years but owners Lancaster City Council have plans to develop it, and are expected to announce proposals later this year.

Frontier Fred was so popular with Frontierland customers, they even made a soft toy likeness of him, which was on sale in the theme park shops including 'JRs' and 'The Trading Post'.

The canine hero also starred in his own Frontier Fred Show on the fairground, joined by other cuddly characters.

Frontierland workers often took it in turns to don the doggie costume, accompanied by a photographer who took snaps of Fred with the punters.

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