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Morecambe Winter Gardens named one of best British seaside places

Tuesday, 12 September 2023 08:21

Wayne Hemingway presents the Seaside Heritage Network certificate to Professor Vanessa Toulmin

Morecambe Winter Gardens has been named one of the best British seaside places and experiences.

The iconic venue has been recognised by the Seaside Heritage Network, who have revealed their inaugural Bucket and Spade List, the Top 10 favourite seaside places and experiences as voted for by members of the public.

The Winter Gardens came third in the poll, just behind Blackpool Tower, and winners, the Saltburn Cliff Tramway.

Chair of the Morecambe Winter Gardens Preservation Trust, Professor Vanessa Toulmin, was presented with a certificate of recognition by Morecambe born designer, Wayne Hemingway.

Volunteer Stephen Jones and trustees Richard Ryan and Paul Anderton (pictured below), were among those in attendance for the presentation.

‘’We’re totally thrilled to come third in the Bucket and Spade list. It great to be awarded our certificate by fellow sandgrow’un Wayne Hemingway, who truly has shaped our seaside towns,’’ said Professor Vanessa.

In the citation, the building was described as ‘a fantastic venue for talent to shine in the future, helping the building to become self-sustaining and reward the extremely dedicated volunteers that have helped to save this magnificent theatre.’

Dr Kathryn Ferry, a founder member of the Seaside Heritage Network, said how important it was to see people and communities getting behind the vote: ‘There’s a strong nostalgic element to these finalists but that’s no bad thing, it shows how embedded the seaside holiday and seaside resorts are within our island culture,’’ she said.

‘’Too often, these towns get a bad press but it’s time to change perceptions and celebrate the joy and entertainment the seaside has brought to generations of Britons.

‘’Embracing the power of seaside heritage to connect with people anew can help places that have been suffering social and economic problems. Morecambe Winter Gardens is an example of the potentially transformative power of seaside heritage and we congratulate all of our worthy finalists.’’

The full Top 10 was:

1.Saltburn Cliff Tramway, Saltburn-by-the-Sea
2. Blackpool Tower
3. Morecambe Winter Gardens
4. Silcock's Carousel, Southport
5. Donkey Rides, Weymouth
6. Papa's Fish & Chips, Cleethorpes
7. South Cliff Gardens, Scarborough
8. Dreamland Margate
9. Bournemouth Beach Huts
10. Babbacombe Model Village

The Seaside Heritage Network aims to connect people, groups and businesses who care about the heritage of Britain’s seaside resorts. 

The network is run by run by Dr Kathryn Ferry, seaside historian, author and broadcaster, Dr Anya Chapman, Principal Academic in Tourism Management at Bournemouth University, Dr Allan Brodie, former Senior Investigator at Historic England and now a visiting fellow at Bournemouth University, Dr Duncan Light, Principal Academic in Tourism at Bournemouth University and Samantha Richardson MBE, Director of the National Coastal Tourism Academy.

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