Monthly Archives: July 2015

Groundhog Day? No… it’s Ground Force Day!

Sophie and ClariceAccrington Stanley is calling up the volunteers again this Sunday, July 12th, when its ‘Ground Force’ event is back by popular demand.

The club ran a successful Ground Force Weekend on June 20th and 21st, calling on supporters and local volunteers to help get its Store First  Stadium in tip-top condition ready for the first pre-season friendlies.

Plenty turned up, armed with brooms, paint brushes and toolboxes, and quickly got stuck in, making a real difference by tackling a variety of jobs. The weekend was organised by thDiane Greenhalghe Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Club, whose chairman Nick Westwell said: “We got a lot done and the icing on the cake was that people enjoyed it so much they asked if they could come back another day and do some more!

“Because of that we’ve organised another Ground Force day this Sunday, July 12th, from 9am to 4pm. It’s the same formula as before – if you want to help just turn up on the day and it doesn’t matter if you can only stay an hour or all day, we’ll be delighted to see you.”

Refreshments will be provided for the volunteers who turn up at the stadium in Livingstone Road and the club is particularly keen to hear from those with trade skills. For more details email: n.westwell@sky.com

Accrington Pals make Twitter boom on Somme anniversary

July 1st marked the 99th anniversary of one of the bloodiest days in world history, and the sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of WWI troops who laid down their lives for King and Country is being kept alive by modern technology.

The opening day of the infamous Battle of the Somme is remembered as the worst day in the history of the British Army, with 60,000 men killed or wounded. Nowhere was the impact more keenly felt that in Accrington and its surrounding district.

Among the vast number of casualties was the majority of the11th (Service) Battalion (Accrington) East Lancashire Regiment – better known as the “Accrington Pals”. Of the 720 Pals who participated, 584 were killed, injured or reported missing, sending the town of Accrington into a collective state of grief as almost everyone in the town had a friend or relative who had joined the Accrington Pals.

The recruiting ethos of the “Pals” battalions was that men were more likely to enlist if they knew they would be fighting alongside their friends and neighbours. But the catastrophic losses of the Somme Offensive and other battles led to the scrapping of the system, as towns and districts saw a whole generation of their menfolk killed or terribly injured.

Yet their sacrifice lives on, and now social media is strengthening the message that “we will remember them”. Accy Pals Tweet capture 1

Burnley-based Scott Dawson Advertising runs an Accrington Pals Twitter account (twitter.com./accrington_pals), regularly posting messages – known as “tweets” – on the popular online social networking service.

To commemorate the 99th anniversary there was a special push on Twitter, with a series of tweets recounting the days’ events and telling the stories of individual soldiers present at the first day of the Somme.

It was extremely well received by people who follow the Accrington Pals Twitter feed. Throughout the day the tweets were “retweeted” – passed on so that many more people see them – 150 times and were “favourited” 53 times, spreading the account and its commemorative tweets all over the world. Accy Pals Tweet capture 2

Accrington Pals’ historian Andrew Jackson took notice of the attention the posts were receiving, commenting “Great tweets today”. Jackson also wrote the book “Accrington’s Pals: The Full Story” which was used as a research source for a number of the tweets sent out on the day.

John Williams, who manages social media output for Scott Dawson, commented: “Although the history of the Accrington Pals is well-known locally, telling that fascinating story on social media means the experiences and events of that historic day can quickly reach new audiences worldwide.

“It also means that younger generations, who use social media all the time but might not have known much about the Accrington Pals, can find out about the incredible sacrifices their ancestors made 99 years ago and ensure their story lives on.”

Scott Dawson Advertising manages a number of different social media accounts for commercial clients and as a way to help and promote local communities.

Don’t mess with Jesse… he’s got a tank!

Jesse McClure, breakout star of hit US reality TV show Storage Hunters, took control of some hardcore British hardware during his latest UK trip.

Jesse with Heywood Tanks crew Dale (left) and HarryHe visited Heywood Tanks, in North Manchester, where he took an Abbot 105 Howitzer Self-Propelled Gun for a spin around the field, loving every minute of his high-calibre adrenalin-fuelled joyride.

“It was awesome!” said Jesse, instantly recognisable with his trademark sideburns, shades and leather jacket. 

“I had no idea when I left California for my trip that I’d get to drive a genuine British tank. I love the UK. You guys rock!”

Earlier in the day Jesse had been celebrity guest at Accrington Food and Drink Festival, where the tank was part of a military display. Back at Heywood Tanks HQ Jesse jumped at the chance to take the tank for a spin, soon getting to grips with its controls.

“I’ve driven all kinds of weird vehicles over the years, but this was my first time in a tank,” he said. “It was incredible and I want to thank Heywood Tanks for letting me do it.”

A video of Jesse’s driving experience at Heywood Tanks is on YouTube

Now Jesse is hoping to attend this year’s Heywood Tanks ‘Yesteryear Festival’ if it coincides with his next UK trip planned for September.

Storage Hunters star Jesse McClure riding high at Heywood TanksFeaturing around 50 military vehicles, plus agricultural exhibits and other vintage vehicles, the Yesteryear Festival takes place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday September 12th and 13th. The venue is Heywood Tanks HQ at Collop Gate Farm, Manchester Road, Heywood (OL10 2PX).

As well as the chance to see tanks in action on the specially designed 100-acre site, other attractions include re-enactors, stalls, vintage clothing, a fairground, craft tent and beer tent. Admission is £5 for adults and £2 for children or £12 for a family ticket. Over the past two years the festival has raised more than £30,000 for the Springhill Hospice, in Rochdale.

Meanwhile, fans of Storage Hunters, the highest rating show when aired on UK TV’s Dave channel, can catch Jesse on the British spin-off, Storage Hunter UK. He is set to make a second guest appearance in the new series on Tuesday July 21st at 8pm on Dave, and watch out for fireworks when things get physical with one of his rival UK bidders!

If you are interested in booking Jesse McClure to appear at your event when he’s next in the UK, check the ‘Tour Dates’ section of his website: www.jessemcclure.co.uk

For more about Heywood Tanks, see their Facebook page.