Centre Boss Nets Sporting Role
Tuesday, 1st January 2002
GB Antique Centre’s, Managing Director, Allan Blackburn swapped objets d’art for hockey sticks this summer as he took on a new role at the XVII Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
Allan Blackburn, Managing Director of Lancaster Leisure Park’s GB Antiques Centre acted as Venue Supervisor at the Belle Vue Hockey Centre in June.
Allan, a keen hockey player for more than 30 years said, “I have been one of six people who has spent eighteen months on the Hockey Technical Committee – The Commonwealth Games were a fantastic success and it was great to be part of it!” Antiques Learning for Lancashire Students GB Antiques Centre is helping a group of North West students get hands-on experience of the antiques trade.
The second year students are reading Antiques and Design Studies at the University of Central Lancashire. In order to give them inside knowledge on buying and selling antiques, their tutor has arranged for them to have a working stand at this Lancaster Centre.
James Battersby is Course Leader in Antiques at UCLAN’s Department of Design. He said, “Without the support of GB Antiques Centre, we wouldn’t have been able to do this. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to learn from other successful antiques dealers and to become familiar with commercial antiques and collectables. It is a thrilling experience with everyone on the course REALLY enjoying the exhilaration of buying and selling!”
The UCLAN students expect to have their stand at GB Antiques for the duration of their three year BA (Hons) course. They currently have a range of items on sale from £2 collectables to £500 antiques.
GB Antique Centre’s Managing Director, Allan Blackburn said, “In this business, there is no alternative to experience. The look and feel of a piece speaks volumes when you are trying to accurately date or value it - I’m sure the students will find their time here is priceless!”
UCLAN is the only university in the United Kingdom to offer a degree course in antiques. Further information on the BA (Hons) Antiques & Design Studies is available from James Battersby on 01772 893370.
