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Then and Now: Tragedy marred Bing's Fylde trip
DID American entertainer Bing Crosby ever perform in Blackpool?
That was the question posed by a reader who asked to remain nameless, but who was anxious to settle an argument.
A search through the Gazette archives showed that Bing DID come to the Fylde coast, but that his visit was one tinged with sadness.
It followed the worst air accident in Britain during the Second World War when, on August 23, 1944, an American B-24 bomber plunged into the infants' classroom at Holy Trinity School, Freckleton.
The disaster claimed a total of 61 lives – 38 of them children aged four or five.
Bing was so moved by the tragedy that he visited survivors in hospital and sang two songs, before leaving to perform at the Astra Cinema, Warton, close to the nearby Warton airbase, from which the bomber had made its last journey.
Bing died on October 14, 1977, yet interest in his music and movie legacy remains as strong as ever.
Five readers will each win a copy of the Bing Crosby DVD The Road to Hollywood about his early career together with a music CD featuring his songs from the 1930s and 1940s, both issued by FastForward Music Ltd.
For a chance to win, answer the question and send your entry, with name, address and phone number, to: Bing Competition, The Gazette, PO Box 55, Blackpool FY4 2GF
Question: Name Bing Crosby's most famous song.
Closing date is July 31, 2008. Usual Gazette competition rule apply.
For more details of all titles available hit www.fastforwardmusic.co.uk or ring (01473) 210555.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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