Ramsbottom Online

Fancy a Bank Holiday Stroll?

With the Big Walk Home fast approaching why not warm up over the bank holiday weekend with this great walk devised by local resident Daniel Mead.

Chatterton and Irwell Vale, Daniel Mead, Edenfield, Irwell Sculpture Trail, Samuel Porrit, Stubbins, The Coach and Horses, The Old Tentering House

The World Black Pudding Throwing Championship 2010

[ 12/09/2010; ] The Black Pudding Throwing Championship returns on Sunday 12th September... Since time immemorial the historic public house has paid tribute to the brave men and women who repelled raiding parties from Yorkshire... by competing to dislodge Yorkshire Puddings from the ceremonial plinth with finest quality Bury black puddings.

The Royal Oak, The World Black Pudding Throwing Championship

The Return of Lunch in the Suburbs

As last year’s Lunch in the Suburbs was such a success, Manchester Food & Drink Festival is bringing the experience back, but this time over two weekends - bringing you the opportunity to spend 2 fabulous foodie days out in lovely Ramsbottom. It will take place on Sunday 3rd and Saturday 9th October at Sanminis, Ramsons and The Chocolate Cafe.

Chocolate Cafe, Chris Johnson, Lunch in the Suburbs, Manchester Food & Drink Festival, Ramsons, Sanmini's

RamsbottonOnline.com’s Not So Famous Quiz Night

[ 29/09/2010; 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm. ] What was the name of the dog that found the stolen Jules Rimet World Cup trophy in 1966? Think you know the answer to this piece of trivia or does it leave you in a bit of a pickle? If you think you've got the knowledge to answer this brain teaser of a question then you and a gaggle of your pals could take part in what could easily be described as Ramsbottom's answer to Mastermind meets the Krypton Factor, (minus the physical activity part, unless raising an ice cold Warsteiner to your lips is classed as physical activity) in 'RamsbottonOnline.com's Not So Famous Pub Quiz™'.

RamsbottonOnline.com's Not So Famous Quiz Night, The First Chop

Local Businesses Nominated for MFDF Award 2010

The shortlist of nominees for the 2010 Manchester Food & Drink Awards, the most prestigious food and drink awards in the region, has been announced. The Awards provide a benchmark for excellence in the hospitality industries throughout Greater Manchester.

Incredible Edible Ramsbottom, MFDF Awards 2010, Ramsons, The Chocolate Café

Big Walk Home Sunday 5th September 2010

[ 05/09/2010; 12:00 am to 5:00 pm. ] The Big Walk Home is a walk from Manchester to Ramsbottom partly using the Irwell Sculpture Trail. The walk will start at 10am on Sunday 5th September at a Urbis and will finish at the Shoulder of Mutton. The walk is 16 miles.

Big Walk Home, Bury Hospice

East Lancs Railway Family Fun Day

[ 07/08/2010 to 08/08/2010. 07/08/2010 to 08/08/2010. 07/08/2010 to 08/08/2010. 07/08/2010 to 08/08/2010. ] The Family Fun Weekend returns to the award-winning East Lancashire Railway with an even bigger and better events programme taking over the full line.

East Lancs Railway, The Chocolate Café

Worsley Cup Final, Ramsbottom Cricket Club 8th August 2010

It has never been a better time to be watching Ramsbottom Cricket Club. So far this year Jon Fielding’s boys have already won two trophies and on the 8th of August they have the chance to claim the third piece of silverware in a possible quadruple!

Acre Bottom, Ramsbottom cricket club, Worsley Cup Final

Microbrewery Gets The Go Ahead

According to Rossendale Free Press a microbrewery and visitor centre has been given the green light to set up shop in Ramsbottom. The Atlas Works, formerly an engineering mill in Princess Street and Irwell Street, will be the new site for Irwell Works Brewery Ltd.

Atlas Works, Irwell Street, Irwell Works Brewery Ltd, microbrewery, Princess Street, Rossendale Free Press

Incredible Edible Progress

This short article is to update Rammy Residents on Incredible Edible Ramsbottom - what we’ve achieved so far; what’s in the pipeline and what we plan for the near future.

Civic Hall, Holcombe Emmanuel Primary School, Incredible Edible Prestwich, Incredible Edible Ramsbottom, Nuttall Park, Ramsons, Stubbins Local Food Growing Group

Do you want to run your own pub?

The Railway pub on Bridge Street is looking for a new landlord. This great community pub attracts steam train fans from the East Lancashire Railway throughout the year as well as walkers, tourists and locals.

The Railway

Official Opening of the New Ramsbottom Heritage Gallery

A new home for the Ramsbottom Heritage Society is now complete thanks to support from Bury Council and 90% funding made available in 2008 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Skills Funding Agency.

Archaeological Group, Bury Museum, English Heritage, Heritage Lottery Fund, Joanne Fitton, John Byrne, Ramsbottom Heritage Society, Simon Mays, Skills Funding Agency, Whitelow Hill, Yvonne Creswell

Spanish speakers meet up..

[ 09/09/2010; 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm. ] The next meeting is on Thursday 9th Sepetmber, 7.30 pm at The First Chop. The group consists of Spanish speakers of all levels, from beginners to fluent.

The Lounge

Bogus Calls Spark Warning to Local Residents

Two incidents in one day have sparked a warning from the council’s trading standards team for people to be on their guard against doorstep criminals.

Bogus Calls, Prestwich, Ramsbottom

Wartime Weekend returns…

[ 29/05/2010; 30/05/2010; 31/05/2010; ] The War Weekend returns to Ramsbottom this weekend with events, street cafes, parades and much more on Saturday, Sunday & Monday

Bridge Street, East Lancs Railway, Wartime weekend

Melt opens in Ramsbottom

melt, the Waddington based candle manufacturer and retailer has opened a second retail outlet on Bolton Street in Ramsbottom.

Backridge Farm, Cheryl Hook, melt, Waddington

Chopfest!

[ 20/05/2010 9:00 pm to 21/05/2010 2:00 am. 21/05/2010 12:00 am to 22/05/2010 2:00 am. 22/05/2010 9:00 pm to 23/05/2010 2:00 am. 23/05/2010; 12:00 am; ] Four days of some of the finest live music you are ever likely to hear! Admission is free so please give generously. The First Chop will be donating a percentage of bar takings for the duration of CHOPFEST to Bury Hospice.

Bury Hospice, The First Chop

The First Interview With Our New MP

In the early hours of Friday morning, the Conservative candidate David Nuttall was elected as the new MP for Bury North with a majority of 2,243 over Labour’s Maryam Khan. In the first published interview since his election, David spoke to Ramsbottom-based blogger Andy Walker (http://walkersrambles.wordpress.com) for Ramsbottom Online.

Andy Walker, Conservative, David Nuttall

Breaking News: Sheep Rustling on the Increase

A flock of 271 sheep, worth up to £25,000, has been stolen from a field in Ramsbottom, Bury. Thieves herded the sheep through a pen and into the back of what must have been a large vehicle, police said.

Mr Holden, Texel sheep, The National Famers' Union

Has Rammy Got the World in Motion?

Local muso The Ukulele Punk is gaining a whole heap of attention with his World Cup song to rival 1990s classic World in Motion feat. MC John Barnes. He wrote the song in about 5 minutes after a watching the pitiful offerings for this years World Cup and deciding that there was nothing with a bit of punch in it.

John Barnes, John Terry, The Ukulele Punk

The Conservative Party Take Bury North Seat

The Conservative party has taken the seat of Bury North from Labour in the general election with a majority of 2,243 votes.

Bill Brison, Conservative Party, David Nuttall, General Election, Graeme Lambert, John Maude, Maryam Khan, Richard Baum, Stephen Evans

Bernard and Jonno Win Manager of the Month

Ramsbottom United co-managers Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson have been rewarded for the sides' excellent unbeaten run in April by being given the April "Vodkat League Manager of the Month" award.

Anthony Johnson, Bernard Morley, Harry Williams, Ramsbottom United

Give it a Grow During Compost Awareness Week

Bury Council is encouraging residents to do their bit for the environment during Compost Awareness Week (2nd to 8th May 2010).

Compost Awareness Week, GMWDA, Mill Gate Centre

Award Winning, Natural Body Care Has Arrived in Ramsbottom

VITALITY PLUS, Ramsbottom has just become the local, approved stockist for the award winning Neal’s Yard Remedies. The store now has a range for all the family, from baby products to those special items for Mum’s to be and everyone in between including the guys.

Dawn Haworth, East Lancs Railway, Neal's Yard, Tim Cappelli, Vitality Plus

Rossendale Coming in Your Ears!

Rossendale Radio is ready to launch across the Rossendale Valley on Saturday 1st May at 10.47am (104.7fm). The Bank Holiday weekend will also see the Rossendale Radio team out and about the area so keep an eye out for them.

104.7fm, Rossendale Radio

B.O.G.O.F on all meals at The Chocolate Café

Check out this great B.O.G.O.F offer for April & May from The Chocolate Café. Enjoy any of their thick cut sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, jacket potatoes or salads and receive a second absolutely FREE!

The Chocolate Café

The BIG Debate ‘LIVE’ video’s

Many thanks to everyone that attended The BIG Debate 'LIVE' on Friday evening at the Theatre Royal. Some very important issues we're raised and debated between the three candidates and the audience. You can watch the stream of the debate by clicking below.

Ramsbottom Online, The BIG Debate

Ramsbottom Ramson Day

[ 01/05/2010; ] Saturday 1st May 2010 see's the first Incredible Edible promotional event - Ramsbottom Ramson Day.

Incredible Edible, Ramson

Get involved with Rambsottom’s BIG Debate ‘Live’!

[ 09/04/2010; 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. ] The race to succeed shamed Labour MP David Chaytor is starting early with the standing MP’s for the Bury North constituency taking to the floor in a live debate organised by RamsbottomOnline.com. ALL GUARANTEED ENTRY TICKETS HAVE NOW GONE. THERE WILL BE 25 PLACES ON THE DOOR ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, PLEASE ARRIVE BY 7PM

Arif Ansari, Conservative, David Chaytor, David Nuttall, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Maryam Khan, Richard Baum, Theatre Royal

Spectacular Evening in Aid of Breast Cancer Care

Last Thursday (25th March) Coronation Street actress, Michelle Keegan and other celebrities were up in Ramsbottom to attend the Bellini Spectacular in aid of Breast Cancer Care.

Bellini, Breast Cancer Care, Chocolate Cafe, Michelle Keegan, Miss Joanne Farnell School of Dance, Paul Pashley

New spring menu’s…

This weekend why not check out the new menu's at some of Ramsbottom's finest eateries...

The Chocolate Festival, The First Chop, The Lounge

The 2nd Annual Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival

After the success of last year's Chocolate Festival the event is back for 2010 and promises to be even bigger and better than before. Celebrating everything that is great about our favourite food, the festival will bring together some of the best chocolate produce and producers around.

Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival

The Rammy Garden Thief

Today I awoke and as usual came downstairs, put the kettle on and opened the blinds to let the early morning sunshine into my lounge. Whilst looking out onto the street I couldn't help but notice that there was something missing from my recently landscaped front garden.

Jamie to Run the Paris Marathon

Last week I was privy to an extraordinary sight – Ramsbottom Online’s very own Jamie Scahill stood in a bar with a pint…of Diet Coke. No, he hasn’t given up alcohol for Lent but in little over 4 weeks time Jamie will be digging out his white vest, squeezing into his 1980s Hi-Tec shorts and dusting down his strings of garlic in preparation for the Paris Marathon. On 11th April he will be running in aid of C.A.L.M. with the target of raising an impressive £1,000.

C.A.L.M, Jamie Scahill, Paris Marathon

Ramsbottom Annual Chocolate Festival 2010

[ 27/03/2010 9:00 am to 28/03/2010 5:00 pm. ] Due to the huge success of last years Festival, the organisers are looking to extend the festival over a weekend; including cookery demonstrations, evening dining experience, ELR Chocolate Express Train, Giant Easter Egg competition, wine tasting evening, World Record attempt, music and entertainment and much much more.

Ramsbottom Civic Hall, Ramsons, Room 54, The Chocolate Café, The Lounge, The Vineyard

Ramsbottom’s Big Dig… the Plot Thickens!

Last night a public meeting was held at Ramsbottom library headed by Lynn Leyland-Mather to get ‘Rammy’s Big Dig’ underway. With the waiting list for allotments longer than an MP’s expense claim her vision is to increase the volume of local produce grown in the town. Who knows, maybe one day Ramsbottom will become self sufficient. There was no doubting the interest in the project with a large number of residents descending on Carr Street.

Incredible Edible, Lynn Leyland-Mather, Nick Green

The Giant Easter Egg Competition

Bury Council’s Town Centres team is calling on all community groups, schools and youth organisations to take part in a challenge to make a 1 foot tall Easter egg, as part of the Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival.

The Giant Easter Egg Competition

Real 2 Reel Brings Movie Magic to Rammy

You might have seen the big sign advertising films in the Market Square, or picked up a flyer at Walmsley’s Butchers. Or you might not have known about the monthly movies at the Civic Hall. But in Real2Reel, Ramsbottom has a thriving local film society that could easily be the envy of larger towns.

Real 2 Reel, Theatre Royal

Happy Pancake Day!

Forget pancake mixes in a packet, making your pancakes from scratch is easier than you might think...and it'll save you a visit to the supermarket. Paul Morris from the Chocolate Cafe has kindly given Ramsbottom Online his White Chocolate & Lemon pancake recipe. In the words of the great man Chef Ramsay 'easy, delicious pancake recipe...done'. Enjoy!

Pancake Day, White Chocolate & Lemon Pancakes

And the winner is…

Well done to Chris Chick & family who were the winners of the Valentines day competition. A very big thank you to all the businesses who donated prizes....

Sanmini's, The Chocolate Café, The Vineyard

Is that a UFO or a Black Pudding!

Excerpt taken from the Sun today...

The Sun, The World Black Pudding Throwing Championship, UFO

Ramsbottom’s Big Dig

Clare Westhead looks at plans for a new community vegetable patch...

landshare, Lynn Leyland-Mather, vegetable patch

ShelterBox Team on the Ground: ‘There is no More Haiti’

Aid workers for the international disaster relief charity ShelterBox, now the largest Rotary Club project in the world, are on the ground in Port au Prince, Haiti. ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) members Dave Eby (US), Wayne Robinson (US) and Mark Pearson (UK) arrived in the island’s capital on Thursday, January 4 and have already been in contact with government officials, ACTED and Rotarians in the country.

Haiti, ShelterBox

B.O.G.O.F on all meals at The Chocolate Café

Check out this great B.O.G.O.F offer for February 2010 from The Chocolate Café. Enjoy any of their thick cut sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, jacket potatoes or salads and receive a second absolutely FREE!

Special Offers, The Chocolate Café

Ramsbottom United FC v Newcastle Town Match report

Ramsbottom United bowed out of the Vodkat Challenge Cup when they went down 3-1 to league leaders Newcastle Town in an entertaining encounter where the scoreline didn't reflect the game.

Ramsbottom United

Rossendale Radio coming soon…

Rossendale Radio is now only weeks away from broadcasting across the valley, including Ramsbottom, after receiving a grant from the Social Enterprise Loan Fund.

New Year at The Red Hall

Feeling Fed-up and down after all the Festivities???? The Red Hall Hotel has some great offers on that won’t break the bank! They will make you bounce right back to your normal self in no time! Why have to deal with the washing-up... We have some great deals on in the Restaurant! Come and dine with us on a Friday or Sunday Evening and receive 15% discount off Food on production of this flyer! Menus served from 7.00pm.

Red Hall Hotel

Visit Peel Tower

[ 31/01/2010; 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. ] Climb Peel Tower to take in the magnificent view. If the flag is flying, the tower is open to the public. The tower stands 128 feet tall on Holcombe Moor. Even from the foot of the tower, there are spectacular views over West Yorkshire, North Lancashire, Greater Manchester, North Wales and the Lancashire Plain. From the top of the tower it is possible to see Blackpool Tower on a clear day.

Peel Tower

Vitality Plus Launches Ramsbottom Store

A NEW “all in one” therapy centre offering over the counter treatments, supplements and remedies, together with a range of therapies has been launched in the centre of Ramsbottom.

Vitality Plus

The Holcombe Old English Game Fowl Club New Year’s Day

The Holcombe Old English Game Fowl Club’s show has been taking place every New Year’s Day in Ramsbottom since 1843. Originally held at the Shoulder of Mutton in Holcombe, it moved first to the Rose and Crown, and then, in the 1970s, to the Old Dun Horse Hotel on Bolton Road. But when the pub closed last year, the show moved to its current home, the Royal British Legion in Central Street.

The Holcombe Old English Game Fowl Club, The Royal British Legion

Ramsbottom Choral Society Going Strong

The North has long been famous for its strong tradition of amateur choirs, stalwarts of community life that bring together people of all ages for music and socialising. But in today’s busy society, community choirs have to compete with the increasing demands that work, family and social commitments make on people’s time. Sadly, many of them have faded away.

Barry Sugden, Ramsbottom Choral Society

Around the World in 79 Days

In June next year Jon Hilton from Harwood will attempt to emulate Michael Palin’s feat of 1988 by circumnavigating the globe in 80 days… but with a couple of minor differences - he will do it exclusively in a Microlight aircraft and in only 79 days! The current World Record for a flight of this type is 80 days. Unlike the current record holders - Indian Airforce pilots he’ll be going solo without the luxury of massive amounts of support.

Ramsbottom on the Silver Screen?

Local man Andy Remic, a former English teacher who gave up his job to pursue a career as a full-time writer now has aspirations of becoming the next Danny Boyle. For those of you who didn't know, the man behind Shallow Grave, Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and Slumdog Millionaire is also a Lancashire lad, born in neighbouring Radcliffe in 1956.

Peel Tower

Two new shops to check out…

This week see's two new shops opening in Ramsbottom...

Purple Tiger, Ramsbottom, Vitality+

The First Chop New Menu

The other night I shared a nice of bottle of my favourite tipple, Jever, with the First Chop head honcho and he gave me a sneak preview of his new menu. In a sentence I would say 'it'll give you a nice warm winter hug just when you need it'

The First Chop

Keeping Rammy’s Character

I noticed a few comments where people have been concerned about the frontage of the new discount store in Ramsbottom. I agree completely - sadly, we're unable to do much about the supermarkets and their love of illuminated plastic signage, but at least they're off the main street. The vast majority of businesses on Bridge Street and Market Street are in keeping with the area and look attractive.

Ramsbottom, Supermarkets, The Hidden Jem, War Weekend

Ivan Campo at The First Chop

On the 17th of September, after receiving a round robin email about a gig at The First Chop, I decided to wander down into the town and see what was in store

Ivan Campo, The First Chop

The Chocolate Trail

Following Ramsbottom’s successful Chocolate Festival in April, the town is putting itself firmly on the map for UK chocoholics by launching a Chocolate Trail leaflet during National Chocolate week (12-18 October 2009).

Cooks Emporium, East Lancs Railway, The Chocolate Café, The Chocolate Trail, The First Chop, The Lounge, The Vineyard

The Good Food Threesome…

The 2010 Good Food Guide was published yesterday and guess what? Ramsbottom has 3 restaurants listed....

Ramsons, Sanmini's, The Good Food Guide, The Hideaway

The World Black Pudding Throwing Championship

[ 13/09/2009; 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. ] The bands who will be playing have just been released, you heard it here first.....

Big Lix, Chaos Theory, Das Ringmeisters, Dean Casement Trio, DJ Mart, Molly Bloom, Point Blank, Roots Café, The Royal Oak, The Ukelele Punk, The World Black Pudding Throwing Championship

Welcome….

Ramsbottomonline.com is the brainchild of Ramsbottom resident Jamie Scahill & his wife Nicola, and along with web designer friends Tom Dent & Tom Denton they have built a website that the residents & visitors of Ramsbottom should be proud of.

Jamie Scahill, Nicola Scahill, Ramsbottomonline, Tom Dent, Tom Denton