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 and the route is all very flat and easy so no special gear needed, just willpower water and food. You can view the route below or by clicking here.

As an added incentive we are aiming to raise some funds for Bury Hospice, if you want to help out and sponsor the walkers just visit the Just Giving page and submit a donation.

If you would like to take part please register your interest below so that we can get a good idea of numbers and keep you informed with news regarding the event.
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Some pics of the walk by Mike Kelly

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.

If you’ve not been down to Acre Bottom yet to cheer on our local team, the 8th of August could be a great introduction to one of Ramsbottom’s most cherished institutions. With fantastic amenities, breathtaking views and a friendly welcome there is no where better for a family day out on a Sunday afternoon. But most of all, the cricket played by this years team has been utterly absorbing. Jon Fielding’s return to Ramsbottom has helped nurture the undoubted talent and commitment of last years Worsley Cup winning team and brought them a consistency and dash that has held supporters of the yellow army in their thrall since early April.

If you can get down to cheer on the boys on Sunday the 8th you will be certain of a warm reception and the guarantee of great all round entertainment as Rammy take on Colne from 12:30pm.

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.

The first project was to create a herb bed in Nuttall Park. We were able to access a small amount of Local Area Partnership funding via Friends of Nuttall Park. It looked a bit ‘bitty’ when first planted up but looks fantastic now. It’s the first plot on the left as you enter the car park. We will be putting in info about the herbs but are working on something natural looking. At first we were sorry we had a shady spot but it’s been a God send in this drought.

We’ve also planted up the bed at the joining of Peel Brow and Bury New Road and what were just bedraggled weeds and rubbish is now an extremely colourful (and edible) plot at the entrance to the town centre.

Because the planters outside the Railway pub looked very tired we replanted those with herbs – a much better sight when people get off the train.

Our most major and successful project however, has been the restoration of a derelict orchard in Greenmount. Over 50 trees were smothered in 6-7 foot high brambles. These apples and pears are now fruiting so if anyone knows where we can get an apple press cheap please get in contact. Work continues digging out the bramble and destroying the Himalayan Balsam. We’re planning to learn how to graft our own trees.

Ramsons Day, a day to promote foraging, was a great success with the whole of the centre smelling of garlic. We gave out about 200 small plants, recipes and sample tastings of Ramsons pesto. Some cafés, restaurants and pubs put Ramsons on the menu that day. People were still asking about where to grow it, and find it for weeks afterwards.

We plan to create a fruit and vegetable garden in the Library grounds and behind the Civic Hall. We’re also liaising with 6 Town Housing to replace some hedges with fruit bushes and to work with Tenants Associations to create community gardens.

On our website www.incredible-edible-ramsbottom.co.uk we have given advice and swapped ideas through the forum and made links with relevant organisations as well as a calendar with working days etc.

Some members are helping to start a gardening club at Holcombe Emmanuel Primary School and we’ve been able to provide a donated wormery.

There’s been much swapping of veg plants which must be feeling dizzy as they are passed not just to other would be gardeners but to other groups such as Stubbins Local Food Growing Group and the newly formed Incredible Edible Prestwich. We’re having a fruit, veg, seed and plant swap/giveaway at the car park in Nuttall Park on Friday 23 July 6-7 pm.

We’re also organising a land/garden share so if you have a garden or piece of land you can’t cultivate yourself or you would like to do someone’s garden and share some of the produce then get in touch with Charlotte Unwin – charlotteurwin@incredible-edible-ramsbottom.co.uk

Because so many people in Ramsbottom just have backyards we’d like to be able to help more people use their yards more productively by having talks on container gardening, offering advice, and, if we can fund it, resources such as starter kits with container, compost and seeds.

If you would like more information or would like to volunteer contact leylandlynn@incredible-edible-ramsbottom.co.uk

Article written by Lynn Leyland-Mather

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.

Ramsbottom councillor Barry Theckston said: “I understand there was consultation with nearby residents about this and there were no objectors as far as I am aware.

“This site had been empty for a number of years and this will be an interesting development for Ramsbottom. Anything that brings visitors into the town is welcome and I wish the venture well.”

Included in the application is plans for a licensed bar on the first floor of the old mill, with accommodation for the resident licensee on the second floor and wheelchair access to the premises.

Council officers said the development would not harm the appearance of the conservation area, nor be detrimental to highway safety.

The centre, which may open this summer, will be allowed to trade from 10am with entertainment in the evening running until 11pm.

No objections were received from residents in the area.

Do you think this development is good for the town? Let us hear your comments below.

Read the full article here.

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 pub is situated in a great location and has a light airy interior with open fireplaces and comfy sofas making it a great place to snuggle, chill and chat. Punch Partnerships have an investment planned to develop the kitchen, outside area and improve the externals of the site which will include new lighting and signage to give the pub a new lease of life.

Business Manager for Punch Andrew Robinson says “This is a great pub for a motivated person to invest in and take on and manage with passion and charisma, I really believe that this is a great opportunity for a business entrepreneur. I will be in the pub on Thursday 8th July from 3pm – 7pm if anyone would like to come and meet up with me to express their interest and find out more.”

If you are interested or know someone who might be please call Polly Vickery, Co-ordinator on 0844 848 3276.

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.

The incidents both happened on June 3 but at opposite ends of the borough, one in Prestwich and one in Ramsbottom.

Interestingly, although the descriptions of the men involved in the scams were different, both told the residents that they were working on a neighbouring house and they needed to turn off the water supply to prevent a flood. Whilst distracted with the first offender, another male entered the property.

In Ramsbottom the second male was unseen, entered the house through an unlocked door, opened a cupboard and stole cash. In the incident in Prestwich, the second male was seen to enter the property and discuss the leak with the first. One of the criminals then offered to pay the vulnerable resident for the water used but claimed only to have a £50 note and asked for change. The resident removed their savings from a drawer and as soon as their back was turned both offenders left the house with the cash.

Residents are advised not to let the individual into the property and to check with United Utilities on 08457 462200 to see if there is any work of this nature being carried out in the local area if an individual comes to their home.

Tony Holt head of community safety for the council said; “Sadly bogus calls are not uncommon and it tends to be the more trusting vulnerable residents that are targeted. We want people to be on their guard. If you have an elderly neighbour that lives alone we advise you to let them know about the possibility of bogus callers in the area. We don’t want people to feel afraid in their own homes, but forewarned is forearmed.”

The Wartime Weekend returns to Ramsbottom this weekend with highlights including a Wartime style wedding at St Pauls Church, Afternoon tea dance, Parisian street cafe, Wartime produce market, Period vehicles and much much more…..

Download the full programme by clicking here

As part of the War Weekend Celebrations on Sunday 30th May a parade of the Army Cadet Force will take place through Ramsbottom which could involve up to 400 + people including two bands.

The Parade will start at Ashton Lodge and move up Ramsbottom Lane turning left down Bridge Street and then right into Railway Street where the parade will de camp on the ELR Car Park off Railway Street.

The parade will start at 1.55pm and is estimated to be complete by 2.40pm.

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

The business owned and operated by Cheryl Hook opened its first retail store at Backridge Farm, Waddington in October 2004 in response to customer demand for its candles; and since then has gained an enviable reputation for selling not only candles but beautiful perfume ranges, jewellery, luxury body care and other gifts and accessories.

Commenting on the new store, Cheryl said, “Despite the recession our business has gone from strength to strength, and now that our Backridge store is well established we thought now was the best time to introduce it to a whole new audience.

“We’ve been looking for a second outlet for sometime and have visited many towns across the North West and Yorkshire looking for somewhere that we thought would be right for us, and where we could fill a gap in the market.

“Ramsbottom is a thriving Lancashire town and has a unique and colourful character with a diverse range of independent retailers. They have worked hard to put the town on the map and have organised some terrific events, and we’re very much looking forward to being part of this business community.”

Cheryl continued, “We’re looking to replicate the relaxed and inviting retail experience that we’ve established at Backridge Farm with us to Ramsbottom and further enhance the town’s efforts to offer local people and visitors the very best independent shopping.

The new 430 sq ft store at 15 Bolton Street, employs two part-time time staff.

Melt was established in 2000 and supplies fine fragrance candles to over 500 retailers across the UK including iconic retailer, Liberty. The business employs nine people and manufacturers ‘by hand’ 5,000 candles a week at its workshop at Backridge Farm.

43 Bolton Street
Ramsbottom
BL0 9HU

Tel: 01706 827722
Web: www.thefirstchop.co.uk

Thursday May 20th  9pm – 2am
Pablo’s Finest Hour
Damien Heakin

Friday May 21st  9pm – 2am
Dirty Hands (acoustic set)
UkePunk

Saturday May 22nd  9pm – 2am
Roots Cafe
Ivan Campo
Stephen Copeland

Sunday May 23rd  7pm – 12midnight
Miss James and the Misterz
Risa Hall
Roydan Styles

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.

CHOPFEST is part of Bury Arts Week, raising money for Bury Hospice.

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.

So, the people have spoken and electors in Ramsbottom have a new MP in local solicitor David Nuttall. Unsurprisingly, since his victory he’s even busier than he was during the four week election campaign, but he paused for breath to answer a few questions for Ramsbottom Online:

You are now an MP – how does that feel after working for it so long?
I am grateful that the electorate of Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington have given me the opportunity to serve them in Parliament. There is much work to be done now and I am keen to make a start as soon as possible.

How important was winning the Bury North seat in terms of the overall national position?
As Bury North was one of the seats the Conservatives needed to win in order to secure a Parliamentary majority winning here was clearly very important.

What would you say was the key policy in securing victory for the Conservatives in Bury North?
The Conservatives’ pledge to restore stability to the nation’s finances, because there was a widespread acceptance that we cannot continue as we are with the government being forced to borrow one pound at every four pounds it spends.

How do you think the Ramsbottom Online Big Debate influenced local voters?
I am not sure how many people changed their voting intentions because of the debate, but it did give those local residents who wished the opportunity to hear three of the seven candidates.

It has been well publicised that the next parliament will include some very unpopular policies and budget reductions across the board. How much freedom do you have to really fight on local issues and policies – and ultimately deliver them?
I will always stand up for the residents of Bury North and put their interests first. It is not realistic to promise that every concern of every individual will always be capable of being resolved but I will do what I can to help where it is possible.

Statistics suggest that recent efforts by the police and other agencies have reduced the amount of anti-social behaviour by youths around the Ramsbottom area. However, this appears at odds with the reality of the situation when young people are gathering in very large groups in certain parts of Ramsbottom. What are the Conservatives going to introduce to combat this to ensure that Ramsbottom does not return to the young drinking culture/anti social behaviour culture that it has experienced in the past?
The Conservatives promised to cut the paperwork the police have to do so they could spend more time on the streets dealing with these problems. We also proposed introducing grounding orders to give the police the power to deal with anti-social behaviour without criminalising young people. The Conservatives also proposed doubling the maximum fine for selling alcohol to under age minors to £20,000 and to allow councils and the police to shut down any shop or bar found consistently selling alcohol to children.

There don’t appear to be any secondary schools available for children who require special educational attention in the area, like those with ADHD or Downs Syndrome. How do you plan to address this issue?
There is some provision now available at Woodhey, but it is the case that not every child who has special educational needs can presently be educated locally. The Conservatives proposed ending the bias which favours the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream schools rather than special schools.

How will you make yourself present within the constituency?
As I live in the Constituency I am always present here! I will be holding surgeries at a variety of venues around the Constituency including, of course, in Ramsbottom. People can write to me at 21a Bolton Street Bury BL9 0EY and they can also contact me online through my website at www.davidnuttall.info

2010 General Election Result
David Nuttall, Conservative – 18,070, 40.2%
Maryam Khan, Labour – 15,827, 35.2%
Richard Baum, Liberal Democrat – 7,645, 17.0%
John Maude, British National Party – 1,825, 4.1%
Stephen Evans, UK Independence Party – 1,282, 2.9%
Bill Brison, Independent – 181, 0.4%
Graeme Lambert, Pirate Party – 131, 0.3%