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Phillip Rose, Group IFA CEO responds to “Save the Grants”

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The following is a reply from Phillip Rose, Group IFA CEO who have submitted the planning application for The Grants Arms:

Please support this Planning Application 63308

In response to Mr John Irelands appeal, I agree – The ‘Grants’ is to Ramsbottom what Blackpool Tower is to the Golden Mile, or the Opera House to Sydney Harbour, but you don’t need to tell a Ramsbottom lad that!

However, what is upsetting is that this iconic building which has stood proud as the mother of Ramsbottom, overlooking the Market Place for over 200 years is no longer the matriarch of the town but a sad limping old lady, a neglected and dilapidated old building which looks abandoned and unloved.

ROMANCE

Being an iconic building the ‘Grants’ will never be an office block. The planning application ensures it will be sympathetically renovated, with its clock and internal tower returned to its former glory to respectfully attend the march of time over the town. But, time cannot stand still and move with the times we must. The historic Grade 2 listed lady will be lovingly restored to give The Grant Arms a new lease of life, to stand proudly over the Market Place as a visual reminder of the areas cultural heritage once again.

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Save the Grants – Ramsbottoms Iconic Landmark

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What follows is an appeal by John Ireland – Please Share ❤️

Please object this Planning Application 63308

The ‘Grants’ to Ramsbottom is to Ramsbottom, what Blackpool Tower is to the Golden Mile or the Opera House is to Sydney Harbour.

A unique and iconic building standing above the Market Place as old as the town itself and the picture of Ramsbottom on virtually every post card ever made, that has, until recently, provided hospitality, warmth, food and drink and shelter and in some cases sanctuary to the locals for almost 200 years.

This is now in mortal danger of being lost forever by an under consideration planning application 63308 by Bury Council for a ‘change of use’. This is to convert the old pub and hotel into a bland looking office block to house a shoal of financial planning advisers, a change which would see a requirement of 35 permanent car parking spaces. A request that Ramsbottom, at the moment can ill afford.

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Head for the Hills 2018

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Ramsbottom Cricket Ground – still echoing to the sound of Head for the Hills

With tickets for the legendary Glastonbury Festival going on sale in the next couple of weeks, it’s easy to think that this year’s festival season is well and truly over. Yet the echoes of the brilliant bands that graced the stage at Head for the Hills have barely stopped reverberating around Ramsbottom Cricket Ground. And after another amazing weekend, the chat about the festival is sure to carry on even longer.

Of course, these days the festival season isn’t just about summer and music. The excitement starts as early as January with the Pokerstars Festival in London, and it stretches right through to the endless winter festivals in December, with their sparkling lights and Christmas treats. Whatever time of year it is, there is always festival fun to be had.

Big names

Head for the Hills may not quite rival Glasto’s line up, but then it doesn’t come anywhere near their big ticket prices either, with entry from as little as £10. Last year, weekend Glastonbury tickets cost a mighty £238 and they are rumoured to be even higher for 2019, possibly to make up their lost income from taking 2018 off. Add in the cost of camping in the middle of nowhere and it becomes a very expensive weekend indeed. Unlike Rammy Fest (sorry, Head for the Hills), which happens conveniently close to town with everything you need right on your doorstep.

Not that the Head for the Hills 2018 line-up lacked star quality, with the likes of rising rock stars The Slow Readers Club, 90’s indie giants The Bluetones and 2-tone ska legends the Selecter headlining on Friday and Saturday. These were backed by an immense line up of dozens of up and coming acts, local bands and special guests, including many making their festival debut in the smaller stage tent and on t’other stage. And they don’t get much more special than the Boomtown Rats, who headlined Sunday night. Proving that all that globe-trotting altruism hasn’t dulled his razor sharp edge, Bob Geldof summed up the sentiments of the weekend crowd with his heartfelt rendition of their most famous hit of all, I Don’t Like Mondays.

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Local Dog Friendly Restaurants, Bars, Coffee Shops and Cafés

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Ramsbottom is well known both as a foodie destination and as being popular with dog walkers and owners.

So what happens when the two worlds collide? You’re out and about and you’re hungry but you don’t know if they will let your prized pooch in?

That’s why I’ve put together this list of local dog friendly restaurants, bars, coffee shops and cafés to help you. Click on the numbers to see where you and your dog can eat locally.

Irwell Works Brewery – Ramsbottom

 

Address: Irwell St, Ramsbottom BL0 9YQ
irwellworksbrewery.co.uk

Irwell Works Brewery are happy to let dogs in whilst you have a beer or two, don’t forget to have a good look around the fantastic beers all produced on site! You can see the guts of the brewing operation the minute you walk through the door.

The Hungry Duck – Ramsbottom

Address: 76 Bridge St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AG
hungry-duck.co.uk

Weekday lunchtimes Joe and the rest of the team at The Hungry Duck on Bridge Street are Dog Friendly, they also might very well make a fuss of your pet pooch.

Grind and Tamp – Ramsbottom

Address: 45 Bridge St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AD
grindandtampcoffee.uk

Fantastic coffee and absolutely dog friendly.

Grape to Grain – Ramsbottom

Address: 41 Bridge St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AD
grapetograin.co.uk

Grape to Grain have actually informed me that you’re ONLY allowed in with a dog, obviously they’re joking.

Drinc – Ramsbottom

Address: 9 Bridge St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AB
Drinc Facebook Page

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. The dog area is at the back of the coffee shop.

The Shoulder of Mutton – Ramsbottom

Address: Lumb Carr Road, Holcombe, Ramsbottom, Bury BL8 4NL
theshoulderofmuttonholcombe.co.uk

Dogs are allowed in the bar area, in addition there are dog bowls at the front door and often dog treats too.

The Duckworth Arms – Shuttleworth

Address: 416 Whalley Rd, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 0EG
The Duckworth Arms Website

Dogs are allowed in the bar area, there’s also free dog biscuits provided.

Thanks to James Cryne for this suggestion.

Rostron Arms – Edenfield

Address: 1 Market Pl, Ramsbottom, Edenfield, Bury BL0 0JZ

Rostron Arms Facebook Page

Thanks to James Cryne for this suggestion.

The Drop Off Café – Edenfield

Address: 42 Market St, Edenfield, Bury BL0 0JN
The Drop Off Café Facebook Page

Dogs are more than welcome at the cycling themed Drop Off Café in Edenfield. I’ve been there a few times, and on one occasion we actually did have a dog with us, there were a couple others in too at the time.

Thanks to James Cryne for this suggestion.

The Coach – Edenfield

Address: 163 Market St, Edenfield, Bury BL0 0HJ
thecoachatedenfield.com

All dogs are allowed in the bar area where you’ll find water and dog treats.

Thanks to James Cryne for this suggestion.

7 must do activities for arctic conditions in Ramsbottom

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Arrggghhh!! Is probably what you’re thinking if you’re to believe the reports that we’re in for “arctic conditions” again across Britain.

Well, they say if life gives you lemons, make lemonade, so if the MET Office gives you snow…make…..snowmen-ade? Then that brings images of yellow snow, so probably don’t.

Here are a few fun things to do in the impending end of the world, I mean, bit of snow.


Frozen Bubbles

Frozen Bubble

Once we hit subzero temperatures it’s possible to get bubbles to FREEZE in midair; creating beautiful orbs of ice.

However, they don’t float very well, but they certainly look beautiful.

Sledging

A classic winter activity, whether you’re using something fancy and expensive or repurposing an old tea tray, there are plenty of opportunities using the signature hills of Ramsbottom to get up some speed.

I have it on good authority that the best sledging hill in Ramsbottom is near Albert Street. My favourite however is near The Shoulder of Mutton. What about you? Are you a Church Fields kind of person? I’d love to know your favourite sledging locations, let me know!

Snow Graffiti

snowpaint

Simple, cheap and effective but enough about me! Here we’re talking snow art, or specifically graffiti. Simply pour some water and add a few drops of food colouring in some spray bottles and you can turn the snow into a giant canvas for your artwork.

Maybe you could be the next Snowski (Banksi, and snow, get it?)? Just watch where you spray it, it will definitely stain your clothes, and hands, and face.


Go Swimming

Assuming the staff were able to actually get to the pool to open up, why not take a nice warm swim? Granted your hair might freeze unless you dry it well when you leave, but a dip is one way to keep warm during the cold weather.

Build a Snowman

It’s an old favourite, but if you can bear the bitterly cold snow, numbness in your hands and the risk that the whole thing might topple over at any minute, you TOO can build a snow person (is snowman not allowed?) in your own image.

Go for a walk

I know, this is hardly a specific arctic activity, but when it snows, it’s great to have some warm footwear on and just go making footprints in the snow, kicking at the odd drift here and there without a care in the world. Naturally use caution as there will be ice about, but don’t let that stop you having a bit of a tramp around in the snow.

Have a nice sit down and cuppa

Is there anything better than a lovely warm cup of tea on a winter’s day, watching the world go by, people getting snow thrown at them and probably slipping on their backsides?

Well Ramsbottom is renowned for having many fantastic tea and coffee shops, so why not go for a walk AND get a cuppa at the same time?