Podcast

Local bonfire night events for 2018 – Episode 115

October 28, 2018 by Lee Leave a Comment

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Remember, this is a podcast so you can click on the play button above to listen, or better yet, subscribe to get them automatically free each time a new episode is released.

Welcome to this latest episode of the podcast. It’s been quite a bit colder these past few days, with Halloween quickly approaching I thought it would be an idea to look towards the upcoming bonfire and fireworks events around Ramsbottom.

Friday 2nd November

Starting off on Friday the 2nd of November, it’s probably the most well known and is certainly going to leave you open mouthed, it’s Ramsbottom Cricket Club. There’s a fair, food, drink, a mahoosive bonfire and some bangin’ fireworks. The fair starts from half past five, the bonfire will be lit shortly after from six o’clock with fireworks commencing at eight. There will also be a band on from 9pm too.

Advance tickets cost £4 for adults, five to fifteen year olds are £2 with under five year olds free. On the evening gate prices are £5 for adults and £3 for children. So an increase of £1.

Ramsbottom Cricket Club Bonfire & Fireworks 2018

Should The Grant Arms be converted into offices? – Episode 114

October 16, 2018 by Lee 1 Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:48 — 19.1MB)

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I’m not sure if you noticed but Bury Times recently reported that the limbo building that is the Grants Arms is being reviewed to be converted into office space by Bolton based Financial Advisors Group IFA. The Grants closed back in September 2017 and since then has remained in a deteriorating condition. There has been an attempt to turn the building into sheltered housing that was denied by council officers.

This is the current premises of Group IFA based out of Bradshaw in Bolton, image from Google Maps Streetview.

I’m honestly in two minds about this one. On the one hand, it’s sad to see the fantastic building sitting there wasting away when it has so much potential, potential that could easily be realised by the deep pockets of Group IFA. Then, on the other hand, it’s a bit sad that it’s been a hotel for so long and to remove a hotel from Ramsbottom which already has limited places to stay as it is seems to be a big shame.

What do you think? Do you think that to turn the Grants Arms from a pub/hotel into offices is worthwhile, as long as it saves the building? I’d love to hear your views with a comment below.

One example of a local pub which was successfully turned into offices is the Corner Pin in Stubbins where Elbow played their first gig, I’ve not heard anyone complaining about this since, have you?

To give you an idea of the history of the Grants Arms and what it means to Ramsbottom, I’ve included a clip from a video in the podcast that is available from the Ramsbottom Heritage Society.

A week of changes in Ramsbottom – Episode 113

October 8, 2018 by Lee Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:26 — 14.7MB)

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There have been quite a number of changes around Ramsbottom recently, not only have new places opened but there’s been some changes at Ramsbottom United this week too, so much to talk about but so little time! So let’s get on with the show.

No sign of Tom Cruise…

New cocktail bar Signature opened this weekend in the former Yummy Chinese building on Bridge Street. They had a pre-opening ticket only event on Friday the 5th of October and opened fully to the public on Saturday the 6th of October. Yummy was closed for what felt like an eternity, it was probably about 18 months or so and then popped up Signature. For a while it was rumoured to be a Gin emporium style affair but it appears to be more cocktails.

The Podcast Returns – Episode 112

September 30, 2018 by Lee Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 17:17 — 11.9MB)

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I’m back! I thought given that today is International Podcast Day, it’s as good a day as any to bring the podcast back. Sorry for being away so long.

This episode of the podcast is a return to the regular form, I’ve got some news, events and some Ramsbottom United scores thrown in too.

2018 Head for the Hills Festival

Did you manage to get down to Head for the Hills festival? Me and my son did the usual of us going for the whole weekend. A little bit more expensive this year, in addition I had to pay for my son whereas in previous years under 6’s had been free. It was only a nominal amount, but I was slightly disappointed at that.

Can I honestly say I had as much fun as previous years? No. Something wasn’t quite clicking. It could have been the weather but there was clearly fewer people there this year than last year and there were also fewer stages setup. Could this be the beginning of the end for Head for the Hills being situated in Ramsbottom? I hope not, I’ll still go year after year whilst it’s here, but if it was to move away to Burrs for example, the lack of the convenience of just being able to wander down would likely mean me not going.

Don’t get me wrong, there were some really great things at the festival, it’s just this year felt a little muted.

Cranes, Cakes and Changes – Episode 111

July 28, 2018 by Lee Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:36 — 5.8MB)

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There’s a number of changes happening in Ramsbottom currently. There’s gas pipes being changed, several buildings being renovated ready for new businesses (The Masons, Yummies, Toppings Butchers, The Venetian) and there’s a Cake Sale coming up in Ramsbottom Fire Station (see below).

What do you think about all the changes happening around Ramsbottom currently? I’d love to hear from you, click on the comments box below or leave me a voicemail and you might hear yourself on the show (unless you ask me not to):