Podcast

Rubber Ducks and Free Books – Episode 122

January 14, 2019 by Lee Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:31 — 12.7MB)

As you may very well know, Sunday the 13th of January was “Rubber Duckie Day”. I obviously didn’t need to tell you that, you knew already, but assuming you didn’t, you do now.

So what’s that got to do with Ramsbottom? Well, not only is there the giant duck rubber race every year with Ramsbottom Rotary Club, it also happens that this year, Ramsbottom and podcast regular Paul Jenkins is on a mission. That mission is what he’s called “The People Who Celebrated Everything“.

Paul Jenkins taking part in National Cut Your Energy Day

Throughout the year, Paul will be taking part in whatever day event it happens to be, for example he’s already had National Trivia Day – January 4th, National Cut Your Energy Day – January 10th and now National Rubber Duckie Day.

Noticing that it was Rubber Duckie Day coming up, I offered to loan out my giant duck.

Happy New Year Ramsbottom 2018 – Episode 121

December 31, 2018 by Lee Leave a Comment

Thank you for being such an amazing town, sure we have our share of issues but there is a vein of community that flows freely.

If you want to hear more, click on the play button above or subscribe to the podcast to get this, and any future episodes (or download any of the back catalogue) all for free, it’s not like Netflix 🙂

Thank you for being wonderful Ramsbottom, here’s to an amazing 2019!

Parking reduction planned for Ramsbottom – Episode 120

December 10, 2018 by Lee Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 23:21 — 16.0MB)

If there was ever a subject which will get people heated up, it’s parking in Ramsbottom and this week Bury Council have proposed that a new “no loading at any time” I believe that’s double yellows but feel free to correct me, is to be introduced on Ramsbottom Lane.

This was reported this week in The Bury Times who reports that the scheme is expected to come into force sometime in summer 2019.

The location in Ramsbottom which is earmarked for this change is arguably a stupid place to park. The road is extremely busy at times and narrows in places causing problems regardless of parked cars. There are already some parking restrictions in place on Ramsbottom Lane, this would be an extension of those.

Head for the Hills 2019 is cancelled – Episode 119

December 4, 2018 by Lee Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:43 — 17.7MB)

We’re in to December and lots of people have already started putting up their Christmas decorations. I’m not sure if you have yet but I do like how Christmasy it’s starting to look around our town, especially now that the big tree is up in Market Place.

Well one thing is for sure this week, I’m certainly glad that I didn’t get around to fully writing the show last night as today two bits of big news came out.

The first bit of news is regarding the bride that The Waterside pub used to stand on in Summerseat. You might recall the terrible flooding back on boxing day 2015 that came to Ramsbottom.

This flood didn’t just ruin Ramsbottom, it destroyed what was The Waterside pub in Summerseat. The pub itself had been closed for some time and the flood was the final nail in the coffin. Since The Waterside had collapsed, the bridge that it stood on was no longer safe for pedestrians or vehicles.

The Council did repair the bridge so that it was safe for pedestrian access in March 2016, but without the ability to make further improvements due to the land not being owned by the council where the pub once stood. Today, the Bury Times have reported that the Government have now approved the compulsory purchase order that the Council submitted earlier this year. This means that potentially the bridge could be repaired and opened to vehicles as early as next year. The plans were approved in May of this year which include creation of a new walkway.

Recent topics divide Ramsbottom opinion – Episode 118

November 20, 2018 by Lee Leave a Comment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:23 — 13.3MB)

This week, Ramsbottom sits a town divided. The division has been caused by two topics close to residents hearts. There has been a hive of activity on the website this month related to two posts in particular. These both concen the future of The Grants Arms and the specific have all been around the plans for The Grants Arms.

If you’re unfamiliar with The Grants Arms, it’s a large building pretty central to Ramsbottom sitting on Market Place in Ramsbottom.

I talked in more detail back in episode 114 where the discussion of the proposal of turning the building from a pub/hotel into offices first came up. On that episode, even I was divided so it’s understandable how the town as a whole is feeling.

The activity around this on the site this week blew up since I posted an appeal from John Ireland

However, the second topic that has divided Ramsbottom this week is also related to this week’s not a competition quiz question.

#notacompetitionquizquestion

The question is, in what year was the “Tilted Vase” sculpture by Edward Allington installed in Market Place? You’ll get the answer, a little bit later on in the show.

So, as I mentioned, The Tilted Vase has been the second topic that has the town divided. The reason being, there still seems to be a large number of residents who really, for want of a better word, can’t stand it.