Each evening after travelling along the M66 and taking junction 1 for Ramsbottom, I’m greeted by one of the most familiar landmarks in Ramsbottom.
It’s been stalking me for several miles as I’ve snaked my way towards the town down the M66. Even before I got off the M60 Manchester ring road I can see it in the distance. Sometimes from tens of miles away, even more.
It’s Peel Tower, and it’s a monument that is familiar and welcoming to any Ramsbottom resident. It’s not just seeing Peel Tower that causes a sense of relaxation and welcoming though, it’s the whole package that Ramsbottom has to offer.
In my life I’ve lived in five locations, all of these around Manchester; Eccles, Moston, Lower Broughton, Swinton and Salford. Factually, I’ve never lived anywhere as welcoming as Ramsbottom.
Some people would argue that anywhere is better than where I’ve lived before, but that would be a bit harsh on those areas, I’ve had some great times in those places. I agree though, some of them are notoriously rough, but they were never that bad when I lived there and I never really had any issues.