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.

Realistically though, living in Ramsbottom is leagues away from those places. Not that Ramsbottom is without its problems, don’t get me wrong, but the benefits outweigh any of the negatives in droves. The benefits of living in Ramsbottom are without a doubt the reason we moved here and why we have not looked back since.

I feel there is a vein running through Ramsbottom that once you’ve been living here a few years you realise it connects us all (probably not the Irwell though, that runs through Broughton too).

Sure, there are some people who have lived here all their lives and they instinctively want to stop outsiders coming in, but that’s understandable. When you love something, you want to protect it. I think that there is certainly a balance to be maintained, and that balance is worked well.

Really though, what’s it like living in Ramsbottom?

It’s undeniable that since moving to Ramsbottom my family’s life has improved. It could be the big open spaces, or the great local shops, restaurants and pubs we have. However I honestly feel that it’s the community feel of the town which has made the biggest impact on our lives.

One of the first things I noticed when moving here was that just nipping to the shop would involve passing people who openly say “good morning” and keep their heads held high as they approach you for the opportunity to say “Hi”.

This is something I’ve NEVER experienced before, not even when I was growing up in Eccles. Where I’ve lived previously I often walked to the shops and staring at the floor to avoid any risk that someone might think I’m “offering them out”. Now, I love someone walking towards me as it now gives ME the opportunity to say “hello!” to someone new, or someone I’ll get to know.

This is partly what I’ve tried to do with the podcast and the site. Since moving here I’ve wanted an excuse to meet new people, to meet people who live, work and enjoy the town I live. Doing that makes your life and experience of the town richer.

To go back to the question though, What’s it like living in Ramsbottom? Truthfully? You get out of it what you put into it. If you come to Ramsbottom life without a drive to get involved and enjoy the community spirit, then you will ultimately get less out of it.

That’s a fact for many reasons but I’ve found since starting the This is Rammy I’m making more friends and connections in Ramsbottom than in any other location I’ve lived before. I don’t believe that’s just because I do the podcast or the site, it’s because of what Ramsbottom brings out in people.

I expect there will be some backlash for this comment but it’s true. Life itself is what you put into it and I know that this is such a cliché but how will you know how true something is until you’ve tried?

Ramsbottom is not short of things to do, especially if you are taking Ramsbottom for what you put into it. You’ve got many groups that you can get involved with. This list of local Ramsbottom groups is a little out of date, ok it’s a lot out of date, for one it doesn’t include Ramsbottom Running Club, but it’s should at least give you an idea of what is out there.

If you do find that what you like to do doesn’t appear to have a group, then consider starting one. There are plenty of little venues around, the Library or Civic Hall or even the local Fire Station have been known to host groups such as Ramsbottom Community Hub.

There’s not just the community events going on, the fantastic East Lancs Railway courses through the town. If you’re around you’ll no doubt hear them chuff chuffing up and down the tracks or even be able to witness some of the special events such as the Sci-Fi Weekend or Thomas The Tank Engine and Friends.

If you’re partial to the odd tipple Ramsbottom is local to several breweries, Rammy Craft even being named after the town. There are also many bars and pubs in and around the town where you can have a drink or three. It’s almost like the smoking ban never happened.

If you’re thinking of moving to Ramsbottom, I can highly recommend it, but then, you knew I’d say that, didn’t you? 🙂