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.
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.
Since I last spoke to you a new pub has opened up. Situated in the locate of the old Masons Arms on Bolton Road West which closed in 2017, Holcombe Tap as it’s now called is the project of Father and Son duo Bill and Will Gallie. Holcombe Tap opened on September the 7th 2018 and has already been receiving some great reviews from the community regarding the food, drink and most of all hospitality.
Just opposite where Holcombe Tap is located is well known and well loved Bike Shop DJ Cycles. DJ Cycles has been in business for 11 years in various locations but just this week owner Damian had this to say on their Facebook page:
It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the closure of DJ Cycles on the 14th of October.
I would like to thank all my customers for your continued support over the last eleven years, I really couldn’t have done it without you all.
It hasn’t been an easy decision but ultimately it is the best decision for myself and my family.
Thanks once again for all the support you’ve given me. Damian
Something else that has happened this weekend, Hearts for Homes have now relocated into their new shop in the former Bridge Street News Agents on well, Bridge Street in Ramsbottom. Hearts for Homes sells gifts and things for your home including a lot of Ramsbottom themed items. Congratulations Kerry and family on the move, I know it’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication but the effort has paid off, it looks fantastic. The new location on the busier side of Ramsbottom will no doubt increase footfall from local and visitor alike.
Ramsbottom United News:Ramsbottom United have had a half decent season so far in the Evo-stik West division (when did they change the name from Evo-stik North?!). Today Ramsbottom drew 2 all away to 15th placed Kendal Town. Ramsbottom currently sit in 11th place with a total of three wins, three draws and three loses to their tally.
The next match is on Tuesday the 2nd of October away to second place Prescott Cables. The next home match will be to second from bottom placed Chasetown on Saturday the 6th of October. Kickoff is at 3pm: Ramsbottom United vs Chasetown
Manchester Evening News has reported numbers on how many food establishments have received a written warning and although for Bury 372 of the total 1551 establishments received written warnings, it is the smallest percentage for the 10 areas listed at just under 24% of all establishments having received a written warning. This is not just restaurants, this includes caterers, producers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers of food.
| Area | Total Eateries | Written Warning Received | Percentage of Total |
| Rochdale | 1578 | 716 | 45.37% |
| Oldham | 1787 | 715 | 40.01% |
| Tameside | 1725 | 674 | 39.07% |
| Stockport | 2208 | 789 | 35.73% |
| Manchester | 4878 | 1681 | 34.46% |
| Wigan | 2433 | 822 | 33.79% |
| Salford | 2139 | 645 | 30.15% |
| Bolton | 2690 | 792 | 29.44% |
| Trafford | 2641 | 637 | 24.12% |
| Bury | 1551 | 372 | 23.98% |

If you’re listening to this episode of the podcast the day it’s released which is the 30th of September, you might be on your way to the North Manchester Bike show at Ramsbottom Cricket Club, or maybe even off to Bleakholt for their open day.
https://www.thisisrammy.co.uk/event/rake-hill-climb-2018/
One event that is certainly a regular feature on the annual calendar is the Rake hill climb. The organisers have already kindly been out leafleting the areas to let people know of the upcoming road closures.
This years Rake Hill Climb takes place on Sunday October 7th where roads will be closed from 11:30am until 2pm. If you’re unfamiliar with the Rake Hill Climb, it’s a road race where each rider sets off one at a time from Ramsbottom Library racing up to the top of The Rake, this is a very steep hill and even cars struggle going up it at times. Essentially, I still think they’re all mad. It’s a nice morning out though and it’s always appreciated if you can get out and get behind the riders, not physically of course, if you could get out of the way that would be appreciated more 😂
If you want to check out what events are coming up in and around Ramsbottom there are a few links included below:
Bury Times Ramsbottom Events Page.
East Lancs Railway Facebook events page.
If YOU have an event you would like to be included in a future podcast episode, get in touch.
Thanks to all the new likers and followers of the This is Rammy social sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, including:
Alison Pye, Sharon Jones, Peter Davies, Dorothy Branagan, Karen Maria, Simon Morris, David Hulton and Rachel Jones
Great to have you all onboard, feel free to get in touch any time.
If you’re not yet following the social channels for This is Rammy, take a look and maybe you’ll hear your name mentioned next week. If you would like a shout out and have already been following the social media pages, just reach out and ask 👍
Hearts for Homes Facebook Page
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