Back to school

Like lots of others I had the traumatic experience this week of my youngest starting high school. He did everything possible to delay going on Wednesday so I breathed a huge sigh of relief when he turned up later with a big smile on his face! He is at Tottington High School, which is only around the corner, which I'm really pleased about.

Jean Clayton cutting the ribbon

Kirklees Street Bridge

In other news last week, I went to the official opening of Greenmount Sidings. A grant of just over £26k was awarded and the area was drained, the bridle way re-done, a pond made and a new bench custom made. On Saturday, after an introduction from Alistair Waddell, the ribbon was officially cut by Jean Clayton. Jean used to ride on the train through which went past the sidings for just 1 old penny. When Jean had performed her duties the seeds of a silver birch tree, acquired from Buckingham Palace, were planted, and finally a plaque was put up. There were exhibitions in Greenmount Old School, including the model railway track of the old line.  It was well worth a look, and it was attended by David Nuttall MP, and Councillors Isherwood, Gunther, and Hussain.


Procession on Chapel Street, Tottington, before the Xmas Eve bomb

On Sunday morning in Ramsbottom I went to the Official World Black Pudding Throwing Championship. I was there when the 'Golden Grid' was walked up the road after arriving by train from its secret location. The Mayor of Bury had the first go, then other contenders had their go. This is such a Northern event and I love it. It doesn't change much from year to year but I still have to go and see it. It is also a great excuse, as if I needed one, to shop at the Farmers' Market.

The Mayor having a throw

To end the weekend I went along to Tottington's Community Picnic. I helped organise one at the beginning of the summer, under the guise of The Big Lunch. It was a huge success and we have been meaning to have another get-together but never quite got around to it. My neighbours took the bull by the horns and decided to organise one for Sunday. We didn't have the great sunshine we had earlier in the year but it didn't rain! The bunting went up on Station Yard and people gathered with their tables and chairs for an afternoon of fun. I had to work so couldn't stay for it all but it must have been good - it carried on for an hour longer than expected. There was a table tennis table, swingball, and a game of rounders to warm people up. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

Station Yard Tottington, site of the 'picnic' field

I'm busy this week. I'm chairing the Incredible Edible Tottington meeting on Tuesday night where we will be planning our October Pumpkin Fest. On Thursday night it is the Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Manor Township Forum. On Friday night Tottington Wildlife Watch Group have their annual Bat Walk. I'm not keen on the dark but as I leader I can't get out of going. Finally, it is Ramsbottom Festival at the weekend. I'm hoping to get there on the Saturday to see Bury's Stuart Warburton of The Rythmaires fame and The Beat (I last saw then at Lancaster University many moons ago).

Have a good week everyone.