As time passes in life and you pass the age of 30, you begin to ask yourself, what have I missed in life? So I have set myself the task of writing this article to challenge myself mentally and, hopefully, physically I will be able to complete 10 before 40. Time is ticking …
· Complete the Anthony Nolan Trust – 700ft Peel Tower Zippered Slide for Charity! The 150-year-old Tower is an impressive historical monument on Holcombe Hill; the tower has an elevation of 1,100 feet, with views of Manchester, Cheshire, and North Wales that are absolutely breathtaking. Enjoy the view from the top before soaring through the air. No experience is needed. All to raise money for the UK bone marrow registry.
· Follow the Irwell Sculpture Trail -This is the UK’s largest public art scheme. The walking trail is about 30 miles long and features more than 20 specially commissioned works of art. The trail begins at Salford Quays and ends at the Pennines above Bacup.
· Nuttall ParkCharming, Riverside Park with facilities including soccer fields, tennis courts and a bowling alley. Numerous special events throughout the year.
· Rhythm & Blues Festival – The festival will feature top British and international blues musicians to perform at many places both indoor and outdoor come and support this prestigious event.
· East Lancashire Railway (ELR) Take a trip on the famous steam train, which runs every Saturday and Sunday during the spring, summer and fall.
· Complete Mad Good Friday – Rammy Mile – On Good Friday I don’t know if anyone has ever experienced the Rammy mile. It’s where around a couple thousand people congregate and start the Rammy mile pub crawl from the Hare & hounds pub that works downhill through the village ending at the Railway bar. I wholeheartedly recommend it if you can do it! It is a great experience to have fun with some friends.
· Peel Tower climbs the 148 steps – The Peel Tower stands 128 feet high at the top of Holcombe Hill on a clear day, it is said that you can see Blackpool Tower. It was originally erected in 1852 as a monument to train Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel and dominates the surrounding countryside. A true landmark to be seen from afar.
· Farmers Market – The Farmers Market is a monthly event that takes place on the second Sunday of the month at the market (next to the slanted vase) and inside the Civic Hall. They offer a wide variety of local products including fresh fish, seafood, meat, poultry, vegetables, fruits, cakes, jams, bread and sweets. The market also offers a large number of locally made handicrafts and homemade paintings.
· Ramsbottom United FC – Watch the mighty Rams play at home in the Vodkat League. Check the bulletin board in the Village for details of the next game.
· Participate in the World Blood Sausage Throwing Championship – The strange contest celebrates the ancient rivalry between Lancashire and Yorkshire and attracts people from far away places like Australia to compete.
Contestants gathered at the Royal Oak pub to toss black pudding at a pile of Yorkshire puddings stacked on a plinth 20 feet off the ground. The Rules: You can throw three standard 6oz competition puddings, just for the armpit. Whoever eats the most Yorkshire puddings is the winner.
All of these and many more events can be found on GoMy.co.uk.