I'm blaming the weather again for the lack of posts recently and also a new blog I've been putting a lot of time into which isn't weather dependent. It's called Songs From Under The Floorboards and features the music that fired me up as a kid so do have a look if you like obscure 70's and 80's stuff.

OK this post isn't about our village but it does feature some shots of nearby Ramsbottom, a lovely town where we have the offices for our day job. The sun was shining and I had my camera with me...

Ramsbottom is probably most famous for the East Lancashire Railway which brings crowded steam trains through the valley and the annual World Black Pudding Throwing Championships but it's also home to the fabulous Ramsbottom United who's Riverside Ground stands feature reclaimed seats from Bolton Wanderers Burnden Park and Man City's Maine Road.

The town has a cool, laid back vibe that lends itself to the 'Chorlton in the hills' comparison and the streets are lined with delis, bars and restaurants alongside upmarket shops. The First Chop is where the Ramsbottom in crowd hang out and there's the award winning Ramsons restaurant and a fabulous Italian called Bellini too.

Lounge is a favourite for Mums who lunch and the Chocolate Cafe seems to be doing very well on Market Place. Favourite of all for me has to be The Wayward Tyke on Bridge Street which does the best fish and chips I've ever tasted.

You can find out more about the town at Ramsbottom Online.