http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/A photographic diary of life and the seasons in the village of Summerseat on the outskirts of Bury in the North West of England.en-EUMokoFeed10http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/06/050b1396db44138ca592f09696ef6a_160x200.jpghttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/11/09/ramsbottom-november-7338946/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2009-11-09:/2009/11/09/ramsbottom-november-7338946/Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:47:47 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=4093780" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/780/4093780_cf857c5d0a_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ramsbottom"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=4093781" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/781/4093781_96b533acb1_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Scout Moor"></a></p> <p>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 <a href="http://floorboards.blog.co.uk/">Songs From Under The Floorboards</a> 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.</p> <p>OK this post isn't about our village but it does feature some shots of nearby <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsbottom">Ramsbottom</a>, a lovely town where we have the offices for our day job. The sun was shining and I had my camera with me...</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=4093778" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/778/4093778_96523dfbbe_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ramsbottom Train Station"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=4093775" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/775/4093775_b96c45d22b_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Market Chambers"></a></p> <p>Ramsbottom is probably most famous for the <a href="http://east-lancs-rly.co.uk/">East Lancashire Railway</a> which brings crowded steam trains through the valley and the annual <a href="http://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/bury/blog/world-black-pudding-throwing-championship/article009936.htm">World Black Pudding Throwing Championships</a> but it's also home to the fabulous <a href="http://www.rammyunited.co.uk/">Ramsbottom United</a> who's Riverside Ground stands feature reclaimed seats from Bolton Wanderers Burnden Park and Man City's Maine Road. </p> <p>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. <a href="http://www.thefirstchop.co.uk/">The First Chop</a> is where the Ramsbottom in crowd hang out and there's the award winning <a href="http://www.ramsons-restaurant.com/">Ramsons restaurant </a>and a fabulous Italian called <a href="http://www.ramsbottomonline.com/2009/food-and-drink/cafe-restaurants/bellini/">Bellini</a> too. </p> <p><a href="http://www.theloungeramsbottom.co.uk/">Lounge</a> is a favourite for Mums who lunch and the <a href="http://www.chocolate-cafe.co.uk/">Chocolate Cafe</a> seems to be doing very well on Market Place. Favourite of all for me has to be <a href="http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/index.asp?sessionx=IpqiNwy6JWbjJHqiNwF6IHqi">The Wayward Tyke</a> on Bridge Street which does the best fish and chips I've ever tasted.</p> <p>You can find out more about the town at <a href="http://www.ramsbottomonline.com/">Ramsbottom Online</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=4093776" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/776/4093776_3369eef3cc_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Old Dun Horse"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=4093782" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/782/4093782_d121f4de8c_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="St Paul Church"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=4093777" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/777/4093777_b5fa16e489_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Pond"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/11/09/ramsbottom-november-7338946/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/11/09/ramsbottom-november-7338946/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/06/12/summerseat-june-6289468/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2009-06-12:/2009/06/12/summerseat-june-6289468/Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:30:15 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3589958" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/958/3589958_9d7df87feb_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Buttercups"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3589959" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/959/3589959_ab4f8ad5f1_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Robin Road"></a></p> <p>Apologies for the lack of posting recently and many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to visit. The numbers are really growing and together you've looked at almost 30,000 pages which is fantastic for a blog on a small village. </p> <p>The latest news on The Liberal Club is that it's going to be an Indian Restaurant and there's certainly been some building activity recently so let's wait and see. This new batch of photos includes some pictures of the cottages on Wood Road Lane as promised to Dianne. If anyone else has other suggestions of things I should include in the future please let me know and I'll do my best to help... </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3589960" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/960/3589960_f31c5aba0e_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bridge"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3589961" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/961/3589961_5a383db6a2_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Field"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3589962" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/962/3589962_5bcd4c6b1a_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cows"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3589963" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/963/3589963_1015232425_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cottages"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3589964" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/964/3589964_e9a38dcd45_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Wood Road Lane"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3589965" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/965/3589965_71bb466706_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Buttercup"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3589996" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/996/3589996_0334e43e57_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Station Sign"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/06/12/summerseat-june-6289468/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/06/12/summerseat-june-6289468/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/04/12/summerseat-april-5931087/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2009-04-12:/2009/04/12/summerseat-april-5931087/Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:29:40 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3403371" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/371/3403371_becbc98350_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Miller Street"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3403372" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/372/3403372_756f65dd0d_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Engine Shed"></a></p> <p>It always seems to take a bit longer for Spring to reach Summerseat; I guess it's the height we're at but it finally seems to have arrived as evident in the abundant blossom and blooms around the village. </p> <p>The Engine Shed above is apparently due for conversion to an Indian Restaurant in the near future. There's been some opposition but personally I think it'd be a great asset for the area.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3403373" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/373/3403373_64e41fdd04_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Steam Train"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3403377" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/377/3403377_d7400dbccd_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Steam Engine"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3403379" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/379/3403379_496dd87210_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="New Leaves"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3403421" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/421/3403421_dc30c57032_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Liberal Club"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3403378" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/378/3403378_003c752ace_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Free Seeds"></a></p> <p>These seeds were left on a wall in the village and just go to show what a warm and friendly place Summerseat is. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3403422" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/422/3403422_427970d417_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Blossom"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3403419" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/419/3403419_8d13ca8b45_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Steps"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/04/12/summerseat-april-5931087/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/04/12/summerseat-april-5931087/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/02/25/summerseat-methodist-primary-school-february-5647749/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2009-02-25:/2009/02/25/summerseat-methodist-primary-school-february-5647749/Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:50:02 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266088" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/088/3266088_1ba0201e85_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Summerseat Methodist Primary School"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266081" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/081/3266081_2fbb353c2e_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="School Sign"></a></p> <p>This morning I was very privileged to be invited to visit <a href="http://www.smps.ik.org/">Summerseat Methodist Primary School</a> to talk to the children of Class 4 about Summerseat Views and offer some humble tips on photography. They're doing a great project on 'Ourselves and Our Environment' including some fantastic paintings of the village and surrounding areas which took their inspiration from the pictures on this blog. </p> <p>We also had the opportunity to go around the school grounds in small groups and take some photos. The children had certainly taken a lot on board and many of the following images were suggested by them. I'd just like to send a big thank you to Mrs Cooley and all the children for making me feel so welcome.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266074" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/074/3266074_358d14efb0_m.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Classroom Window"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266076" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/076/3266076_339871b7f1_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Paintings"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266079" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/079/3266079_24bcc9f154_o.jpeg" width="250" height="333" alt="School Door"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266085" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/085/3266085_388e0c6d64_o.jpeg" width="250" height="333" alt="School Window"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266903" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/903/3266903_a6682a5ffd_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="School Bench"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266078" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/078/3266078_0a0d747aca_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Rooftops"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266087" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/087/3266087_e06ea32adf_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Summerseat Methodist Primary School"></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266075" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/075/3266075_4c6544b7eb_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Holly"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266084" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/084/3266084_fddbe794a6_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="School Wall"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266073" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/073/3266073_efe6e822e3_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Church Roof"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266086" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/086/3266086_f5760665c4_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="School Windows"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266072" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/072/3266072_29fbdebec0_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Book Monster"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266080" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/080/3266080_628e89e33e_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="School Gate"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266077" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/077/3266077_36b3ad65da_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Roof Tiles"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3266091" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/091/3266091_f26bd56cc1_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Trees"></a></p> <p></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/02/25/summerseat-methodist-primary-school-february-5647749/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2009/02/25/summerseat-methodist-primary-school-february-5647749/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/12/02/summerseat-december-5153063/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2008-12-02:/2008/12/02/summerseat-december-5153063/Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:00:31 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3035943" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/943/3035943_ab02421780_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Brook"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3035944" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/944/3035944_d04360fa9b_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Robin Road"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3035959" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/959/3035959_3979e47a0a_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Abandoned Cars"></a></p> <p>Heavy snows overnight left the steep roads in and out of the village virtually impassable for most of the morning forcing drivers who'd attempted to cut through to the M66 to leave their cars on the roadside. The snowfall did have a bright side though as local schools closed and the children had a day off to make the most of the seasonal weather.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3035947" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/947/3035947_cf54e657bb_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Rose Hips"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3035946" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/946/3035946_1e3f1b3b8f_m.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Riverside"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3035948" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/948/3035948_d77e637099_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Peel Tower"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3035949" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/949/3035949_1f68c8fd8b_o.jpeg" width="500" height="375" alt="Waterside Road"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/12/02/summerseat-december-5153063/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/12/02/summerseat-december-5153063/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/11/26/greenmount-november-5111206/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2008-11-26:/2008/11/26/greenmount-november-5111206/Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:43:21 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3018842" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/842/3018842_7f8a442997_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Greenmount"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3018843" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/843/3018843_a54caaf559_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Greenmount Cricket Club"></a></p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenmount,_Greater_Manchester">Greenmount</a> is a village close to Summerseat and these photos were taken yesterday when I took advantage of the good weather. I'm not sure of the history of the 'castle' but I took the photo along the <a href="http://www.bury.gov.uk/LeisureAndCulture/ParksAndRecreation/Countryside/Trails/Kirklees.htm">Kirklees Trail </a>which is popular with walkers, cyclists and bird watchers and follows the old railway line between Greenmount and Tottington.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3018844" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/844/3018844_1c13a4f4a2_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Greenmount Castle"></a></p> <p>The photos below of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scout_Moor">Scout Moor wind farm</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peel_Monument">Holcombe Hill</a> were taken from Brandlesholme Road as you approach Greenmount. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3018845" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/845/3018845_7e3e779fe9_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Scout Moor Wind Farm"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=3018846" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/846/3018846_1b10a6583a_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Holcombe Hill"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/11/26/greenmount-november-5111206/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/11/26/greenmount-november-5111206/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/09/29/summerseat-september-4795945/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2008-09-29:/2008/09/29/summerseat-september-4795945/Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:08:15 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2851919" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/919/2851919_2b527c1569_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Telegraph Poles"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2851920" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/920/2851920_d2dd0dec7a_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Burnt Tree"></a></p> <p>These photos were taken last weekend and the telegraph poles stretch out across the field which skirts the top of Gollinrod Gorge. From the burnt tree you can see Ramsbottom and the hills beyond and also take the steep path down into the gorge.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2851921" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/921/2851921_584b5f9609_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Irwell"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2851922" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/922/2851922_812cc34960_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Irwell"></a></p> <p>It was probably the wrong time of day to be taking shots down here as very little sunlight was reaching the Irwell. At one point alongside the river there are some huge, overgrown walls which look like they were once the sides of channels used to divert and hold water. If so, they probably fed the nearby mill.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2851923" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/923/2851923_91d8faf096_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Leaves"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2851924" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/924/2851924_0ef3308c66_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Waterside"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/09/29/summerseat-september-4795945/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/09/29/summerseat-september-4795945/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/08/22/summerseat-august-4624268/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2008-08-22:/2008/08/22/summerseat-august-4624268/Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:13:23 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2751342" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/342/2751342_2f86328f09_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Brook off Waterside Road"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2751343" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/343/2751343_3da0c6e906_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Brook off Waterside Road"></a></p> <p>It seems like we've had nothing but rain for months which explains the lack of posts recently but thanks to everyone who's kept visiting the blog. The photos above are of the brook that runs under Waterside Road into the river. Fingers crossed, the colour of the water is down to iron washed down from the hills by the downpours...</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2751344" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/344/2751344_3d6e2750a0_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Summerseat Liberal Club"></a></p> <p>There are lots of rumours going around as to what's happening with the old Liberal Club. Our favourite is that it's going to be an Italian restaurant but if anyone knows any better do let us know.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2751345" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/345/2751345_cf51286025_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Railway Street"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2751346" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/346/2751346_05e58bd7b7_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Railway Bridge"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2751347" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/347/2751347_35bbff6d24_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Old Engine Shed"></a></p> <p>The old engine shed just visible above is close to Summerseat railway station and this picture was taken from the platform.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2751348" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/348/2751348_b5156b6c04_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Victorian Lanterns"></a></p> <p>Victorian Lanterns is an apartment block in the village which I think also used to be a railway building in the past.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2751349" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/349/2751349_b1730b04b9_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="House on Hill Street"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2751350" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/350/2751350_98ff06ef07_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Waterside Road"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/08/22/summerseat-august-4624268/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/08/22/summerseat-august-4624268/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/summerseat-may-4147742/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2008-05-08:/2008/05/08/summerseat-may-4147742/Thu, 08 May 2008 13:58:45 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2515323" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/323/2515323_6b689a3973_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Footbridge"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2515324" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/324/2515324_09c2eed7a2_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Stream"></a></p> <p>These photographs were taken yesterday along the stream which runs down from Holcombe Brook into the village. You can find it by walking up Robin Road beside the old Liberal Club, crossing the bridge and taking the path on the left. If you head through the woods you eventually emerge by the <a href="http://www.pub-explorer.com/lancs/pub/hare&houndsholcombebrook.htm">Hare and Hounds pub</a>.</p> <p>The whole area is scattered with moss covered stonework, the last remnants of Robin Road Mill. I posted a bit more about the history of the mill <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/10/20/summerseat_october~3166371">last October</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2515336" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/336/2515336_b5669bfffb_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Falls"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2515305" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/305/2515305_94b2365f18_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bluebells"></a></p> <p>The woods are currently awash with bluebells, celandine and ramsons or wild garlic which are believed to be one possible source for the name of nearby <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsbottom">Ramsbottom</a>. They're the white flowers in the shot below and you can see them all along the Irwell if you follow the river into the town.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2515322" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/322/2515322_e466c87290_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ramsons"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2515338" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/338/2515338_1691238899_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Stream"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2515306" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/306/2515306_c06737310c_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Weir"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2515307" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/307/2515307_be5e2f23a5_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Weir"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/summerseat-may-4147742/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/summerseat-may-4147742/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/03/23/summerseat-under-snow-march-3926158/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2008-03-23:/2008/03/23/summerseat-under-snow-march-3926158/Sun, 23 Mar 2008 18:12:32 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2425447" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/447/2425447_c01e2ea054_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="East View"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2425433" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/433/2425433_7b26988026_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Rowlands Road"></a></p> <p>Finally the village had its first real snowfall overnight, just in time for Easter Sunday. </p> <p>I was up bright and early to get these shots before the sun took it all away. Forgive the shadow in front of East View.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2425440" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/440/2425440_c0e7906056_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Spinnings"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2425432" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/432/2425432_3f5f6f8d41_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Waterside Road"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2425438" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/438/2425438_a28ea1106d_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Blossom"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2425444" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/444/2425444_a9a2b8aeb6_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Waterside Pub Car Park"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2425445" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/445/2425445_7f512bb4aa_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="River Irwell"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2425448" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/448/2425448_ac96e65d6f_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Brick Houses"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2425599" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/599/2425599_5a4577fbec_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Summerseat Park"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/03/23/summerseat-under-snow-march-3926158/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/03/23/summerseat-under-snow-march-3926158/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/02/10/summerseat_february~3707607/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2008-02-10:/2008/02/10/summerseat_february~3707607/Sun, 10 Feb 2008 19:02:29 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2335591" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/591/2335591_5550d75072_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Crocuses"></a></p> <p>Apologies for the lack of posts recently but I have a great excuse. The day after the last entry on this blog the population of Summerseat increased by one as myself and Nicky became parents for the first time.</p> <p>As you can probably imagine we've had our hands full and that coupled with some dreadful weather has meant the blog had to take a rest for a while. Hopefully posts will be a bit more frequent from now on and these two photos were taken at opposite ends of the day. </p> <p>Once again we've missed out on any significant snowfalls so far this winter but have had our fair share of torrential rain. So much so that Summerseat made the regional TV news last month when the Fire Service had to rescue some idiot who was clinging to the Waterside pub after attempting to sail down a very swollen and fast moving Irwell on an inflatable canoe. Here's the <a href="http://www.burytimes.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1990022.mostviewed.canoeists_daredevil_stunt_in_flood_waters.php">Bury Times piece on the incident</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2335592" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/592/2335592_f4f11fd276_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Dusk on Bass Lane"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/02/10/summerseat_february~3707607/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2008/02/10/summerseat_february~3707607/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/11/06/summerseat_november~3254494/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-11-06:/2007/11/06/summerseat_november~3254494/Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:22:25 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2124569" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/569/2124569_1dd2d87017_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Leaves"></a></p> <p>Autumn's finally arrived in the village and as you can see the weather today was great for photography. The beeches in particular are stunning at the moment. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2124564" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/564/2124564_91176462c9_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Woods"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2124563" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/563/2124563_bd4c13bf86_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bridge Over The River Irwell"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2124565" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/565/2124565_f31eb7ae0b_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="River Irwell"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2124567" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/567/2124567_87453319cc_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Waterside Road"></a></p> <p>The stone below is now set into a wall on Waterside Road but was originally from The Co-Operative shop which I'm told used to stand at the junction near the Liberal Club. </p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co-operative_movement">The Co-Operative movement </a>was developed in nearby Rochdale in the 1800's and offered affordable produce, education and loans and saving opportunities for working people. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2124570" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/570/2124570_70195ca118_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Co-Op Stone"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2124568" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/568/2124568_9fb6c6acae_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Roses"></a></p> <p>These roses are still going strong in one of the beautifully tended beds on the <a href="http://east-lancs-rly.co.uk/">ELR</a> station. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/11/06/summerseat_november~3254494/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/11/06/summerseat_november~3254494/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/10/20/summerseat_october~3166371/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-10-20:/2007/10/20/summerseat_october~3166371/Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:57:38 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2077790" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/790/2077790_12cf09fe67_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Robin Road"></a></p> <p>Robin Road runs behind the now boarded up Liberal Club on Waterside Road and leads down to an area known locally as Lammy Bank where public footpaths criss cross through the woods. If you take the path which forks to the left you can walk alongside the stream to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holcombe_Brook">Holcombe Brook</a> and will emerge close to the <a href="http://www.pub-explorer.com/lancs/pub/hare&houndsholcombebrook.htm">Hare and Hounds pub</a>. On your way you'll see some overgrown foundations, all that's now left of Robin Road Mill, and also old dams where water was drawn from the stream to power looms and wash cotton. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2077789" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/789/2077789_709554f2ee_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Robin Road"></a></p> <p>In 1826 the mill was visited by around 200 <a href="http://www.cottontimes.co.uk/luddo.htm">Luddites</a> who <a href="http://www.cottontimes.co.uk/1826-03.htm">destroyed 38 looms</a> before moving on towards Bury. More information on Summerseat's mills along with the history of the village can be found on the excellent <a href="http://summerseat.ourwardfamily.com/mills_of_summerseat.htm">Ward family website</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2077791" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/791/2077791_aa4f1e670b_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="River Irwell through trees"></a></p> <p>The steep right hand fork in the path will take you up through the woods and provides great views across the village as it passes behind the playing field and brick houses. I found this excellent and highly recommended <a href="http://www.rossendale.gov.uk/tourism/downloads/no.43_Summeseat_Brook_%5B2.25m%5D.pdf">walking map</a> courtesy Rossendale Council which takes you along this route and around the village taking in many of the best sights Summerseat has to offer.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2077792" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/792/2077792_2a9605144f_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Holly & India Streets"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/10/20/summerseat_october~3166371/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/10/20/summerseat_october~3166371/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/10/07/jumbles_reservoir_october~3097870/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-10-07:/2007/10/07/jumbles_reservoir_october~3097870/Sun, 07 Oct 2007 14:05:04 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2039701" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/701/2039701_5385545ede_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Jumbles Reservoir"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bolton.org.uk/jumbles.html">Jumbles Reservoir</a> is less than 10 minutes by car from Summerseat and is located just off the A676 road to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolton">Bolton</a>. The drive takes you out through the villages of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holcombe%2C_Greater_Manchester">Holcombe</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawkshaw%2C_Greater_Manchester">Hawkshaw</a> and up across the hills which overlook the reservoir. There are also two great restaurants along this road called <a href="http://sugarvine.com/Lancashire/reviews/review_detail.asp?restaurantid=45421&name=Dine">Dine</a> and <a href="http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/food/s/211/211762_restaurant_review_the_india_gate.html">India Gate</a>, both of which are well worth a visit.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2039698" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/698/2039698_37d7ff77fc_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Angler"></a></p> <p>Jumbles is a great place to jog, walk dogs or just take in the fresh air and it's also home to sailing and angling clubs. The country park provides some beautiful views and the public footpath also links up to the nearby Wayoh reservoir and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Turton">Turton</a> village if you fancy <a href="http://www.mikes-walks.co.uk/Walks/WestPennine/3_Reservoirs/3_reservoirs.html">a longer walk</a>. If you're heading that way make sure you drop into <a href="http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/23/23299/Black_Bull/Turton">the Black Bull</a> for a pint and some great pub food.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2039699" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/699/2039699_9b38227509_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Jumbles Reservoir"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/10/07/jumbles_reservoir_october~3097870/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/10/07/jumbles_reservoir_october~3097870/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/08/22/more_summerseat_august~2852453/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-08-22:/2007/08/22/more_summerseat_august~2852453/Wed, 22 Aug 2007 18:45:33 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1904146" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/146/1904146_5887004b18_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bass Lane"></a></p> <p>Bass Lane is the one thing about Summerseat you just have to learn to live with. The single track road (with occasional passing places) drops down towards the village from the nearby M66 junction and regularly snarls up in the rush hour with traffic cutting through. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1904147" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/147/1904147_7840435901_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Peel Tower"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1904156" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/156/1904156_ef4041ad6c_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bass Lane"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1904148" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/148/1904148_9c32d9d208_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="River Irwell"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1904157" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/157/1904157_0f8737f2eb_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Waterside Road"></a></p> <p>This part of Waterside Road and the bridge over the river are the other stretches of single track in the village and also get busy at peak times. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1904151" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/151/1904151_8d12befe0a_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cottages on Waterside Road"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1904150" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/150/1904150_574ae001d5_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Riverbank"></a></p> <p>These pink flowers look like some kind of orchid and are absolutely everywhere at the moment.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1904152" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/152/1904152_23adca2825_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="River Irwell"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/08/22/more_summerseat_august~2852453/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/08/22/more_summerseat_august~2852453/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/08/12/summerseat_august~2796197/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-08-12:/2007/08/12/summerseat_august~2796197/Sun, 12 Aug 2007 16:12:09 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1876385" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/385/1876385_43835a71cf_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Railway station"></a></p> <p>I'm not sure what happened to the summer but these shots were grabbed in between passing clouds. The above sign is on Summerseat train station which is a stop on the <a href="http://www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk/">East Lancashire Railway</a> line.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1876386" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/386/1876386_cac6a092c3_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Railway Street"></a></p> <p>Railway Street used to be lined with houses on both sides of the road but the row closest to the river was knocked down 30 or 40 years ago. One of the village's biggest attractions is Summerseat Garden Centre which lies just beyond these houses. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1876387" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/387/1876387_8145364981_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Plantation View"></a></p> <p>Plantation View overlooks Summerseat Park and is one of a number of three storey terraces originally built for local mill workers. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1876388" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/388/1876388_c694ef739f_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Spinnings"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/08/12/summerseat_august~2796197/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/08/12/summerseat_august~2796197/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/07/28/summerseat_july~2716986/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-07-28:/2007/07/28/summerseat_july~2716986/Sat, 28 Jul 2007 16:25:51 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1836351" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/351/1836351_6ff4ad95fa_m.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="River Irwell"></a></p> <p>Work and the weather have been against me of late. I missed the egg rolling on Holcombe Hill, the Summerseat May Queen procession and a few flooded streets. Hopefully I'll catch them next year apart from the last one...</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/07/28/summerseat_july~2716986/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/07/28/summerseat_july~2716986/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/04/29/gollinrod_gorge_april~2180211/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-04-29:/2007/04/29/gollinrod_gorge_april~2180211/Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:02:56 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1432351" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/351/1432351_ee6258c2a7_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="River Irwell"></a></p> <p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Irwell">River Irwell</a> runs from the hills above <a href="http://www.ramsbottom.net/">Ramsbottom</a> through Summerseat and on to Manchester where it eventually joins the Ship Canal. As the river approaches the villlage it enters Gollinrod Gorge, a little known beauty spot enclosed by heavily wooded cliffs.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1432477" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/477/1432477_ed22f19d74_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Waterside"></a></p> <p>The river at the mouth of the gorge is spanned by The Waterside pub an old part of the <a href="http://summerseat.ourwardfamily.com/mills_of_summerseat.htm">Brooksbottoms Mill</a> complex. The Waterside closed last year and has still not reopened. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1432349" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/349/1432349_eb458bf9e5_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Irwell Footbridge"></a></p> <p>The footbridge above was built in 1897 and although there seems to be little purpose to it there's lots of evidence of stonework from old mill buildings adjacent to the river. The bridge is fenced off now as it's apparently unsafe for pedestrians.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1432347" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/347/1432347_697d726ec7_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bluebells"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1432344" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/344/1432344_d41abe52c3_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bluebells"></a></p> <p>The woods which line the gorge are currently carpeted with bluebells and its possible to walk from Summerseat to Ramsbottom following the route of the river.</p> <p>The Gorge is generally unknown to anyone other than locals and you will often have the whole area to yourself. A word of warning - some of the paths are steep in places.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1432472" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/472/1432472_c9148fe7cd_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Peacock Butterfly"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1432479" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/479/1432479_798f2703c6_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Wood-Sorrel"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1432474" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/474/1432474_5c9097544a_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Spinnings"></a></p> <p>The above photo shows the rear of The Spinnings apartments which were converted from the former Hoyles Mill which closed down in the Seventies.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1433161" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/161/1433161_b24779f64c_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cliff Face"></a></p> <p>I think the cliffs are made of limestone and huge eroded slabs of this line the riverbed. When the water level is low its possible to step across and sit on flat, stone 'islands'. The river's also a great place to keep a bottle of wine chilled in the Summer! </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1433163" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/163/1433163_00690709f1_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="River Irwell"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/04/29/gollinrod_gorge_april~2180211/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/04/29/gollinrod_gorge_april~2180211/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/04/25/cherry_blossom_april~2160092/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-04-25:/2007/04/25/cherry_blossom_april~2160092/Wed, 25 Apr 2007 18:25:29 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1396279" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/279/1396279_735a670dbf_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cherry Blossom"></a></p> <p>Summerseat is awash with blossom just now. These trees are on India Street which is one of the brick house terraces in the village.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1396281" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/281/1396281_fe6db0aa97_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="India Street"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/04/25/cherry_blossom_april~2160092/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/04/25/cherry_blossom_april~2160092/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/04/01/summerseat_april~2014268/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-04-01:/2007/04/01/summerseat_april~2014268/Sun, 01 Apr 2007 15:28:36 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1293250" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/250/1293250_64393fafa3_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Spinnnings"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1293251" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/251/1293251_0df2685543_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Spinnnings"></a></p> <p>The above pictures show the former <a href="http://summerseat.ourwardfamily.com/mills_of_summerseat.htm">Hoyles Mill</a> which was redeveloped into The Spinnings apartments in 1987. The overhead shot was taken from the footpath which extends up from Hill Street to the bottom of Bass Lane and skirts the side of Gollinrod Gorge.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1293252" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/252/1293252_a620723412_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Hill Street"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1293253" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/253/1293253_a067c5ccd7_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Queens Place"></a></p> <p>Hill Street and Queens Place are built on the hillside to the East of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Irwell">River Irwell </a>and feature some seriously steep roads and pathways. In both the above photographs you can see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peel_Monument">Peel Tower</a> atop <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/02/03/holcombe_february~1676080">Holcombe Hill</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1293255" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/255/1293255_398d43f33c_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Railway Street bridge"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1293254" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/254/1293254_621ccfab8a_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="riverside walk"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/04/01/summerseat_april~2014268/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/04/01/summerseat_april~2014268/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/03/25/summerseat_march~1974550/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-03-25:/2007/03/25/summerseat_march~1974550/Sun, 25 Mar 2007 21:08:37 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1275675" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/675/1275675_507f941caa_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Hill Street"></a></p> <p>Hill Street leads drivers through a series of hairpin bends and stone cottages to the single track bridge besides the still closed Waterside pub and restaurant. We're not sure if they've found a new buyer yet but the village seems almost too quiet without the crowds who would undoubtedly be filling the beer garden on such a warm Sunday afternoon. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1275676" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/676/1275676_3b07ab8ddc_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Daffodils"></a></p> <p>As the clocks went forward for British summertime, Spring has finally arrived in the village. Summerseat seems to be awash with daffodils and these were shot on the verges of the ELR railway station with the River Irwell in the background. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1275704" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/704/1275704_3eb599b2b2_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="ELR Station Sign"></a></p> <p>Passenger trains are now running every weekend on the line which stretches from Bury to Rawtenstall and you can even take to the footplate and drive an engine yourself under supervision on the quieter weekdays. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1275677" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/677/1275677_94caebfbb9_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Plantation View"></a></p> <p>Plantation View overlooks Summerseat Park and is the first in a row of terraces known locally as the brick houses. The three storey cottages date back to the late 1800's and were originally built to house workers from the nearby mills.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1275678" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/678/1275678_6568f9fae8_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Brick Houses Alley"></a></p> <p>In the 1980's the council knocked down almost every other row to create gardens and driveways on the previously back to back houses. As a result they're now extremely popular with buyers and seem to sell within days of going on the market.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/03/25/summerseat_march~1974550/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/03/25/summerseat_march~1974550/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/02/03/holcombe_february~1676080/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-02-03:/2007/02/03/holcombe_february~1676080/Sat, 03 Feb 2007 22:24:46 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1145635" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/635/1145635_1c89c4bbbc_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Peel Tower"></a></p> <p>Summerseat is situated in the Irwell Valley beneath <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/135132">Holcombe Hill</a> which rises an impressive 1100 feet above sea level. The hill is topped by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peel_Monument">Peel Tower</a>, a monument commemorating Bury born <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Peel ">Sir Robert Peel</a>, Prime Minister of Britain between 1841 and 1846 and founder of the modern police force.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1145637" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/637/1145637_a0e09c0b72_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="view east over the Irwell Valley"></a></p> <p>The 128 foot high tower which was completed in 1852 can be seen from miles around and provides stunning views across Lancashire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and North Wales. It’s claimed you can even see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackpool_Tower">Blackpool Tower</a> on a clear day and a flag is flown on days when the tower is open to the public who can climb the 150 steps to the top.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1145636" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/636/1145636_549c798a8d_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Holcombe Moor"></a></p> <p>Holcombe Moor is part of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Pennine_Moors">West Pennine Moors</a> which cover 90 square miles of Lancashire and contain many reservoirs which serve the county and adjacent Greater Manchester. In the summer you can occasionally see wild cotton growing on the moorland which 'escaped' from the area's numerous but long gone mills. Holcombe Moor is also home to an <a href="http://www.army.mod.uk/ate/public/warcop.htm">army and TA training camp</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1145646" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/646/1145646_a16ae0faa3_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Emmanuel Church, Holcombe"></a></p> <p>Directly beneath the hill lies Holcombe village, a small parish of nearby town <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsbottom ">Ramsbottom</a>. The village is dominated by Emmanuel Church where a wedding was taking place this afternoon. The bride and groom must have been overjoyed at the fine but unseasonal weather they had for their big day.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1145647" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/647/1145647_8085db764c_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Moor Road"></a></p> <p>Moor Road is actually just a track which provides access to local farms and leads down from the hill to Holcombe village where many walkers take advantage of the conveniently situated <a href="http://www.pubfoodguide.co.uk/pubs/bury-shoulder-of-mutton.htm">Shoulder of Mutton pub</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1145648" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/648/1145648_5e2692060f_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Peel Tower through trees"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/02/03/holcombe_february~1676080/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/02/03/holcombe_february~1676080/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/01/18/river_irwell_summerseat_after_heavy_rain~1574469/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-01-18:/2007/01/18/river_irwell_summerseat_after_heavy_rain~1574469/Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:52:09 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1108416" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/416/1108416_ec4fda15fc_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Irwell rising"></a></p> <p>Gales and heavy rain have hit the entire UK and Summerseat has been no exception. It seemed to rain constantly throughout the night and is dramatically evident in today's river level. </p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Irwell">The Irwell</a> is fed from the streams and moors above <a href="http://www.ramsbottom.net/">Ramsbottom</a> and runs for about 15 miles to Manchester city centre and Salford where it joins the <a href="http://www.penninewaterways.co.uk/manchester/shipcanal.htm">Manchester Ship Canal</a>. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/01/18/river_irwell_summerseat_after_heavy_rain~1574469/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/01/18/river_irwell_summerseat_after_heavy_rain~1574469/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/01/14/january~1553222/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2007-01-14:/2007/01/14/january~1553222/Sun, 14 Jan 2007 14:25:26 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1099010" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/010/1099010_433370f7fe_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="ELR steam train"></a></p> <p>Summerseat is probably best known for being on the route of the <a href="http://www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk/index2.php">East Lancashire Railway</a> and many people's first glimpse of the village tends to have been from a train. In addition to the regular weekend timetable, ELR run occasional <a href="http://www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk/diners.php">Red Rose diner specials</a> which stop at various scenic locations for each course. Starters are often served on this bridge spanning the River Irwell in the village. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1099009" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/009/1099009_732c5cdda2_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Waterside"></a></p> <p>Another major attraction until recently was The Waterside pub and restaurant. The pub was always popular at weekends throughout the summer months particularly when the weather was good as there's lots of outdoor space for drinkers. It's currently up for sale after closing down in November of last year. Thankfully there are two other pubs in the village - <a href="http://www.footballersinn.co.uk/">The Footballers Inn</a> and <a href="http://www.hamersarms.co.uk/">The Hamers Arms</a> in Higher Summerseat. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1099011" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/011/1099011_a642b64df0_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="River Irwell"></a></p> <p>This picture was taken off the road bridge on Railway Street and the river is much higher than usual due to what seems like weeks of constant rain. Today was very different and more like a bright late spring day.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1099012" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/012/1099012_060b8cb34a_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Miller Street"></a></p> <p>The white-washed terrace of houses on Miller Street were originally homes to senior workers from the nearby <a href="http://summerseat.ourwardfamily.com/mills_of_summerseat.htm">Hoyles Mill</a>. The main mill building was converted into The Spinnings luxury flats in the late Eighties and sits at the foot of Gollinrod Gorge. Not many people seem to be aware of the gorge and you can walk through it to Ramsbottom often without seeing anyone else.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/01/14/january~1553222/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2007/01/14/january~1553222/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2006/11/18/dog_walking~1342466/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2006-11-18:/2006/11/18/dog_walking~1342466/Sat, 18 Nov 2006 10:43:52 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=966920" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/920/966920_73845f2c5d_o.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="dog walker"></a></p> <p>Work and some fairly grim weather have got in the way of updating the blog recently. Thankfully it was bright this morning so I took the opportunity to get out for an hour. </p> <p>This picture was taken on the cobbled path heading up and out of the village towards Nuttall Lane. The dog walker makes it for me... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2006/11/18/dog_walking~1342466/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2006/11/18/dog_walking~1342466/#commentshttp://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2006/11/03/welcome_to_summerseat_views~1291046/tag:summerseat.blog.co.uk,2006-11-03:/2006/11/03/welcome_to_summerseat_views~1291046/Fri, 03 Nov 2006 10:36:39 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=931593" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/593/931593_63fe309e9f_m.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Autumn leaves - Gollinrod Gorge"></a></p> <p>Thanks for visiting Summerseat Views, a blog I've created to indulge my love of photography and document this beautiful English village I've lived in for the past three years with my wife and best friend Nicky.</p> <p>Summerseat lies on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Irwell">River Irwell</a> between the northern towns of <a href="http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/towns/bury2.html">Bury</a> and <a href="http://www.ramsbottom.net/">Ramsbottom</a>. Technically it's in Greater Manchester however the county boundary changes in 1974 mean little to those who live in the area and allegiances to Lancashire still hold strong.</p> <p>Over time I intend to post images of village life and the local scenery and also tell you a bit about the history of the area. The photographs will be taken on my <a href="http://www.fujifilm.co.uk/digital/cameras/s9500/index.php?&flash=8">Fuji S9500</a> camera and will hopefully build into a lasting record of the village.</p> <p>Please feel free to drop by and watch the seasons change. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2006/11/03/welcome_to_summerseat_views~1291046/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://summerseat.blog.co.uk/2006/11/03/welcome_to_summerseat_views~1291046/#comments