A busy month all told!!

November here at Number 68 has started off in an eventful manner:

You'd think we'd had enough of the autumn elements after clearing away the fallen leaves, muck spreading etc. but no..... not always able to enjoy the great outdoors during the summer when we are always busier, we now use a little free time to go and wander.

After passing through Foulridge many times over the past years on our way through to Skipton and other Yorkshire towns we decided to park up and take a Sunday stroll. We were pleasantly surprised; the weather was dry and bright, and still a little warmth on the sun. Parking the car down at the sailing club on the lower reservoir is an ideal spot to start your walk along the edge of the water. Because of renovation work the water was being pumped out and therefore rather low level. Though this prevented the boats it didn't stop the keen fishermen who were, whilst we walked past, enjoying some good catches. Arriving into town we then walked down to the canal where there was a lovely bistro with a very tempting food fayre selection. We also visited a couple of the local pubs for the traditional local ale before taking the walk back to the car. A lovely, lovely afternoon before the early evening started drawing in.

This week we took a trip out to Widdop, just a little place on the ordanance survey map. We parked up in the middle of nowhere and took off up the path. What a lovely walk, again up to and past the reservoir. Despite the day being much wilder this week with slight blustery rain we enjoyed a 1.5 hour circular walk. It was fun and games with nine month old Olivia in her all terrain pram when we decided to go off the track and onto the path. Through mud and steep slopes both Tom and Jonpaul traversed the pram whilst Olivia slept peacefully unaware just how close she was from being launched!!! Finally over a four foot stone wall stile they passed the pram before we all found ourselves back onto safe ground. And lo and behold just a few minutes up the road and there it was....... right in the middle of nowhere... THE PUB!!! We enjoyed a home cooked late lunch before returning home as dusk started to draw in.

We wish Linzi all the best in her new and developing venture. For those of you that love all things pretty and vintage inspired take a look Linzi's GORGEOUS
creations at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/linziwood?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

We've gone digi!!!!

At long last we have now gone digital. Unlike many other places, some in other parts of the valley, our receiver was only switched on this week. Nevertheless, here we are, ever so high tech!!!! Obviously this means that our guests now have a greater selection of channels and dare I say, a sharper, brighter picture.

We may be getting more high tech indoors but oh how autumn has hit the garden. The hanging baskets have now been taken down and the back garden just looks like a brown carpet of leaves. Autumn is such a lovely season but why does it have to come with so much tidying up????: lawns to be raked, roses to be pruned, bushes and dead flowers to be cut back, ponds to be cleaned................

Rural Rosendale Walking Festival

For the second year running Rural Rossendale organised the Rural Rossendale Walking Festival, and once again what a huge success. Five walks over three days all with a foody theme; Soup Loop, Sarspiralla Stroll, Blackpudding Plod, Fudge Trudge and Whiskey and Wind Turbine. Naturally, the name of walk gives a clue of the delights to be expected during or after each walk. This year I walked the 7 mile Whiskey and Wind Turbine on Saturday along with Rita Alebenese and Moira Mitchell.


As "back walker" I had the pleasure of spending quite a lot of time with Hilda and Olga, two very interesting ladies who would put most people to shame. In the photograph Hilda and Olga walk with Moira. Hilda is 78 years old and likes nothing more than a good walk in and around the hills!! Having just returned from a walking holiday in Austria, the torrential wind (what else would you expect around the turbines) and rain did absolutely nothing to diffuse Hilda's enthusiasm. Apart from the beautiful, ever changing landscape and scenery, the walking festival allows me to meet and get to know some lovely people. Thank you everybody that made my walk so enjoyable but most of all thank you Hilda and Olga, I wish you lots of fun on your future walks and holidays.

Then in Sunday I did the 12 mile Soupl Loop along with Chris Thomas and Victor.
And the dog came too....

Am I mad?? You bet your life I am!!! I'm sat here with acheing feet and a LARGE glass of wine. I developed blisters a couple of weeks ago whilst marking out the Soup Loop with Wendy and Chris and felt it was probably cos I hadn't got my boots tight enough. So this time I pre-empted problems and padded my feet with plasters and tied my boots oh so tight. The result, oh my giddy aunt I have bruises and swelling like never before around my ankles!!! One year I'll win but crikey bob not this year, lol!!!
I digress..............


The Soup Loop starts at Bacup Leisure Hall and covers part of the Rossendale Way and the Irwell Sculpture Trail. Naturally we had to make a pit stop at the "Source of the Irwell" (Dave Taylor wouldn't forgive me if I didn't mention "The Source"!) Here we are, all 35 of us, at "The Source"

We then ventured on with a mid way stop at Peersclough Farm where all walkers are nourished with a selection of soups and bread that would warm the cockles of any heart. This year we had: butternut squash, leek and potato, curried pea and apple and french onion lovingly made by Chris at Peersclough Farm and Tom here at Number 678. Naturally the home made bread was supplied by "moi"; seeded white and seeded onion, delicish!!
You never know who you are going to meet on the way.........a courting couple of .................

pigs, lol. Come on, what did you expect?????
We had a fabulous day, I just loved it.


And i just got to tell you about Jo. Jo lives in Stockport and this was the first time she had attempted 12 miles. I ended up walking a fair way of the walk with Jo and had great conversation. Getting over the stiles was brilliant especially the one with over friendly horse that insisted on helping you over the stile by nudging its nose up your rear end, gosh it was so funny, you just had to be there. We had traversed the hardest part of the second leg, going from Edgheside up to the hill and felt really good about ourselves. However, Saturday had been wet so the tops, although level, were to say the least "muddy". Jo and I found ourselves a little behind the spritely group and just continued on at our own pace. Then.............. we found ourselves going through the muddiest patch ever, Jo lost her balance, I was mesmorised by the frogs jumping in the mud when...... down Jo went, "plop" right down in the mud, she was stuck! Oh, how I giggled, the rest of the group were nowhere to be seen and here was Jo stuck in the mud!!! It was so darned funny and yet Jo was so wet and muddy. I really wasn't the most professional walk guide; poor Jo was covered in mud and there was I giggling like there was no tomorrow. Fortunately Jo too had a good sense of humour and we finished the walk 10 minutes behind the leaders but I'm sure having had the best day!
Whereas Hilda was our oldest walker on Saturday, Logan was our youngest on Sunday. Back for his second year at just 2 1/2 years old he thoroughly enjoyed the walk perched on his dad back. Was I envious??? You bet your life I was, lol!!! He giggled all the way round and thought it was so funny when his welly boot fell off and Dad caught it with a stick and contineud to throw it ahead from the end of the stick. A lovely, lovely little boy.


If good fun, good company, good food, a view of the most interesting landscape ever and the warmest welcome ever is up your street then you really must ensure you join us next year. We are thinking of adding a couple of new walks next yeat so who knows what delights may be in store for you.
A fabulous, fabulous weekend. I can't wait for next year. In the meantime I'll have another glass of wine and look at my ankles with a giggle..........

A Wedding in the Family

Another wedding for the Valley(Black and white photograph courtesy of Prague City Weddings)

What an eventful August!! Our eldest son, Jonpaul, married Sian in a civil ceremony at The Old Town Square in Prague. What a wonderful place to get married and a wonderful place to go as a wedding guest. The sun shone brightly and the guests were ready to congratulate and celebrate with the happy couple. A fleet of vintage cars awaited guests following the ceremony where each guest was treated with a 45 minute sightseeing tour around Prague. What a wonderful experience!!! Not only did we all feel like royalty being driven round Prague in beautiful cars all dressed in our finery but we were shown so much that would have taken us so long on foot.

We celebrated in style at the Letensky Zamecek Chateau overlooking the Vltava River with impressive unique views to Prague's Old Town. In true style we danced and rocked until midnight and everyone went away having had a truly wonderful day. The bride and groom enjoyed it too, lol!!

All in all we stayed a week in Prague; a few days to get ready for the wedding and a few days to get over it!!

I’m sure those of you that have met Jonpaul during your stay(s) with us will wish him and Sian a wonderful life together.

Our younger son, Thomas, made a wonderful bestman whilst Sian's sister, Emily, and her good friend, Sam, were beautiful bridesmaids.

Our son's wedding in Prague

Number 678 Guest House - the blog continues

What a wonderful time was had by all in Prague. For those of you that are new to Number 678 our eldest son, Jonpaul, married Sian in Prague on Saturday. Friends and family that couldn't make the journey were able to watch part of the wedding on Prague Old Town Square webcam. However, they were very fortunate to have 44 friends and family members join them to celebrate.

Before going to the Letensky Chateau for the reception the guests were treated to full tour of Prague in vintage cars; wonderful experience that everybody fully enjoyed

Congratulations Amie and Martin Duxbury

What a wonderful occasion at number 678 Guest House!!!!!

Amie Kershaw and Martyn Duxbury were married at Lumb Baptist Church 1pm Friday 24 July. Long life, fun and laughter to you both.

Amie looked absolutely gorgeous in the most exquisite ivory dress with layer upon layer of silk and netting; beautiful ivory satin shoes gently kissed with beautiful diamantes to match the gentle jewels on her gown.



Seven bridesmaids escorted Amie down the aisle; Lindsey, Vicki, Michaela, Louise, Nikita, Ashley and Heather all looked stunning in their black flowing dresses with such killer heels to match!!!!! (only six girls in the picture, I know!!)

Dad Stephen looked ever such the proud dad as he prepared to pass custody of his precious daughter over to Martyn. Father and bride travelled to church in a 1936 Rolls Royce which was originally owned by the mayor of London!!

What a wonderful occasion

The Villa Hotel Blackpool

Fancy a break in Blackpool?????????????
Want to stay in a hotel where you are guaranteed the friendliest of welcomes???????
Why not try The Villa Hotel, Withnell Road, Blackpool
www.thevillahotel-blackpool.co.uk
Positioned at South pier, it's a brilliant spot for the Pleasure Beach, Waterworld, Grosvenor Casino and bingo.
Gillian, John and Craig will ensure that your stay is exactly what you want it to be!!!!

Burnley FC reach the Premiership

Well done Burnley FC
To keep abreast of all that is happening with Clarets log on to http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/page/NewsHome/0,,10413,00.html

Easter at Number 678

Easter weekend is upon us and with it such beautiful spring weather.

Spring always conjures up a picture of fluffy yellow chicks, snow white lambs, the return of the swallows and generally more active wildlife. Here at Number 678 we are no different. Mummy duck has laid us 16 eggs and we wait with baited breath for all 16 to hatch. As is common place, Mummy sits on the eggs whilst Daddy wards off any potential danger. She’s nested in an awkward spot this year but I’m sure that if I’m vigilant I’ll manage to get a snapshot. Watch this space…………

Last weekend we managed to take the short walk up to the weather station at Dunnockshaw. This is a pretty “easy” straight walk with access just afacing Clowbridge Reservoir. Despite Tom, Jonpaul and Sian being readily available with just one pushchair between them carrying Olivia, it was left up to grandma yet again to be the budding adventurer with Cameron our seven year old grandson. It really isn’t much fun just walking up the path we had to deviate off and climb the “mountains” collecting dinosaur bones. Cameron and I were still traversing mountains by the time the others had reached the top and turned back again. Needless to say, although we got very close, we didn’t actually make it to stand next to the weather station and claim victory. Nevertheless, I still claim a victory of hill climbing when the others were content with walking the path. As was expected, the views across the valley were spectacular, even more so as the weather was beautifully sunny. It’s a lovely walk for the children and especially at this time of year with the lambs jumping around. The local farmers make walkers very welcome with friendly smiles.

We’ve also managed to reline the pond and restock with fish. A warning……. Do not let a seven year old poke through the ice with a pitchfork!!!!!! I know, I know, we should know better, but he really thought he was helping.

Olivia Rose Hannam

Our first grandaughter, Olivia Rose, made her grand entrance 8 February. As is expected from proud grandparents we think Olivia is just beautiful. She is blessed with a wonderful big brother, Cameron, who is getting rather impatient that she isn't yet walking and talking! Well, at 7 years old I suppose time just doesn't pass quick enough!!

Silver Award

We are pleased to report that during their annual inspection Visit Britain not only maintained our four star accreditation but they also upgraded Number 678 to a SILVER AWARD.
A very big thank you to all our guests for making this possible.
"This award is given to hotels and guest accommodation. It reflects a high level of quality, comfort and cleanliness in bedrooms and bathrooms with very good levels of customer care and food provision" http://www.visitbritain.co.uk/accommodation/qas.aspx

This award underpins the very valuable feedback we receive from our clients. We listen very carefully to your comments and suggestions, and those of you that visit us regularly will no doubt notice those subtle changes and additions that make your stay even more enjoyable.

Our thanks again to you all. Congratulations, Tom, you deserve it!

Innit: Urban Musical

And so to the highlight of our week:
The opening night of Innit: Urban Musical at The Lowry, Salford Quays. It really was an excellent production, thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed it. Mickey Dacks managed to capture the street life of Salford with both wit and understanding. “High expectations in a low-life world”, well I’ll leave you to decide. Along with our family, who were all born and bred in Salford, we were totally captivated with “Stacey Stevens” played by Amy Hannam whose powerful yet when needed, gentle, voice totally captivated “Ashley”, the leading man, leading him from the low-life into a love life to start their journey into a happy life. Well done all the cast; the drunken ladies who transformed into corporate puppets and tough prison wardens, they were so talented and funny to watch; the street gang all with their own unique characters transforming into prison inmates before reverting back to the street gang; dead hard dad, Ricky Thomas and the very entertaining music shop owner. If you want entertaining with good fun, clever lyrics and a story to touch all with its final message then I urge you to go and see this production. WELL DONE AMY HANNAM ON YOUR FIRST PROFEESSIONAL PERFORMANCE!! We are all so very, very proud of you

Irwell Vale walk

This Sunday we did a much shorter walk starting at Irwell Vale Halt. Whilst Irwell Vale isn’t the best signposted spot it is worth finding. Unbeknown to us the Duke of Gloucester steam engine was making a run along the railway line into Rawtenstall and with many steam locomotive enthusiasts we stood in awe as this “steam engineering masterpiece”, blew its whistle and gave friendly waves with the brilliant white steam blowing into the clear skies. I managed to take one photograph before the battery went on my camera, ‘bout right!

Once again we were privy to beautiful spots of nature along our walk. Just 2.5 miles round trip we walked along the River Irwell, by the sides of and under the railway track, through fields and under enchanting bridges. Children of all ages would love this walk, not advisable to cycle or take pushchairs on the full loop but once again lots of interesting spots that would easily capture the imagination of the young ones. We keep stumbling across interesting heritage spots on our walks and this was no exception, this walk took us along the Irwell Valley Sculpture Trail where we passed the “In the Picture” sculpture. The work is a giant wooden picture frame, 4.8m high and 6m wide, which frames a view of an idyllic landscape of woods and fields, with carved wooden sculptures in the foreground. The footpath runs through the frame allowing the visitor to step into the ‘picture’ asboth the viewer and subject of the piece. The work comes alive through the participation of the viewer and encourages active engagement.

Walking in Rossendale

We've enjoyed a couple of lovely walks over the past couple of weeks. First of all we walked along the canal towpath from Todmorden through to Hebden Bridge. I was so sure that I had read somewhere that it was a three mile walk, three miles there and three miles back not so bad, eh?? We were fortunate to get bright sunshine and we were pleasantly surprised and the lovely landscape along the way. There are some lovely barges where both individuals and small communities of barge people have set up home. It's like another world along there and despite the lovely walk by the time we arrived in Hebden Bridge it did feel as though we'd walked a tad further than three miles. Not to worry, we enjoyed a couple of glasses of traditional ale before we set off on our walk back. Not sure where I read that it was three miles as it is actually 4.5 miles!! A brisk nine mile walk instead of the three we'd planned, more good than harm though!!
For those of you that would like to give it a go: it is a gentle easy walk, ideal if you have a pushchair and superb for cycling. Lots of interesting things along the way especially for children and there are parts of the towpath that actually double up as water overflows from the canal so if you go in sandals be prepared to get your toes wet. The paddling isn't obligatory though as there are raised walkways as an alternative.

Amy Hannam - Innit: Urban Musical - The Lowry

My blog today has absolutely no bearing at all on Number 678 but nevertheless is still in my opinion worth blogging.

For those of you that want to add theatre entertainment to your stay will not be disappointed. Running from 27th - 31th Jan, Innit: Urban Musical should not be missed. Apart from it being wonderful entertainment the leading lady is no other than our much loved and very talented neice, Amy Hannam. Ever since she started at dance school at the tender age of just five years old the whole family have supported her through all her trials and tribulations and we have never missed any of her shows; through dance school, every performance at Parrenthorn High School and every performance at Pendleton College whilst she studied performing arts.
And now at 19 years old following many amateur parts here she is in her best professional part ever:-

Take a look at:
http://www.thelowry.com/WhatsOn/EventDetail.aspx?EventId=3590

Innit: Urban Musical
"Salford is no taste of honey. This Salford is soaked in salt 'n' vinegar. Brilliant, witty and double-stilled, Innit:Urban Musical will leave a warm glow of optimism long after the shock of having your car nicked.
Innit is back with a brand new team, zigzagging through the Salford's mean streets in a stolen 'Bmer'.
Will Ashley go straight or straight back to the slammer?
High expectations in a low-life, high rise world.
Survivial is instinct.
What Billy Elliot did for dance, Innit does for Salford...."

For more information on Micky Dacks and his life:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1017140_how_to_help_kids_avoid_crime_

Her avid fan club will be there on her first night supporting both her and the whole cast.
Where can Micky Dacks go next?????????
I just know you will enjoy this production, so don't blame us if you miss it!!
Enjoy

We cannot go any further without giving our heartfelt thanks to my longest and trusted friend, Susan. Tom and I were lucky enough to get a last minute break away on 3 January knowing that we left Number 678 in capable hands. So, whilst all in the UK were experiencing/enjoying/hating/loving the deep freeze that engulfed the UK Tom and I were enjoying wonderful long walks over dry, warm hills to rest at the end of the walk with a cool beer (and oh such a small cool gin and tonic!!) The weather was brilliant but sadly we did get a miserable rainy last day. However, we flew back into Manchester on Sunday the weather had turned and the temperatures were back up here. Wonderful timing I'd say!!! Susan ensured that our regular guests enjoyed top class service and facilities and welcomed our new guests from Australia. She even made two guests welcome who had stayed to enjoy a cyling trip round Rossendale in the sleet and snow, brrrhhhh, she's a good un!! Thanks Sue, we are already busy planning our next jaunt away.

Our grandaughter is due in two weeks time so watch this space!!!!!!!!

Welcome 2009

We take this opportunity to wish guests both old and new a wonderful 2009. If we had the power our gift to you all would be good health, lots of fun and laughter and enough prosperity to keep the wolves away. We look forward to welcoming you all back again throughout the year. And to those of you that we haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting we look forward to welcoming you during your next stay in Rossendale. Cheers!!

At the beginning of December Liz and Kevin Davison, competition winners from Rossendale Visitor’s Guide 2008 enjoyed their “prize” weekend comprising of two nights accommodation, meals and visits to local tourist attractions in the Rossendale Valley.

Staying at Number 678 Guest House in Whitewell Bottom, and braving our 6" of snow Liz and Kevin enjoyed a full weekend visiting Fudge Factory, Rossendale Museum, Helmshore Mills and Ski Rossendale. Before returning to their relaxing four star riverside setting Liz and Kevin enjoyed the local hospitality and food at both the White Horse Haslingden and Sleigh Restaurant in Helmshore.

All prizes were donated by the owners and proprietors each ensuring that our winning couple were left with a strong impression of the Rossendale Valley’s beauty, hospitality, community spirit, warmth of welcome and tasty food.

“Many thanks for a lovely stay” …Liz and Kevin Davison

It was certainly our pleasure to have our competition winners as our guests.