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.