Scotland and sour milk

We’ve just returned from a wonderful week in Scotland once again. This time we stayed at a place called Lochgoilhead and it was absolutely beautiful. Tom managed to get a few days fly fishing at Inverawe and we now have a freezer stocked with freshly caught trout. Taking a six year old batman meant we had to go in the swimming pool every day but hey ho, we’d forgotten how much fun you can have with a child who thinks he’s a shark!! We’ve come back well rested and ready (I think) for the autumn and winter. Whenever we go anywhere that’s worth a little feedback we like to give it and I must stress if any of you go self catering around Argyll you must buy your meat from the butchers in Inverary, it’s just in the square where the jail is. The meat is just the best we’ve ever tasted; tender, succulent and so very tasty. Coupled with the fish market and also the great seafood restaurants around the area this definitely is a place to visit for fine food, excellent fishing, invigorating walks and wonderful scenery.

The week before we went Tom had a day at the races with some ex-colleagues and friends. Being the dutiful wife I of course offered to “cover in the guest house the following morning so that he could “rest off” his previous day’s frolicking. After all, I like to socialise, I’m not a bad cook and I know how to clean a room and make a bed. What else is there to running a guest house???? Oh dear, a guest we had for the first time was far, far too polite to mention that his cereal didn’t quite taste as it should. I was mortified when I made myself a well earned coffee once all guests had been accommodated, the milk just settled in lumps floating on the top of the cup. And oh no, who should walk in just as I was screwing up my face?? Yes, Tom!!!!! He went absolutely ballistic at me: How stupid, how careless, don’t you even know how to test milk? He went on and on…… I rushed back into the lounge to apologise to Steve who had finished his cereal admitting that it did taste a little sharp. I am so very sorry Steve but if it makes you feel any better I am well and truly sacked and not allowed near the breakfast preparations again!!!! However, on the positive side I suppose it does make Tom feel more indispensable.

We've also been interviewed and photographed by artist, Tracey Holland, who is one of a group of artists preparing an exhibition displaying the Valley of Stone. The exhibition will be focusing on the stone within the Rossendale Valley; its uses over the years, the part played in the history of Rossendale and the many stories and memories created. The exhibition which has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Groundwork Pennine Lancashire runs from 6 - 14 December at the Horse & Bamboo Theatre in Waterfoot. Some of you may already know the interesting history of our property but for those of you that would like to know more and become familiar with the wonderful and unique properties of the Rural Rossendale group as well as view the fantastic artwork featured around the Valley of Stone you really shouldn't miss what looks as though it is going to be a very interesting exhibition. See you there!!!!!

So now we start the preparations for Christmas and the New Year, before you know it 2009 will be upon us and our first granddaughter is due to greet the world at the end of January.

What a wonderful time we all had during the 2008 Walking Festival.

It was a day with "Thomas" as sixteen of us left on our first walk from East lancs Railway for the four mile Sarspirilla Stroll for what we thought was going to be a rainy wet walk. I won’t lie and say the sun shone as there were many people in Rossendale that Saturday who would contradict me! It was certainly drizzling but the intrepid gang set off. All the time I have lived in Rossendale I have never once used the underpass there in Rawtenstall, I was pleasantly surprised. Whether one calls it graffiti or art the colourful collages on the underpass walls were lovely, the artists had captured very well a selection of the Rossendale attractions and I thought they looked fab.

Up through Whitakers Park (again, I’ve never walked through it before!), through the small “zoo” where they have a selection of cute ‘smaller’ animals which appeal to the young children and up through the ski-slope. Walking up by the ski-slope was the hardest part of the walk but very enjoyable and a sense of achievement was felt at the top. For those that hadn’t seen the Halo Panotoptican before the cloud didn’t dispel the enthusiasm of the group in admiring our 21^st century design. For those of us who live in Rossendale we are all aware of the beat of Cribden. Ha, ha, we met him!!!! Just when you thought he had passed over out comes his son to carry on!!!! Moira very politely thanked him as the Gordon Ramsey of Cribden (no offence Gordon), I’ll bet you can all guess at the exchanges. Oh, for country life, ha ha. Wendy Davison gave us a very informative running commentary of the quirks of Cribden as we enjoyed our walk, along narrow lanes, passed old beautiful cottages, up hills, down dales, passed horses and finally ending at Kirkpatricks for our very welcome drink of hot sarspirilla, a kind of mix between dandelion burdock meets the best part of a cough mixture. Kirkpatricks is the only Temperance Bar left in the UK, and it’s definitely worth dtaying in Rawtenstall an extra 30 minutes for. The owner kindly gave us all a hot drink and allowed a sizeable discount off anything bought which was well received by us all.

On Sunday, the clouds passed over taking the rain away and we were left with a beautifully sunny day for our 12 mile Soup Loop. Starting from Bacup Leisure Centre we walked along part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, Mary Townley Loop and Pennine Bridleway. We had 20 walkers, one with his 18 month son in a ‘back-pack’, it was absolutely brilliant. We passed “the source of the river Irwell” in Bacup, through a working farm and farm shop, and through country lanes up the hills where grass can still grow along the lanes without being worn away by traffic. Our halfway point was at Peersclough Farm in Lumb where Chris had made three fantastic homemade soups; own grown onion soup, spicy parsnip and leek and potato. Warm buns were passed around followed by homemade flapjacks. I can tell you, after that feast we could have all taken on Everest!!!!! The second half of the walk was somewhat easier although we seemed to be forever climbing over stiles, some of them not so sturdy either. "At one with nature" we were often joined by the horses who kind f thought that joining in was fun, sorry but they may look beautiful animals in photographs but that is just where I like them, I'm terrified of horses and was glad when we moved on to the next field!!!!

I believe that all the other walks were just as enjoyable: The Fudge trudge were rewarded with a fantastic selection of free samples at the Fudge factory, tasty cheeses awaited those on the Cheese Breeze, I daren’t ask what time the wind turbine and whiskey walk came back (or in what state!!), the Black Pudding plod walkers were rewarded with the best of black pudding (an acquired taste I know, but believe me, I’ve acquired it!). If you do nothing else next year, you really must join in to the 2009 Rural Rossendale Walking Festival, already we are planning some interesting delights for our walkers.

Another reason for a late blog is that we have also had a spell in Madrid. What a truly fantastic place; the sun shone the whole time we were there with temperatures reaching 28-30 deg’s; the people are so welcoming, the metro is the cleanest/quickest/smoothest and non-threatening underground we have ever been on, the shopping is just awesome and we just had the most fantastic weekend. Highly recommended! For those of you that know Tom well you will know that when we are away from home he is only happy when he has a map; Madrid was no different!!! He always makes me laugh.

Unfortunately, we had a terrible experience with Easijet, they have got to be the worst airline ever. I accept that a budget airline offers flight only without the frills and that is just fine. But the cabin crew are so rude, and don’t even try to point out the rudeness or complain, they are just not interested, it doesn’t matter what you say in your email you just get a standard template response back, they neither accept nor reject what you say, it doesn’t matter you get the standard template response. Please, please be careful when travelling with this airline. We will never ever fly Easijet again and unless you have considerably thick skin and intend to sleep the whole of your journey then avoid Easijet. We drove all the way home from Liverpool airport totally wound up with Easijet behaviour, it certainly marred what was a lovely, lovely trip.

Again, it is a while since my last post, so much seems to be going on!

Just a few weeks ago we had a superb wedding party in, the groom’s family who ended up with a rather unusual wedding. Following a mix-up just the week before the wedding the couple found themselves without a venue for the wedding breakfast. A bit of a fuss and to do at the time but I think with hindsight all’s well that ends well, and they ended up having an excellent experience which all the guests were able to enjoy too. From Bacup Methodist Church, where the bride is the juvenile pastor, the wedding party then made their way to the East Lancashire Railway in Rawtenstall http://east-lancs-rly.co.uk/ where a superb wedding feast was enjoyed aboard specially decorated coaches. How unique was that, then, eh??? The following day there were lots of smiles and friendly chatter, a wonderful day was had by all. We were given a piece of wedding cake and I must admit it was beautiful. We wish the happy couple all the very best for the future. The mother of the bride thinks she has it tough ensuring that the females are all as they should be but I tell you from experience, looking after a bunch of males; groom, bestman, father of the groom etc. can be so tiresome. Ha, ha it wasn't any different this time; mum was there doing last minute sewing on shirts, ensuring that the hired suits were collected, calming down men who believe me can sometimes outstress women(!!), and only when all the men are suited and booted can she dare put on her best bib and tucker to shine her pride at the church. Well done, mum, I thought you were marvellously calm especially when sorting out the suits etc. the following day.

Tom and I have just returned from a wonderful stay in Madrid. Out of all the European cities we have been to this just has to be the best. The metro was clean, quick, cheap and regular; the people were so laid back; the shops were fantastic (as Tom’s wallet found out!!); the food very good and our hotel was just great. Just what we need to rid ourselves from the damp summer.

Today I sit and ache following my 12 mile walk yesterday. In preparation for the Rural Rossendale walking festival www.ruralrossendale.co.uk three of us brave ladies set off to ensure that the 12 mile Soup Loop was free from nasty surprises. Actually, it is a wonderful walk with many interesting things to see along the way. The walk takes us partway along both the Rossendale Way and the Pennine Bridleway, the Irwell Sculpture Trail, through a farm shop, atop hills from where one can easily see Cribden Hill, Cowpe Valley, Scoutmoor Windfarm and a whole host of other interesting things to see. Our midway stop will be a Peersclough Farm www.peerscloughfarm.co.uk where Chris will be fortifying us her home made soup. Whilst enjoying the soup and rest the walkers will be able to enjoy the company of Chris’ many horses who usually respond very well to a bit of attention and a gentle rub on their noses!

For those of you that will be joining us on the walking festival don’t forget to wear sturdy waterproof footwear, and I’d recommend gaitors.

That blasted mink has been back again. We chased it out of Cameron’s pond today but the cheeky little blighter came back to finish off the rest of the fish. No wonder it is such a good looking animal with such a sleek shiny coat after having cleared my three ponds of fish we’ve had for years.

Aren’t children wonderful? Today Cameron (6yr old grandson) and I went collecting caterpillars in the garden. He had great fun dressed as batman collecting up his creatures especially when I gave him a container to put them in. After encouraging his inquisitiveness how could I get cross when he decided to come and chat to me whilst I prepared dinner? I ended up with caterpillars crawling round my work surfaces whilst he giggled at the fun of it. Let’s just hope we’ve found them all!!

Well, no doubt the next few weeks are going to be as hectic as the last; so many things on the horizon. I’ll try to get lots of pics of the beautiful Rossendale countryside and points of interest along the way.

What a busy few weeks we've had with one thing and another:-

The garden was transformed a couple of weeks ago to celebrate my milestone birthday. Up went the gazebo, out came all the garden furniture (with extras bought in at the last moment), up went the makeshift bar with a great selection of beers, wines and spirits and out came the sun to shine all afternoon.

With the help of our local trusted butcher, Sean Ashworth, and our local chef and friend, Paul Roberts, we were able to entertain 50+ guests to a wonderful hog roast. It was cooked to perfection and tasted divine. Tom made a great barman and bbq cook (he seemed to be on the go every time I looked at him!!) As those of you who are familiar with Tom's evening soirees will know, it just wasn't a party without one of his curries and a pan of Lancashire tatty ash. It was a truly wonderful day, excellent fun from start to finish and the children had a great time frollicking in the river.

On to food of another kind.....enough that the slugs make a meal of our meal but now we have another visitor, a mink!!!! At first I couldn’t believe my eyes, so much activity in the pond on the patio, strange I thought, the shabunkins and goldfish are not usually so frisky. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw the mink frolicking around the pond. The cheeky little beggar saw me and just looked up, obviously it wasn’t let me spoil its fun and then I realised why. He was catching my darned fish for his supper!!!! I raced inside to get the camera but I’m afraid the one picture I did take hasn’t done him justice. Whilst I am quite miffed his dinner consisted of our pond fish he really was a lovely specimen; so black and sleek with real dark eyes. When he’d had his fill he jumped out of the pond and made a quick exit. We haven’t seen him since but, now that he’s located a good food source, wonder if he’ll be back. Who would have thought minks in Rossendale. Apparently though, local folk whilst fishing in Rossendale have seen a fair few mink around.

All the walks have now been finalised for the 2008 Walking Festival organised by Rural Rossendale. For full details of all the walks visit http://www.ruralrossendale.co.uk/walking_festival.asp As a member of the Rural Rossendale group I will be taking part in the Sarsparilla Stroll, a circular route departing from The East Lancashire Railway station, Rawtenstall, skirting the fringes of Oakenhead Wood to the Panopticon Halo and back to Rawtenstall via Cribden Hillside stopping off for a glass of Sarsaparilla at Fitzpatricks Temperance Bar, the only original temperance bar left in the UK, for a forward taste take a look at http://www.fitzpatricks1890.co.uk/index.php?page=home and then the Soup Loop, walking a circular route departing from Peersclough Farm, Lumb; taking in part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, The Rossendale Way and the Pennine Bridleway. Ending at Peersclough Farm for a delicious bowl of home-made soup. We are expecting a good turn out to what should be an even better turnout than last year.

I do believe that we have an avid reader of the blog over in America, yes Brian, I mean you!!!! Brian and Sue should be visiting us again in the autumn (sorry, Brian I just cannot get used to ‘the fall’), hopefully round the same time as the walking festival when they will be able to see a lot more of our lovely Pennine Lancashire countryside.

Number 678 Guest House -

Well cheesed off at the moment…………. The slugs have demolished my lettuces!!! I saved my yoghurt pots ready to fill with beer so the little blighters would get drunk and drown. Not so, ha ha, I kept having a glass of wine instead and kept forgetting to put the pots out!!!! End result…. Big fat slugs, invisible lettuces, how I despise them. Fortunately, the tomatoes, peppers and chillies are still doing very well with lots of little white flowers.

We took another walk up to the wind turbines, where else do you get a foot path like this???? Shoot the rapids on a gentle Sunday walk!!!

A pit stop on their John O’Groats to Lands End charity cycle ride, Matt and Mark Allam enjoyed an evening with their family staying at Number 678. Mum, Dad and sister, Sophie (their biggest fans I’m sure), were encouraging the boys on their way by meeting up with them periodically to enjoy convivial company and food. Matt and Mark have both given up their annual leave to raise funds for Merry Go Round Opportunity Group in Shefford, Bedfordshire which provides extra play, educational and social opportunities for children with any special need, including physical disabilities, learning challenges, behavioural and social difficulties. It also gives short respite for parents. Charity Registration No 803049. Keep up with the lads as they continue their journey http://www.jogle08.moonfruit.com/#

And ok, ok lads an extra plug for your entrepeneurial qualities:- http://www.giftwrapuk.co.uk/ I admire people with a bit of get up and go, ha ha no pun intended lads!

Golf is back on again and I'm pleased to say that both Tom and Matt have braved the weather to improve their swing. Don't think they're quite ready for Royal Birkdale though!!!

Number 678 Guest House - www.number678.co.uk

There are a dozen of us local ladies that make up the Rural Rossendale group, we’re a determined and committed bunch with a passion for Rossendale that cannot be matched. As we sat by Waughs Well enjoying our packed lunches sharing Wendy’s home made brownies and jam flapjacks the final touches were made with regard to this year’s walking festival. We don’t need those plush city offices to ‘bounce ideas’ or ‘brainstorm’, we bounce along the natural pathways and windstorm, lol!!; our passion for the valley lies in the valley and decisions are therefore made therein. By a natural fall overlooked by nature’s wind generating our next batch of electricity the use of Lancashire Fayre is used to create a weekend event to suit all ages and all tastes; whisky, cheese, blackpudding, soup, fudge it’s all there to tempt you into those walking boots and enjoy what nature gave us. Further details: www.ruralrossendale.co.uk walking in Rossendale has never been so good.

Throughout the summer our monthly meetings will take in one of the listed walks and this week we took in part of the Whiskey and Wind Turbine walk combined with part of the Mary Townley Loop and above the hills overlooking Cowpe Valley.

The wind turbines really are a sight to be seen. It is one thing to see them up on a hill from a distance but stood next to/under them is just another. Like them or loathe them, they’re amazing. When you stand next to them it sounds just like the drone of an aeroplane and it’s so strange with the propellers whirring and slicing over your head as you walk under them. Another strange thing we noticed; one can look at a turbine and it looks gun metal grey then, with the blink of any eye, it just changes colour to a silver grey. Alright it could be the clouds or even the light but the drastic immediate change in colour is striking. This walk is a definite must!

Never mind Richard Llewellyn’s “How Green Was My Valley” – How green is Cowpe Valley, and for that matter How green is the Rossendale Valley. Richard may have had first hand experience of the by gone days of his own Welsh valley but as you walk the rutted paths with natural springs running across those paths high above Cowpe Valley those feelings of nostalgia are there within us all. To walk along the paths whose ruts were made by those long ago horse and carts, to stumble across the fossilised fern just lay in rest surrounded by an abundance of wild cotton, it’s feeling the nostalgia of Lancashire life.

And then…….. on Saturday and Sunday it was Rossendale weekend. The weather may have shortened the activities, especially the outdoor speciality food stalls, but it was definitely worth a visit.

After a family trip to Barley in Pendle on the Saturday (but that’s another story) Tom and I walked over to Marl Pitts for Sunday’s activities in Rawtenstall. It was certainly a bracing walk over the hills, with a wind that kinda reminds you of why the Rossendale Valley was chosen to house the windfarm!!! Walking in Rossendale propelled by the wind!! There was definitely a multicultural feel to the festivities with a wide variety of music and food to reflect Rossendale’s multiculturalism. We rather enjoyed an Indian meal followed by Truly Scrumptious cakes and flapjacks home-made by Paula Bond, www.trulyscrumptious cakes.co.uk and then brought home home-made biscuits made by some local ladies for cancer research. A varied and interesting day which will be followed by a Gala Day on 5^th July again at Marl Pitts.

Three days of walking, home-made baking and curry… I think I’m going to need a week at work to get over it!!

Number 678 Guest House - the blog continues

And then there were………………………………… nine!!!

Sadly, mummy duck lost one of her little balls of yellow fluff last night and now only has three. However, mummy with ten still has nine of her ducklings, they are somewhat bigger than our others so were obviously born earlier and of course now a lot more agile.

The Rossendale Triathlon was on this weekend with over 200 competitors, all exciting stuff. Starting at 9am at Marl Pitts swimming pool the contestants started with 400m swim, 20k bike ride and 5km run. As the cycle race included the length of Burnley Road East I fully intended to have some colourful pics of 200 cyclists riding by, however in a triathlon we just wouldn’t have all 200 competitors cycling past at once, doh!!!! So here is a snapshot of just one dedicated competitor. We hope Derek and Carol Sinkinson from Cumbria enjoyed the event as they both looked very determined and fit when they left us. I envy you all the commitment, drive and energy! For all you running diehards keep in touch with up and coming events. And for those of you that want to keep up with events at Marl Pitts

Leaflets have now been printed and distributed for the Adrenalin Live weekend. Adrenalin Live is a celebration of adrenalin sport, it is completely free to spectators and promises to be an exciting adrenalin filled weekend with skiing, snowboarding, waterskiing and mountain biking. The events will be held at Ski Rossendale, Whitworth Waterski and Lee Quarry with categories from 10 yrs to 50yrs+.

In addition to the adrenalin events there will be lots of extras happening; equipment demonstrations, mountain bike skills workshops and lots more.

The closing date for entries is 7^th July so people really need to be thinking about this seriously if they want to enter.

Cutting edge music from Oli Brown Band and Chantel McGregor on Saturday evening will be supporting the event.

For further overall event information

Ski Rossendale

Cown Quarry activities

British Disabled Waterski Championships

Adrenalin Gateway Project