Free Range Eggs

At long last we are back home, and not a minute too soon!!! Eight months in an apartment that has paper thin walls, and an entrance buzzer that reverates through the whole building was not condusive to a relaxing stay. How we missed not being able to just go into the garden whenever we wanted. Nevertheless, our vegetables came up a treat which is rather surprising seeing as we weren't tending them as much as we felt we should. However, that is now behind us. Despite not yet emptying all the boxes from storage it is certainly feeling like home.


Well, last week we collected our first four chickens, slightly later in the year than we'd anticipated, and already they are laying!!! Excellent, fresh eggs for breakfast. You just can't beat freshly laid free range eggs. We'll settle these first chickens in and then we'll add another couple.

So, back into the swing of things: The Rural Rossendale Walking Festival has been planned and organised, details below.


Rural Rossendale Walking Festival 2010 Pennine Lancashire
Many people who visit Rossendale for the first time are always pleasantly surprised by the hills and varied walks the area has to offer. This year the Rural Rossendale Walking Festival features a host of aptly named 'foodie' walks taking in the best of Rossendale's local food producers.

The interesting programme of Rural Rossendale 'foodie' walks takes place on the first weekend in October which coincides with Rossendale Farmers Market on Sunday 3rd October. So if you want to sample some local Lancashire produce and take in the best of the unique working environment of Rossendale you can book your place now by contacting Wendy Davison on 07746 556337 or email wendy.davison@btopenworld.com

For a real Lancashire experience make the most of the weekend walks by booking in to any one of the places to stay. High standards and stunning views abound and a warm welcome always awaits you in Rossendale whatever the weather.


The festival is run by volunteers. There are 2 walk leaders per walk (1 of which is a qualified first aider). A proportion of the funds raised by the event will be donated to the North West Air Ambulance and First Responders team.


Rural Rossendale Trust c/o Tippett Farm
Cowpe Rossendale Lancs BB4 7AE

Walks must be pre-booked
Dogs Welcome


Walk Date Walk Description
Approx. Distance Start Time Cost Per Person
1 Friday
01.10.10.
The Fudge Trudge
A circular route around Whitworth departing from Market St. through Healey Dell, across Brown Wardle Hill and back around Cowm Reservoir with a short stop at the Fudge Factory to refuel. 10miles/
16km 10:00 £3.00

2 Saturday
02.10.10. Saturday Sarsaparilla Surprise
A surprise walk in the Rossendale Valley with special guest photographer imparting useful tips and hints. Departing from The East Lancashire Railway station, Rawtenstall stopping off for a glass of Sarsaparilla at Fitzpatrick's Temperance Bar. Free Sarsaparilla drops for all walkers
4miles/
6km 10:00 £3.00
3 Saturday 02.10.10. Swish and Chips
A circular route departing from The Bizzy Plaice, Edenfield, walking over Scout Moor and viewing the largest onshore wind farm in England to the top of Cowpe via Sandbeds Road and back to the Bizzy Plaice for Fish and Chips.d Cowm Reservoir with a short stop at The Fudge Factory to refuel.
7 miles/
11km 10:00 £5.00
4 Sunday
03.10.10. The Soup Loop
A circular route departing from Bacup Leisure Hall, taking in part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, The Rossendale Way and the Pennine Bridleway. Stopping off en route for a delicious bowl of home-made soup.
12 miles/
19km 10:00 £3.00
5 Sunday
03.10.10. The Cheese Breeze
A family friendly walk around Cronkshaw Fold Farm viewing the farm animals and learning all about farming in the Alden Valley. Lancashire Cheese tasting back at the farm for all participating families. 2 miles/3km 10:00 Adults £3.00
Children
Free

6 Monday
04.10.10. The Black Pudding Plod
Departing from Waterside Industrial Estate the home of the award winning Real Lancashire Black Pudding Company this circular route passes around Grane Valley with superb views of the reservoirs and woodlands. Black Pudding recipe leaflet for all particpating walkers.
7 miles/
11km 10:00 £3.00

Well, we’ve just got to say CONGRATULATIONS Blackpool Football Club. What a tremendous result! Manchester United may be our first team but, having a grandson who lives in Fleetwood, and a son who studied at Fleetwood Nautical College, The Seasiders are our second team, closely followed by Burnley. We revelled in Burnley’s promotion last year but are truly excited by Blackpool’s promotion. Swapping one B for another!

For those of you that intend to travel up to watch any forthcoming Blackpool football games be sure to contact The Villa Hotel, Withnell Road, tel: 01253 341313 www.thevillahotel-blackpool.co.uk situated just yards from the Pleasure Beach and a wonderful short walk to the football ground. I can assure you a warm welcome, good food and great hospitality will be afforded you. I know cos it’s my sister’s hotel!

How excited we are also that the contractors have finally started the renovation on our bungalow. We’ve not slept in our bed since 30 December’09 and whilst living in this apartment was a novelty to begin with, it is now wearing thin. The fact that we seem to constantly have a skip on the drive concerns us for our guests but fortunately our visitors are being very understanding. The old kitchen has been removed, plasterboard has been taken off the walls, the wood has all been treated and preliminary work has begun on digging up the garden for the new drains.

Making the most of this beautiful weather we have been spending the weekend on the garden and it just makes us miss the place even more! The cauliflower, beetroot, rhubarb and broccoli are coming on a treat, can't wait to eat them, but we'll have to wait a little longer yet, lol!

We hope that the work will be completed by the end of July and if so we hope to be back in some time in August.

The itinerary for the Rural Rossendale Foodie Walking Festival has been finalised. This really is a fabulous four days with a variety of walks to suit all ages and capabilities. The added attraction is that each walk has a “food” theme and every walker receives a sample, and in some cases a full meal, as an integral part of their walk. Each year the numbers increase so be sure to book your places early. The full itinerary can be viewed at: http://www.ruralrossendale.co.uk/walking_festival.asp
As always we look forward to welcoming you as our guests for the walking weekend. As those of you that have stayed with us in the past will know, you will have the best of breakfasts to set you up for the day and the most comfortable beds to relax in at night.

This weekend we welcome Mr & Mrs Shutt who were the highest bidders in a charity auction for Queenscourt Hospice in Southport. Their prize......> a weekend with us!!!! What a weekend they have chosen!! Rossendale is a beautiful, beautiful place but when the sun is out it is absolutely divine. If you would like more information on the wonderful work carried out by Queenscourt please visit http://www.queenscourt.org.uk/

I will try my best to blog more often!

Number 678 Guest House - the blog continues

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our guests!!!! We hope 2010 has started off well for you and that your festive season was filled with fun and frivolity, yet with love and a calm that left you feeling breathless.

Our Christmas was quiet yet enjoyable. I say ‘yet’ because many of you will know that I like fun and frivolity!!! Number 678 was open over Christmas although the weather, and becoming a grandparent early, prevented a couple of guests from staying. We wish them well and will no doubt see them some during this year.

How fabulous was the snow as it fell on Christmas Day……. Gorgeous, festive, so picturesque.

Some of you were no doubt aware that we went off skiing on New Year’s Day to Morzine in the French Alps. We haven’t skied for a few years and I must be honest I was somewhat nervous. Tom decided that he would stay in his walking boots and opted for being childminder to our grandaughter. Wow, I’ve still got it!!!! I absolutely loved it. 23 of us in our party ranging from 11 months to about 60 years old, it was brill. We stayed in the most fantastic chalet, so well equipped, would definitely recommend it.

What a return though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Our bungalow was devastated by a leak that had been pumping from the loft through to every single room in the place. Result…………> everything squelching; furniture, carpets, beds, clothes, photographs everything is the building. We couldn’t even stay in the guest house as the pipes had frozen, consequently no heating and no water. It took us a few days to thaw the pipes which then resulted in 12 leaks. As it happens we weren’t on our own. The majority of small accommodation providers were either without water or without heating. What a week that was! Despite having an emergency call out policy with British Gas they didn’t deem us as an emergency!!!! It was three days before they responded to the bungalow and four days before they responded to the guest house. You can guess how impressed we were. I think a re-evaluation of emergency call out provider is necessary……….. If you have a recommendation or suggestion we are all ears.

Thankfully, all is now in order at Number 678 and we are back up and running with gusto. During 2010 we’re looking forward to welcoming all our regular and returning guests, and of course we look forward to our first time visitors.

It is only through our wonderful guests and their valued feedback that we can maintain our Four Star Silver Award accreditation.

Have a fantastic 2010.

Come see us soon.

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.