Heritage Gallery http://windytowers.fotopic.net/ 20 rows en-gb 60 ELR Vintage Transport Gathering http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1758407.html The ELR held their annual vintage transport gathering on the car park at Bury Bolton Street Station on Sunday 13th of September 2009. Unfortunately I wasn't able to stay very long due to having to attend the locol rushcart event, which was taking place on the same day, so I was only able to photograph the vehicles which had already arrived, and would no doubt have missed many of the later arrivals. Sunday 13 September 2009: The ELR held their annual vintage transport gathering on the car park at Bury Bolton Street Station on Sunday 13th of September 2009. Unfortunately I wasn't able to stay very long due to having to attend the locol rushcart event, which was taking place on the same day, so I was only able to photograph the vehicles which had already arrived, and would no doubt have missed many of the later arrivals.

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]]> Sun Sep 13 2009 Whitworth Rushcart - September 2009 http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1756048.html The annual Whitworth Rushcart procession took place on Sunday 13th of September 2009, and this time it had a change of route, and instead of starting at the Riverside (Civic Hall), finished there instead. Starting place was on North Street, which is close to the Whitworth Museum, and the route followed the main road (Market Street) on its way to the Riverside. After the miserable weather of recent weeks, this time the Sun shone on the righteous, and a good time was had by all, with the event well attended by the local population. As well as the Whitworth Morris Men, the world famous Britannia Coco-Nutters from Bacup also took part, along with the very colourful Manchster Morris Men, and a ladies Morris team called 'Persephone', from across the Pennines in West Yorkshire. The 'Thieving Magpies' and St. Bartholomew's Cheerleaders also took part, and music was provided by the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Band. All in all another excellent event, and the change to a Sunday, which started last year, has turned this into a very popular family event, which looks set to go from strength to strength! Well done and thank you to all the organisers and participants! Sunday 13 September 2009: The annual Whitworth Rushcart procession took place on Sunday 13th of September 2009, and this time it had a change of route, and instead of starting at the Riverside (Civic Hall), finished there instead. Starting place was on North Street, which is close to the Whitworth Museum, and the route followed the main road (Market Street) on its way to the Riverside. After the miserable weather of recent weeks, this time the Sun shone on the righteous, and a good time was had by all, with the event well attended by the local population. As well as the Whitworth Morris Men, the world famous Britannia Coco-Nutters from Bacup also took part, along with the very colourful Manchster Morris Men, and a ladies Morris team called 'Persephone', from across the Pennines in West Yorkshire. The 'Thieving Magpies' and St. Bartholomew's Cheerleaders also took part, and music was provided by the Whitworth Vale and Healey Youth Band. All in all another excellent event, and the change to a Sunday, which started last year, has turned this into a very popular family event, which looks set to go from strength to strength! Well done and thank you to all the organisers and participants!

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]]> Sun Sep 13 2009 Caldon Canal Barges http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1726018.html On a trip down to the Churnet Valley Railway in North Staffordshire in July 2009, I noticed that there was a canal running parallel with the railway for a large section of the line, and this turned out to be the Caldon Canal. This canal was opened in 1779, and runs for 18 miles from Etruria to Froghall, and the section I visited ran between Cheddleton Station and Consall Station. There were many barges moored (and traveliing) along this section, including a steam barge (Tixall), which was moored near to Consall Station. In this gallery you will see a number of shots taken during my visit, and what was a fine and pleasant (if not always bright and sunny) summer's day. Saturday 11 July 2009: On a trip down to the Churnet Valley Railway in North Staffordshire in July 2009, I noticed that there was a canal running parallel with the railway for a large section of the line, and this turned out to be the Caldon Canal. This canal was opened in 1779, and runs for 18 miles from Etruria to Froghall, and the section I visited ran between Cheddleton Station and Consall Station. There were many barges moored (and traveliing) along this section, including a steam barge (Tixall), which was moored near to Consall Station. In this gallery you will see a number of shots taken during my visit, and what was a fine and pleasant (if not always bright and sunny) summer's day.

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]]> Sat Jul 11 2009 Barges on the Rochdale Canal http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1725998.html The 32 mile long Rochdale canal runs across the Pennines from Castlefield in Manchester to Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire. The canal, officially opened in 1804, was mostly closed by 1952, and by the 1960s large parts of it were unusable. In 2002, and after many years of restoration work, the entire canal was again open to canal barges, though there have been a few problems due to leaks etc. since then. On Friday 10th of July 2009, word reached us that a horse drawn barge was navigating its way along the canal, and was due to pass through Rochdale that afternoon on its way to Sowerby Bridge as part of the 9 day Rochdale Canal Festival. The barge 'Maria' was provided by members of the Horse Boating Society, and this page shows a number of images of them passing through the Firgrove area of the town, and closely followed by a motor driven barge owned by the Jones family (with a very witty and appropriate name at that I might add!):-) Always nice to see canal barges at work, and nice to see the Rochdale Canal in use again, something I thought would never have happened just 20 years ago. Friday 10 July 2009: The 32 mile long Rochdale canal runs across the Pennines from Castlefield in Manchester to Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire. The canal, officially opened in 1804, was mostly closed by 1952, and by the 1960s large parts of it were unusable. In 2002, and after many years of restoration work, the entire canal was again open to canal barges, though there have been a few problems due to leaks etc. since then. On Friday 10th of July 2009, word reached us that a horse drawn barge was navigating its way along the canal, and was due to pass through Rochdale that afternoon on its way to Sowerby Bridge as part of the 9 day Rochdale Canal Festival. The barge 'Maria' was provided by members of the Horse Boating Society, and this page shows a number of images of them passing through the Firgrove area of the town, and closely followed by a motor driven barge owned by the Jones family (with a very witty and appropriate name at that I might add!):-) Always nice to see canal barges at work, and nice to see the Rochdale Canal in use again, something I thought would never have happened just 20 years ago.

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]]> Fri Jul 10 2009 ELR Classic Ford Car Day July 2009 http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1725937.html Sunday 12th of July saw the ELR Classic Ford Car Day at Heywood Station on the East Lancashire Railway, and thankfully the weather again stayed fine for this one. On display were a number of well know Ford vehicles from the 20th century, and it was great to see some of these again, as most modern cars all look the same these days, and aren't so easily recognisable. Having owned several of these models in years gone by it certainly brought back a few good (and bad) memories, that's for sure!:-) Amongst those on display were various versions of the Consul, Fiesta, Capri, Anglia, Zephyr and Cortina. Sunday 12 July 2009: Sunday 12th of July saw the ELR Classic Ford Car Day at Heywood Station on the East Lancashire Railway, and thankfully the weather again stayed fine for this one. On display were a number of well know Ford vehicles from the 20th century, and it was great to see some of these again, as most modern cars all look the same these days, and aren't so easily recognisable. Having owned several of these models in years gone by it certainly brought back a few good (and bad) memories, that's for sure!:-) Amongst those on display were various versions of the Consul, Fiesta, Capri, Anglia, Zephyr and Cortina.

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]]> Sun Jul 12 2009 ELR Morris Minor Day - June 2009 http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1712535.html It doesn't seem very long ago that Morris Minors (Moggies) were a common sight on the streets of the UK, yet now they are seen as a 'vintage' vehicle. It was nice to see that so many of these are still around, and many still with the original owners, who have taken great care of them and kept them in a lovely condition, and in full working order. These Morris Minor Days have become a popular and regular event at many preserved railways, and the annual ELR event took place in the car park of Heywood Station on the East Lancashire Railway. This gallery contains a number of shots taken during a visit to the 2009 one (and of course to keep in with the 'vintage' theme I did travel there behind a steam loco). Sunday 14 June 2009: It doesn't seem very long ago that Morris Minors (Moggies) were a common sight on the streets of the UK, yet now they are seen as a 'vintage' vehicle. It was nice to see that so many of these are still around, and many still with the original owners, who have taken great care of them and kept them in a lovely condition, and in full working order. These Morris Minor Days have become a popular and regular event at many preserved railways, and the annual ELR event took place in the car park of Heywood Station on the East Lancashire Railway. This gallery contains a number of shots taken during a visit to the 2009 one (and of course to keep in with the 'vintage' theme I did travel there behind a steam loco).

14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009 14th June 2009

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]]> Sun Jun 14 2009 Haworth 1940s Weekend - May 2009 http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1699920.html It was 1940s Weekend again at Haworth, West Yorkshire and as per usual during these types of events, the weather was being less than kind at times to the poor visitors and performers. In spite of that there was plenty going on, and lots of people braved the rain showers to come along and enjoy this event. The only downside was the non-arrival of the RAF's "Battle of Britain Memorial Flight" Lancaster bomber, which was still grounded in the Netherlands due to an engine problem. All in all a very enjoyable and colourful weekend provided by the town, and in this collection there are a few shots, mostly taken on Main Street, or in the Park and Station areas. Tuesday 19 May 2009: It was 1940s Weekend again at Haworth, West Yorkshire and as per usual during these types of events, the weather was being less than kind at times to the poor visitors and performers. In spite of that there was plenty going on, and lots of people braved the rain showers to come along and enjoy this event. The only downside was the non-arrival of the RAF's "Battle of Britain Memorial Flight" Lancaster bomber, which was still grounded in the Netherlands due to an engine problem. All in all a very enjoyable and colourful weekend provided by the town, and in this collection there are a few shots, mostly taken on Main Street, or in the Park and Station areas.

uxb at Oxenhope Station my that's a big one!

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]]> Tue May 19 2009 Local Monuments, Memorials and Clock Towers http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1694238.html This gallery contains shots of a number of the many local monuments and Clock Towers. Many of the monuments and war memorials, plus a few clock towers too. Friday 8 May 2009: This gallery contains shots of a number of the many local monuments and Clock Towers. Many of the monuments and war memorials, plus a few clock towers too.

Whitehead Clock Tower, Bury Torpedo Monument, Bury Boer War Memorial, Bury

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]]> Fri May 8 2009 Various Datestones http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1653110.html This gallery contains a number of images of datestones and foundation which were seen on local buildings. I always like to make a photographic record of these whenever I see them, its very important to record these things since you never know when a building may be demolished. Friday 13 February 2009: This gallery contains a number of images of datestones and foundation which were seen on local buildings. I always like to make a photographic record of these whenever I see them, its very important to record these things since you never know when a building may be demolished.

Old Rawtenstall Bus Depot Datestone K Steels, Rawtenstall

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]]> Fri Feb 13 2009 Local Buildings of Interest http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1653109.html This gallery contains a number of the more interesting buildings, or perhaps that should read buildings of an interesting architectural nature. Pubs and Churches will be included in their own separate gallery. Friday 13 February 2009: This gallery contains a number of the more interesting buildings, or perhaps that should read buildings of an interesting architectural nature. Pubs and Churches will be included in their own separate gallery.

Bacup Library, currently being renovated Whitworth House Nice datestone. Rawtenstall Library, also undergoing some work. This building in Rawtenstall used to be a cinema. Former cinema, now empty. Green Quarter, Manchester Big Wheel, Manchester Beetham Tower, Manchester Whitehead Clock Tower, Bury

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]]> Fri Feb 13 2009 Grane Mill Engine House, Haslingden http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1579941.html Once again the Grane Mill Engine House was briefly opened to the public during the Heritage Open Days weekend, and I was again able to go back and see how work on this restoration of this impressive engine and site had progressed since my last visit a year ago. The site is now taking off, and has become a trust, and we should see work to get the venue completed and open to the public taking place in the near future. It's great to see important bits of our local industrial heritage saved in this way, and well done to all the volunteers responsible for this project. Do visit their new website at: http://www.granemill.co.uk Tuesday 16 September 2008: Once again the Grane Mill Engine House was briefly opened to the public during the Heritage Open Days weekend, and I was again able to go back and see how work on this restoration of this impressive engine and site had progressed since my last visit a year ago. The site is now taking off, and has become a trust, and we should see work to get the venue completed and open to the public taking place in the near future. It's great to see important bits of our local industrial heritage saved in this way, and well done to all the volunteers responsible for this project. Do visit their new website at: http://www.granemill.co.uk

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]]> Tue Sep 16 2008 Rossendale Bike Show 2008 http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1579939.html This year's Rossendale Bike Show took place in Whitworth, but due to the recent heavy rains, the intended venue of Barlow Bottoms was unavailable, and the show had to be switched to the Daniel Street Industrial Estate instead. In spite of this setback, the event was a great success, and brought in a great many motorcycle enthusiasts from many parts of the area and country. This gallery contains some of the images during my all to brief visit to the event just after it had opened. Hopefully next year I won't have so many other competing attractions, and will be able to spend more time there. Sunday 14 September 2008: This year's Rossendale Bike Show took place in Whitworth, but due to the recent heavy rains, the intended venue of Barlow Bottoms was unavailable, and the show had to be switched to the Daniel Street Industrial Estate instead. In spite of this setback, the event was a great success, and brought in a great many motorcycle enthusiasts from many parts of the area and country. This gallery contains some of the images during my all to brief visit to the event just after it had opened. Hopefully next year I won't have so many other competing attractions, and will be able to spend more time there.

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]]> Sun Sep 14 2008 Whitworth Rushcart 2008 http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1575303.html The Whitworth Rushcart Festival returned once again on Sunday 7th of September 2008, this time as an afternoon event rather than on Friday evenings as before, this made it much more of a family event, which seemed to be very much enjoyed by all the participants and spectators. In spite of a few heavy showers the weather stayed fine whilst the procession travelled down Market Street from the 'Riverside' (Civic Hall) at Facit, to the Red Lion pub in Whitworth Square, where many other events were taking place. This gallery contains a number of images of the procession and the performers taking part, and was shot at various locations along the route. Sunday 7 September 2008: The Whitworth Rushcart Festival returned once again on Sunday 7th of September 2008, this time as an afternoon event rather than on Friday evenings as before, this made it much more of a family event, which seemed to be very much enjoyed by all the participants and spectators. In spite of a few heavy showers the weather stayed fine whilst the procession travelled down Market Street from the 'Riverside' (Civic Hall) at Facit, to the Red Lion pub in Whitworth Square, where many other events were taking place. This gallery contains a number of images of the procession and the performers taking part, and was shot at various locations along the route.

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]]> Sun Sep 7 2008 Canals & Waterways http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1568149.html We are fortunate to have lots of canals and waterways around this area, and in this gallery you will see a number of images of canal barges and waterways. Monday 25 August 2008: We are fortunate to have lots of canals and waterways around this area, and in this gallery you will see a number of images of canal barges and waterways.

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]]> Mon Aug 25 2008 Saddleworth Rushcart Festival 2008 http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1568094.html A trip to Day Two of the annual Saddleworth Ruscart Festival at Uppermill, saw events taking place at St. Chad's church, the Church Inn, and the Cross Keys pub. There were twenty teams from various parts of the country taking part, plus two more from overseas. This gallery contains a number of shots taken during the event, which thankfully avoided the rains, and had a mixture of sunshine and cloud throughout the performances. Sunday 24 August 2008: A trip to Day Two of the annual Saddleworth Ruscart Festival at Uppermill, saw events taking place at St. Chad's church, the Church Inn, and the Cross Keys pub. There were twenty teams from various parts of the country taking part, plus two more from overseas. This gallery contains a number of shots taken during the event, which thankfully avoided the rains, and had a mixture of sunshine and cloud throughout the performances.

The covers from the previous events Some of the Coconutters taking on fuel.. Brittania Coconutters Moulton Morris Adlington Morris dancing at the Cross Keys The 2008 Rushcart The covers from the previous events The covers from the previous events The covers from the previous events The covers from the previous events What do you mean, we look like Meerkats? St.Chad's Church & Church Inn

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]]> Sun Aug 24 2008 Local Churches & Chapels http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1565767.html Another species also on the endangered list, these pictures show some of the remaining local churches before they all end up being converted in to yet more yuppy flats! Thursday 21 August 2008: Another species also on the endangered list, these pictures show some of the remaining local churches before they all end up being converted in to yet more yuppy flats!

St. Bartholomew's Church, Whitworth

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]]> Thu Aug 21 2008 Local Sports & Pastimes http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1565763.html In this gallery you will find a number of images of various local sporting events and pastimes. Thursday 21 August 2008: In this gallery you will find a number of images of various local sporting events and pastimes.

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]]> Thu Aug 21 2008 Wildlife & Animal Gallery http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1554267.html I like to photograph the local wildlife and animals whenever I get the opportunity (nothing like often enough these days), and this collection contains a number of pictures of the local birds and animals that I've seen and photographed whilst out and about. Though this gallery is called the 'Wildlife & Animal Gallery' that isn't entirely accurate, since some of these animals are anything but wild (though they do get a bit angry on occasions so I hear), but this did seem like the best place to display them since there didn't seem to be a lot of point in creating a 'Domestic Animals' Gallery as well! Many of the original duck images were taken at the village of Haworth in West Yorkshire whilst visiting the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway there (and this was close to the area where the classic 'Railway Children' film was made). I can only assume that ducks in that part of the world are well used to tourists and having cameras pointed at them, as these feathered showoffs posed like supermodels every time I pointed my lens anywhere in their direction. The second batch of pictures were taken at a local nature reserve, and were shot over the Christmas period, and show mainly overwintering birds, such as Goosander, Mallard and various gulls. The third batch, taken on the 18th of January 2009 on the River Irwell at Ramsbottom in Greater Manchester (again whilst visiting another heritage railway, this time the ELR), and features yet another load of ducks, this time a very plump looking bunch, who have obviously been getting well fed by the local population and visitors. Nice to see them out enjoying themselves in the bright winter Sun anyway. More ducks added, this time there was one that I haven't been able to identify in spite of consulting many books and posting the images on many bird sites, though after seeing a feature on a recent 'Countryfile' programme on BBC One, I think this could well be an 'Ornamental Duck', which would very likely explain the lack of specific information from any of the usual sources. A visit to the Preston Dock area in May 2009 (Ribble Steam Railway this time) saw some bird activity there, this time from an entertaining pair of Coots, who had set up home on one of the vacant yachting berths. It was quite amusing to see the male working hard to bring his better half lots of old cardboard coca cola cups and bits of old plastic, and still finding the time to chase off any other males who strayed into his territory!:-) It's surprising what you see when you are waiting for a train to appear (something I do a lot of these days), and whilst sitting near the lineside at the picturesque Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in May 2009, a very colourful looking cock pheasant decided to entertain me with his own impression of a loco!:-) Whilst at another railway event near Barnsley in South Yorkshire (Elsecar Heritage Railway this time, and yes I do visit a lot of them, just check out my 'Railway Gallery and you'll soon see why), I saw a family of Coots in an old disused canal there, and as usual they were being very quarrelsome with their neighbours, and I witnessed yet another squabble, this time with a Moorhen (often equally as quarelsome) who had strayed too close to their chicks. watching these birds is like watching a bunch of rival football fans standing outside a pub on match days!:-) June 2009 and for once I wasn't at a railway, but instead returning from a visit to the local branch of Tesco in Rawtenstall on a hot and very sticky summer's day, when on my way back to the bus station I had to cross a footbridge over the River Irwell, and whilst taking my usual glance over the side to see how many shopping trolleys were parked in there that day (there were none for a change), but instead there was a family of young ducklings having a good time in the waters below. Thankfully I never go anywhere without my camera, and was able to get a few shots of them playing and splashing around, how cute they look at that age, and how well camouflaged they are by the stones and pebbles, you could easily miss them if they weren't moving about. July 11th, and yet another railway event and another batch of ducklings, but this time they were swimming along the Caldon Canal in North Staffordshire with Mum, and how lovely they looked. It's amazing how often I see far more wildlife when I'm out at a heritage railway somewhere than I do when I'm out in the local wilds searching for it, not surprising though when you consider what a great source of untapped wilderness many railway embankments are, and with trains often just running at the weekends, largely undisturbed for much of the week. Many railways were built close to canals to allow for a ready source water for those early steam engines, but in many cases, the canal was built along the flattest route through an area for obvious reasons, and it made a certain amount of sense to make use of the same geography for the railways when they were built. When both come together though as they do in the Churnet Valley, not only do you get lots of steam locos and canal barges (and in one case a steam powered canal barge), but also lots of interesting local wildlife as well. I think I may have to rename this the Windypics 'Duck' gallery if I add any more of them here, I think I'm starting to turn into a duck spotter or something!:-) Wednesday 11 November 2009: I like to photograph the local wildlife and animals whenever I get the opportunity (nothing like often enough these days), and this collection contains a number of pictures of the local birds and animals that I've seen and photographed whilst out and about. Though this gallery is called the 'Wildlife & Animal Gallery' that isn't entirely accurate, since some of these animals are anything but wild (though they do get a bit angry on occasions so I hear), but this did seem like the best place to display them since there didn't seem to be a lot of point in creating a 'Domestic Animals' Gallery as well! Many of the original duck images were taken at the village of Haworth in West Yorkshire whilst visiting the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway there (and this was close to the area where the classic 'Railway Children' film was made). I can only assume that ducks in that part of the world are well used to tourists and having cameras pointed at them, as these feathered showoffs posed like supermodels every time I pointed my lens anywhere in their direction. The second batch of pictures were taken at a local nature reserve, and were shot over the Christmas period, and show mainly overwintering birds, such as Goosander, Mallard and various gulls. The third batch, taken on the 18th of January 2009 on the River Irwell at Ramsbottom in Greater Manchester (again whilst visiting another heritage railway, this time the ELR), and features yet another load of ducks, this time a very plump looking bunch, who have obviously been getting well fed by the local population and visitors. Nice to see them out enjoying themselves in the bright winter Sun anyway. More ducks added, this time there was one that I haven't been able to identify in spite of consulting many books and posting the images on many bird sites, though after seeing a feature on a recent 'Countryfile' programme on BBC One, I think this could well be an 'Ornamental Duck', which would very likely explain the lack of specific information from any of the usual sources. A visit to the Preston Dock area in May 2009 (Ribble Steam Railway this time) saw some bird activity there, this time from an entertaining pair of Coots, who had set up home on one of the vacant yachting berths. It was quite amusing to see the male working hard to bring his better half lots of old cardboard coca cola cups and bits of old plastic, and still finding the time to chase off any other males who strayed into his territory!:-) It's surprising what you see when you are waiting for a train to appear (something I do a lot of these days), and whilst sitting near the lineside at the picturesque Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in May 2009, a very colourful looking cock pheasant decided to entertain me with his own impression of a loco!:-) Whilst at another railway event near Barnsley in South Yorkshire (Elsecar Heritage Railway this time, and yes I do visit a lot of them, just check out my 'Railway Gallery and you'll soon see why), I saw a family of Coots in an old disused canal there, and as usual they were being very quarrelsome with their neighbours, and I witnessed yet another squabble, this time with a Moorhen (often equally as quarelsome) who had strayed too close to their chicks. watching these birds is like watching a bunch of rival football fans standing outside a pub on match days!:-) June 2009 and for once I wasn't at a railway, but instead returning from a visit to the local branch of Tesco in Rawtenstall on a hot and very sticky summer's day, when on my way back to the bus station I had to cross a footbridge over the River Irwell, and whilst taking my usual glance over the side to see how many shopping trolleys were parked in there that day (there were none for a change), but instead there was a family of young ducklings having a good time in the waters below. Thankfully I never go anywhere without my camera, and was able to get a few shots of them playing and splashing around, how cute they look at that age, and how well camouflaged they are by the stones and pebbles, you could easily miss them if they weren't moving about. July 11th, and yet another railway event and another batch of ducklings, but this time they were swimming along the Caldon Canal in North Staffordshire with Mum, and how lovely they looked. It's amazing how often I see far more wildlife when I'm out at a heritage railway somewhere than I do when I'm out in the local wilds searching for it, not surprising though when you consider what a great source of untapped wilderness many railway embankments are, and with trains often just running at the weekends, largely undisturbed for much of the week. Many railways were built close to canals to allow for a ready source water for those early steam engines, but in many cases, the canal was built along the flattest route through an area for obvious reasons, and it made a certain amount of sense to make use of the same geography for the railways when they were built. When both come together though as they do in the Churnet Valley, not only do you get lots of steam locos and canal barges (and in one case a steam powered canal barge), but also lots of interesting local wildlife as well. I think I may have to rename this the Windypics 'Duck' gallery if I add any more of them here, I think I'm starting to turn into a duck spotter or something!:-)

Higher Slack Brook Nature Reserve Watergrove Watergrove Watergrove Watergrove Watergrove Watergrove Watergrove Watergrove Watergrove Watergrove Townley Hall Squirrel Townley Hall Squirrels Townley Hall Squirrel Townley Hall Squirrel Townley Hall Squirrel Littleborough Canal Littleborough Canal Littleborough Canal Littleborough Canal Littleborough Canal Littleborough Canal Littleborough Canal Shy Irwell Heron Shy Irwell Heron Alpacas Alpaca Alpaca Saddleworth Ducks Saddleworth Ducks Saddleworth Geese Saddleworth Geese Well they do call them sunroofs, and you can always trust a cat to find the warmest place! Even this horse was cooling down by doing a bit of paddling! Haworth Ducks Haworth Ducks Haworth Ducks Haworth Ducks Haworth Ducks Haworth Ducks Haworth Ducks Haworth Ducks This duck was getting in a bit of a flap. So was this one.... Watergrove Watergrove Watergrove Watergrove

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]]> Wed Nov 11 2009 Littleborough Rushbearing Festival 2008 http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1553795.html The weekend of Saturday 16th and Sunday 27th of July 2008 saw the annual Littleborough Rushbearing Festival take place, this time in bright (and at times overpowering) Sunshine. This time I attended on the Sunday only, and the images shown in this gallery show the Rushcart procession from its departure point at the Hollingworth Lake Visitor's Centre, to its arrival at the 'Wine Press' (formerly the 'Fishermans'), where, after a dancing display, the rushcart was than walked to the centre of Littleborough for another display. This was followed by a performance of the 'Pace Egg Play' by the Curtain Theatre Group, which brought the day and the festival to an end. Morris groups involved included: Rochdale Morris (the hosts), Black Bull Border Morris, Earl of Stamford Morris and the Milltown Cloggies. Sunday 27 July 2008: The weekend of Saturday 16th and Sunday 27th of July 2008 saw the annual Littleborough Rushbearing Festival take place, this time in bright (and at times overpowering) Sunshine. This time I attended on the Sunday only, and the images shown in this gallery show the Rushcart procession from its departure point at the Hollingworth Lake Visitor's Centre, to its arrival at the 'Wine Press' (formerly the 'Fishermans'), where, after a dancing display, the rushcart was than walked to the centre of Littleborough for another display. This was followed by a performance of the 'Pace Egg Play' by the Curtain Theatre Group, which brought the day and the festival to an end. Morris groups involved included: Rochdale Morris (the hosts), Black Bull Border Morris, Earl of Stamford Morris and the Milltown Cloggies.

The Rushcart Well they deserved it, it was a very hot day! We're not used to this, it usually rains... The Littleborough Chapter of Hell's Morrismen arrive! Does my Blue Light look big in this? Nick, Nick, Nick... The Mayor arrives Littleborough Brass Band New environmentally friendly GMP vehicle arrives The GMP join in the fun Community Policing at its best! Rochdale MP Paul Rowen gets interviewed by the media The Pace Egg Play St. George sorts out the enemy

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]]> Sun Jul 27 2008 Whitworth's new Cycleway http://windytowers.fotopic.net/c1542201.html The new cycleway, which runs through the northern half of Whitworth, had its 'official' opening at 2.30pm on Sunday 6th of July 2008, though a certain amount of work still remained to be done on a few areas at this time. This gallery contains a number of pictures taken during the opening ceremony, and also some others that were taken during an exploratory walk along the entire route shortly before then. In spite of the awful weather that day someone was smiling on the participants, and the clouds cleared and the Sun came out just at the right moment, and ensured that the participants and VIPs didn't get wet during the ceremony More images will be added to this gallery once work is complete and the route is fully opened. Wednesday 9 July 2008: The new cycleway, which runs through the northern half of Whitworth, had its 'official' opening at 2.30pm on Sunday 6th of July 2008, though a certain amount of work still remained to be done on a few areas at this time. This gallery contains a number of pictures taken during the opening ceremony, and also some others that were taken during an exploratory walk along the entire route shortly before then. In spite of the awful weather that day someone was smiling on the participants, and the clouds cleared and the Sun came out just at the right moment, and ensured that the participants and VIPs didn't get wet during the ceremony More images will be added to this gallery once work is complete and the route is fully opened.

Massey Croft, the route will join the Healey Dell Nature Trail here. South Cowm Park Way, the route heads north here Cowm Park Way Cowm Park Way Cowm Park Way Cowm Park Way Tong Lane Back of John Street Back of John Street Rear of St Anselms Facit The 'blocked' bit at Facit The 'blocked' bit at Facit Edward Steet, Facit Half Way House, Facit Entrance to Barlow Bottoms from the main road Barlow Bottoms New section to Leavengreave New stile at Leavengreave Just below the old railway line The route turns up here Another new section on the old railway line Another new stile here Along the old trackbed to Shawforth Morse signs of the old railway Towards Shawforth Towards Shawforth New stile at the end of this section The route goes onto Oak Street here Poster The new section ends here Another new section at the other end of Knowsley Crescent Still under construction The old Railway Bridge, an important local relic View south from the bridge View north from the bridge Towards Brittania New section on the old trackbed Shore Service Station on the right The end of the new section at the north end of Whitworth The last stile at the Brittania end of the route Poster advertising the official opening Official Opening Official Opening Christening the new route! Official Opening Banners Official Opening Banners The Mayor and Mayoress arrive The plaque awarded by Sustrans The Mayor & Mayoress, Sue from Sustrans, and County Councillor Sean Serridge make the speeches

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