Rain? What rain!

Despite floods and incessant rain, the Jackson's Row ramble went ahead as planned. No one is more indefatigable than Joyce Goodman, our leader, who having being flooded herself, turned up bright and breezy to lead us through Ramsbottom and its environs. And by 'us', I mean 10 of us - and Hermione, the Taylor dog.
The ramble was re-routed to avoid flood damage and so we ascended to Grants' Tower - a now ruined historical sight, marking the place where the Grant Brothers first saw the valley of Ramsbottom and decided to settle there. They became mill owners and philanthropists - Charles Dickens was inspired by them to create the Cheeryble Brothers in Nicholas Nickleby.
I like to think Dickens might have been inspired by us sodden ramblers too. Here we are - at least, those of us who were dry enough to be photographed.

As we enter into the secular year 2016 and await our rebuild, it's good to know that JR has the community spirit to triumph in any circumstances!