Chocolate And Steam

We went for a day out in Ramsbottom yesterday. It's a village a short distance north of Manchester, and not too far from where we live in Saddleworth. Once upon a time Ramsbottom was probably best known as the birthplace of Robert Peel, but although there's a big monument to him on a nearby hill, I don't imagine many people who visit nowadays do so for that reason. Instead, they go to visit The Chocolate Cafe and to have a go on the East Lancashire Railway, which is exactly what we did.

G is a bit too young to have any chocolate, and she was obviously feeling jealous as we ate our way through our chocolate-themed afternoon tea, because she managed to knock back a whole pot of baby food. This set her up nicely for the rest of the afternoon, and she thoroughly enjoyed her trip on the steam train to Heywood and back.

As you can see from the picture, she was wearing a strawberry bib. I think I may have put it on her because I was feeling guilty for exposing her to so much chocolate. If she grows up preferring fruit salad to brownies, it'll be conclusive proof that dressing children up as healthy food helps them have a proper diet. I'll have to suggest it to Jamie Oliver.

4 comments:

Sleepless Mum said...

We live in Rammy! If you get chance you should walk up to Peel Tower one day. If it's clear you can see as far as Jodrell Bank!

Sophie Hammer said...

Ah Peel Tower! I remeber it fondly - me and my friends used to trek up there every Good Friday with vodka to celebrate the Lord Jesus (and indeed Robert Peel) in our own, special way. In later years we'd just spend all dy in the pub at the bottom and not bother with the hill.

Sarah Harris said...

ah, Rich. Sophie has accurately described that great Ramsbottom religious festival - Ye Olde Drunken Tramp up t'Hill - happy days...

For other lesser known Rammy facts, you have a multitude of people to call. On the subject of the mighty steam railway, I had the great honour of been the cherubic child chosen to present the Lady Mayoress with a bouquet at the opening of said railway. Even more exciting, celebrity guest = Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards...

Richard said...

Thanks for the comments. Clearly, when G is old enough to go underage drinking with her friends on Bank Holidays, I'll have to point her in the direction of Rammy!