FORCH Events

Abacus Office Systems, Smithy Street, Ramsbottom (opposite the Summerseat Players) and just round the corner at The Vineyard on Square Street.

Watch out for posters and press releases featuring more dates and further details or phone Janet on 01706 823658

A newsletter will be circulated to members with information about progress on Civic Hall etc.

The Friends group were very pleased with the support received from stallholders and visitors to their first event of 2008. A real community feel to the day with entertainment from the Peel Shokokai Karate Club and Julie Lomas and the Civic Line Dancers, with guest Martin Henfield gamely joining Julie and gang on the stage. Martin voiced his support for the importance of retaining venues like civic halls for use by the community. The Friends' Cafe in the Holcombe Room provided lunches and light refreshments. The Hawkshaw and District Flower Club donated their flower arrangements for raffle prizes. Winner Bryan Farlow kindly presented member Mrs Dorothy Moss with his prize. The large pedestal arrangement went to member Mrs Barbara Park, who donated hers to Hazelhurst EPH on Bolton Road West Ramsbottom to be enjoyed by residents and visitors.

Thanks to everyone who took part in a most successful day.

Organised by the Friends, supported by Peel Lions. Bury council catering provided a delicious traditional lunch with a welcome drink and mince pies. The Mayor & Mayoress of Bury joined the guests for lunch and enjoyed a film show of local events in the town. The afternoon entertainment continued with a visit from Father Christmas and a festive sing-song to close.

Jimmy Hill, President of Peel Lions presents the Friends with a cheque towards the cost of the Christmas lunch.

Guest Polish singing group from Manchester were a great success. A return visit could be arranged!

An appreciative audience enjoyed a Christmas evening of great music provided by the Old Fashioned Love Band, lots of fun and mince pies!

Over 150 people attended this exciting event featuring the SWING COMMANDER. Over £400 was raised a part of the 2009 fund raising effort.

A recent Singing for Ramsbottom event at Ramsbottom Civic Hall has inspired Barry Aldous to produce a CD of the whole concert, which told the story of this area’s industrial past in words, music and song. He is also working on a DVD to be based on the concert along with related images sourced from both current and archived local photographs.

Singers Mark Dowding and Chris Pollington had chosen and arranged the music, performing it to illustrate Jonathan Ali’s narrative. The words of the songs brought stories of people’s lives to the audience, which included the Mayor of Bury, Councillor Sheila Magnall.

The CD package will include a song sheet with the words of all the fourteen songs and will be available for sale in time for Christmas as a contribution to the Friends of Ramsbottom Civic Hall fundraising.

The event was kindly hosted by members of Bury Curry Club and the Eastern Eye and their hard work is most appreciated. An excellent meal was followed by an exciting session of Indian dancing in which some guests were brave enough to take part! FORCH and Mike, the Manager of the Civic Hall, would welcome any feedback about this function.

The Quiz Night on April 28th was a most successful and enjoyable event. We are very grateful to our team of willing helpers, and for further generous contributions from Park Farm Teashop, Summerseat Garden Centre and Tesco.

Douglas Hartley, Susan Bradley, Roger and Collette Leyland were presented with the main prize, kindly donated by Sanmini's, a voucher for meals at the restaurant.

Thanks to Jenny Jones and John Ireland who worked hard to make the night a success.

Shown on stage are quizmaster Jenny Jones,
"Master Of Ceremonies" John Ireland
FORCH Chairman Eddie Jones

Quiz Winners - Roger and Collette
Leyland, Susan Bradley, Douglas Hartley.

CEILIDH with Jean Seymour and the Stepping Stones band (and a tasty supper), was a great success with many of the dancers learning new dances - and getting plenty of exercise. Many thanks to Bob and Hilary Peace, who organised and promoted the event.

CHRISTMAS FOOD AND WINE EVENING was staged by Stuart Rothwell of The Vineyard. As well as being one of our most valued fundraisers, Stuart is very important as a hall customer, making regular hall bookings for his winetasting and dining events.

CEILIDH with Jean Seymour and the Stepping Stones band (and a tasty supper), was a great success with many of the dancers learning new dances - and getting plenty of exercise. Many thanks to Bob and Hilary Peace, who organised and promoted the event.