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Made available for an individual's personal research purposes only, and MUST NOT be copied, sold, or used for commercial or profit purposes.©

“WHY I LOVE TO ROAM” – Mr Ralph Rooney’s Address to Bury Ramblers

AN AID TO FITNESS.

The Bury Unattached Rambling Club again had the pleasure of a visit from Mr. Ralph Rooney who, in a very interesting and enlightening talk in the club rooms, Parsons-lane, Bury, on Tuesday night gave reasons for his love of roaming the hills, dales, highways and by-ways of our country.

According to this veteran walker (writes “ Nomad ") the sole reason for this life-long hobby of his is his interest in the health and well-being of the body. Mr. ROONEY is firmly convinced that no one who takes the trouble to see that his life is well-balanced can become ill. .

To keep the body “interested” is, the great secret-to give each tiny part of that wonderful machine enough work to keep it in order-not to allow it to become idle, and thus fall into decay. Of great Importance in this machine the three brains. The receiving brain, or the brain that makes us aware of what is happening to us and around us; the storing brain, where, incidents are tucked away for future reference; and the heart, over which we have no power, only the privilege of treating it properly and taking care of it.

Mr. Rooney has found, during the course of a life' that has already exceeded the allotted span, that to ramble over the countryside, taking more than a passing interest in what is to be found there, is an ideal way of providing the body and the mind with the necessary interest to keep them balanced. The receiving brain reveals to us all the good things that God has given us in Nature --flowers, trees, streams, hills and woodlands, the bird-songs, wonderful rock formations and the chequered history of our fore-fathers. All these ~ay be stored away, to be brought out when there is leisure, to examine them with pleasure and gratification. It is also vitally necessary for a balanced body to have change; change of air, surroundings and company, and all these are to be obtained through rambling.

LANCASHIRE 'S HISTORICAL RICHES.

Mr. Rooney's methods of  “roaming " are not haphazard. He reads books-good books, on history, geology, botany-then he goes in search of what has interested him in his readings. In such a way he came to explore Hadrian's Wall and many other Roman roads and early settlements. He is particularly .fond of Roman remains and packhorse tracks, and has an extensive knowledge of such matters. For him Lancashire is the best of all counties, ~ being rich in Roman and Early English history. He points out that the tract of land which now forms the county of Lancashire is undoubtedly one of the oldest from a geological point of view. Hundreds of years ago the county underwent the same glacial processes that Switzerland Is experiencing now. There is evidence of this in the great boulders of alien granite which are to be found dotted here and there within the county boundary. There are two of these on the moors at Ashworth, which were discovered during blasting operations in connection with the Heywood and Middleton reservoir. These boulders have been brought down from Scotland and the Scandinavian countries by glaciers. Near Furness Abbey, there are some of the oldest rocks in the world.

Then there are the crosses.   Lancashire is particularly rich in these, there being over seventy of them within a radius of eleven miles of Penwortham ( Preston ). These crosses of stone were used for religious purposes before churches and abbeys were built, as meeting places for traders to exchange their wares, and here also disputes were settled and trials of prisoners took place. In our own district are several ancient relics, ; such as the cross at Affetside, Pilgrim's Cross, where bands of travellers are said to have rested on their journeys to Whalley Abbey, and the ~ old Druid Circle on Turton Heights.

SUMMER AND WINTER RAMBLING.

In looking about him for such interesting things as these and passing on his experience to others, Mr. Rooney has made a host of dear friends and thereby attained a great measure of happiness.
To descend to the practical Mr. Rooney says he has never yet suffered from that all too prevalent malady that we know as influenza. He attributes his immunity to the practice of four simple rules. First, he says, keep the feet warm. Secondly, breathe through the nostrils- ~ by this process the air goes to the lungs at the ( same temperature, summer and winter alike. Thirdly, allow for sufficient sleep to enable the white corpuscles to restore lost energy to the body. And lastly, ramble all the year round, taking in winter the hill rambles in order to escape the fogs and bad air which lie in the valleys, and in the summer time roam the fields and woodlands where the plants and trees pour forth fragrant and beneficial gases and where there is shelter from the scorching rays of the sun.

The Story of My Life by Ralph Rooney - Printed by the Bury Times May 1947

snips that may be of interest to researchers in the area:

“I was born on March 23^rd, 1862 at Shepherd’s Cottage, near Tottington Mill, a little hamlet about half-a-mile east from Tottington village, which contained a beautiful tower and a printworks.” Page 1

“When I was ten my father sent me to the weaving mill at Tottington known as William HOYLE & co. They had 900 looms, and did a little spinning, and also had the Bottoms Hall Mill, which was a spinning mill.” P age 1

 “Tottington had many more public houses than today, and the constable, John WILKINSON, had a very busy time.” Page 2

 “Just before commencing the tackling apprenticeship I commenced to do a fair amount of walking, and one of my first long walks was from Tottington to Southport . My companion W. KERSHAW , and I decided to walk there.” Page 2

“At this time I was very interested in the hills surrounding our beautiful villages of Tottington and Greenmount; so we formed a committee and arranged a rambling club; and the late Mr G RAMSBOTTOM was out president and I acted as our guide” Page 3

 “My friend Joseph HARGREAVES, the son of Samuel HARGREAVES, builder and contractor, Tottington, and I commenced our walk from Tottington to London at 5-45 on Monday morning, October 24^th, 1887” Page 4
(note – they made it there in 5days and 8 hrs)

“I and a young lady called Jane CHADWICK, who was a teacher at the same school became engaged” Page 5

 “At this time the New York Mill was run by Sidney HUTCHINSON” Page 5

 “The Band of Hope was very strong in those days……At that time Mr WHITTAKER, of Peel Brow was our secretary, and we met for our meetings in the Baptist School” Page 5  

“..in the Bury Times October 18^th 1897 :-

‘Messrs Ralph and Herbert ROONEY set out from Tottington on Friday week to walk to Edinburgh, and returned to their native village last Wednesday…..After visiting the park, Messrs ROONEY came across Mr R HALL of Union Square, Bury who was transacting business in the district…..At Carlisle they met Mr Samuel CHADWICK, who is now residing in the Cumberland county town.” Pages 7&8
(note- the park was in   Lancaster , also note that they travelled home by train)

Chapter 3 - LIFE AT GRAININGS FARM

AFTER this walk I felt a new man, and felt that I had energy for anything, and made up my mind by what I had seen on the way, rich and poor, that I would lead an active life, and seeing an advertisement in the "Bury Times," wanting a peal of bell-ringers, I, along with others applied, and the following persons were selected, with Mr. Jo hn HARRISON, of Heywood, to be the conductor, and the ringers were Benjamin BASSTETT, Jesse JACKSON (these being two of the old ringers). Isaac HOYLE. H. WOODCOCK (also two of the old ringers), the new set being Me ssrs. E. BRACEWELL, A. HAMER, A. LEGGETT, J. DYKES, E. FYIDS, and myself. You will see why the number of ringers was ten persons, and the Town of Bury with its Parish Church had a peal of eight bells; that would leave eight ringers each ,week with two ringers off each week. I found ringing most interesting, because we had the N. Lancashire and the S. Lancashire in the Union , and it was a great pleasure in going to these different church steeples. On Saturday afternoons we used to make our way to Prestwich to ring the Parish Church bells there, then we would go on to Radcliffe, Heywood, and Ramsbottom, sometimes as far as Ribchester and Whalley. But Bolton had most bells of any town in Lancashire . The changes here may be of interest: 2- Bells, 1 change; 3 Bells, 6 changes; 4 Bells, 24 changes; 5 Bells, 120 changes; 6 Bells. 720 changes; 7 Bells. 5,040 changes; 8 Bells, 40,320 changes. Being grandshire method the eighth bell was worked in. As we went to practice once each week we had the bells muffled so that the town's people would not be annoyed; and at the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 we had to. ring a muffled peal, the bells being what we called half-muffled for the occasion. After having learned to ring, and the working of the bells, I was asked to muffle the bell at Tottington St. Anne's for the same occasion, and with the assistance of T, PILKINGTON we com pleted the job. About this time I also joined the Manchester Campers and the City News Ramblers. Also we com menced a concertina band at Greenmount. each man buying his own instrument. Years before, in my boyhood days, there was a band at Greenmount known as the Fife and Drum Band, and I have often seen the drums and triangle up in the store room at Tottington Mill. I got permission to use them, The bandsmen increased quickly, and came from all round the district. We rented a cottage at Ferns Cottage, known as Potter Factory, and later we got engagements from various Sunday Schools to play at Following this I was asked to stand as a Councillor for Chapel Ward, and after thinking the matter over a little I decided to go and, and when the election came off I was the successful candidate. I must say that I found the duties most interesting, and I served on the Lighting Committee.

Tottington district at that time was very poorly served as regards lighting. We had to be satisfied with oil lamps. About this time the Lancashire Electric Power Co. had got their plant in service and asked the Tottington Council if they would agree to being supplied with electric light in the streets and dwelling houses. We had several meetings on the matter, and Bury also had the matter under consideration. The L.E.P.C. invited the councillors to inspect their plant at Outwood, and after inspecting the works, also noting that the Outwood Pits were so near, we agreed to take the service in our district, and after everything was arranged we soon had electricity in our district. Previously we had been served by the Ramsbottom Gas Co. Tottington Mill Printworks, long before the days of electricity, supplied parts of the district with gas from their plant. The first twelve months of mv Council work was mostly in getting the lighting question settled; also many other matters such as footpaths, roads. etc. Also the sanitary conditions were in a very poor state. But the Council were all of one mind-the wish to do much, but at the same time the rates had to be as low as possible. After my three years' service I gained much knowledge, and was verv glad indeed that I had served on the Council. I must say here that I had many other duties which were taking so much of my time that I had to leave the Council.  

After having been employed at Wm. HOYLE's for about 44 years I happened to see an advertisement in the Press. An under-gardener was wanted at Croich Hey, Hawkshaw. and as my daughter was then married to Mr. H. LONSDALE, Crochley Fold Farm, I decided to apply for the situation. Mr. WHOWELL knew me and asked me if I had done much gardening. I replied "No,"  having worked. in the mill all my life I knew little about it. ., Well," he said, " you're honest, and can you use a spade ?" 'To which I replied "Yes." Mr. WHOWELL then said, "You will do. Commence as soon as you can." I gave my notice to Mr. HOYLE, and he did not like to accept it, and before the week-end he sent for me again in the office. I then told him that I had decided to have a change from mill work, and wanted him to accept the notice; and at my leaving at the week-end my weavers and friends presented me with a writing cabinet. of which I am very proud. I was not long at Mr. WHOWELL's before I mentioned to him that I thought it would be better for me if I could get nearer my work, and the time came when he gave me two chances: one a cottage in the village near the gardens, and the other a small farm just under the moors, called "Grainings," and I decided to have the farm. Now this farm was the ideal place for me, at that time, and though my sisters and friends thought I was in a way so lonely there they eventually began to like the place, and spent many happy week-ends there. For myself I found it to be: a most interesting place, having many week-end parties, and on one occasion I invited the Tottington Original Prize Band to com e up. I got twenty loaves, plenty of tea, sugar. and cheese, also sweet bread. Mr. WHOWELL and Mr. M. PILLING came up with cocoa-nuts, cigars, and many other prizes for the com petitors in the com petitions which followed. Having left my native village of Tottington , and “Grainings" being just a little off the beaten track, I found that I could not keep in touch with several things which were of interest to me, and one of the important things was the Concertina Band. I had been a member from the beginning of the band, which by this time had a playing membership of over twenty, and we had some of the best instruments by the best English makers; also new uniforms and a new drum; and the band at that time was fit to go anywhere in the country. My brother, J. W. ROONEY, and Jo seph FISH took the leadership on. The band received many engagements from various districts to play in the Parks on Saturday afternoons, Whitsuntide processions, and Sunday School field days. etc.

At that time I hardly had a Saturday to myself. week-end after week-end, as Mr. WHOWELL's gardens were open to the public. Parties were com ing from Manchester , Bolton , Radcliffe, Bury, and all surrounding districts; also there were many enjoyable times at what was known as the Old Folks' Party, where games and bowls and several other games were played, and prizes were given to all according to their age.

We had different brass bands, and on one occasion the famous Besses o'th' Barn Band came. The band at that time was at its best. Young and old came from all parts when the flower sellers from the streets of Manchester were present, and a good time they had, going home with a prize or a gift of some kind. All this went on, and was kept up until Mr. WHOWELL was called away. After Mr. WHOWELL's death there was a great change in Hawkshaw. I was still living on the little farm at “Grainings" and was never lonely, because lots of people who came to Croich Hey gardens got to know me well, and week-end after week-end I was having visitors to see me, and the district being a place where the little farms made their own cheese and butter, no doubt the visitors' appreciated this very much. At that time I had be com e very much interested in plants and herbs. Many people came seeking advice for their uses, for in the little Clough near by to half a mile down the stream there were over 250 different specimens of plants, herbs. flowers and mosses, beside the blackthorn. bay tree, and a large variety of willows, whinberry, blackberry; and a nice variety of birds, the kingfisher. heron, curlew. cuckoo, kestrel, and sparrow hawk. All except the kestrel: nested beside the little trout stream below. There were the usual hares and rabbits, and, of course, there were the weasels and stoats. While we are thinking of the Clough I should mention the willows, for we get. some lovely effects during November when the weather is mild. These trees are something to be seen to understand their beauty, for their bloom resembles a small cottn pod, and with the bare trees and moorland behind them are a sight that should not be missed.

Grainings Farm, by the way, is under the moors ,and is about one and a quarter miles from Bolton Road , Hawkshaw, and is about 900 feet above sea level. The views which can be seen are very interesting: Manchester Town Hall , Bolton Town Ha1l, Barrow Bridge high chimney, Westhoughton water tower, Winter Hill (this latter hill is approximately 1,485 feet above sea-level). On the hill stands a memorial in the old moorland road, to the memory of a Scotsman draper by the name of George HENDERSON, who was murdered in the year 1838 (November 9th), It appears that the unfortunate Scotsman was known to be, shall we' say, a wealthy man of his time, and the crime seems to have been com mitted by someone who was evidently after the money. Other places which could be seen were Darwen Tower , Oldham, and the Yorkshire and Derbyshire hills on a reasonably clear day.

Just about the time of my boyhood days, Grainings, along; with the other moorland farms, had its hand looms; at this time the surrounding district was well known for its hand-loom weaving;, but more about weaving later. After being settled at Grainings for about twelve months a Scotsman and his wife gave me a call one day, a Mr. and Mrs. CALENDAR, and Mr. CALENDAR asked me if I could make them a cup of tea. I replied that I  would only be too glad to do so, and invited them in the house. This was their first visit, but I must say not by any means their last, for they were members of the Manchester Rambling Club, and they had had so many outings in Derbyshire and Cheshire, with the result that they were advised to try North Lancashire for a change, and asked me if they brought the Manchester campers would I walk them round and explain the surroundings. Before the great day came Mr. and Mrs. CALENDAR brought their tent and fixed it up in Higher Grainings field, and were so much delighted by the week-end camp. We roamed over the moors on to the: Peat beds, Wet Moss and Bull Hill, on to Pilgrims, Cross, and the views we had from these hills! Pendle Hill, Ingleboro', and Whernside all being visible; Haslingden Church and Cribden Moor, Rawtenstall, Burnley Moors, and on to Whittle Pike; also Fowedge, the noted place' for Waugh's Well. My visitors were so delighted by the moorland outing that they were looking forward to the time when all the members of the Club would be able to partake in this grand outing. About this time the Greenmount Ramblers paid a visit to Higher Grainings, while the same afternoon the ramblers from Edgworth Institute were with us in strength, altogether something 1ike 200 persons were spending a most enjoyable time. The Tottington Original Prize Band gave many pleasing selections. Among the party were Mr. F. WHOWELL, Mr. M. PILLING, Mr. THOMAS (Children's Home), Mrs. DAVIS (Edgworth),. Mr. G. RAMSBOTTOM, and Mr. HUTCHINSON. After tea games were arranged, and Mr, F. WHOWELL gave prizes for same, and also distributed sweets to the younger members of the party. The weather being fine, a most enjoyable time was spent. I should mention here that Mr. WHOWELL had a few weeks earlier presented me with a pony trap, thinking that the trap may com e in useful for me as I grew older. What suited the visitors most was to find the vehicle inside the kitchen in a com plete state, and the question was, of course, " How have you managed to get the trap inside ?" for the doors and windows were not wide enough to take it. I had to explain that the trap, being in good condition, I desired it to be inside; so I pulled the wheels off and turned the trap on its side, hauled the same inside, and then put back the wheels. A visit of such a large number resulted in my being very busy answering letters from parties who were eager to spend a day under the moors with me. The Bolton Field Naturalists were the first to point out to me the Bay tree, Blackthorn, and a few other trees and plants which I was informed were rather un com mon in this district, and I must admit that I got much knowledge from the different parties which visited me. It was also very interesting to them when I took them round to a number of the derelict farms. It was made more interesting still by one, old farmer who was born up on the hill-side, showing them some splendid patterns of fabrics woven on the handloom, which by the way his grandfather and grandmother had woven many years before.

more snips to be added as time permits

- a poem to conclude by Ralph Rooney...