Hollingworth Lake Walk, Saturday 30th August 2025

Built originally as the main water source for the Rochdale Canal during the 19th century, Hollingworth Lake was later developed as a tourist resort in the 1860s. It's a man-made lake that spans 118 acres.  The lake soon became an attraction for those living nearby and in Victorian times it was known as "The Weighvers' Seaport". Hoping that we have a nice summers day we intend on walking from Littleborough cricket club to Hollingworth lake approx. 1.5 mils and then round the lake taking in the scenery.  There are plenty of food options and pubs to call in and have refreshments.  We will them take an alternative route back to Littleborough via Ealees and then then call in for some food at the Littleborough Cricket club were we can chill and relax. Music and food will be served Estimated total miles covered will be 4.5 and the class of walk will be easy no major hills. Cost £8.00 per head for the buffet meal at the Cricket club. Meet at the Cricket club car park at 11.00  free parking.  If you are travelling by Train we can meet you at the train station in the centre of the village. Contact Tony Kershaw, select Tonys name in the drop down list

Christmas Celebrations at the Keswick Country House Hotel, Saturday / Sunday 20th/21st December 2025

 

Celebrate and Socialize, Savor, Sip, and Sparkle during the most magical time of the year! We’ve got everything you need for the perfect Christmas Party.

 

OUR PACKAGE INCLUDES

A glass of bubbly

Black and gold theme throughout the restaurant

Gold sparkle table decorations

Delicious three course festive menu plus coffee and mince pies

All of your dance floor favourites played by our DJ until 1am

Bottle of bubbly for the best dressed guest

 

Prices are per person and include your Christmas party, en-suite accommodation and full Cumbrian breakfast

Cost:

Full member £110

Non Member £116

Additional nights are available at £87 pp dinner Bed & Breakfast

 

To Book contact Tony Kershaw, select Tonys name in the drop down list and put in your request or click on the reservations button. 

 

Santa Xmas Special on the East Lancs Railway, 14:30, Sunday 14th  December 2025

You better not pout and you better not cry, Santa Claus is coming to town!

Steam into Christmas on the East Lancashire Railway’s famously festive Santa Specials . Your family will make enchanted memories to share as they take a trip through the magical Irwell Valley alongside colourful characters and surprises.

And what Christmas treat would be complete without a visit from a host of happy elves and Santa Claus himself.

Begin the adventure at Bury Bolton Street Station where you will journey through a gorgeously decorated winter wonderland. Say hello to Mrs Claus and the talking Christmas Tree, and maybe even stop for a quick singalong with our carol singing choir of polar bears, before boarding your train.

Once you’re settled into your seat, a steam train will haul you to Rawtenstall and back on an approximately 80-minute round trip. Along the way the festive fun continues as you meet your favourite Christmas characters and get the chance to belt out a couple of festive classics with the brass band. Whilst travelling, Santa himself will visit your carriage with a gift for every little one, and there will be plenty of time to have a chat with him and take a Santa selfie or two.

Grown-ups can look forward to mince pies and a festive tipple or soft drink. For the children there will be a drink, chocolate and an activity pack.

Adults – Gluten free biscuits available

Children – Dairy free chocolate available

 

 

Prices –

Note 1: Please state age and gender of child so they receive the correct present

Adult: Member £30,  Member with no shares £33,   Non-Member £36

• Child 0-17: Member £25,  Member with no shares £29,  Non-Member £35 
• Adult with Child U3 on knee: Member £43, Member with no shares £48  Non-Member £52

• PARK & RIDE from Heywood -

• Why not start your journey at Heywood and board the Santa Shuttle Diesel Railcar from Heywood (journey time approximately 15 minutes), to reach Bury Bolton Street Station, which is the starting point of the steam-hauled Santa Specials? Santa Shuttle tickets are sold on an open return basis meaning that you can return on any service from Bury to Heywood.

Parking is free, Heywood Shuttle tickets are priced at £3 (Adult) and £2(child 3-17 years) and are only available in advance. Shuttle times will be added later.

Diesel Shuttle, departs Heywood

Santa Special, departs Bury

13:05	13:40
*13:55	*14:30

 

What’s included -

• Winter wonderland walkthrough at Bury Bolton Street Station featuring beautifully decorated festive scenes, a choir of carol singing polar bears and a magical talking Christmas Tree (Please note, there will be some flashing lights).
• Interactions with special Christmas characters including old favourites like the elves, Mrs Claus and our very own Ice Princess.
• An approximately 80-minute steam train ride from Bury to Rawtenstall and back.
• A visit from Santa with extra time to talk and take photographs.
• A Christmas gift for every child, selected by age brand.
• High quality children’s activity books.
• Traditional brass band on board.

 For further details and bookings, you can either use the  or the form below or contact Colin Cathcart

Please include your Name, Home Address, Contact Telephone Number, Membership Number and the Number Places Required , plus ages of children (Member/Non-Member) and if you want  advance shuttle tickets

 

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          Contact Colin Cathcart via email, mancass-treasurer@virginmedia.com, or phone (07592 980533), or Complete form below and send, with cheque for total amount made payable to "Mancass" to  Colin Cathcart, 6 Farriers Lane, Marland, Rochdale. OL11 4NZ

Alternatively you can pay by Bacs, contact Colin for Mancass bank details

Santa Xmas Special on the East Lancs Railway, 14th December 2025 @ 14:30 pm,

My ticket booking is:-

       ......... Adult member plus tickets at £ 30                           ......... Child-member plus tickets at £ 25

       ......... Adult member (with no shares) tickets at £33         ......... Child member tickets at £29

       ........ Adult non-member tickets at £ 36                          .......... Child non-member tickets at £35

       .........Adult with Child U3 on knee: Member £43, Member with no shares, £48  Non-Member £52

 

If shuttle tickets are required please add @3 per adult and £2 per child............

 

To ensure children receive appropriate presents please add gender and age of children.

 

A cheque, made payable to Mancass, for the total amount of £ ............................ is enclosed.

Name ............................................................... Contact Telephone Number.........................................Membership Number......................

E-mail...........................................................................

Ages of Children..........................................................

Address to post tickets: ....................................................................................................

                                    .........................................................................................................

                                    ....................................................... Postcode ..............................

Tickets and childrens badges will be posted in good time for the event

BOOKINGS ARE SECURED ON RECEIPT OF THE FULL PAYMENT