T44 – Summary – Ramsbottom Heritage Society

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The transcript is an interview with Dorothy Moss as transcribed by Microsoft Word and summarised by ChatGPT and subject to errors.

Dorothy Moss offers a vivid personal account of Ramsbottom’s transformation from an industrial, soot-blackened mill town to a cleaner, friendlier place with strong heritage preservation. She highlights the importance of community groups, the impact of the Heritage Society, and her personal journey from a shy Londoner to a confident community leader deeply rooted in northern life.

Early Life and Move North

Dorothy Moss was born in London in 1929 but later moved north due to her husband’s work.
In 1966, her husband changed jobs from Rank Xerox (where he managed a sales team for early copying machines) to a managerial role in a car accessory firm in Bury.
They first lived in Greenmount but didn’t feel settled, later moving to Ramsbottom where they found a cottage they loved.

First Impressions of Ramsbottom

On arrival, she found Ramsbottom blackened by industrial soot but admired the friendly, curious people.
She noticed cultural contrasts: locals often had never been to London, and northern customs, foods, and speech differed from the south (e.g., “ham and eggs” meaning gammon and a fried egg).
She recalls mill girls with rollers and turbans, reflecting the still-active textile industry.

Industry and Employment

In the 1960s, Ramsbottom had industries in textiles, paper, metalwork, and chemicals (e.g., a salt factory, Sims metal firm).
By the 1980s–1990s, paper mills and carpet manufacturing remained important, along with haulage firms like TNT.
Historically, the 1930s had 33 textile mills between Ramsbottom and Stubbins.

Social & Community Life

Dorothy left work when she moved north. With her husband away during the week, she joined groups such as the Women’s Institute, music societies, and yoga classes.
She said this changed her from a shy young woman into a confident speaker, even chairing meetings thanks to public speaking training.

Heritage and Local History

Before the Heritage Society, Ramsbottom had a Local History Society (successful for 10 years but faded).
In 1987, spurred by the East Lancs Railway reopening, Dorothy and others revived interest.
She called a meeting that drew 80 people, and the Ramsbottom Heritage Society was formed, with a constitution and aims.
By 1990, they secured the old library building as their Heritage Centre, staffed entirely by volunteers.

Activities of the Heritage Society

The centre runs from Easter to Christmas with rotating themed displays.
It attracts up to 3,000 visitors a year, particularly during special weekends (e.g., war commemorations).
Membership grew to around 150, including international members with Ramsbottom roots.
They produce a biannual magazine full of nostalgia, church, business, and childhood memories—used as a model by other societies.
Funded by local authority grants (covering utilities), sales of magazines, walking leaflets, and local history books.
Achieved charitable status after seven years, which exempted them from paying rates.
Publications include “Around Ramsbottom”, an illustrated local history volume.

Cultural and Social Observations

She recalls “Wakes Weeks” (annual mill holidays, usually in July) when everything closed except farms and a few bakeries.
Remembers traditions like fairy lights in windows at Christmas, older people sitting outside chatting, and the dry northern humour.
Notes language quirks like double negatives (“did she, did she not?”).

Personal Reflections

Dorothy feels a deep attachment to Ramsbottom despite her southern origins.
She still enjoys visiting London but feels “home” when she sees the Pennine hills.
She values the society for giving her a purpose, friendships, and insight into lives different from her own.
Served about 12 years as Secretary, later becoming Chairman, though admits she struggles not to get involved in everything.