Volunteers bring back council’s old car boot sale- raising thousands for charity
Ramsbottom Car Boot Sale took place on the East Lancashire Railway car park for decades until the council stopped hosting it around seven years ago.
One Ramsbottom resident was determined to bring it back to the community, and with the support of the council and other volunteers, managed to make it a reality this year.
Heather Ryder is a volunteer at Ramsbottom Civic Pride and said that one of her wishes was to get it “back up and running again”.
Alongside fellow Ramsbottom Car Boot Sale coordinator Hazel Gough, and with support from Bury Council and Ramsbottom Rotary Club, they brought the family event back to town.
From May to September this year, a host of volunteers shared the marshalling of 20 weekly Sunday sessions, raising more than £3,000 for seven nearby charities.
Heather said: “It is such an important asset to our local community and businesses.
“It was an integral part of Ramsbottom community life.
“I used to take my kids when they were little, to shop and look at the trains.
“I got in touch with the council last year and decided that any money raised from the stallholders’ fees should go to charity.
“We do pay a licence fee to the council but I’m hoping to get it scrapped next year.
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“It really helps to bring more trade to Ramsbottom and helps those low on cash to raise funds for themselves too.
“It’s always a nice environment and we get good feedback.”
Ramsbottom Car Boot Sale will be back on every Sunday from May 17 until Sept 27, 2026.
Ramsbottom Station, East Lancashire Railway, Off Railway St, Bridge St, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9AL
Source – INDIA TV
