Wigan Borough Environment & Heritage Network
10.30 a.m. 5th September at Howe Bridge
Present: John O'Neill (Greenheart Partnership Board); Joe Taylor (Billinge History/Heritage Society),) Jackie Roberts & Avis Freeman (ETNA); Terry Daley, Richard & Sheila Sivill (Atherton Heritage); Peter Goodwin (Mirabilis Media), Jan Johnson (Hesketh Meadows Action Group), Glenys McClellan & Margaret Harrop (Leigh & District Family History Society); John Hill (Wigan L& CT) David Shallcross & Dave Wilson (Leigh Ornithological Society); Jason Kennedy (conservation officer Wigan MBC); Vince Price (Atherton); Mary Pennington (Wigan Archaeology Society); Neil Forshaw (George Formby Society);
Apologies: Gordon Winnard (Lancashire Irish Heritage Centre), Geoff Jones (Astley
Green Colliery Museum); Ken Barston (Stubshaw Cross Residents Group); Tom Price
& Peter Taylor (Wigan Civic Trust), Rachel Bryant & Carol Tyldesley
Art &(Heritage Services); Brian Parr (Discovery Group); Tony Bishop (Leigh
Ornithological Society);
Minutes of the last meeting - true and accurate.
Matters arising:
Under reorganisation of the library service, Hindley library is being moved to a new location but that leaves the future of the museum (run by volunteers) uncertain. It was decided we should inform the Trust regarding our concerns.
Dave Shalcross inquired as to what would happen to the books, at Atherton library, a number of which were donated. It was suggested he contact the Trust.
Concern was raised about the Waterloo Memorial at Bispham Hall, which is in need of repair. The chair will pursue the matter and report to the next meeting.
The Heritage Open days, 8th - 11th September - have been reported in the press. Leigh will hold its Heritage Open days and weekend of activities on the 10th and the 11th bases on the Turnpike Center and Parish Church.
The Network celebration day, 17th November, will start 6.00 with refreshments then Jason Kennedy will give a presentation and Martin Purcell will show the latest Greenheart DVD, followed by displays of members work and the handing out of certificates.
The Network's essay competition, in association with the Heritage Service, has been advertised in Past Forward.
Network Workshop:
Members received and copy of the conservation officer's ideas for a future workshop exercise. To be considered at the next meeting.
Presentation: Terry Daley gave a presentation about Howe Bridge and its history
Guided Tour:
Richard Sivill took everyone on a guided tour of Howe Bridge, followed by lunch and a tour of the Church. The thanks of the Network were conveyed to Richard and his wife for their work in arranging the event, including the excellent refreshments.
Next Meeting: 17th October at Tudor House.