Wigan Borough Environment & Heritage Network
10.30 a.m. June 18th 2012 at Tudor House, Hindley
Present - John O'Neill (Greenheart Partnership Board), Richard Sivill (Atherton Heritage), Huttson Lo (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust), Mary Pennington (Wigan Archaeology Society), Tom Price (Wigan Civic Trust), Avis Freeman (Leigh Soroptimists), David Shallcross (Leigh Ornithological Society/Chowbent Chapel), Dave Wilson (Bickershaw Conservation Group/Wigan Biodiversity Group), Neil Forshaw (George Formby Society), Joe Taylor (Billinge History/Heritage Society), Ken Barston (Stubshaw Cross Residents Group), (Leigh Family History Society), Vince French (Atherton), Steve Higham (British Waterways)
Apologies - Jackie Roberts (Bridleways), Jan Johnston (LENDF), Peter Goodwin (Tradition Films), John Hill (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust), Peter Taylor (Wigan Civic Trust), Tony Bishop Brain Parr (Discovery Group), Allan Roberts (Wigan RSPB), Geoff Jones (Astley Green Colliery Museum), Glenys McClellan Marge Harrop (Leigh Family History Society), Liz Vango-Smith (Lancashire Wildlife Trust).
The Chair, welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Announcements
Carol Tyldesley has broken a leg and is likely to be off work for three months or so.
Carol Littler (01695 625116) would like to be informed about war memorials around the borough that are in need of attention
The latest grant available from Heritage Lottery Fund is called 'All Our Stories'. The criterion is comparatively easy to comply with and applications can be made online by July 31 via www.hlf.org.uk
Heritage Open Days are from 6th - 9th of September. Could anyone knowing about participating buildings inform Tom Price at their earliest convenience.
The Greater Manchester Archaeology Unit have moved to Salford University and have now produced booklet 5 in series about Greater Manchester's past. The latest is called 'Slices Through Time'
Minutes of the last meeting:
As a visit to Pennington Flash 14th May took the place of the last meeting, the minutes of the last formal meeting, 26th Match, were accepted as true and accurate.
Matters Arising:
Lancs Wildlife Trust hope to develop a friends group for the Kirkless Site.
John O'Neill went to the first meeting and Richard Sivill went to the second.
He has kindly agreed to assist with that site's heritage interpretation together
with WAS.
Members News and Reports:
The Cultural Partnership Convention took place on 20th May
The Cultural Olympiad Performance Reward Grants award winners came along to
report on progress.
Progress on the Wigan Youth Zone, modeled on the one in Bolton, was outlined
by Simon Baker, it's coordinator. Once established, we hope to develop links
and introduce to kids the many heritage and environmental assets on their doorsteps.
The Wigan Wallgate Townscape Heritage Initiative is progressing well and Grimes Arcade is now under consideration to see if the blocked passageway can be re-opened.
The Cultural Partnership Sub Group met 17th May
John O'Neill reported on progress with the Capital Works Programme.
Huttson Lo (Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust), Avis Freeman (Leigh Soroptimists),
Dave Wilson (Bickershaw Conservation Group), Neil Forshaw (George Formby Society),
Steve Higham (British Waterways) and Richard Sivill (Atherton Heritage) gave
verbal reports on progress with their respective organizations.
Program For 2012 - 2015
At the next meeting, which also includes the AGM we should agree on the programme for the next three years.
Suggestions from members unable to attend today's meeting are welcome.
It was suggested by members at this meeting that we: carry on with site visits but have them between formal meetings; hold a Celebration Evening each year; promote Lancashire Day; help with the War Memorial Project; promote Local History Month; support the QR Code Reader concept and develop Heritage Walks.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting 30th July will incorporate the AGM.