Wigan Borough Environment & Heritage Network
Mary Pennington (Wigan Archaeology Society), Ken Barston (Stubshaw Cross Residents Group), John O’Neil (Greenheart), Avis Freeman (Leigh Soroptimists), Joe Taylor (Billinge History Society), Tom Price (Civic Trust) Neil Forshaw (George Formby Society), Peter Fleetwood (Save Wigan), Glenys McClellan (Leigh Family History Society), Alex Miller (Wigan MBC).
Apologies:
Allan Roberts (RSPCB), Peter Goodwin (Tradition Films),Derek Wilde (Wigan Family
History Society), David Shallcross (Leigh Ornithological Society), Cheryl Knott
(LWT), Geoff Jones (Astley Green Colliery Museum), Richard Sivill (Atherton
Heritage), Peter Taylor (Civic Trust), Marge Harrop (Leigh Family History Society),
Jan Johnston (LENDF), Mandy Wellans-Bray (Orrell-Billinge Transition Town Group),
Lynda Jackson (Wigan MBC).
Minutes of the last meeting: True and accurate.
Matters Arising:
Richard Sivill has had surgery and is recovering.
Tom has not been able to locate the BLINT list online. There was some discussion regarding this issue and it was decided to invite the conservation officer, Ian Rowan, to a future meeting.
John thanked everyone for the birthday card and cake.
Members News and Reports:
Tom Price has spoken to David Kearsley regarding the Housing Allocation Plan and suggests we invite him to a future meeting.
Alex Miller reported on progress with the Heritage Lottery bid to upgrade the archives at Leigh. It was decided to have the next meeting there so that members can see for themselves what is entailed.
Neil Forshaw is helping to organise George Formby’s birthday anniversary 26th May. A race will be held at Haydock Park to commemorate George’s birthday and a trophy presented. The GF convention will be held in Blackpool next weekend.
Ken Barston had nothing new to report.
Mary Pennington disseminated the Archaeology Society latest newsletter. There are copies of these newsletters available going back 25 years.
Avis Freeman expressed the concern in Leigh regarding proposed housing development.
Joe Taylor reported on the REconomy event held at Trencherfield Mill recently, hosted by Greenslate Community Farm.
Peter Fleetwood and his friends are developing the website, see www.wiganbuildings.co.uk
Glenys McClellan reported that about 30 people are coming to the monthly meetings and that volunteers at the help desk are being found lots of things to do for the archives.
John O’Neil informed the meeting that BETA, Basic Education & Training for Adults, set up in 1991, is closing the internet café but continuing with its heritage research. The 80th anniversary of the printing of the Road to Wigan Pier will occur in 2017 and the council’s WW1 fund is still open but the deadline is in March.
Date next meeting: 4th April 2016 at Leigh Archives.