Wigan Borough Environment & Heritage Network
Mary Pennington (Wigan Archaeology Society), Avis Freeman (Leigh Soroptimists), Peter Goodwin (Tradition Films), John O’Neill (Greenheart), Joe Taylor (Billinge History Society), Lynda Jackson (Wigan MBC), Peter Fleetwood (Save Wigan)
Apologies:
Neil Forshaw (George Formby Society), Glenys McClellan (Leigh Family History
Society), Richard Sivill (Atherton Heritage), Michael Caine, Dave Wilson (Leigh
Ornithological Society), Alex Miller (Wigan MBC).
Tom Price (Civic Trust), David Shallcross (Leigh Ornithological Society),
Minutes of the last meeting: Accepted as a true record.
Matters Arising:
No news from Alex yet re archives.
Members News and Reports:
Mary Pennington distributed the latest Archaeology Society newsletters. Due to the recent wet conditions they have not been digging but have had access to the rectory cellars and she suggested we might consider a visit some time in the future.
Peter Goodwin is not currently working on a heritage related project in Wigan but is doing so in Liverpool.
Joe Taylor updated on events happening at Greenslate Community Farm.
Peter Fleetwood and his friends are developing their website and have adopted
the Plantation Gates in Wigan Lane as a restoration project. A condition survey
is under way. They are also helping the cricket club with heritage related matters.
Lynda Jackson reported that Drumcroon paintings are on display at the Turnpike Gallery in Leigh. The Egyptian exhibition will continue until June 2nd. A new group is using Trencherfield Mill for various heritage related events. The school program is under review due to changes in the curriculum and various exhibitions are planned at the museum over the coming year.
John O’Neil and others from Greenheart have been working with Trust In Leigh to target heritage areas that need upgrading thanks for funding obtained from The Deal. They hope to meet specifications for the Engaging Communities program as a path to future funding by relating the heritage areas upgrading to specific health initiatives relating to the borough’s poor health indices.
Avis Freeman and friends from Leigh Soroptimists planted bulbs along the canal at Leigh but due to the poor condition of the ground it wasn’t very successful. The restoration of Leigh Spinners continues after a successful funding bit to restore the engine house. This is one part of a 10 year plan. Avis will investigate the possibility of a visit.
Avis thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting.
Date next meeting: Monday 27th June 2016.