Wigan Borough Environment & Heritage Network
Meeting minutes
10.30 am February 18th at the Museum of Wigan Life
Present
Avis Freeman (Leigh Soroptimists), Bob Bruce (Astley Green Colliery), John O’Neill
(Greenheart), Alex Miller (MBC), Ken Barston (Stubshaw Cross Residents group),
Derek Wilde (Wigan Family History Society) ,Mary Pennington (Wigan Archaeological
Society), David Shallcross (Leigh Ornithologfcal Society), Neil Forshaw (George
Formby Society). Eileen Walsh & Eileen Bithel (BETS). Also present was the
new Museums collections officer Louisa (MBC)
Apologies
Joe Taylor (Billinge History Society), Richard Sivil (Atherton Heritage)
Matters discussed
Avis updated us about the progress of Tom Price who had a serious fall and is
recovering in hospital.
Joe was chosen to represent us at the Greenslate Farm AGM
Avis asked about the Millenium Tapestries. Alex thinks most some were returned
to the organisations that made them and others across schools, hospitals and similar
places.
There was a general discussion about Wigan Market Cross, the Market Place and
Wigan Pier and the importance of making sure young people and tourists know about
local History.
It was agreed that Avis should contact the new CEO to make sure she knows about
us.
Members’ news
Alex updated us on Leigh Town Hall. The building project is to start on March
1st and they are hoping to reopen late spring 2020. He also said they have lots
of old copies of Past Forward to hand out to schools and similar places.
Neil said they are erecting a statue to Norman Harvey, also putting milestones
along the Sankey canal.
John As well as the essay competition they are going to ask younger people to
submit a photo and write about it in under 500 words.
Eileen & Eileen WW1 book now available. They are starting one about locals
in WW2 and would like photographs or stories to use.
Mary handed out the latest newsletter and mentioned they are moving to the Bellingham.
Summer meeting
Avis suggested we should visit Vulcan (visit to be organised by Neil), on June
24th. This was agreed.