Wigan Borough Environment & Heritage Network
Meeting minutes
10.30 am January 20th 2019 at the Museum of Wigan Life
Present
Peter Goodwin (Tradition Films), Neil Forshaw (George Formby Society), Glenys
McClellan (Leigh Family History Society), Avis Freeman (Leigh Soroptimists), Joe
Taylor (Billinge History Society) John O’Neill (Greenheart), Mary Pennington
(Wigan Archaeological Society), Ken Barston (Stubshaw Cross Residents group),
Julie Clarke & Richard McDonald (Wigan MBC), Estelle Worthington (Friends
of the Earth), Julie McKeirnan (Essay competition winner).
Apologies
Bob Bruce (Astley Green Colliery), Alex Miller (WBC), Jenny Giggs (Wildlife Trust),
David Shallcross (Leigh Ornithological Society), Richard Sivil (Atherton Heritage),
Eileen Walsh and Eileen Bithell (BETA), Tom Price (Civic Trust), Derek Wilde (Wigan
Family History Society) Mandy Wellens-Bray (Rebel Flower Farm)
Minutes of last meeting - N/A (presentation day)
Matters arising - none.
Avis distributed a proposed list for next years meetings: 2 March, 20 April, 1
June, 13 July, 24 August, 5 October, 9 November, 14 December, 25 January (2021).
Next meeting had been suggested as a possible visit to Rebel Flower Farm but subsequent
to the meeting, RFF suggests that March is too early so the next meeting will
be at the usual venue.
Presentation: Estelle Worthington gave a presentation concerning the work Friends
of the Earth are doing with Councils and groups throughout the country, in particular
Greater Manchester, concerning the Nationally declared Climate Emergency.
The members present fed back their opinions, to which Estelle responded, and asked
questions relevant to the topic, which Estelle answered.
Richard McDonald reported on developments with the Historic Environment Strategy
and the successful funding bids for King Street and Tyldesley Conservation Area
.
Julie Clarke updated members on support and funding opportunities available via
The Deal.
Julie McKeirnan, an essay competition winner, spoke about a essay competition
for the Leigh branch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and requested a letter of
support and help with judging, which was agreed to.
There followed a discussion regarding the Climate Emergency and the fact that
E&H Network is predominately attended by representatives from Heritage related
organisations. It was agreed that the secretary could seek to locate people and
groups within the Borough, whose prime concern is ‘environment’, with
assistance from Council and Friends of the Earth, to determine if there is an
appetite for separate meetings related to the Climate Emergency or if they would
like to attend scheduled E&H Network meetings.
Members Reports:
Mary gave out copies of the latest Archaeology Society newsletters.
Next Meeting 2nd March - Discovery Room 10.30.