 Our Community Chest grant came through last month and just look at the
sparkling array of equipment and software we have been able to buy with
it.
In the past we have had to beg,
borrow and steal (well maybe
not steal) this stuff to enable us to give high-quality presentations both
for ourselves and our quest speakers. For those interested here are the
details. The laptop is a Toshiba Satellite Pro A100 (1.85GHz) with 15.4
inch wide-screen. The digital projector is a Sanyo Pro-X PLC-SW35 and we
have a new projection screen to match. To go with the laptop we have
Office Professional (educational version), Coral Paint Shop Pro XI and a
Logitech wireless mouse. Over the years Tom and I have given quite a few
presentations to clubs and societies across the region, demonstrating our
work on the history and archaeology of Wigan (half a dozen just this
year). This new equipment will enable us to carry on without having the
usual worry about sourcing equipment.
Survey Potential
At last month's meeting Brian Parr, a local historian from Ince came
down to show us his findings from his research into the Roman Road from
Manchester to Wigan, as it passes though parts of Higher Ince. Brian has
been using the 6" OS map of 1849, which shows quite clearly the Road as it
passed over Amberswood Common. Projecting this line further towards Wigan,
Brian has discovered a number of places where the road could still
survive. As mentioned in last month's newsletter, Brian has been looking
at a new development at the bottom of Anderton Street. However this may be
just off the alignment but Brian is keeping an eye on it as work
continues. A particularly strong chance of success could be where the line
crosses Ince Green Lane in the area of St William's School. These overlays
(modern map with OS map of 1907 and recent aerial photo) show the road
going straight through the school and the playing fields beyond. Since the
1907 map was drawn the building arrangements within the grounds of the
school have changed considerably but the playing fields beyond seem to
have been left untouched. If we can obtain permission this area would be a
good candidate for a geophysics survey.
Joe Russell
Three weeks ago Joe went into hospital for heart surgery and I'm happy
to say the operation was successfully completed and he is well on his way
to recovery. Although many years into his retirement, Joe has always,
until recently, been very active and I'm sure he will soon be back to his
old self. We wish him well and hope to see him back with us in the New
Year.
Next WAS Meeting
Wednesday 1st November at the District Scout HQ (Baden Powell Centre)
in Greenough Street, starting at 7.30 pm as usual. This month speaker is
Andrew Davison from English Heritage who will be telling us all about The
Workings of English Heritage (North West). We normally associate English
Heritage with the upkeep and preservation Historic Buildings and
Monuments. However they do undertake quite range of archaeological
investigations as well which are refreshingly free from the restrictions
of the rescue archaeology associated with our county archaeologists.
Andrew's last visit was particularly well received as I'm sure this will
be also. Don't forget that, as it's the last meeting of the year there
will be the usual seasonal refreshments. Hope to see you there. If not,
have a great Christmas and hope to see you in the New Year. B.A.
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