|
Imagine this - 100 editions of our monthly newsletter. Little did I
realise when I started it in 1997, that I would still be producing them
ten years later. Although I must confess it hasn't always been the easiest
of tasks - some months I find myself having to scour round for something
to write. However, the feedback I get suggests that overall they have been
a worthwhile exercise. Looking back at them (and they are all available on
our website) you get an appreciation of the progression of our
archaeological knowledge over the past 10 years, both locally and
nationally and sometimes even internationally. It is my intention to
continue as long as people are willing to receive them (and of course any
little help is always appreciated).
The Programme
Full details have not yet been finalised for this year but as usual we are
aiming to have a full list of interesting speakers for you. Already booked
is Ron Cowell from Liverpool Museum who will be bringing us up to date on
his work on the Romano-British site at Duttons Farm near Latham. In April
we have Dot Bruns, who is the new Finds Liaison Officer for Lancashire and
of course in December, Ian Miller, who will hopefully have news of the
final excavations on the Grand Arcade development. And next month Norman
Readhead from the Greater Manchester Archaeology Unit is coming to tells
us all about the highlights of the work of the Unit over the past year or
so. Peter Connely, who excavated the Gadbury Fold site, was also planned
to give us a talk but his move to the York Archaeological Trust has
scotched that idea. However, all is not lost as I am assured he will be
available to give us a guided tour of the excavation he is managing this
summer in the York area.
Flint Spearhead
This magnificent stone-age spearhead was found by Neil Hibert while
playing in fields near his home in Cale Lane, New Springs. Neil made his
find in the early seventies but his discovery has only recently come to
light. Although he reported it at the time to the Powell Museum, which
used to be at the bottom of Station Road, the record seems to have somehow
slipped through the net. We first became aware of the find when, a few
years ago, an ex-member of our society presented us with a photograph of
it (how he'd come by it he wouldn't say). Although the provenance was a
bit shaky, we decided to record the find on the SMR database at Manchester
and also published the photo on our website (Prehistoric Wigan).
Last month Neil Hibert recognised the photo of his find and contacted me
immediately to give us the full details of his discovery. Neil is keen to
know the date of it so I have forwarded photos of it to Ron Cowell who is
an expert on the Prehistoric period. It is difficult to predict what he
will say but this ancient artefact could well be tens of thousands of
years old.
Archaeological Forum
The Centre for North-West Regional Studies will be holding their 34th
Annual Forum on Saturday 3rd March in the Faraday Lecture Theatre at
Lancaster University. Professor David Shotter will be presenting a variety
of eminent speakers from the region and further afield, including Andrew
Birley from The Vindolanda Trust and Andrew Johnson from Manx National
Heritage. Price for the day is £19 plus £12 if you want the lunch. See me
at the meeting for more details.
The Chester Conference
"Roman Amphitheatres & Spectacula - A 21st Century Perspective"
to give it its full title. This international event will last for three
days, from 16th to 18th February and will present the very latest research
and thinking from recent discoveries made from sites across the Roman
world. Amphitheatres from both the frontier and heart of the Empire will
be discussed, examining their function, religious and social aspects. Also
investigated will be the organisation of the spectacles, including the
gladiatorial deaths and burials. During the three days there will be
speakers from around the world including USA, Canada, Brazil, Austria,
Germany, Spain and the UK. If you are interested in attending please see
me at the meeting for pricing details
Next WAS Meeting
Wednesday 7th February at the District Scout HQ (Baden Powell Centre)
in Greenough Street, starting at 7.30 pm as usual. It is the AGM and the
annual election of committee members. This year we are looking for a new
chairman as Tom has decided to step down after 6 years duty. During that
time the society has gone from strength to strength and I would like to
thank Tom, on behalf of the society, for all his efforts in building the
society up into what it is today. After the formalities Dot Waring
from Darwen Archaeological Society will be entertaining us with her
presentation of recent work carried out by her society (including
excavations on the Roman road from Manchester to Ribchester). Hope to see you there. B.A. |
