Last Saturday Eric Walter, Mark Tyldesley and I attended a meeting in Manchester to discuss the reformation of Greater Manchester Archaeology Federation. The original Federation was wound up in the early 80’s but renewed interest in archaeology and the increasing number of new groups, has prompted its reintroduction. About 30 delegates from a variety of societies around the region gathered at the Kanaris Theatre in the Manchester Museum, on Oxford Road, to hear the plans for its revival.
First of all, however, we were hit by some disturbing news from Mike Nevell who told us that the University of Manchester Archaeology Unit (UMAU) is to be disbanded. The University, for its own reasons, has decided that the unit, which is a commercially independent operation, can no longer support. Norman Redhead, chairing the meeting, also said that this left his department (GMAU) in an uncomfortable position and they may soon be looking for another patron.
Norman assured us, however, that despite this, his department was not under threat and went on to describe the plans for Dig Greater Manchester Project. This would be an extension of their highly successful Dig Manchester Project which has been described as community archaeology at its best. It is currently awaiting fund but plans are afoot for projects, involving local groups to be organised across the region and these are expected to run for 4 to 5 years.
One of the key features of the Federation would be the sharing of knowledge and experience of like-minded volunteers across the region. Norman suggested workshops where experiences could be shared (e.g. insurance, working with children etc..). Sites, equipment and expertise could also be included. However, with expensive equipment it was agreed that this could only be offered out as a service by the owning group (I mentioned our experiences regarding the use of our resistivity meter).
It is intended that the Federation should have a Newsletter, a Website and an Annual Conference. However, by far the best suggestion for me was the reintroduction of the GM Archaeological Journal as it will provide a great opportunity for our worthy efforts to be published in a professional manner.
Next week Norman will issue aims, objectives and a suggested structure for the Federation for us discuss in committee. Once he gets feedback from all groups he will then precede with organising an inaugural meeting. After the session there was an opportunity to visit the Archaeology Gallery at the Museum and a privileged look at the Roman Altar recently discovered in excavations by the UMAU.
Wigan Hall (Rectory)
Project Plan. Eric has nearly finished this now and is keen to get the go ahead so that we can proceed to the next stage. With this in mind interested parties met last Wednesday to discuss aims, objectives and resources for the project. In the meantime Tom has had his long awaited meeting with the Rector and reminds us to be aware of the constraints of working on Church Property. Also the Rector has asked if Eric will present his Desk-based Assessment to the Wigan Parish Church Parochial Church Council (of which the Rector is chair). This will be a great opportunity to show them the quality of our work and hopefully give them confidence to allow us to proceed with the next phase.
Survey
A topographic survey of the Hall grounds was started at the beginning of the month and another blustery session last weekend has seen it progress a little further. We have now covered most the area in front of the Hall, but this is the easy bit and there is still plenty to do around the sides and at the back. These areas will certainly be a challenge with all the tree cover and some places may be impossible to reach. The picture emerging, however, is quite fascinating showing that the present Hall is built on quite broad platform at about 3 metres higher than the main entrance (visit our Wigapedia website for full details).
History Shop Exhibition
Brian Parr met with Lisa Keys last week to talk about exhibition space for the Society in a revamped History Shop next year. Lisa has agreed to talk to us at our next meeting (for about 10 minutes before the lecture) about format and other possibilities such as an exhibition tour and interactive presentation.
Next Meeting
Wednesday 3rd December - District Scout HQ (Baden Powell Centre) in Greenough Street as usual, starting at 7.30 pm. This month we have Mark Fletcher from Matrix Archaeology. He will be giving us a talk on the History and Archaeology of Lathom Hall and its links with the nearby Medieval town of Up Holland. As it is the meeting before Christmas the usual seasonal refreshments will be available at the end of the meeting.
Hope to see you there B.A.
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