Newsletter 100

One Hundredth Edition

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 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.