Newsletter 99

WAS Goes Technical

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 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.