Nov 2007

Tue 11 Dec 2007

Society Christmas Quiz and buffet.

Les Chapman, the oldest member of Chorley Historical and Archaeological Society, was given two special awards at the Society’s meeting on Tue 11th Dec. He is already a life member but an early birthday party was arranged for Les’s 100th birthday later this month. Les will be away on the great day so an early celebration was arranged. His card was presented by Joan Dickinson, the Society Chair. A copy of the Chorley Guardian’s latest publication ‘Chorley Past’ was also presented to him thanks to a donated copy by the Chorley Guardian. The meeting was also another milestone in the Society’s history as it was the last at the premises of Galloway’s Society for the Blind at Crown Street, Chorley. The building will be temporarily closed for renovation during 2008 and a new meeting venue has been found at the Chorley Library, Union Street.

The local history quiz was a great success thanks to Liz Bennett who had put together another list of fascinating questions.

Les Chapman about to cut his cake.

Wed 05 Dec 2007

Wigan Archaeological Society - Ian Miller of Oxford Archaeology (north)
on Archaeology in the Wigan area, 2007 update

At Wigan Archaeological Society Ian Miller of Oxford Archaeology (North) gave an illustrated presentation on an update of Archaeological digs in the area for 2007. Ian spoke first about he Roman Bathhouse excavated in Wigan town centre.

Ian Miller presents his lecture.

Layout of the Wigan Roman bath house.

Reconstruction of part of the bath house.

The ruins were of the Hadrianic period from about 120AD and appear to have been used to the end of the second century before being dismantled. Because of a lack of some parts of the building in the excavation it appears that it was mostly taken away after dismantling.
Another site Ian spoke about was Cutacre to the east of Atherton. There was evidence of medieval iron smelting and also 23 post holes in a ring indicating a prehistoric round-house.
The search for the Roman road at the Chorlton Fold site was discussed and some possible road surfaces were excavated. Unfortunately under the surface was late medieval pottery so the Roman link was incorrect.
Thanks to Ian for another fascinating and information packed presentation.

Sat 01 Dec 2007

Phil Harding visits Leyland Historical Society to talk about the 'Making of Time Team'

As part of Leyland Historical Society’s 40th anniversary celebrations Phil Harding of Channel 4’s Time Team programme visited Leyland to present ‘Making of Time Team’
Not only is Phil a key member of the Time Team he is also a professional archaeologist working for Wessex Archaeology. The venue was the sumptuous Banqueting Suit at Leyland Civic Centre and it looked as though the room was filled to capacity.
Phil began by explaining how the Time Series came about. Its roots were in a short series of programmes called Time Signs which were so successful that the format of the current programme was developed from it. 14 series of about 130 episodes of Time Team have been broadcast and another is due to start early in 2008.

Phil Harding after the show.

Phil shows us how a sequence is filmed.

Phil told us of the format of three days of excavation, which is exactly how it is done and when we see trench one going in on day one that is how it happened. No sneaking in to make some trial digs beforehand. However a lot of research is done before the programme starts and a large team of people are needed to make the series. Many people associate Phil with TV celebrity, but he is also a working archaeologist and frequently turns up on sites to carry out investigations. He explained that it is quite amusing when people see just him and wonder where the cameras are and why Tony Robinson isn’t with him. We were treated to a very informative, witty and extremely entertaining evening. Phil’s talk lasted just over and hour and the questions session also lasted about an hour. The final vote of thanks was given by David Hunt.
 

Some of the current 'Time Team'
Helen Geake, Tony Robinson, Mick Aston & Phil Harding.

This is how many people it takes to make a programme.