Museum revisits our industrial past

SADDLEWORTH Historical Society is staging an Industrial Archaeology Weekend at Saddleworth Musuem.

The conference event opens on Saturday with presentations by Mike Nevell on “Manchester — the Archaeology of the World’s first Industrial City” and Peter Leeming on “Railways and Trams in the Manchester and Saddleworth Area.”

Afternoon sessions include talks by David George on “Oldham and Manchester Car Factories, 1897–1938” and “Turnpike Roads in Saddleworth” by Councillor Mike Buckley, Oldham’s heritage champion.

On Sunday, attendees will meet Neil Barrow at Greenfield Station at 10am and, under the theme of “Transport Development in the Tame Valley” will study how pack ways, roads, canal and railways fit into the narrow valley.

Alan Schofield will meet guests at the Brun Clough car park at Stanedge cutting on the A62 at 2pm to host “Stanedge Crossings”. The event outlines four turnpikes, Blind Jack of Knaresborough, the Roman military road, packhorse causeway and Boat Lane.

Attendees should bring footwear and clothing suitable for moorland walking.

There will be a small charge of £5 per person to cover costs. Call 01457- 873 612 for further information.