AT THE first meeting of the 2015-16 history programme a talk was given by Mr Haydn Davies entitled, Industry to Amenity of the Weaver Parkway. With a highly factual and researched talk Mr Davies described the historical evidence which has influenced the present parkway along a 150-acre site straddling the River Weaver from the Red Lion to Newbridge.

From 1732 when the Weaver was made navigable, Mr Davies gave a detailed description of the rise and fall of the salt industry. In the 1870's the salt works, with seven miles of salt pans and smoking chimney's were polluting the atmosphere with 29,000 tons of sulphur dioxide. Nostalgic references were made to the many salt works; Meadow Works,Bostock Works, National Works, Wharton Works and Dudley Works. Salt barges working from the many landing stages carried salt down to Liverpool. Eventually Winsford outstripped salt production at Northwich.

Decline began at the turn of the century along with change of ownerships, union problems, growth of other salt industries and less demand for salt until the last pan closed down in 1961. The inevitable legacy was ruined buildings, derelict railway lines, tunnels, brine systems and abandoned works. The area was levelled followed by extensive tree planting and new pathways. Natural rejuvenation happened quite quickly on the remains of the industrial heritage which is now managed by rangers and volunteers.

The next meeting of the society will be on October 5 when the speaker will be David Yearsley talking about 1960's life in Moulton.