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PerspectivesArchaeologyWhile these in themselves are worthy aims, it isalso vital that the involvement of these groupsadds quantifiable value. It is expected, forinstance, that the number of volunteer days bythe time the project is complete will number over5,000, which in itself is estimated to be worthover £375,000 at Heritage Lottery Fund estimatesof £75 per volunteer day.To complement this, it is anticipated that theincreased participation and publicity created bythe project will also lead to a number of new localhistory and archaeology societies being created,which will be supported through the loaning ofequipment and provision of training.By the numbers❚ Over 6,000 local people involvedto date with over 10,000 expectedin totalIncluding:❚ 6,500 schoolchildren❚ 4,000 local volunteers puttingin 5,000 daysIndeed, proof of this aim has already beenprovided with the creation of the Bury LocalHistory Group, set up by one of the volunteerswhose interest in the subject was fuelled whilehelping out at the Bury excavation in Radcliffe’sClose Park.The enthusiasm of youth, meanwhile, is beingtapped through extensive work with localschools. “This is a key aspect of the programme,as archaeology is an excellent subject for bothformal and informal learning,” explains BrianGrimsditch, Senior Archaeologist at CfAA.Bury Council recently made a bid to the HeritageLottery Fund to undertake further work at thesite of Radcliffe Tower within Close Park. The DigGreater Manchester work already undertaken atthe site has uncovered a great deal of evidence,resulting in much local public interest, and soit is hoped that, if successful, the funds will beused to develop this, involve more communityvolunteers and conserve the remains. Thisapproach will be based on the Dig GreaterManchester methodology and should resultin the provision of greater public access to thetower, a listed building and Ancient ScheduledMonument.The project aims toimprove communitycohesion, increaseyouth participation,reduce worklessness,promote healthyliving and increaselearning outside ofthe classroom. Thisis achieved throughtargeting volunteerarchaeologists, localgroups and associations,local communities,schools, people not inemployment and thosewith disabilities tobecome involved.Evaluations to date❚ March 2012 – Etherstone Hall,Leigh – Wigan❚ July 2012 – Close Park,Radcliffe – Bury❚ September 2012 – ChaddertonPark – Oldham❚ October 2012 – Reddish ValeCountry Park, Reddish – Stockport❚ March 2013 – Moss Bank Park,Halliwell – Bolton❚ June 2013 – Balderstone Park,Rochdale❚ July 2013 – (Exact location to beconfirmed) – Manchester❚ October 2013 – Buile Hill Park,Salford❚ 2014 – Tameside Borough❚ 2014 – Trafford Borough❚ 2014 – Blackburn withDarwen Borough32 | May 2013