Colin Edmondson's talks programme
Colin Edmondson is the Weaver Historian and the majority of the images on our website have come from Colin's archives.
Colin is also the Editor of the Weaver News and is recognised as one the leading experts on the Weaver.
All Colin's talks are profusely illustrated with old and new photographs, maps and diagrams and delivered with the help of a digital projector. Any of the Colin's talks can be altered to suit your individual needs.
Costs are reasonable and you can contact him directly on 07721 620747 or by using our Contact Page.
Talk 1: ‘A look at the River Weaver through the ages’
This is an introductory talk of one or one and a half hours, looking at the history of the River Weaver and salt mining from 1670 to the present day.
The content is sufficiently varied to be of interest to any audience.
Talk 2 : ‘The engineering excellence of the River Weaver’
This talk looks at the proud engineering heritage of the River Weaver - the continuous improvements, the pontoon supported swing bridges, turbine operated lock gates and so on.
This talk lasts about 1 hour, maybe a little longer if you want more detail, and is possibly better suited to an audience with an interest in general engineering.
Talk 3 : ‘A trip through time along the River Weaver’
In this talk you will take a trip down the river looking at past and present, as though you are taking a boat trip and stopping off for guided history tours en route.
This can be delivered as a one hour talk just concentrating on your own favourite bit of the river or as a comprehensive historical journey down the river from Winsford to Weston Point, a four hour talk split into two parts on different dates
Talk 4 : ‘Not so solid ground! a look at the effect of salt mining at Marston and Northwich’
This talk is based on a guided walk from the Lion Salt Works to the Anderton Lift along the Trent & Mersey Canal, looking at the history of the canal and the salt mining in the area and having a root around to see what can still be seen today. We return through the Anderton Nature Park, along the banks of the River Weaver and through the Northwich Woodlands looking at how the pumping of brine from the flooded mines changed the landscape of Northwich and Marston for ever and how it has been reclaimed as a country park.
This talk includes lots of photos of collapsing buildings and salt works and huge holes appearing in previously solid ground, so not for the faint hearted. The talk lasts about one and a half hours.
Talk 5 : ‘One boat, two people, forty lorry loads’
I am also working on a talk about my trips carrying grain on the Manchester Ship Canal, just for something completely different! Please ask.
Click here for details of Colin's Books