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Glasgow Times
17-07-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Lost North Lanarkshire community rediscovered by archaeologists
The forgotten community of New Orbiston, established in North Lanarkshire in 1825 and abandoned just three years later, is now the focus of an investigation led by Archaeology Scotland. Supported by volunteers, community groups, and school pupils, the project aims to uncover and preserve the remains of the short-lived settlement, which was inspired by the co-operative ideals of Robert Owen's New Lanark. Dr Edward Steward on site with volunteers (Image: Archaeology Scotland) Read more: Fate of historic Glasgow cinema decided after appeal Keiran Manchip, project officer at Archaeology Scotland, said: "We are really happy with our excavation at the Manufactory site of the Orbiston Community (1825-28). "This site has offered us an exciting glimpse into the material culture and architecture of a Utopian community which set out to make a better, fairer, and more equal society." The community was founded by Abram Combe and Archibald Hamilton of Dalzell with support from Owen. By 1826, around 250 people had settled in the community, living in a large accommodation block known as Liberty Hall. Its goal was to build a society based on co-operation, but internal disagreements, financial problems, and Mr Combe's declining health led to its collapse by 1828. Archaeology Scotland has been surveying the sites associated with the community, including the Manufactory and Holm Forge, both long hidden in the undergrowth. These sites, which have never been examined before, will be added to the National Monuments Record for future generations. A small-scale evaluation dig took place in July at the Manufactory to assess the survival of any remaining structures and to begin piecing together the story of New Orbiston. The excavation revealed interior wall faces of the main building and details of construction techniques used in a small annex on the northern side. Archaeology Scotland believes this project holds valuable lessons for contemporary society and hopes to continue its work at the site in the future. The dig site (Image: Archaeology Scotland) Wall profiles showing the construction methods and phasing of the site (Image: Archaeology Scotland) A medieval green glass ceramic cup and a post-medieval pottery sherd found at the site (Image: Archaeology Scotland) Mr Manchip said: "This movement formed during a time of economic and social challenges that mirror challenges we face today, such as technological advances which bring changes to our working lives. "By exploring the archaeology of this community, we can better understand how workers tried to challenge these developments. "This lost story has been uncovered through a programme of surveys and excavations by our team and we'd like to say a massive thank you to the volunteers from across Lanarkshire and the Our Space group and Phoenix Futures for getting involved and creating such a fun environment on-site."
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Football match held in memory of murdered Stoke-on-Trent teenager
Family and friends of a woman who was murdered six years ago came together to celebrate her life as a charity football match was played in her annual event was held at Newcastle College in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, on Wednesday in tribute to former academy footballer Megan Newton, who died in 2019 at the age of game featured current players from the college's Andy Griffin Football Academy, who took on Ms Newton's former teammates, while her family watched well as raising awareness of the impact of violence against women, the event also raised more than £1,500 for charity Our Space, which supports people with disabilities. Lauren, who was a close friend of Ms Newton's, took part in the match and told BBC Radio Stoke they were "like sisters".She spoke of how Ms Newton hated the rain but would be "buzzing" whenever the sun came out, earning her the nickname "summer time". Of the match, she said: "It just means so much to me, to her family, to everyone – it means the world to me specifically. I just love seeing everybody back here."It's like being back and connected to a memory I have of Meg but in the present day. She's gone but her memory isn't, she's still very much here and you can tell by all the people who have turned up." Sherry McCuw, who works at Newcastle College, coached Ms Newton and described her as a great football player."Meg was a lovely person off the pitch. On the pitch, she was like a bull in a china shop," she said. "To know Meg off the pitch and to watch her on it was an absolute pleasure."She added: "We want Meg to last in our memory."The team made up of current academy members included players aged between 16 and 19, while the opposing side made up of Ms Newton's former teammates were aged about 24 to 25. Current academy player Ruby, 17, said: "Some people don't get the chance to play for a cause like this so I'm glad we can."Former Stoke City FC captain Andy Griffin, who set up the academy, said it was "very important" to keep holding the event in Ms Newton's memory."She was a very bubbly character – very well-liked, very well-respected – and you don't have to ask many people twice to come along," he added. Ms Newton, who also coached a youth football team, was found dead in her flat in Stoke-on-Trent on 20 April 2019 after she was raped and murdered by Joseph was handed a life sentence, with a minimum prison term of 21 years, after pleading guilty in February 2020. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- BBC News
Megan Newton: footballers celebrate life of Stoke-on-Trent teen
A charity football match will be held later to celebrate the life of a teenager who was murdered six years Newton, 18, was found dead at her flat on Fletcher Road, Stoke-on-Trent, on 20 April 2019 after she was raped and murdered by Joseph Trevor, who received a life sentence in February 2020.A keen and talented footballer, Ms Newton studied at Newcastle College in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and coached a youth her death, the college organised an annual football match in her memory, with this year's set to kick off at 18:00 BST on Wednesday. It will feature the college's current women's football academy team and former students who played with Ms Newton before her Bailey, curriculum manager for sport at Newcastle College and Ms Newton's former teacher, told BBC Radio Stoke it was always an emotional time for staff and students."While it's emotional, it is really important. It's a team effort and it's important to keep doing it for Meg's legacy," he said. 'A real tragedy' Mr Bailey described Ms Newton as a "wonderful character" who was resolute, smart, resilient and "had a lot going for her".Of her coaching younger players, he said: "She wanted to help everybody out and do what she could to make sure they enjoy sport, particularly football."It was a real tragedy when what happened to Meg happened."All proceeds raised at the football match will go to local charity Our Space, which supports children and adults with disabilities.A number of other events were due to be held at the college throughout the day, including a women's-only walk to raise awareness of women's safety and a raffle. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
