0:00:02 > 0:00:04From rubbish and recycling...
0:00:05 > 0:00:07..to potholes and pavements...
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Another street down. Another street to go.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11..educating our children...
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- SHE EXHALES - Fantastic.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15..and caring for the elderly...
0:00:16 > 0:00:20It does make a difference when you see what can be achieved.
0:00:20 > 0:00:25..we rely on our local councils to provide a huge range of services.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27You may kiss the bride.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30APPLAUSE
0:00:30 > 0:00:32In this series, we follow front-line staff
0:00:32 > 0:00:36working for Wigan Council in Greater Manchester.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- SHE BANGS GAVEL - Ooh, sorry.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Like council officers across the country,
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- they're protecting us from hidden dangers...- Oh, dear.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46..stepping in when there's an emergency...
0:00:46 > 0:00:49You never know what you're turning up to.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- Thank you very much. - ..and responding to residents...
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- Thanks for everything. - ..when they...
0:00:53 > 0:00:55PHONE RINGS ..call the council.
0:01:05 > 0:01:06Coming up...
0:01:08 > 0:01:11..council officers search rotting waste for clues
0:01:11 > 0:01:14after bin wars break out in a local street...
0:01:14 > 0:01:17Why have they suddenly decided
0:01:17 > 0:01:20to dump all this waste in other people's bins?
0:01:20 > 0:01:24..a hoard of ancient treasure is discovered in the museum store...
0:01:24 > 0:01:30I just pulled something off the shelf and I thought, "Wow."
0:01:32 > 0:01:35..and officers confront their worst fears
0:01:35 > 0:01:37at an exotic animal inspection.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- Are you all right? - I don't like spiders.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Wigan lies 20 miles west of Manchester.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Good afternoon. Wigan Council. Arron speaking. How can I help?
0:01:58 > 0:02:04Its borough council looks after a community of over 300,000 people.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Any problems, just give us a call back, OK?
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Rubbish collection is one of the key council services
0:02:10 > 0:02:11that we all rely on.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17It's only a plastic bin, but if it doesn't get emptied,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19or even worse, disappears,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22the council are quick to know about it.
0:02:23 > 0:02:24Bins are important
0:02:24 > 0:02:26to the general public because everybody has rubbish,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30everybody needs to get rid of their rubbish and at their convenience.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32This is why we provide bins.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Some people will steal bins,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37some people will use other people's bins.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41They're probably a couple of things that we get a lot of calls about.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47In one of the borough's backstreets,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50local resident Yvonne Morrison is seething
0:02:50 > 0:02:53after someone dumped maggot-infested rubbish in her bin
0:02:53 > 0:02:55and has called the council to complain.
0:02:55 > 0:02:56Eugh.
0:02:57 > 0:02:58Nasty.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03I opened the lid and it was jam-packed full
0:03:03 > 0:03:05and flies everywhere,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08so I came in and called the council
0:03:08 > 0:03:11and told them that I'd just had my bins emptied
0:03:11 > 0:03:13and they were full again.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20I've got a job that is going to need two of us.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23We need to go through some bins.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Environment officers Sue Catterall and Karen Foster
0:03:27 > 0:03:31have picked up the case, and today, they're going out to investigate.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Sue's been told that five more bins in the same street
0:03:36 > 0:03:38have also been filled up.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42It's going to be a dirty, smelly job.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45We've got half a dozen black domestic bins
0:03:45 > 0:03:47with maggots crawling out of them
0:03:47 > 0:03:50because they've been refilled with rotting food waste.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53It won't be pleasant, but part and parcel of the job.
0:03:53 > 0:03:54It's what we're here for.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58We need to try and find out who's put the waste in the bins.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- Times it is hard work, isn't it?- Oh, yes.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Sue and Karen have arranged to meet Yvonne by the bins.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15Eugh.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Yeah. Well, we'll get the gloves on. So, it's these three?
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- Those three and those two there. - Right, OK.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26There may be clues about where the rubbish has come from
0:04:26 > 0:04:27inside the bins.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32It's a grim job, but Sue and Karen are going in.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Not pleasant, to say the least.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37Obviously, it's been there awhile.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42It's things like this... It's infuriating, really.
0:04:42 > 0:04:43I don't like doing it.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47It's really rotted at the bottom.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51It's probably been there for weeks, if not months.
0:04:51 > 0:04:52Towards the bottom of that.
0:04:54 > 0:04:55It's a hot summer day.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59The rubbish stinks and it's full of flies and maggots.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03This is the glamorous side of our job, this.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Sue and Karen are hoping to find a piece of evidence
0:05:08 > 0:05:12that could lead them to the source of the mystery rubbish.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Sometimes there's letters, sometimes there's parcels et cetera
0:05:17 > 0:05:18that have been delivered to addresses.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22I'm just looking for something that could tie us back to an address
0:05:22 > 0:05:26so that we can ask why their waste is in these particular bins.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28Why have they suddenly decided
0:05:28 > 0:05:30to dump all this waste in other people's bins?
0:05:30 > 0:05:34What issues have they got? Do they not have bins themselves?
0:05:34 > 0:05:38Yvonne's watching the investigation from a safe distance.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- Would you like to be getting your hands in there?- No, thank you.
0:05:43 > 0:05:44The flies are enough.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Despite a long, smelly sort through the filth,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53Sue and Karen haven't found any clues.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57We have been through them as best we can,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- but there's nothing with anybody's address on.- Mm.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01Because of that, it's preventing us
0:06:01 > 0:06:04from trying to find out exactly where they come from.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07But Sue isn't finished yet.
0:06:09 > 0:06:15She's spotted a neighbouring back yard full of black bin bags.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17It could be that there's a new resident in there.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19It could be that there's somebody
0:06:19 > 0:06:21who's lived there for quite some while.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24This lady seems to think that the property's been empty
0:06:24 > 0:06:26and that people have been throwing rubbish into the garden,
0:06:26 > 0:06:28so it might be that the new resident
0:06:28 > 0:06:30or the landlord has been filling these bins.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Still, we can't tie those bin bags back to this property.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Sue doesn't know if the neighbouring property
0:06:40 > 0:06:44is linked to the bin problem, but the council can issue a notice
0:06:44 > 0:06:47asking the homeowner to clear up the back yard.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50We'll be tough when you need to be.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- Advice and assistance first of all. - Yeah.- And then enforcement.
0:06:53 > 0:06:54So, that's when we go bad.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57We are happy to educate people, definitely,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00but if we need to, then we've got tools and powers to use
0:07:00 > 0:07:03in order to get things resolved for other people.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07First, they'll check if anyone's in.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12There's no answer, but Sue and Karen can leave a card
0:07:12 > 0:07:14asking the homeowner to get in touch.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16Right, we'll put both our names on there.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19'If we get no response, it'll go straight to enforcement,'
0:07:19 > 0:07:23and they will do a landlord check, get in touch with the landlord,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26issue a notice for the landlord to remove the rubbish.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Probably be more likely sort of towards dinner time,
0:07:33 > 0:07:36- just after dinner, they tend to come out.- Yeah.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38But, yeah, we'll get them sorted.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40After reassuring Yvonne that her dirty bins
0:07:40 > 0:07:42will be emptied tomorrow...
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- All right, thank you. Thanks a lot. See you. Bye.- Bye.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47..it's time for home and a good wash.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50I put my hand on something, and then, when I lifted my hand up,
0:07:50 > 0:07:53it had what I thought looked like baby poo on the end of my hand,
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- but it was, like, rotted. - SHE SHUDDERS
0:07:55 > 0:07:58I'm going to go home and have about three showers.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00SHE LAUGHS
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Coming up, Sue returns to check if the culprits
0:08:05 > 0:08:07have cleaned up their act.
0:08:07 > 0:08:08The smell was horrendous.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11I'm just hoping that there's not a re-occurrence of that.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24From local libraries to stately homes,
0:08:24 > 0:08:28our local councils own a wide variety of buildings.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Museums also make the list,
0:08:31 > 0:08:37and there are currently over 500 council-run museums across the UK.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Museum's teach us lots of things about the past
0:08:39 > 0:08:42and about the local place and the local identity
0:08:42 > 0:08:45and the history and industry of an area,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48but they also inspire new creativity.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56The Museum of Wigan Life is a small museum with big ideas.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59In a few weeks, a new exhibition is opening here
0:08:59 > 0:09:03featuring world-class ancient artefacts...
0:09:05 > 0:09:08..unique treasures that were discovered here in Wigan
0:09:08 > 0:09:10quite by chance.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22This is Wigan Museum's store.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Any items that aren't on public display
0:09:24 > 0:09:26are kept here under lock and key.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32The location of the warehouse is top-secret.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Lynda Jackson and museum collections officer Carrie Gough
0:09:36 > 0:09:39are part of a select group who know where it is.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43When I'm on my own, actually, sometimes,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45you have to sort of give yourself a talking-to
0:09:45 > 0:09:47not to get sort of creeped out
0:09:47 > 0:09:50because it can be a bit quiet and you are quite cut-off.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- And you get pigeons on the roof as well that freak you out.- Yeah.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56And there's odd noises and things and creepy old prams.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02We've got about 30,000 objects
0:10:02 > 0:10:04covering the whole history of the borough from,
0:10:04 > 0:10:06well, prehistoric times, really.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08We've got fossilised tree trunks and things in here
0:10:08 > 0:10:11all the way through to, you know, more recent donations,
0:10:11 > 0:10:1321st-century donations.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15So, this is where we keep everything
0:10:15 > 0:10:17and look after it with a view to getting it on display
0:10:17 > 0:10:19and getting it used by local people.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27The museum's collection of artefacts was moved here two years ago,
0:10:27 > 0:10:30prompting Carrie to start the painstaking task
0:10:30 > 0:10:34of updating the records of everything in the collection.
0:10:34 > 0:10:40Every item in every box needs to be looked at, catalogued and repacked.
0:10:40 > 0:10:41What nice spectacles.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45I do love old glasses.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48It's a labour of love.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Um, I get really excited, generally,
0:10:50 > 0:10:54and that's probably why I do what I do. Things like this.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57I mean, this belonged to somebody, these headphones.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00And you will find some really amazing things.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Carrie's passion for unpacking the past has already paid off.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12Two years ago, she took an ordinary-looking box off the shelf
0:11:12 > 0:11:15and had an Indiana Jones-style moment.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20I just pulled something off the shelf
0:11:20 > 0:11:24and it was a piece of wood, essentially, painted.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29But it was a statuette and it was very obviously Egyptian.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34And that was the first piece of Egyptology in Wigan
0:11:34 > 0:11:39that I'd ever seen and I thought, "Wow."
0:11:39 > 0:11:42MUSIC: Indiana Jones Theme
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Carrie had rediscovered the first piece
0:11:44 > 0:11:46of a world-class collection,
0:11:46 > 0:11:51originally acquired by local lawyer Sir John Scott.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52After his death,
0:11:52 > 0:11:57the pieces were donated to the Wigan Museum by his son in 1924.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03The team unpacked 50 more pieces, and in a few weeks,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06they'll go on display together for the first time.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10It's been really growing in momentum
0:12:10 > 0:12:12and everyone's become quite passionate about it,
0:12:12 > 0:12:14from the first stages of,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16"Oh, we've got some, like, good objects here"
0:12:16 > 0:12:19to, like, "Wow! We've got some amazing stuff
0:12:19 > 0:12:21"and it really needs to be displayed."
0:12:21 > 0:12:25So, for it to finally be coming together is...
0:12:25 > 0:12:29It's just, yeah, it's really, really exciting for everyone.
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- Coming up... - Here he is. In one piece.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37..can a top conservation team return Wigan's ancient treasures
0:12:37 > 0:12:40to their former glory?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Wow! It's Wigan's gold mask.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57From the ancient to the exotic, for front-line council officers,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00there's no such thing as an ordinary day at the office.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05Today, public protection officer Arron Hanson
0:13:05 > 0:13:08is preparing for a job that he's never done before.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14He's inspecting a house that's home to an unusual new business.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Dan Jubb called the council
0:13:18 > 0:13:21because he needs a performing animal registration
0:13:21 > 0:13:24for his collection of unusual creatures.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26I wasn't made aware that I needed this licence.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Obviously, I needed my insurance to cover
0:13:28 > 0:13:30in case there was any accidents,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33but I wasn't made aware that I needed this other licence as well,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37so it was a priority that I went forward and got it.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43Dan wants to take his animals out to schools and children's parties,
0:13:43 > 0:13:47but first, Arron and his colleague Steve
0:13:47 > 0:13:50need to carry out some important welfare and safety checks.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56If you want to show and exhibit animals,
0:13:56 > 0:14:00you need to have a licence with the council and be registered.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03So, this is the first one we've got while I've been here,
0:14:03 > 0:14:04so I've brought Steve with me as well
0:14:04 > 0:14:07so we can check the animals' welfare
0:14:07 > 0:14:09and also go through some of the finer details
0:14:09 > 0:14:13of what he's got planned to do and things like that.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Under the Performing Animals Act, anyone showing, training
0:14:17 > 0:14:20or performing with animals in public places
0:14:20 > 0:14:23needs to register with their local council.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27This is only the second registration Wigan has ever dealt with.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- Hiya.- Dan, hiya. Are you OK? I'm Arron.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33If Dan hasn't complied with all the rules and regulations,
0:14:33 > 0:14:37he won't be able to continue his new business.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Make sure the gate's shut.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Don't want any animals getting out.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45The most important checks are the welfare of the animals,
0:14:45 > 0:14:48how they'll be transported to events
0:14:48 > 0:14:51and making sure everything possible is being done
0:14:51 > 0:14:54to prevent accidents when the animals are being handled.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57So, this is Tegu.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Ah, right. OK.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02We usually take this on visits, depending on how he is that week.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06Right, OK. Are you expecting that to be a handled animal?
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- No, that's just a display one. - A display one.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Yeah, so, I just show that. - I just want to clarify as well
0:15:11 > 0:15:14which ones are being handled and which aren't.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Steve's started to look a little uneasy.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- You look scared.- Are you scared?
0:15:27 > 0:15:29No, I'm just trying to keep out the way cos...
0:15:29 > 0:15:32They're not going to hurt you.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Fortunately, Arron is more than happy
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- to handle the exotic animals.- Ah!
0:15:38 > 0:15:40So, do these give a nip or anything?
0:15:40 > 0:15:41They could do a nasty nip,
0:15:41 > 0:15:44but it's very, very rare that they do it.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49This one usually comes on visits. This is a whip spider.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53I tell you what it looks like.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- It looks like the one from Harry Potter.- That's what it is.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- Is it?- Yeah.- Oh, look at that. Harry Potter.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00You look petrified.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Are you all right? - I don't like spiders.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07Steve's about to confront his worst nightmare.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10It's a creature that might be a danger to the general public.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- I can see a tarantula.- Mm-hm.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Um, will people be handling that one?
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Not that one. That one's quite nasty.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22The one they hold is this one.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24When I go to a job,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26I would assess whether it's in a handable mood or...
0:16:26 > 0:16:28So, you'd make that assessment on the day.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Steve's already planning his escape route.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- I don't like spiders. - THEY LAUGH
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Now, he's not in a good mood for me to get him out.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42He's quite skittish. He's moving around quite fast.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Whereas, if he's relaxed and ready to be handled,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47he will gently walk onto my hand.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- So, that would be now... - On display?- ..on display, yeah.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54Today, the grumpy tarantula will stay safely in his box.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02It's not just Dan's insects that need Arron's attention.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06He's got a whiff of a new addition to the critter collection.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- So, that's him.- So, that's that smell?- Yeah.- Skunk smell.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13Obviously, it's not his spray. His spray is really, really strong.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- Right.- Like... - I tell you what it smells like.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- It smells like them children's stink bombs that you can get...- Yeah.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23..where the kids used to throw them on the floor.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24Did you ever get them as a kid? No?
0:17:26 > 0:17:28The skunk is only nine weeks old
0:17:28 > 0:17:31and will grow to the size of a small dog.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34So, enrichment, sort of for him?
0:17:34 > 0:17:38What sort of things does he enjoy playing with and...?
0:17:38 > 0:17:42So, it's basically like cat toys. We have lots of cat toys for him.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Little bits, games.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47You know, the rubber teething rings, things like that.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Cute little thing, isn't he?- Yeah. - Do you want to have a go?
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Um, go on, then. - Put your hand like this.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54I'm going to sit his back feet onto your hands.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Just want you to put your finger over his tail. On you go.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Hello.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Oh, are you coming up here?
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Skunks don't make good pets.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10They need specialist care and should only be kept by expert handlers.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14It's illegal to remove their scent glands
0:18:14 > 0:18:17and being sprayed can be a nasty experience.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Obviously, we don't want everyone to start going out buying skunks
0:18:22 > 0:18:26cos they start getting bitten and people don't realise
0:18:26 > 0:18:29that they need...what their food diet is.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30- That's right, yeah.- And then...
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- So, do you talk about things like they're not...?- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Like, the bigger snakes,
0:18:35 > 0:18:38I encourage people not to have reptiles as pets, really...
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- Yeah. They get rid of them. - ..because they need a lot of work.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42You know, they're not like a dog.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45- You can't just lock them in a kitchen.- No, no.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48The inspection is over.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51If Dan sends in the right paperwork,
0:18:51 > 0:18:53he can hit the road with his amazing animals.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58No concerns about animal welfare at all.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01The animals are well looked after.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04I can see that all from just going in there.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07I was slightly concerned how he was looking after the skunk,
0:19:07 > 0:19:08but that seems fine.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11It's running around, it's got plenty of toys to play with.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13It's important that the animals have enrichment.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Um, and the other thing was the risk assessments,
0:19:16 > 0:19:18which we'll work together on.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20It's new for us and it's new for him,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22so it's about working together to make sure he gets it right.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24Yeah, it's what I live for.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27I mean, all my animals are my pets and that's...
0:19:27 > 0:19:29To make a living from that, it's fantastic.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34The spider was my least favourite.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- I hate spiders.- Yeah. - HE LAUGHS
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- I were good that I got it that it were Harry Potter.- Yeah.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40He was from Harry Potter, that spider.
0:19:41 > 0:19:47Coming up, Arron makes final checks at Dan's first show.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Now, what these like to do is they like to jump an awful lot.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Museum staff in Wigan have discovered
0:20:04 > 0:20:07ancient Egyptian artefacts in their storeroom.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Wow. We've got some amazing stuff and it really needs to be displayed.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13In a few weeks,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16thanks to local donations and a charitable grant,
0:20:16 > 0:20:18the collection will go on display.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Going to see the mounts.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Today, museum collections officer Carrie Gough
0:20:26 > 0:20:31and exhibitions officer Joan Livesey are visiting the Manchester Museum.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Experts have spent the last five months
0:20:35 > 0:20:38restoring and conserving some of the treasures they uncovered.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41It'll be the first time that we've seen the majority of them,
0:20:41 > 0:20:43so, really excited.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45We can't wait to see how they're going to look
0:20:45 > 0:20:47and how they're going to appear in the cases, which will be amazing.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Here he is. In one piece.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58This is how we're going to display him in the case.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01John Miller and his team at the museum
0:21:01 > 0:21:04are making display mounts for some of the objects.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07They've nicknamed him Big Man.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11He's actually an ancient Egyptian coffin lid.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14This is the first time I've seen Big Man
0:21:14 > 0:21:18with the completed conservation as well, so it's amazing.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20All you used to be able to see, really,
0:21:20 > 0:21:25was the horrible, bright, white fill of old conservation work,
0:21:25 > 0:21:27and it really...
0:21:27 > 0:21:28It took away from the object.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31So, now it's been removed and blended in,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33it just looks so much better.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37The unique design on the bottom piece
0:21:37 > 0:21:40marks him out as a world-class artefact.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47It's this bit here. It's the funerary parade.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49They're throwing sand over their heads in grief
0:21:49 > 0:21:53and then there's a reed hovering between each person,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57which seems a bit out of place, but in the Egyptian language,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59a reed between a person with their arm raised
0:21:59 > 0:22:02means, like, "Oh" which is a lament,
0:22:02 > 0:22:04so it's giving a voice to the mourners.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08I would desperately love to see the rest of the coffin,
0:22:08 > 0:22:11but it could be...could still be in a tomb somewhere.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13It could be anywhere. It's a shame.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25It's time to go up to the conservation area,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28where Wigan's number-one find is on display.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35Those eyes are just absolutely incredible, aren't they?
0:22:35 > 0:22:39This is the gold 18th-dynasty coffin mask.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42The eyes are made from obsidian, which is volcanic glass,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46and it would have been an important person in society.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48Possibly a minor royal.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51We've had people tell us it wouldn't be out of place
0:22:51 > 0:22:55in the British Museum or the Louvre or somewhere, which is just...
0:22:55 > 0:22:58When you hear things like that from Egyptologists
0:22:58 > 0:23:01who know what they're talking about, it's just...
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Wow! It's Wigan's gold mask.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Now the artefacts have been prepared,
0:23:08 > 0:23:13it's all systems go for one of the most important museum exhibitions
0:23:13 > 0:23:14Wigan's ever seen.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18It's going to be a lot more high-profile
0:23:18 > 0:23:20than what we've done before, which is amazing as well,
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- so we're all so excited, aren't we?- Yeah.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25And plus, as well, the objects have never been seen
0:23:25 > 0:23:27altogether ever on display in Wigan,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29and it's going to be a first for Wigan again,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31so it's going to be brilliant.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34Coming up,
0:23:34 > 0:23:38the ancient artefacts are returned to Wigan for the exhibition.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41It looks amazing.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45But the team are about to experience a major setback.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47I don't know how that's happened
0:23:47 > 0:23:49cos we did...we measured everything up,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51but, obviously, it has happened.
0:24:00 > 0:24:01Across the borough,
0:24:01 > 0:24:05the council is keeping a more everyday show on the road.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09Rubbish and recycling is a key service
0:24:09 > 0:24:13that affects all of our daily lives.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15The rubbish, it's never cleaned up.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19There's rubbish everywhere and it's just...
0:24:19 > 0:24:23It's gone downhill. Gone downhill altogether.
0:24:23 > 0:24:29Every time I've had any problems, they've been good.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31Provided a good service, basically.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Yeah, never had any problems...as yet.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37They seem lackadaisical on the weekend.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38The rubbish can be left.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41They try their best on Sunday morning to clear it up,
0:24:41 > 0:24:45but then again, Monday, there's a few leftovers knocking about.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Council officers were called to a street in Wigan
0:24:49 > 0:24:53after maggot-infested rubbish was dumped in people's bins.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54I opened the lid
0:24:54 > 0:24:58and it was jam-packed full and flies everywhere.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02A neighbour on the same street has been contacted by council officers
0:25:02 > 0:25:05and told to clear up their back yard.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08If we need to, then we've got tools and powers to use
0:25:08 > 0:25:11in order to get things resolved for other people.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Today, environment officer Sue Catterall
0:25:18 > 0:25:22is returning to the street to check if the situation has improved.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27The last visit has left her with some bad memories.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31The smell was horrendous. There was lots and lots of flies.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33There was rotting meat in there.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37It wasn't pleasant at all.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40I'm just hoping that there's no more,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42there's not a re-occurrence of that.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Sue arranged for the council waste services team
0:25:47 > 0:25:50to empty the infested bins.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Well, it's looking pretty tidy. It is bin day today.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56So far, the alleyway is looking much better.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02She now needs to check the inside of the bins.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Only residents' waste should be in there.
0:26:07 > 0:26:08It's empty. It's not in use.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10So, that's a week since last collection,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13so nobody's using this particular bin.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- Are you all right? Are we happy with that?- Yes.- Yeah?
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Yvonne, the resident who called the council,
0:26:19 > 0:26:23hasn't had any more problems since Sue's last visit.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25The bin situation's improved a lot.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30There's not as many spare bins that people just dump anything in.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35The backs seem a lot cleaner. I'm a lot happier about it.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Time to check out the back yard further up the street.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Two weeks ago, it was full of black bin bags.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46There's no evidence linking this property
0:26:46 > 0:26:48to the rubbish dumped in Yvonne's bins,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51and the owners said they weren't responsible.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53But Sue asked the owner to clear the yard up,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56and there's been a huge improvement.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00Great. Absolutely no rubbish whatsoever.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03Perfection. Brilliant. Brilliant.
0:27:03 > 0:27:04I'm happy.
0:27:04 > 0:27:09When we ring up people and we raise a concern,
0:27:09 > 0:27:11we're raising it for a particular reason.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13We're not there to be awkward or difficult.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16And when people deal with it,
0:27:16 > 0:27:20as soon as you've raised the problem, that's great.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22I just wish more people would do the same
0:27:22 > 0:27:24and you wouldn't have to keep revisiting properties.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29It's a great result, but the job's not over yet.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Residents have spotted Sue on the street
0:27:33 > 0:27:37and seized the opportunity to air their grievances about other issues.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- All right?- The minute a back yard or a gate's missing,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- people are throwing the rubbish in.- Right, yeah.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- People call themselves drivers... - Right.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50..but they're blind to "no entry" signs.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- I noticed that somebody's changed the lock on the top gate.- Right.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55You can only open it from the inside with your key.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Oh, I've just opened it from the outside.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- Well, it didn't work the other day when I tried it.- Yeah, yeah.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Any ideas who's letting the dogs out?
0:28:02 > 0:28:04So, the junction of Chadwick...
0:28:04 > 0:28:07There's going to be a serious accident.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Your coping stones is a police matter.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13The driving wrong way up a street - police matter again.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16The uneven footpath - ring through to the council.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Obviously, we've got people who've come out with raising other issues.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23They're not all for me. They're not all for the council, in fact.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26And it's just pointing people in the right direction.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Sometimes, they do like to come out and share their problems,
0:28:29 > 0:28:31but please don't wait for us to come.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Ring us up. Call the council.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37When, obviously, everybody comes out and you give me lots of things,
0:28:37 > 0:28:39there's only so much I can deal with as we...
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Sue can't fix all the residents' problems in one go...
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Appreciate what you're doing, anyway.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- Great stuff. Thanks, Yvonne. - OK, thanks a lot.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50..but getting rid of maggots in the wheelie bins was a good start.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55Sue's handled it very well. She was...
0:28:55 > 0:28:59You know, she's been on the ball with it and she's got the jobs done.
0:28:59 > 0:29:00Sorted it.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05It's nice to get a thank you. Really nice to get a thank you.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Doesn't happen very often, so...
0:29:07 > 0:29:09And to be really appreciated.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12So...yeah, good.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15- I've got a smile on my face, anyway. - SHE LAUGHS
0:29:28 > 0:29:30A unique collection of Egyptian artefacts
0:29:30 > 0:29:34has been discovered in a Wigan museum storeroom.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36I thought, "Wow."
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Painstaking conservation work has been carried out
0:29:39 > 0:29:42by specialists in Manchester.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45It just looks so much better. So much better.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Today, the amazing artefacts are coming back to Wigan.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54It's a big moment for Carrie Gough,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57who rediscovered the hidden treasure trove two years ago.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02There's about 50 objects ready to go in the cases
0:30:02 > 0:30:05in the next couple of days, so, yeah, really excited.
0:30:11 > 0:30:16Inside the museum, the exhibition Ancient Egypt Rediscovered
0:30:16 > 0:30:18is coming together.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20It's all right where it is now,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22but you could put an extra thing at this end.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25Or maybe put the little things down here or something.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27It's a nerve-racking time
0:30:27 > 0:30:30for community history manager Lynda Jackson.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33She's overseeing the transfer of the precious items
0:30:33 > 0:30:34into the display cases.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Obviously, everything's very precious,
0:30:36 > 0:30:40very old and very fragile and vulnerable.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41When you're moving it,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44this is probably when it's most vulnerable cos it's quite...
0:30:44 > 0:30:46It's a kind of risky...risky moment.
0:30:48 > 0:30:53The museum gives visitors an insight into everyday life in times gone by.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58Now they'll be able to see objects that were used 5,500 years ago.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05It's a hair bead, or possibly an earring.
0:31:05 > 0:31:06It just makes a difference having it...
0:31:06 > 0:31:08Even on such a small mount,
0:31:08 > 0:31:09it makes a difference having it on a mount
0:31:09 > 0:31:12because it would get a bit lost otherwise.
0:31:12 > 0:31:13But it looks really great.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20John Miller and his team from Manchester Museum
0:31:20 > 0:31:22made the mounts for the artefacts,
0:31:22 > 0:31:26and today, they're helping to put everything together.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30I think it's going to look fantastic once we're all done,
0:31:30 > 0:31:33and a little bit of tweaking here and there.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35It's looking the part already.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44The next job involves one of the star attractions.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46Looks amazing.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50It's time to put Big Man into his display case.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55Big Man is an artefact of world importance.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58He's a major part of the exhibition.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00- What's that? - The internal size of the case...
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- But John is worried about something. - It's not right?
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- We had designed the cases round... - The objects.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10- ..those measurements that we gave. - That's...
0:32:10 > 0:32:13There's a problem with the new mount.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15I don't know how that's happened
0:32:15 > 0:32:17cos we did...we measured everything up,
0:32:17 > 0:32:19but, obviously, it has happened.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26The measurements for the specially designed mount were wrong.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29It's difficult to get Big Man into the right position.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Well, we thought we'd measured...
0:32:31 > 0:32:35I don't know where it's gone wrong, but, like,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38they've had to put that on a lesser angle to get it fitted in.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44It's not great. It's not great at all.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48Could have done with the case being slightly higher internally.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52After two years of preparation and planning,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55this is a massive setback for the team.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09An exotic animal handler has had a home inspection
0:33:09 > 0:33:11from council officers.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15This one usually comes on visits. This is a whip spider.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20They had to carry out welfare and safety checks
0:33:20 > 0:33:24before allowing him to take his creatures to visit local schools.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26So, do these give a nip or anything?
0:33:32 > 0:33:34Hi, Dan. It's Arron from Wigan Council.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38Good news. I've been through your paperwork and everything's fine.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41Council public protection officer Arron Hanson
0:33:41 > 0:33:45has decided to award Dan his performing animals registration.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Now, this one is one of my favourite spider species.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51This one is called a whip spider.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Today, the curious critters have got their first booking
0:33:54 > 0:33:57at a local play centre,
0:33:57 > 0:34:00and Arron is going along to check that Dan's complying
0:34:00 > 0:34:01with the council's conditions.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05So, this morning, I did sort of a stock check.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08I went round and saw what I'd fed last night,
0:34:08 > 0:34:10what I'd fed this morning, what needed feeding,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13and I worked out what would be safe to bring.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16So, these are more of the friendlier, hands-on animals,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19whereas some of the species I have at home are more display.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Obviously, a tarantula, for example -
0:34:21 > 0:34:24that's not really a good environment to be bringing to this morning.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26- It's a bit too noisy, should we say?- Yeah.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31Now, first of all, what's really, really important
0:34:31 > 0:34:33is that we wash our hands,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35and that's to get rid of all the smells that may be on our hands
0:34:35 > 0:34:37and all the germs that could be there.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43The hand-washing was something Arron was keen to see in action.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45It's going well so far.
0:34:46 > 0:34:51So, he's taken some of the recommendations we gave him -
0:34:51 > 0:34:53washing hands all the time.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55And he's constantly doing that, so that's good.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59So, this is a crested gecko.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Now, can you all look at his eyes for me?
0:35:01 > 0:35:03His eyes are really, really big.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07Now, what these like to do is they like to jump an awful lot,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10and that's how they move around from tree to tree.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13CHILDREN LAUGH
0:35:15 > 0:35:19Boxes are labelled with what type of animals they are.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21He's not leaving the animals out too long.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23They're only out for a few minutes,
0:35:23 > 0:35:25and then they're back and covered up.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30So, yeah, it's good and the animals look happy and safe.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34- OK, so, this is a corn snake. - Can I wrap it round my neck?
0:35:34 > 0:35:37Round your neck? Are you sure?
0:35:37 > 0:35:40The children seem comfortable with the critters,
0:35:40 > 0:35:42but Arron's not feeling as adventurous.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46I think the kids are a lot braver than I am.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49I wouldn't like a snake wrapped around my neck.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53It's all going safely to plan.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Tex is my Argentinian tegu, and he's really, really big.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Everyone seems to be enjoying the animals.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- CHILDREN:- Wow!
0:36:01 > 0:36:04So, his favourite vegetables are courgettes,
0:36:04 > 0:36:06and his favourite fruit is blueberries.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09But do you know what his favourite meat is?
0:36:09 > 0:36:10He likes baby mice.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14But Dan's not done.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18He's still got a final smelly surprise in store.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21So, skunks are known for being quite smelly,
0:36:21 > 0:36:24and that's because, if they get really, really scared,
0:36:24 > 0:36:26they can spray something from two glands in their bum,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29and that liquid is really, really smelly.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31Now, Pepper is only a baby.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Now, he's quite friendly, but at the minute, he's teething,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37just like a kitten or a dog would do,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39so I don't want you to touch his mouth.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42- Do you want to smell? - SHE SNIFFS
0:36:42 > 0:36:44What does he smell like?
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- Smells like Chinese. - He smells like Chinese?- Yeah.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51HE LAUGHS
0:36:53 > 0:36:57Arron's confident that awarding the registration was a good decision.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Yeah, it's good that he's showing the kids and they're learning
0:37:00 > 0:37:02and the kids are seeing different types of animal.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06And, hopefully, you know, they'll have a better understanding
0:37:06 > 0:37:08of how animals should be treated.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- Have you all enjoyed yourselves? - CHILDREN:- Yes!
0:37:10 > 0:37:13The show's been a big success.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16For me, having the licence enables me to go and do what I want to do
0:37:16 > 0:37:20to educate the kids and make them realise that animals are dangerous,
0:37:20 > 0:37:22but with the respect and the knowledge,
0:37:22 > 0:37:24they can be quite friendly.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42An important exhibition of ancient Egyptian artefacts
0:37:42 > 0:37:45is about to open in Wigan.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49The unique collection was discovered in the museum's storeroom.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52But there's been a last-minute setback.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Big Man, one of the star pieces,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57won't fit properly in the display case.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00It's not great. It's not great at all.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06It's 24 hours to the big opening.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10Staff have worked round the clock to alter the mount for Big Man.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14But museum collections officer Carrie still has concerns
0:38:14 > 0:38:18about potential damage to this priceless piece of history.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24Just, um, easing the mount, which, as you can see, is enormous.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27You know, there's a small amount of room for manoeuvre.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29You have to be careful not to hit the lights at the top.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34It's the moment of truth.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39They want the coffin lid to look as upright as possible in the case.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42They're desperate for this to work.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57Obviously, it's quite a tall object,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00but it's got about half a centimetre to spare,
0:39:00 > 0:39:04so it's not touching the top of the case, which is what we want.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11There's relief all round. Big Man is finally inside his case.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13It's just so good when you see it out,
0:39:13 > 0:39:18and to have it on display for the people of Wigan is amazing.
0:39:18 > 0:39:23- LAUGHTER - It's in. Hurrah. Whoohoo! It's in.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31The big day is here -
0:39:31 > 0:39:35the official opening of Ancient Egypt Rediscovered,
0:39:35 > 0:39:39the culmination of two years' work for museum staff.
0:39:39 > 0:39:40It's a bit...
0:39:40 > 0:39:41Down a tiny smidge.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- I think that that...- Yeah.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46You are causing a shadow as well, I think.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Time to unveil the specially designed entrance to the exhibition.
0:39:54 > 0:39:59For Joan, the exhibitions officer, it's an important moment.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03- Oh, my God. That looks amazing, doesn't it?- Yeah, it does.- Get in!
0:40:03 > 0:40:07Oh, that looks amazing. It's brilliant. It's really good.
0:40:07 > 0:40:08It looks quite big, actually, doesn't it,
0:40:08 > 0:40:10when you see it like that?
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- Can't believe it. Are we in Wigan? - THEY LAUGH
0:40:13 > 0:40:17Everything we do, we've got to do it to the best of our ability,
0:40:17 > 0:40:18and more, you know.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20And we do. We strive for that every time.
0:40:20 > 0:40:25And, hopefully, people appreciate what we do and what we've done.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27And I can't wait for people to see it. I'm really proud.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34The only thing that's left to do is staff hair and make-up.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38The important thing now is to make this look beautiful as well.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42So, yeah, we're going to go and get dolled up, ready for the opening,
0:40:42 > 0:40:46and print out my speech again cos I've lost the other one.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48And then that's it. Everything else is done.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57120 distinguished guests have arrived
0:40:57 > 0:40:59to view the artefacts for the first time.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03Among them, professor of Egyptology Joann Fletcher,
0:41:03 > 0:41:06who will do the official opening.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08I'm always seduced by a nice bit of bling,
0:41:08 > 0:41:11and I have to say, that death mask is exquisite.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13It is everything Ancient Egypt is.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17It's a mask to be worn over the face of an embalmed, mummified body
0:41:17 > 0:41:21and yet, it's smiling, it's gold, it's shining, it's beautiful.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23And it's such a positive face,
0:41:23 > 0:41:25you can't help but look at it and be moved.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27It is stunningly beautiful.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32Members of the local Egyptology society are also here.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33They're really proud
0:41:33 > 0:41:37to have such an important exhibition on their doorstep.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40You could come here with an interest in Ancient Egypt
0:41:40 > 0:41:42and see the civilisation of Egypt.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44You could see everything.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49Perfect. This is the finest set-up of Egyptian antiquities I've seen
0:41:49 > 0:41:52for a town of this size. It's magnificent.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59So, it's therefore, with the very greatest pleasure,
0:41:59 > 0:42:02I give you Ancient Egypt Rediscovered.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10For Carrie, Joan and Lynda,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13the opening has been a massive success.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16It's just lovely to see people enjoying the collections.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18And so happy and thrilled. And that's what it's all about -
0:42:18 > 0:42:21putting the objects on display for the people of Wigan.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23And the country. Not just Wigan.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- We've got amazing collections, though.- We have.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Even though this is amazing Egyptology,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32it is just a part of the whole collection.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34- We have to go some to top this, haven't we?- Yeah.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36- We will. But we will. - SHE LAUGHS
0:42:36 > 0:42:39THEY CHEER
0:42:47 > 0:42:49Council officers nationwide
0:42:49 > 0:42:51are trying to improve life in their borough
0:42:51 > 0:42:53in lots of different ways.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56From keeping streets clean and safe...
0:42:56 > 0:42:59- Much appreciate what you're doing anyway.- Great stuff.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02..to regulating the local reptiles...
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Could take him back to the office and put him under someone's desk.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10..and sometimes, even helping to make history...
0:43:10 > 0:43:13Oh, my God. That looks amazing. Get in!
0:43:13 > 0:43:17..they're here to help residents when they call the council.