.....News added on 10th August 2002.....

·Latest on opening of stables tunnels

The new Visitor Centre nearing completion
Last-minute problems surrounding construction of access ways for visitors caused a delay to the long-awaited opening of the first section of the Williamson Tunnels at the old Stables site on Smithdown Lane. A big effort by our friends at the JWS, who will run the new attraction, and our own FoWT volunteers has seen these issues fixed and final preparations are now taking place for the opening. Originally scheduled for June, the opening of the Williamson Tunnels Visitor Centre is now pencilled in for late August, barring any unforeseeable delays.
The area to be included in visits is indicated by the red circle in our map of the tunnels on the right here. It's only a part of the system but includes the famous 'double tunnel' and the intricate and deep workings at the end of the	(tunnels are in dark grey)
'corner' or 'south tunnel'. All tours will be guided, with commentary on Williamson and his excavations and old artefacts will be on display. FoWT members will qualify for a special concessionary admission rate of £3 on production of proof of membership. You can find the latest news on the opening either by ringing the Visitor Centre on (0151) 709 6868 or by checking their web site here. We at FoWT wish the Centre every success and are confident that many many people will enjoy the opportunity finally to see inside one of Liverpool's long-hidden treasures.

·Underground conference a great success
Underground enthusiasts from Ukraine, Holland, Switzerland and the UK gathered in Liverpool for four days in August for the International Souterrains Conference 2002. The event was hosted by FoWT, following eighteen months' planning.	Conference delegates at Williamson's 'Double Tunnel'

A wealth of visits to subterranean places of interest was on offer, as well as illustrated talks and social events. The conference generated considerable media interest and was featured on local television and radio and in the local press.	Taking a ferry across the Mersey

In Liverpool, delegates visited the WWII Headquarters in the City Centre, a disused reservoir in Liverpool 8, the abandoned Overhead Railway tunnel in Dingle, the underneath(!) of the Mersey Road Tunnel, the old rail platform under James Street and, of	Ukrainian visitors meet the Lord Mayor
course, the Williamson tunnels. Visits further afield included the Hack Green nuclear bunker near Nantwich, the 'Electric Mountain' power station and various mines and potholes in N. Wales (special thanks to our friends at the Grosvenor Caving Club for organising this).

Social elements included a reception with Liverpool's Lord Mayor in the Town Hall, relaxing in the bar of the new Visitor Centre at the Stable Yards (as mentioned in the top story, above), a party on top of the Liver Building and, naturally, a ferry trip across the Mersey. Thanks are also due to Liverpool City Council and volunteer guides from FoWT and the JWS.
It was an absolute pleasure to play host to our guests for the four days and we hope they will share our fond memories of the event.

·History Channel documentary

The new 'Secret Passages' documentary series has now been broadcast in North America on the History Channel. As previously reported, episode 9 features a segment on the Williamson Tunnels, including our recreation of scenes from Williamson's time and interviews with FoWT people. We don't yet know the date it will be broadcast in the UK, but it will eventually be shown on the History Channel - available to satellite and some digital viewers in this country.

·Triple decker tunnel
As previously reported, Williamson's long-lost 'triple decker' tunnel is lost no more following its rediscovery in April. Detailed investigation of the tunnel has been proceeding recently. The structure runs under the Stable Yard and new Visitor Centre and, naturally, its exact layout
and condition have to be fully understood before any kind of clearance work can proceed. With this in mind an engineers report has been commissioned. The report's findings are currently awaited and these will inform the process of drawing up plans for the tunnel's eventual clearance and renovation.