ENG-1998 — Page 442

RECREATION, SPORTS AND THE ARTS

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the prehistoric burials and human bones, which are highly significant for the study of prehistoric development in South China. In February, the excavation was selected by the National Administration of Culture Heritage as one of the 'Ten Most Important New Archaeological Discoveries in China in 1997'. Since it is the first local archaeological project selected as one of China's top 10 archaeological projects and has attracted much local interest, the AMO organised an exhibition entitled Archaeological Discoveries from Tung Wan Tsai North, Ma Wan- One of the 10 most important new archaeological discoveries in China, 1997 at the office's Heritage Resource Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui from mid-May to November 1. The exhibition was well-received and attracted 39 225 local and overseas visitors.

With the opening of the Heritage Resource Centre in the former Kowloon British School at 136 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, workshops and lectures were arranged for the public. Two exhibitions were staged at the Heritage Resource Centre throughout the year. The first exhibition, entitled Heritage Education in Hong Kong, presented the educational functions of archaeological and historical monuments in Hong Kong, and the office's work in this regard. The second exhibition, on the archaeological discoveries at Tung Wan Tsai North, Ma Wan mentioned above, introduced the significant findings of different cultural phases from the site.

With the sponsorship of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Central and Western Heritage Trail, the first of its kind in an urban area was established in phases to present the early development of Hong Kong. The first phase, covering the Central District was well-received by the public. The second phase, covering the Sheung Wan district, will be launched in early 1999. The final phase which will cover the Western District and the Peak will be launched in late-1999.

The AMO organised seminars and workshops on local heritage and school curricula of History, Travel and Tourism and General Studies for teachers of primary and secondary schools. It also encouraged young people to participate in archaeological workshops, field studies, lectures, environment improvement exercises at historic sites and processing of archaeological finds. Heritage tours are regularly arranged by AMO so members of public can appreciate historical architecture. The AMO also assisted the Yau Tsim Mong Provisional District Board in publishing a booklet introducing the history, monuments and traditions of the Yau Tsim Mong District.

To promote the community's commitment in heritage conservation work, the AMO has launched a Friends of Heritage scheme to recruit heritage lovers to undertake voluntary work for the office. In view of the encouraging response of the first batch of members, recruitment of the second batch will be conducted in early 1999.

Lord Wilson Heritage Trust

The Lord Wilson Heritage Trust was established in December 1992 to give the community an opportunity to express its appreciation of Lord Wilson's contribution to Hong Kong during his term as governor. It aims to promote and help fund the preservation and conservation of Hong Kong's cultural heritage.

During the year, the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust sponsored a total of 10 heritage- related projects and researches. Support was also given to produce an educational CD-ROM on Hong Kong's heritage and to reprint more copies of information pamphlets on declared monuments.