How not to write a history of Chorlton ….. or when dinosaurs roamed Beech Road …… and Batman opened a bar

 The following story should qualify for a Government Health Warning.

At 73 I think AI or Artificial Intelligence is a development too far for me.

My Wikipedia tells me that AI is about “perceiving, synthesizing, and inferring information—demonstrated by machines, as opposed to intelligence displayed by humans or by other animals. Example tasks in which this is done include speech recognition, computer vision, translation between (natural) languages, as well as other mappings of inputs”.*

So far so good and recent news reports suggest that it offers stunning opportunities for medical break throughs and is already becoming integrated into how we do things.**

But and there always is a but it does seem to lead to some odd, misinformed and downright silly offerings.

Take this one found by my friend Michael, who sent it over with the comment "Andrew, Artificial Intelligence has come to MS Edge (may be only a protype, not sure). I asked for the History of Beech Road. This is what came up:

‘History of Beech Road

Beech Road is a street that has witnessed many changes over the years, from its origins as a rural lane to its current status as a trendy and vibrant destination. Beech Road runs through Chorlton, a suburb of Manchester, England, and is known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Beech Road also boasts a small park that offers a green oasis for locals and visitors alike.

The history of Beech Road can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was part of a network of lanes that connected the farms and cottages of Chorlton. In 1848, Beech Road was the scene of a guided walk by Andrew Simpson, a local historian who showed how the area had been affected by the year of revolutions in Europe. The walk highlighted the social and political issues that shaped Chorlton at the time, such as poverty, education, religion and reform.

By the late 19th century, Beech Road had become more urbanized, as new houses and shops were built along its length. The street was also home to several laundries, which gave it its nickname "Washhouse Lane". One of these laundries was converted into a restaurant called The Laundrette in 2013, which still retains some of its original features.

In the 20th century, Beech Road continued to develop and diversify, attracting artists, musicians and writers who contributed to its bohemian atmosphere. The street also became known for its independent spirit and community ethos, as residents organized festivals, markets and events to celebrate their culture and heritage. One of these events was Britain's first "cashless" road in 2014, when traders accepted only electronic payments for a day.

Today, Beech Road is one of Chorlton's most popular attractions, offering a range of options for shopping, eating and drinking. Some of the notable venues include The Beech pub (a cozy spot with an old school feel), The Horse and Jockey (a gastro pub with views over Chorlton Green), Restaurant 97 (a fine dining establishment with seasonal menus) and The Yoga Rooms (a wellness centre with classes for all levels). Beech Road Park is also a favourite spot for dog walkers, families and nature lovers.

Beech Road is a street that has a rich history and a lively present. It is a place where tradition meets innovation, where local meets global, and where old meets new."’

I wasn’t going to spend any time on this, other than to thank Michael and shudder, but I think it’s use has cropped up again recently in connection with Beech Road, so Doris the Dinosaur, Billy Batman and Raphael just had to come out to play.

And before Mrs Trellis of Provis Road writes in, yes I am aware that on occasion people have found Wikipedia a little leaky, although I have to say it is always a starting point before the fun of delving deep into the past using the archives, records, maps, pictures and memories provide a more interesting slant on the past.

With a special thank you to Michael

Pictures, Doris, Billy and Raphael spotted on a short stop over on Beech Road, 2021, from the collection of Andrew Simpson

*Artificial Intelligence, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence

** New superbug-killing antibiotic discovered using AI, James Gallagher, BBC News May 25th, 2023, New superbug-killing antibiotic discovered using AI, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-65709834

***A History of Chorlton,  March 24th, 2023