The group promotes interest in and the study of archaeology and history locally, especially within Trafford but also beyond the borders of the borough.
[2] STAG was formed in 1979 and provides facilities for volunteer archaeologists from south Manchester and north-east Cheshire.
[2][3] STAG has undertaken excavations as far away as Condate, the Roman name for Northwich, in Cheshire.
[4] The group has been involved with sites such as Timperley Old Hall; Carrs Mill in Stalybridge; Moore's hat factory in Denton; the medieval hall in Urmston; and Moss Brow farm in Warburton.
[6] In 2008, STAG was awarded £44,400 by the Heritage Lottery Fund to renovate the site of Timperley Old Hall.