Alecia's Celebration of Stanley

Heritage / September 1st, 2025

Alecia's Celebration of Stanley

I’ve discovered that there used to be a lot more things to do in Stanley in the past—like cinemas and other activities where people could actually spend time together and communicate face to face. I think in some ways, that was better than how things are now with social media and phones. These days, we hardly go out because everyone’s always on their phones. Social media is how most people stay in touch, but I think it also stops us from really connecting in person.

Sometimes people forget that life doesn’t revolve around social media—you can go outside, meet people, and experience things in real life.

Personally, I’d rather go out and do something than sit on my phone. I think there should be more spaces where people, especially young people, can go to socialise and enjoy themselves. 

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“It would be great to have more things to do—like fun places or even something big like a theme park. It would give us more reasons to get outside, meet new people, and enjoy life beyond screens.”

- Alecia Readman

Heritage / September 13th, 2023

Anne-Louise Grant - Consett Heritage Podcast

Anne-Louise was born in Consett in 1966, and grew up in a village nearby. Her Grandad on one side was a postman and on the other side a miner. Her Dad was a metallurgist at the Steelworks and she had many family members who lived and worked in the area (and still do). She returned to Consett in 2004 to raise her family, having left to seek employment in London in 1989.

Heritage / October 20th, 2023

Voices of Consett - Ian Malpass

Ian Malpass, born and bred in Consett, tells us about his time at 'The Works', how it felt when the steelworks closed, and how his family worked and managed after the closure. A great insight into the true spirit of Consett folk.

Heritage / December 16th, 2025

"Celebrating Stanley" Poem - South Stanley Junior School

This poem was created by Livy, Layla, Liam and Harry, Year 6 pupils from South Stanley Junior School as part of our 'Celebrating Stanley' project.