Brad's Celebration of Stanley
I learned that the mines used to play a big role for Stanley, and Stanley was well known because it was the centre for coal mining. In the middle of the Industrial Revolution it was really significant because it was the most reliable place to get coal and fuel for all the machinery. Mining as a job was harmful to all the people, but it was good because it gave people jobs and it gave lots of people a chance to make money.
The history of the town isn't celebrated as much. It's like it's been forgotten which is sad. There'd be more pride in the town if people had a more developed understanding of it's history.
We should take the spirit of the past to the present. I was watching the videos of Front Street and everyone was coming together for parades and there were thousands of people all together running up and down the street playing music and having fun. It would be better for the town if people actually cared more and had more stuff to do. Young people need more opportunities to get involved in because it doesn't really stand in Stanley currently.
“Young people need more opportunities to get involved in.”
- Brad Richardson
Environmental / July 2nd, 2025
Benfieldside Communty Garden's Early July Update
Here is Building Self-Belief's .July update about the work at Benfieldside Community Garden. The areas where the paths will be have been scraped out - and next week the 2000 blocks will be laid to edge the path... Take a look at the work so far!
Heritage / July 17th, 2024
Consett Steelworks - Children's Research & Community Project | Building Self-Belief CIO
During the summer term of 2024, the children of Moorside Primary School in Consett, County Durham, participated in a project delivered by Building Self-Belief CIO, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the County Durham Community Foundation. This initiative aimed to bring the Consett community together around their shared industrial heritage. The children developed skills in creative writing, poetry, art, photography, communication, and historical research.
Heritage / November 17th, 2023
Edwin Oxley - Consett Heritage Podcast
Edwin started as an apprentice at the Consett Steelworks in 1961, as a 15-year-old. Over time he developed a whole host of skills and describes the excellent training he received both at technical college in Consett and Gateshead, and on the jobs in the boiler shop, foundry, blast furnace, plate mills - amongst others. He worked in every department! Take a listen to his podcast which gives a fascinating insight into the opportunities made available to him and how this gave him a solid foundation for the rest of his working life. He also gives our young people some great advice!