Brad's Celebration of Stanley

Youth Social Action / Celebrating Stanley / September 1st, 2025

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. 

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“Young people need more opportunities to get involved in.”

- Brad Richardson

Consett Heritage Project / 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.

Consett Heritage Project / August 25th, 2023

Voices of Consett - Sharon

Sharon currently teaches at Consett Academy. She has been living in Consett for 25 years when she moved from the valleys of south Wales. These are her thoughts about Consett.

Consett Heritage Project / May 14th, 2024

Brian Harrison - Consett Heritage Podcast

Brian Harrison is a local historian and many of you may know him as the company director for the Consett Heritage and Arts Centre. We sat down with him and discussed the origins of his love for history, his thoughts on the most significant moments of the steelworks, and more!