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
Celebrating Stanley / November 10th, 2025
June's Celebration of Stanley
June shares her story of growing up and living in Stanley for more than 50 years, her fondest memories of the town and her hopes for the town's future.
Consett Heritage Project / December 4th, 2023
Sarah Envy - Consett Heritage Podcast
Sarah is Engagement Manager for The National Lottery Heritage Fund North. Until her involvement in our Consett Heritage Project, she was unaware that this area had such a significant industrial past, and that Consett steel was used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower! From photographs she has seen of the old Consett Ironworks, she now realises that you would have been able to see rows of machinery just over the horizon from the Reservoir, peeking over the ridge of the dam. She believes that we need to continue to provide opportunities to access such a significant part of Consett's heritage. She is particularly excited about the latest Heritage initiative that will truly put Co Durham on the cultural and heritage map!
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / January 13th, 2025
Benfieldside Community Garden / January 13th, 2025
RHS School Gardening Awards Levels 1 & 2
We are proud to share that we have achieved both Level 1 and Level 2 of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening Awards for our work renovating Benfieldside Community Garden! We have received a variety of seeds to plant in the garden, a growing calendar and certificates. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who help to make this happen! Next step- Level 3!