In February 2025, the Year 5 classes at Delves Lane Primary School in Consett, County Durham, took part in a project on the Consett Steelworks, forming part of our two-year Consett Heritage Project. The children learnt about the history of the steelworks and developed their understanding of the impact that the steelworks closure had, and continues to have, on the community. They interviewed Alan, a former steelworker, and began to consider the positives and negatives of the steelworks closure.
The students then created paintings and decorated a quilt under the title- 'Consett Past and Present'. Some of their designs included the Hownsgill Viaduct, Consett AFC, images of the steelworks, the red dust, and the contrast of the environment in the steelworks era compared to present.
The children then worked in groups to develop a poem, thinking about the ways that Consett Steelworks has impacted the community, both positively and negatively. Each group chose a photo relating to the Consett Steelworks, and wrote their own poems using poetic techniques. We hope you enjoy them!
The Last Chimney
This poem was created by Aaron, Heidi, Imogen, Isla, Lily and Zac.
Monuments and Memories
This poem was created by Lilly-Rose, Oliver, Thalia and Teddy.
Consett's Caterpillar
This poem was created by Hylton, Lainee, Lewis, Miles and Paula Louise.
Consett Heritage Project / 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.
Youth Social Action / January 8th, 2025
Know Your Neighbourhood Project / January 8th, 2025
Benfieldside Community Garden / January 8th, 2025
NE Charity Awards 2025, Maya Patterson
One of our fabulous volunteers, Maya Patterson achieved the Highly Commended Award at the NE Charity Awards in September 2025, for her voluntary work with Building Self-Belief CIO. She was recognised as a Young Charity Champion of the year for her major contribution to Building Self-Belief, in particular for her support with the youth clubs and at Benfieldside Community Garden. Well done Maya, this is very well deserved!
Aspirations and Future Planning / January 6th, 2025
Business Roundtable Event - Time to put the North East on the Business Map
As a long-standing member of Do Business Network (DBN), I was delighted to be asked to attend the business roundtable discussion with Liz Twist MP for Blaydon and Consett, and Gareth Thomas MP, Minister in the Department for Business and Trade on Monday 9th December at Derwentside College.