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!
Bob and Max
This poem was created by Aiden, Ava, Cody, Emmy, Lilly and Ryan.
The Steelmen
This poem was created by Alistair, Andreea, Lily and Nico.
The Last Shift
This poem was created by Emmie, Lola, Michael and Scarlett.
Consett Heritage Project / January 30th, 2024
Niamh McDonald - Consett Heritage Podcast
Niamh volunteers with Building Self-Belief as a member of their Youth Panel and is also studying towards a Masters of Planning at Newcastle University. Niamh has been able to support projects run by BSB and add both a professional and personal perspective on a whole host of projects.
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.
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!