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 / August 10th, 2023
Rob Moran - Consett Heritage Podcast
Rob is Consett born and bred and has been active in the community in many fields over the years, including volunteering with the Consett Green Spaces Campaign and with the local Labour Party. He is involved with the group History of Consett Steelworks where his particular interest is researching its history. He also helps out at our local schools by taking the children on history tours of the ex-steelworks site. He also shares his love of the wider history of the North East, on his own fabulous Facebook group called Alfred's Guide.
Aspirations and Future Planning / December 20th, 2022
Christmas Roundup 2022
What a year it has been for Building Self-Belief – it is such a relief that we are finally getting back to normal after the ongoing uncertainly linked to the Covid restrictions. Now we are back in full flow, we have exciting times ahead.
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.