James's Celebration of Stanley
I found out that there were coal mines in Stanley, and that people like Kevin Keegan’s grandad worked in them—which I didn’t know before. I also learned that some people from Stanley have gone on to do really big things, like working in Hollywood, starring in major films, and even directing them. It shows that even though Stanley is a small town, people from here can achieve great things.
Stanley feels quite quiet now. It’s definitely calmed down since the days of the coal mines, but I think its history should be celebrated more. The mining past plays a big role in the town’s identity—for example, the school being built on the site of an old coal mine.
I’d love to see a football stadium here because I think there aren’t many big opportunities for young people who want a future in sport. We also need more spaces to play. A lot of buildings have been knocked down over the years, but nothing has been built in their place, which feels like a missed chance.
If there were more opportunities in Stanley, I think more people would get out of the house and spend their time doing positive things. It would give people something to be involved in. A big space in the centre of Stanley—somewhere to bring the community together—could really help make that happen.
“I also think there should be more career opportunities for young people. Right now, there just aren’t enough good job options for those growing up here. We need more chances for people to build a future in Stanley.”
- James Dixon
Consett Heritage Project / November 17th, 2023
Edwin Oxley - Consett Heritage Podcast
Edwin started as an apprentice at the Consett Steelworks in 1961, as a 15-year-old. Over time he developed a whole host of skills and describes the excellent training he received both at technical college in Consett and Gateshead, and on the jobs in the boiler shop, foundry, blast furnace, plate mills - amongst others. He worked in every department! Take a listen to his podcast which gives a fascinating insight into the opportunities made available to him and how this gave him a solid foundation for the rest of his working life. He also gives our young people some great advice!
Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / July 18th, 2018
Dealing With Pressures in Education
Building self-belief in our young people is an essential element of their education. I recently received a thank you card from a Year 11 student who said “In such a short time period you have been amazing, thank you so much for helping me and being so kind.
Youth Social Action / March 17th, 2022
Aspirations and Future Planning / March 17th, 2022
Collaboration with Haines Watts and Cardinal Hume Catholic School
As part of this programme, students participated in workshops at the Newcastle and Leeds offices, which focused on CV’s, mock interviews and LinkedIn. To help raise their aspirations, students visited Newcastle University and Leeds Beckett. During sessions with BSBCIO, students were given a unique insight into working at the firms with career podcasts from a variety of employees from Partners to Graduate schemes.