'Pit Pony Nightmare'

Self-Belief and Emotional Wellbeing / Wellbeing and the Arts / Stargate Pit Disaster, Crookhill Primary School / June 15th, 2026

'Pit Pony Nightmare'

This project was created to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1826 Stargate Pit Disaster near Ryton, Gateshead, in partnership with Building Self Belief CIO and Crookhill Primary School. Through a series of original poems, we reflected on the human impact of the disaster and gave a voice to the people, families and community affected by the events of 1826.Told through the eyes of a pit pony, this poem highlights the harsh realities of mine life and the bond between animals and the young miners who cared for them.

Consett Heritage Project / February 7th, 2025

Playing in the Red Dust - Moorside Primary School

This poem was created by Corben, Roxi, Lacey, Oscar, Leandra, and Millie from Moorside Primary School. It reflects their take on the red dust that once covered Consett — the cloud of iron oxide emitted during the Steelworks’ production because of this red clouds of dust would hang over the town, settling on cars and clothes hung out to dry, a sight captured in many photos of Consett from that time.

Consett Heritage Project / September 18th, 2023

Voices of Consett - Eileen

Eileen has lived in Consett for 64 years, her family live in Consett, she works and socialises in Consett, her grandchildren go to school in Consett, so you could say her whole life is in Consett. She has three children and three grandchildren who all live in this area, one of them teaches in Leadgate, in Consett.

Celebrating Stanley / December 16th, 2025

"Stanley's Superhero" Poem - South Stanley Junior School

This poem was created by Drew, Robert, Byron, Livy and Imogen, Year 6 pupils at South Stanley Junior School as part of our 'Celebrating Stanley' project.