Sarah Envy - Consett Heritage Podcast
Sarah knows Consett as quite a rural and naturally beautiful area, sitting above the Derwent Valley, although as she now understands it, this hasn't always been the case. She spends a lot of time at Derwent Reservoir on walks and has often cycled around the area, which has a completely breathtaking 'natural' landscape abundant with wildlife. Sarah is Engagement Manager for The National Lottery Heritage Fund North. Until her involvement in our Consett Heritage Project, she was unaware that this area had such a significant industrial past. Consett steel was used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower! From photographs she has seen of the old Consett Ironworks, she now realises that you would have been able to see rows of machinery just over the horizon from the Reservoir, peeking over the ridge of the dam. Physically, this view has disappeared, but it is clear that there's a lot of buried history that is not currently accessible, it is discoverable. She believes that we need to continue to provide opportunities to access such a significant part of Consett's heritage, we don't want it to be lost or forgotten. She is particularly excited about the latest Heritage initiative that will truly put Co Durham on the cultural and heritage map!
Youth Social Action / July 2nd, 2025
Benfieldside Community Garden / July 2nd, 2025
Benfieldside Communty Garden's Early July Update
Here is Building Self-Belief's .July update about the work at Benfieldside Community Garden. The areas where the paths will be have been scraped out - and next week the 2000 blocks will be laid to edge the path... Take a look at the work so far!
Consett Heritage Project / February 5th, 2024
Voices of Consett - Sadie (The Bra Lady)
Before earning the title of "Sadie the Bra Lady," Sadie Ayton worked in the steelworks following her school years. She initially found employment at Richmond's the Solicitors before transitioning into the role of a 'Ticky Woman,' collecting credit payments by visiting houses.
Consett Heritage Project / March 13th, 2025
Frank Matthews - Consett Heritage Project
Frank Matthews describes his working life at the steelworks and how useful the skills he developed at the Works were, when it came to finding work after the closure in 1980. Frank describes his adventurous working life abroad, but how Consett was always, and still is, in his heart.