Voices of Consett - Kris Kennedy

Hello, I’m Kris Kennedy and I am 26 years old. I have lived and worked in Consett all my life, living down Constance Street and currently working at Consett Golf Club. My Grandad’s side has lived here for as long as they can remember, with my Grandma’s side living here for 90 years+. 

My Grandad worked at Consett Steelworks as a Foreman, he started as an apprentice and worked his way up. When the steelworks was closed he was unfortunately let go and didn’t return to work after that. During his time working there, he had a couple of accidents, as most did, including a hand injury and he also had a motorcycle accident in which he miraculously recovered. On my Grandma’s side of the family they weren’t really involved with Consett Steelworks, my Great Grandma was a housewife and my Grandma worked around different shops in Consett. It was the fact that all of the men mainly worked at The Steelworks. My Mam also went on to be a Sales Director selling steel, I never made the connection but it probably had something to do with my Grandad, her dad, working in the Steelworks.

I got into Consett Golf Club because about 26 years ago, my Step-Dad who is now the Chef, when he came into my life he always talked about the Golf Club, so straight away I wanted to play golf. I played a bit as a Junior, although I wouldn’t call myself a professional, I know my way around. I have worked here though, starting in 2013 in the kitchen washing dishes, then in 2016 behind the bar, then left to do accountancy courses and came back as Club Secretary. I love working in Consett, I have always said all my life I never want to leave, there is something about Consett that is just so community-focused, I really enjoy talking to all the people. We have 40 Juniors playing at the club, with 450 over 18's. I have tried working in other areas but Consett is the best for me, it’s brilliant. I recently visited the Consett markets and it was fantastic to see how busy they were too.

I think that Consett Steelworks has a lot to do with the community aspects, it had a massive impact on everyone's life, everybody knew everybody, I do think we are losing this community a little bit, as you naturally would but I hope we don’t lose it all. However, having the community centres and markets really helps out, where people can visit too. Something we encourage in our golfing groups massively is don’t stick to your own little group, try mixing and speaking to others.

I think future opportunities in Consett can be difficult because we have seen a lot of businesses come and go but also a lot of business really thrive, from that community spirit. Even our Accountants started here in Consett and now they’re all over the North East. There is so many little businesses that are absolutely brilliant, including ones at the markets. It is definitely difficult for some and easier for others. I think working at home whilst living in Consett is affordable and a great option.

From a population point of view, I think Consett is definitely on the rise but the town centre is declining in my opinion. I think our Town Council is definitely doing a good job though, especially with the markets, rebuilding Consett. My hopes for the future of Consett are that I hope it stays as a community town, that’s really what I want. Also, for people to understand our community and really get it and for people to keep talking to each other and making connections as that’s what keeps Consett going. My advice for young people in Consett is, it can depend on what you’re doing but  people always want stuff done properly and the best of the best, so just trying making new connections, make your own community and try different sports and hobbies.