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!
A Life at the Works Cut Short
This poem was created by Aria, Bobby, Daniel, Ebony, Harvey and Layla.
The Secret of Consett Steel
This poem was created by Alisha, JJ, Leah and Roman.
Blanket of Darkness
This poem was created by Ava, Callie, Ella, Frankie and Harrison.
Consett Heritage Project / March 8th, 2024
Jean Simmons - Consett Heritage Podcast
Our volunteer, Maisie Dobson, conducts an interview with her great-grandma, Jean Simmons, aged 96, discussing life and work in Consett during the peak of the Consett Steelworks era. During the conversation, Jean mentions a royal visit to the steelworks, prompting Maisie to enquire about its accuracy. Upon researching, we discovered that the event did indeed occur. Listen in to enjoy this unique recording, offering insights into the social history of Consett.
Youth Social Action / July 8th, 2018
Aspirations and Future Planning / July 8th, 2018
Raising Career Aspirations in Teenage Girls
Our ‘Raising Aspirations’ business event with the group of girls from our most recent Building Self-Belief programme gave everyone involved an invaluable insight into working life.
Youth Social Action / June 3rd, 2026
Wellbeing and the Arts / June 3rd, 2026
Benfieldside Community Garden / June 3rd, 2026
Creating our Very own Fairy Garden
When we asked the children at our Children's Gardening Club, what they thought was missing from our community garden, the one thing they all really wanted was their very own Fary Garden. Take a look at our short film about the creation of the Benfieldside Fairy Garden, they have made a fabulous job of it!