Delighted to have met Jackie Oxley the owner of the Cosy Brye on Medomsley Road, Consett this week and to collect a kind donation of 2 programmes from the Folk Song and Dance Festivals in 1954 and 1955 held at St Aidans Hall, Blackpool
In aid of Dr Barnardo’s Homes (Shotley Bridge and District Branch)
If you or family attended be great to see your memories and any pictures you might have
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Also watch out for future events to be held at the Cosy Byre
First one is a pop up Display about Venture Buses for a week from 12th July 2023
Alan worked at the Steelworks for 17 years in the Technical Research Department. Over the last 20 years he has researched the History of the Steelworks given several talks about his memories of his life at the Works. He also has an extensive collection of photographs and memorabilia from the steelworks. Many of the talks have been to the members of the community to tell them about the heritage of the area. This project is a perfect opportunity for Alan to share his memories and ensure the history of the steelworks lives on.
Working alongside young people and the wider community, we shall ensure that the institution that literally built Consett has its heritage recognised by the people who lived and worked there. Engaging new generations of local people with no memory of the former steelworks along the way. With grateful thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Players of the National Lottery.
Alison and Mike Redshaw have kindly donated a map which will be scanned and shared for all to enjoy together with copies to be made for other local Heritage groups and for anyone who would like a copy
Alison comments My dad, Les Gunn, who worked at the ‘company’ for 41 years was the one who bought it.
Its a large map so the next stage is now to plan and do the scanning
The map will also feature in future events and displays
Thank you to Alison and Mike we a proud to now be custodians of this lovely local bit of history
Please join us at this FREE community talk by Alan Swinburne on Consett’s industrial & social history. The Steel Club Consett,- 7.00 -9.00pm -Thursday 20th July.
Book a ticket via the link or come along and join us on the evening!
The History of Consett Steelworks project team are delighted to host a commeration event including displays and a chance to experience a Virtual Reality wander around some of the site buildings
This will be hosted at the Hub (the Old Braes) in Central Consett on the corner of Medomsley Road and Sherburn Terrace
We will be around from 11am to approx 2.30pm on Saturday 1st July 2023
Free but any donations towards future work by the project would be welcome
Also a chance to book a 1950’s Themed Afternoon Tea
A new history centre and registration service for County Durham
We are restoring the grade II listed Mount Oswald to create an exciting new local history centre for the county and a new register office.
The centre will bring into one central location the story of the history and heritage of the county, as told through historic records, photographs and objects. The project will bring Mount Oswald back into use, adding a high quality, visually appealing extension which will complement the existing building.
There will be enhanced registration facilities in a stunning location with weddings and civil ceremonies able to welcome up to 100 guests.
There will be free entry to our permanent and temporary exhibitions exploring the history of County Durham.
You will be able to learn about the lives of people and their stories through our fun and interactive countywide outreach programme.
Our exhibitions will bring to life the fascinating history of County Durham from pre-history through to the modern day.
We are developing an activity programme with storytelling sessions, kids takeover days, behind the scenes tours, volunteering opportunities and community projects.
There will be an exciting education programme for local schools.
Mount Oswald will replace the Aykley Heads House and Bishop Auckland register offices, although a facility to register births and deaths will remain in Bishop Auckland.
What can you expect on a visit to The Story at Mount Oswald
On entering the history centre, you will find yourself in a modern, welcoming and exciting space. It will be open and airy with large windows overlooking the grounds. There will be a friendly face at reception or you can walk straight through to the exhibition space which will have innovative and immersive areas alongside traditional displays. You might choose to bypass the exhibitions and head straight for the café which will look out onto the grounds.
The county’s history and heritage will be celebrated all over the centre, not just in the exhibition space. We know toilets are important, so there will be plenty, including accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility. If you’re visiting for a wedding or ceremony, the beautiful and grand ceremony rooms feed off from the exhibition area so you’ll be able to explore the displays and enjoy the café before or after the event.
The journey continues upstairs where you can continue to explore the collections with lots of fun touch screens and digital map tables. If you’re visiting for a registration appointment you can wait in the private waiting room or use the time to explore local history through the variety of digital screens on offer.
There will also be state of the art research facilities – everyone will be welcome whether you just want to browse collections, find out about your own history or carry out detailed research.
There will be a dedicated volunteer room and upstairs there will be a classroom for school visits.
There will be something for every visitor, whatever age, wherever they’ve come from, whether they want to spend one hour or half a day exploring. We can’t wait to welcome you in. Our aim is to put visitors at the heart of the experience so you feel represented, understood and celebrated. This is your history, your heritage, your stories.
We are working on a display and also a website gallery of pictures of the marches held to try and prevent the closure of the Consett Steelworks in the summer of 1980
Also in due course they may also form part of a possible book on the lifetime of the works being explored
We would like to ask any photographers or people who were part of the marches to consider providing pictures for the display/gallery full credit will be given
Picture below is an example and one of some great pictures taken by Peter Brabban this is part of the march down Front Street in Consett
History of Consett Steelworks 