Project Snapshot

Project title:

From coal to cod - a proud history of a proud people

Programme: Your Heritage
Applicant: Northumberland County Scout Council
Grant awarded: £43,900

This project looked at the last 100 years of the coalmining and fishing industries in Blyth. Young people from Excelsior Adademy and Northumberland Adult Learning Service researched this history, in partnership with Woodhorn Museum and Archives, and then went on to record the memories of older members of the community through oral history sessions. In order to record this history for future generations they developed a display, DVD and education pack of their findings. The young people also went on to produce heritage trail walks, a website and to share their project with the wider community through a programme of talks and visits. The project involved 11 volunteers, 22 schoolchildren and 30 trainees. They worked with 27 local organisations and community groups.

The project culminated in a celebratory event at Seaton Delaval Hall where Ronnie Campbell MP, a former miner at Bates Colliery, recounted some of his mining experiences.

"The highlight for me was probably the recognition by the youngsters that they could achieve something worthwhile from the project and have some fun in the process."
David Smith, Project Leader

Young people learning about Blyth Lifeboats

Sector

Industry, Maritime and Transport

Activity

Participation; Learning