We had a visitor in school today who is working with us on a very special project to celebrate our local history and create a new piece of digital art. Debbie is a project producer, we will work together to research Ryton history and commission an artist to work with us.
We are researching and looking for a new Ryton Hero – Can you help?
Did you know that Addison Village at the East end of Ryton (opposite Hedgefield House) was a category D village and ear marked for demolition? All further investment was removed for over a decade in the 1950’s and 60’s. This was a policy that was applied to 121 ex-mining villages across the council at the time. There was a strong opposition from local people to remain and keep their community, family and sense of belonging. Sadly, Addison village, which housed 900 people and had a school, chapel and Miners Institute was demolished and is now just woodland.
We want to add to our brilliant local heroes who were miners and soldiers and find local women heroes from our village. Maybe you knew them? Women who lived in Addison village? Women who were involved in the opposition campaigns to the category D scheme? Or Did something incredible for the sake of others? Made a difference? Spoke up? Achieved much? Foster carers? Soup kitchen volunteers? Helped others?
We have secured funding from Historic England’s Everyday Heritage grant program, to celebrate working class histories and to explore untold stories and celebrate the people and places at the heart of our history.
Funding has been awarded to 56 projects across England, which seek to tell the stories of our nation’s working-class heritage.
Projects are all community-led and people-focused and aim to further the nation’s collective understanding of the past.
Please contact us if you have any information the children could use about Addison or the people who lived and worked there.