Steel Hearts, Local Roots – Consett Magazine, September 2025
This month, Consett Magazine celebrates the unwavering pulse of a town powered by passion, pride, and people. From heritage to heroes, here’s what’s inside the September 2025 issue.
Consett’s Steel Legacy Steams Ahead
A remarkable piece of Consett’s industrial history came roaring back to life at the Stephenson Steam Railway with the unveiling of the restored Consett No. 10 locomotive. Built entirely at Consett Steelworks, this local engine symbolises the strength of our past. The restoration is a proud moment for members of the Consett & District Heritage Initiative.
Mark your calendar for the “Consett: A Steel Town” Exhibition & Open Day on Tuesday 16th September 2025 at The Lodge, Blackhill & Consett Park. Entry is free and promises historical artefacts, Q&As, and rare local photography. It’s an open invitation to connect with our steel town roots.
The Consett Giant: Fact, Folklore, and Fascination
Could giants have once roamed Consett? In 1886, miners at the Saint Pit in Delves Lane discovered a petrified figure, dubbed the Consett Giant. Whether myth or mystery, the story has fired imaginations for generations. Paul Heatherington’s article takes a closer look at the legend, with echoes of poetry and Northern folklore.
Local Life, Local Legends
Meet the people who bring Consett to life today:
- Jennifer Daly of Eternal Beauty offers more than just treatments; she builds confidence and community in Leadgate.
- Connor Hannaby, now a Senior Warehouse Supervisor at Lanchester Wines, proves how young talent can grow from the ground up.
- Cecil Watson, Consett’s very own Bowie, still dazzles the town at 80, collecting, caring, and keeping the Ziggy spirit alive.
- Brenda Surtees, 81, tirelessly supports Leadgate Community Centre, decades after first typing court reports for the police.
Each story is a powerful reminder of how dedication shapes a place and its people.
📥 Read the full print magazine below:
Clubs, Causes & Community Strength
Our local groups continue to impress:
- Consett Rotary raised £6,000 for Willow Burn Hospice and prostate cancer charities with their successful charity golf day.
- The Tuesday Ladies of St. Patrick’s celebrated 40 years of fundraising, fun, and friendship – true pillars of community spirit.
- Consett Lions kicked off the Lionistic year with a celebration at Sale Pepe and honoured two members for 30 years of service.
These groups quietly keep the town’s heart beating.
From Brooms Primary to the Big Red Sky
- Growing Minds: At Brooms Primary School, Mrs Hopper’s after-school gardening club is nurturing more than just plants. It’s growing a love for nature and a sense of responsibility in young pupils.
- When the Sky Went Red: John Hunter’s tale of a planet-like object passing over Consett combines sci-fi with sky-watching in a gripping creative piece.
What’s On and What’s Next
Shotley Bridge Cricket Club will host the Maya’s Voice Launch Event on Saturday 27th September (2–6pm). Stalls, raffles, and a powerful petition are all part of this campaign for change. Come and be part of something meaningful.
Also in this edition: thoughtful pieces from Lorraine Weightman, Daniel Blyth’s story of doing the right thing, and a feature on safer roads through better eye health from the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.
Contributors to the September 2025 Edition include but not limited to the great work of the people in and around the Consett community:
Liam Cook, Mirrin Alexander, Lorraine Weightman, Fr John Bagnall, George Ledger, Joy Allen, Richard Judd, Chris Bruce, Callum Fraser, Rachel Quince, Emma Campbell, Paul Heatherington, Daniel Blyth, Mariia Konyk, Mark Wilkinson, John Hunter
Keep Consett’s Story Going – Way Beyond September 2025
Consett Magazine isn’t just about news, it’s about community, memory, and momentum. If you’ve got a story, an event, or someone inspiring to feature, reach out. Whether it’s a new business, a grassroots project, or a personal tale, we’re here to help you tell it.
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📞 01207 438 292
🗓 Print Deadline: 15th of each month, print magazine is distributed on first week of each month
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