Dear Consett Readers
Welcome to our December issue! As the festive season begins, we bring you stories that celebrate the warmth, resilience, and spirit of our community. From inspiring local figures to tales of laughter, history, and winter traditions, we’ve got plenty to share as we close out the year.
Kicking off, the Consett Lions Club marks its impressive 62nd anniversary, honouring decades of service to our community with a special charter event and important projects. This December update highlights their Remembrance tributes, collaborations with St. John Ambulance, and their continued dedication to supporting local initiatives, including their ongoing Consett Story Volume 2 project. Consett Rotary also shares news of its 80 years of community service, showing just how much our local organisations give back every year.
In the business spotlight, Parvin Kumar, chef and co-owner of Soami’s Trio, shares his culinary journey from India to Consett, where his restaurant has quickly become a local favourite, known for blending Indian and Thai flavours. We also celebrate Shotley Bridge Nursery School’s efforts to promote health and well-being among young children, from nutritious meals to active play programmes that build healthy habits from a young age.
For a cosy read by the fire, Joyce Shaw’s delightful piece on snow vocabulary brings the beauty and romance of winter alive with descriptions of Sami snow words, offering a new perspective on our frosty Consett winters. Lorraine Weightman adds a dose of humour with her dating tale, and Joy Allen’s practical tips on home security make for useful holiday reading. In the arts and heritage section, we spotlight Gary Holiday’s craftsmanship at Durham Cathedral and share the remarkable story of Evan Webb, a Consett native whose inventive mind and love for exploration have taken him from the steelworks to the Kennedy Space Centre.
And if you’re looking for festive treats, our Christmas recipe page brings two delicious classics to your table: mince pies and spiced gingerbread, perfect for warming up those chilly winter nights.
As we wrap up 2024, we’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who helps make Consett Magazine possible. Our advertisers, contributors, and readers are the lifeblood of this publication. Special thanks from Barry Kirkham, Marco Elsy, and Mirrin Alexander for your loyal support and enthusiasm, which inspire us to bring you the best of Consett each month. Here’s to a joyful holiday season and a bright New Year ahead!
