Issue 168 of Consett Magazine is out now, free in shops, cafes and community spaces across Consett and the surrounding villages.
Dear Consett,
November is a time to remember, and this month's Consett Magazine begins with those we must never forget.
On Sunday 8 November, the Consett Remembrance Parade leaves Christ Church at 10.40am, ahead of the service at the Cenotaph and two-minute silence at 11am. Anthony Page shares his moving poem, Long Lost Grave, while we uncover the story of the boys of Medomsley Cottage Homes, remembered on its Roll of Honour. Consett & District Heritage Initiative will share their story at Consett Library this November.
Communities in Focus returns to Lanchester. A small plant nursery has become a family attraction, complete with a zoo and giant tortoise. We meet Winnie and Guang Chen, who have run Golden Valley for over 21 years. Jamie Ferry started with nine sheep as a boy in Stanley and now looks after around 230 near Lanchester, helped by three sheepdogs. At Lanchester Community Orchard, volunteers have been turning apples into juice and even a little cider.
Back in Consett, the steelworks train set and ladles are back on display at The Heart, thanks to locals determined to preserve our industrial heritage.
We celebrate Sheila at Maple Court, who has turned 104 and still has her wonderful sense of humour. Paul Heatherington continues the Maddison brothers' story with Death on the Seine. Willow Burn has a new children's book about bereavement, and The Little Mermaid comes to The Roxy in December (so please get your tickets locked in).
There's so much to celebrate in our communities. If you know someone making a difference, please tell us. You don't need to be a writer. A story and a photo or two are all we need.
Submit through magazine.ad, our new online editorial platform, or email editor@consettmagazine.com. We're receiving many more submissions than ever, and it's a wonderful sign of all the good happening around Consett, despite what your social media feed says.
None of this would be possible without our fantastic local advertisers, whose support keeps this magazine free. If you'd like to showcase your business or tell your story, we'd love to hear from you.
After all, this is Consett's magazine. Your stories, your businesses and your community make it what it is. Thank you for being part of it.
Warm wishes,
Barry Kirkham, on behalf of Firefly, Consett Magazine, and all our amazing sponsors and contributors
Deadline for December
Stories and adverts for the December 2026 issue: 3pm on 15 November 2026. Email editor@consettmagazine.com or call 01207 438 292.
Front cover: Consett Remembrance Group at the Cenotaph. Photograph by Consett Air Training Squadron (Air Cadets).
