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Hidden Heritage and wellbeing

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Over the course of a year spanning 2022-23, we worked with the community in the former mining town of Willington – building on our previous event The Man Engine – helping schools, community groups and care home residents explore the story of their town from medieval times to the present day. The whole project culminated in an exciting event on the Town Green and we’re delighted to say that the information gathered from feedback indicated that wellbeing increased for those who take part, as well as a wider group of people inspired by heritage. We started with 70 volunteers helping to celebrate the beacon lighting as part of the Platinum Jubilee back in June 2022 and ended with Hyem Fest! in July 2023.

Read the Hidden Heritage & Wellbeing report by University of Birmingham here

Visit the website dedicated to Hidden Heritage here .

Time Detectives

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Time Detectives

The "Time Detectives" took the children of 5 primary schools in Willington and surround area on a whistle-stop tour through history to help the Detectives find their way back to the rightful place in time in the distant future. On the way, the children discovered more about where they live and what it means to them.

Pathways through Time - Print Workshop

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Pathways through Time - Print Workshop

As part of our Hidden Heritage & Wellbeing project in Willington, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we hosted a series of print workshops with professional Artist, Sara Cox. Participants were encouraged to think about the journeys they take in the place where they live then represent these using simple printing techniques onto a canvas bag. The process gave an opportunity for participants to consider their place from a different perspective, thinking about what's important or meaningful about it and how it makes them feel.

Pathways through Time - Animation

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Pathways through Time - Animation

As part of our Hidden Heritage & Wellbeing project in Willington, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we hosted a series of animation workshops with professional Artist, Sherly Jenkins. Participants were encouraged and supported to think about their place and its heritage, and the effect of both on their wellbeing, using story-telling through animation to express their thoughts and ideas.

Getting Ready for the Hyem Fest! Parade

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Getting Ready for the Hyem Fest! Parade

Hear all about what the primary school children in Willington and surrounding villages have been doing to prepare for the Hyem Fest! parade on Saturday, 15th July in Willington.

Hyem Fest! Turtley Willington

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Hyem Fest! Turtley Willington

Hyem Fest! in Willington on Saturday, 15th July 2023. Despite unpredictable weather (it rained a lot!!), "Turtley Willy" received a warm welcome from the people of Willington on the Town Green and had a fantastic time in the parade with the Time Detectives, school children from Hunwick Primary, Our Lady & St Thomas' Primary, St Stephen's Primary, Sunnybrow Primary and Willington Primary, community members, dancers from the Sandra Welsh School of Dance and New Brancepeth Revellers.

The Time Detectives

The Time Detectives

Time Detective Jo in action

Time Detective Jo in action

Crowd at Hyem Fest

Crowd at Hyem Fest

The Time Detectives

The Time Detectives

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