A new booklet, created by local schoolchildren and celebrating the history of a County Durham town, is being launched as part of a £1.6m regeneration project nearing completion.
Taking place tomorrow between 10am and 2pm at the EDAN Gallery in Seaham, residents can attend the official launch of the unique heritage booklet, Our Town, at a special drop-in event.
Through the booklet, people can learn more about the Seaham Townscape Heritage Project delivered by Durham County Council, along with key moments and places in the town’s past.
The local authority was awarded £1.6m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver the heritage-led regeneration initiative, which is focused on the Seaham Conservation Area. Since launching in 2019, the project has supported the restoration of historic buildings and the enhancement of public spaces, and helped reconnect the community with the town’s rich and varied history.
As part of the programme, pupils from Seaham Trinity Primary School worked alongside local artist Susan Warlock to create Our Town, an imaginative booklet that aims to bring Seaham’s heritage to life through creative writing and illustration.
Exploring Seaham’s first school, the George Elmy lifeboat disaster, the bombardment of Seaham by a German U-boat, Seaham’s artillery history, and the Seaham Bottleworks; the work reflects the children’s exploration of local history.
Residents will be able to pick up a copy of the booklet at the event and find out in more detail about the Townscape Heritage Project and the positive impact it has had across Seaham since its launch.
There will also be several before-and-after photographs showcasing completed building restoration projects and improvements of other public areas. Project officers will attend to answer questions, and share information about heritage activities, events and community engagement projects.
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “Seaham has received significant investment in recent years, and the Townscape Heritage Project has played a vital role in helping to restore historic buildings, celebrate local heritage and strengthen the town centre.
“We are also delighted to officially launch the Our Town booklet, which provides a wonderful insight into Seaham’s history through the eyes of young people. The project demonstrates that heritage-led regeneration can not only improve buildings and spaces, but also strengthen community pride and help share local stories with future generations.”
For further information about the Seaham Townscape Heritage project, visit: www.durham.gov.uk/seahamtownscape.
