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The Weardale Society was set up in April 1993 with the aim to provide services, both cultural and social, for the people and communities of Weardale. The Society received funding to initiate an archaeological dig at Bolihope Common and to develop a Weardale Festival. These events were intended to raise both the community spirit and the profile of the area following a recent history of industrial and agricultural decline, most recently including the closure of the cement works (one of the larger employers in the area) and the devastating impact of the Foot & Mouth outbreak.
The Weardale Society received £1,000 towards the cost of the archaeological dig and £1,857 towards the costs of the Festival.
This funding enabled the Society to hire the services of Dr Rob Young - the resident archaeologist for Northumberland National Parks - who delivered a series of walks, talks and activities, such as basic training in excavation, surrounding the history and archaeology of the site. The festival was a high profile event emphasizing the traditional skills and crafts within Weardale. The Society used some of the funding to hire the Northern Sinfonia Orchestra to perform.
Both events were deemed to be a huge success. The activities brought many community groups and clubs together and have strengthened the network of activities and groups in Weardale. There have been requests from all sectors of the community to repeat these events on an annual basis as it not only raised the profile of the area but also encouraged tourism (particularly arts and crafts) into Weardale. In each settlement or village within Weardale there were groups who contributed their own services or delivered a specific activity, for example one farmer who is a local poet provided a tea party recital in Stanhope. Such activities have generated more interest in local history and have given the area a much needed confidence boost after recent economic upheavals. The Society has since developed a DVD of the Festival.
“We are extremely grateful. This was a unique event that couldn’t have taken place without your support. Thank you.”
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