Villagers urged to explore the past

Residents of Evenwood are being encouraged to take part in the Community Heritage, Drama and Arts Project to help learn more about the village's history.

The initiative is being organised by the Evenwood Projects Group after it was granted £13,563 from the Local Heritage Initiative and £2,070 from the Teesdale Arts Fund.

The group will use the money to buy equipment that digitally scans and stores images, information and data relating to the area in Victorian times.

This will then be used to create local displays, stage scenery and models with the support of professional artists.

It will also be used to create a digital display and a youth drama project that will stage a performance next Christmas.

Danielle Barnes, the community development worker who is supporting the project, said: "We have high hopes for the project as we feel it is something which all ages can be involved in from cradle to grave.

"We hope that we will be able to build some inter-generational relationships and give people a better understanding of how their area came to be what it is today."

The Local Heritage Initiative is a national grant scheme to help groups investigate, explain and care for their landscapes, landmarks and culture.

The grant is provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, but the scheme is a partnership administered by the Countryside Agency with additional funding from the Nationwide Building Society.

The Community Heritage, Drama and Arts Project will begin this month with an open event on February 24, from noon to 2pm, at the Travellers Rest, in Evenwood.

Traditional broth and buns will be served and people are encouraged to bring artefacts or ideas that could help support the project.

All photographs, articles or items will be scanned and returned immediately.

Further details will be distributed to residents in a newsletter, but to find out more contact Miss Barnes on 07821 043239 during office hours.