PEOPLE in and around Evenwood are being invited to get creative by helping to map out a new walk to celebrate and market the area’s rich heritage.
Evenwood's heritage is steeped in mining and railway history and now the local history group wants to showcase it with a walking route.
The trek will cover Evenwood, Evenwood Gate and Ramshaw and is being devised through a project by Evenwood, Ramshaw and District History Group with cash from Northern Heartlands.
Brian Carter, of the group, said: “The initial phase of the project will involve public discussion sessions allowing residents to offer their opinions.
“These will be followed at a later date by a skills demonstration day and then hands-on art and skills sessions. We hope members of the communities will become involved in all these events because we are keen for this to be a community project.”
People attending the art sessions will help to come up with designs for way markers for the route and boards identifying places and buildings of interest.
Ewan Allison, for Northern Heartlands, said group sessions were aimed at “reaching into local knowledge to reflect where Evenwood is at this moment in time”.
He added: “Pit culture is fading into the past. It is not about trying to revive that culture, but to capture that moment in time when it is fading away. It is also about capturing that heritage.”
He said the skills workshops would include activities such as crafts and dry stone walling.
Mr Carter added that a bespoke map will be created and informative leaflets produced to enhance the walks.
He said: “It is hoped this project will bring the people together to help us achieve our aims, help them recognise the heritage on their doorstep while enjoying a pleasant walk and raise the profile of our communities.”
Jackie Dodds, of the history society, said a number of community groups will be involved including Evenwood Chatters and Strollers, a walking group that was established about 14 years ago as a health initiative and continues to meet every Thursday.
Some £9,800 was given by Northern Heartlands, an arts-based scheme, to get the project off the ground.
