Communities in Focus

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We are a small group of documentary photographers who want to document all aspects of our area.
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08/06/2026

Have you seen Consett Magazine's June edition?
George Ledger's photo of Lanchester's Mr Massage - Sam Jafari is on the cover with further photos and stories inside.
There are also additional photos and stories inside the magazine from our project - Lanchester - Community in Focus.
George Ledger's photos of KOGS Youth club.
Mark Wilkinson's photos of The Kings head.
Plus Mark Wilkinson, Chris Bruce and Juan Fitzgerald's photos of the Suddes Family Charity Tractor Push in aid of Willow Burn Hospice
Thanks as always to Consett Magazine for their continued support - make sure you get your copy.

To see more images and stories visit our website -
https://communitiesinfocus.weebly.com/lanchester---community-in-focus.html

05/06/2026

James Harrison works on his family farm near Satley, which includes a beef farming enterprise. Alongside his younger brother Daniel, he helps his grandfather manage the farm, taking part in the daily care of livestock and general farm work.
Modern beef farming combines careful breeding, nutrition, animal welfare, and sustainable land management to produce high-quality beef. Farmers must balance herd health, grazing, and environmental responsibility while adapting to changing farming practices and new technology.

To see lots more photos of James Harrison - Click Here- https://communitiesinfocus.weebly.com/james-harrison-beef-farmer.html

03/06/2026

Music has a remarkable ability to lift both mind and body, and the Lanchester-based Musical Memories group uses this to wonderful effect. Held at Lynwood House on the first Wednesday of each month, Helen and her dedicated team of volunteers create a warm, welcoming space where people of all ages can come together through music.
The afternoon begins with tea, conversation, and friendship before the music starts. During my visit, I met 103-year-old Sheila Guthrie, a former wartime auxiliary nurse, comptometer operator, and postmistress. Although Sheila admits her memory is not what it once was, the moment the music began she was singing along with the rest of the group to familiar songs from well-loved musicals.
Alongside the singing, the sessions include light exercise, clapping, dancing, and fun activities designed to stimulate both body and mind. As the afternoon draws to a close, there is time to relax and unwind before everyone heads home.
Helen describes Musical Memories as “a fun, friendly, and stimulating group that uses the power of music to enhance wellbeing, mood, and brain activity.” The group is open to anyone who enjoys music, particularly those looking for companionship, gentle activity, or support while living with dementia.
Sessions take place at Lynwood House on the first Wednesday of the month from 2pm to 3.30pm.

To see lots more photos of Musical Memories - Click Here- https://communitiesinfocus.weebly.com/musical-memories---helen-mccree-and-team.html

01/06/2026

Lanchester W.I., which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, continues to bring the community together with monthly meetings, guest speakers, outings, and fundraising events.
This year’s Spring/Summer fashion show at Lanchester Social Club was a great success, featuring stylish outfits from the Complete Clothing Company, confident catwalk models, a buffet, raffle, and plenty of laughter — all while raising money for good causes.

To see more photos of the W.I. and their Fashion show click - https://communitiesinfocus.weebly.com/wi-fashion-show.html

31/05/2026

************** Special Announcement **************

The first of our exciting summer announcements is our Summer Exhibition – The Sons and Daughters of Leadgate.
The exhibition will run from 30 June to 30 August in the beautiful grounds of Willow Burn Hospice, Maiden Law (DH7 0QS).
If you've visited one of our previous exhibitions there, you'll know what a special venue it is. The stunning gardens provide the perfect backdrop for showcasing the photographs and stories from the project, creating a unique outdoor exhibition experience.
And while you're there, be sure to visit the café — the homemade scones come highly recommended!

We look forward to welcoming you throughout the summer. More exciting announcements coming soon!

To see more photos from the Sons and Daughters of Leadgate project click -
https://consettinfocus.weebly.com/sons-and-daughters-of-leadgate.html

Consett in Focus's Sons and Daughters of Leadgate Project is supported by DCC Neighbourhood Budget Funding.

29/05/2026

“A haven of calm” perfectly describes Carrie Eyes’ Japanese Head Spa in Lanchester.
From soothing sounds to calming aromas, every detail is designed to help you relax. Carrie, a former radiographer, has created a peaceful space focused on wellbeing, offering head spa treatments that combine deep scalp cleansing with soothing massage for total relaxation.
Alongside this, the spa also offers laser treatments and micro-needling—all within a quiet, intimate setting.
With support from Lindsey Wright, the result is a beautifully designed space for a truly calming escape.

To see more photos of Japanese Head Massage click - https://communitiesinfocus.weebly.com/8203japanese-head-spar.html

28/05/2026

Have you picked up your copy of Lanchester voice?
Thanks to the Voice for supporting our project and showcasing some of our images on the front page of the May edition.
To see more images from our Lanchester - a Community in Focus project visit our website, click -
https://communitiesinfocus.weebly.com

27/05/2026

Luke Akehurst, born on 2 March 1972, is the Labour Member of Parliament for North Durham, having been elected on 4 July 2024. He joined the Labour Party in 1988 at the age of 16, motivated by concerns about poverty and inequality during the Thatcher years.
Educated at Kent College, Canterbury, Luke later studied Politics at the University of Bristol, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1993, he started working in the BBC Political Research Unit between 1996 and 2000.
Luke has a long history of service within the Labour Party. In 2002, he was elected as a councillor for Chatham ward in Hackney, serving for 12 years before stepping down in 2014. He was first elected to Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in 2010 and returned to the NEC in 2020, topping the ballot among members nationwide. He repeated this success in 2022 and now represents the Parliamentary Labour Party on the NEC.
In 2009, Luke survived a life-threatening neurological illness, POEMS Syndrome. The condition left him hospitalised for five months and required him to use a wheelchair for nine months afterward while he underwent physiotherapy to walk again. He now uses orthotics and a walking stick. The experience strengthened his commitment to the NHS and disability issues.
Luke is married to Oxford councillor Linda Smith and has two sons. During the 2024 General Election he lived in Sacriston and has since moved to the north of the constituency.
As MP for North Durham, Luke’s priorities include securing jobs and investment, revitalising town centres in Chester-le-Street and Stanley, improving public transport links, and restoring local public services.
The North Durham constituency is a newly created seat following boundary changes introduced for the 2024 General Election. The area covers much of northern County Durham, including Chester-le-Street, Stanley, Sacriston, Lanchester, Burnhope, Pelton, and surrounding villages. It is also home to well-known attractions such as Beamish Museum.
As MP for North Durham, Luke’s priorities include securing jobs and investment, revitalising town centres in Chester-le-Street and Stanley, improving public transport links, and restoring local public services.

To see more photos of Luke Akehurst- Click Here- https://communitiesinfocus.weebly.com/luke-akehurst-mp.html

25/05/2026

The village pub has always been at the heart of community life—but many have struggled in recent years. The Kings Head was one of them, until Rachel Simpson and Kelly Wardman stepped in and gave it a new lease of life.
When I stopped by on a rainy morning, Rachel shared how they saw its potential and took the leap together—balancing family life while keeping the pub thriving.
Now a welcoming, dog-friendly spot serving great food, real ales, and a much-loved Sunday lunch, it’s become a go-to for locals and visitors alike.
As Kelly put it: “Lanchester is a great community, and the pub is thriving.”

To see more photos of The Kings Head click - https://communitiesinfocus.weebly.com/kings-head-lanchester.html

24/05/2026

One hundred years after Burnhope hosted the historic 1926 “forgotten gala” during the General Strike, the village came alive once again with banners, brass bands, and community pride.
Back in 1926, around 40,000 people descended on Burnhope after villagers stepped in at just a week’s notice to save the Gala during the miners’ lockout.
Sunday’s centenary events began with a special service at St John’s Church led by the Deputy Bishop of Durham, bringing together residents, visitors, and former mining families to reflect on Burnhope’s proud history.
Meanwhile, volunteers at the Community Centre prepared sandwiches, cakes, scones, and endless cups of tea as the hall filled with bunting, laughter, and shared memories. Among those attending was Melinda, believed to be the village’s oldest resident, proudly standing beside the restored miners’ banner — a living link to Burnhope’s mining heritage and community spirit.

To see more photos from the Burnhope Centenary Gala Weekend, Click -
https://communitiesinfocus.weebly.com/burnhope-centenary-gala-weekend.html

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