A new six-metre banner celebrating the rich history of Hetton has been unveiled, created by the Hetton Local and Natural History Society.
The banner has been shaped by stories, photographs and local knowledge contributed by more than 146 local people. The project was supported with £3,500 from Sunderland City Council’s Coalfield Area Committee, alongside match funding from 3 Together Big Local and the Durham Freemasons Charity.
The project began in December 2024 and benefitted from input from a wide range of representatives from the local area, including nine committee members and 37 members from the Hetton Local and Natural History Society, and 40 attendees at monthly society meetings, as well as pupils and teachers from six local schools. The banner brings together key moments, people and places from Hetton’s past, helping young people and residents connect with their heritage.
The finished banner was unveiled on Tuesday 10 March at Hetton Lyons Primary School. Each of the six participating schools will receive a copy to support their own history learning and creative projects. The schools taking part are Eppleton Academy, Hetton Primary, Easington Lane Primary, East Rainton Primary, Hetton Lyons Primary and Hetton Academy.
Councillor Mel Speding, Chair of the Coalfield Area Committee at Sunderland City Council, said:
“Hetton has a proud and fascinating history, and it’s wonderful to see that brought to life through this project. The Coalfield Area Committee is pleased to support the Historical Society in creating something that celebrates our community and helps young people learn more about the place they call home. The banner is a fantastic example of local passion and teamwork, and I’m delighted to see it unveiled today.”
The banner will continue to be used as a shared educational and community resource, helping residents learn more about Hetton’s heritage and the people who shaped it.
Philip John Dowell, Chair of Hetton Local Natural and History Society said:
“With the help of local volunteers with an interest in history, along with teachers and primary school children, we have collaborated to compile and create a comprehensive history timeline.
“The Hetton Local Natural and History Society were thrilled to attend the unveiling ceremony, where children expressed their heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this community-based celebration of history. It has been a pleasure working alongside over a hundred enthusiastic individuals of all ages, developing an outcome that will benefit the entire local community.
“We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Creativo, the company who produced the custom-made History Timeline Wall panels, for their skill and support in bringing this project to life.”
The Coalfield Area Committee is one of the five area committees across Sunderland. Made up of local councillors, area committees provide residents with a greater say by working closely with their communities and drawing on local knowledge to identify priorities for their area. They also create Area Plans to support the City Plan, focusing on local needs. These plans help fund and deliver projects in partnership with local voluntary and community sector organisations.
