Culture And Memory

Sweet Stories & Strong Voices

This project will uncover and preserve the overlooked heritage of Chester-le-Street by capturing personal, social, and industrial stories—particularly those of women, migrants, and working-class communities. Led by Digital Voice with partners Bullion Hall and Chester-le-Street Heritage Group, it will bring together young people and older residents to co-create animated digital stories rooted in lived experience. Focusing on untold histories, such as those connected to West Chester-le-Street and the former Horner’s sweet factory, the project will use creative, accessible formats like film, posters and exhibitions to ensure wide engagement. It will also build digital skills, promote intergenerational connection, and strengthen local partnerships. By focusing on inclusion, sustainability and legacy, the project addresses heritage gaps while embedding capacity within the community for future activity. It ensures stories at risk of being lost are preserved, celebrated, and shared across generations, both locally and online. This community-led project exemplifies innovative, place-based heritage work.