Chilton is an old County Durham mining village. The new school is built over one of the two now defunct pits in the village and it was an attempt to engage the children in their [and their parents and grandparents] history that this theme was chosen. About 90 children from all years worked on the project. Much of the preparatory research was carried out by the children and school, old Davy lamps and helmets were brought in from home, there was good documentation about the pits and local history books with photos available, [many of the photos were recognised by the children as their relations], and talks were given by local historians and ex miners.

 

The structure of the piece was chosen to reveal the pit and miners working below ground and above the village as it might have been then. Its prominent position in the new SureStart Centre means it has been well viewed and has prompted many comments and interest from visitors as well as the local community.