HELLO!
We have been invited to build a new installation in Redesdale to display and explore historic finds from the area. We want to involve young people in this process, in a new project called Making History! Our aim is to let young people explore their History and Heritage, through Design and Creativity.
Making History is run by Henry Collingham, a researcher from Northumbria University’s Design School, in partnership with, Kids Kabin, North Tyne Youth & The Redesdale Archaeology Group.
Project info
Below, you can download the information booklet for the project. Please get in touch with Henry directly with any questions:
henry.w.r.collingham@northumbria.ac.uk
07429 022 533
Workshop 1: in Otterburn
Cabbages, and a Creative, Collaborative Kick-Off!
The first Making History workshop at Otterburn RTC was a vibrant mix of creativity and connection, bringing together young people from North Tyne Youth and Kids Kabin. With 21 young participants and support from Redesdale Archaeology Group, Newcastle University volunteers, and Kids Kabin staff, the evening was a bit of a whirlwind of learning and getting to know eac hother.
Getting Hands-On with History
The kids dove into a range of engaging activities, including stone carving, Roman tile making, pizza making, and digging-up 3D printed replica artefacts. Highlights included building Roman catapults—where flying cabbages stole the show—and the calm, focused creativity at the clay-making station. The variety ensured something for everyone, balancing high-energy and quieter moments. Bob, Keith, and Annette from RAG even brought along some real archaeological finds for the kids to see up close, and interact with.
The kids dove into a range of engaging activities, including stone carving, Roman tile making, pizza making, and digging-up 3D printed replica artefacts. Highlights included building Roman catapults—where flying cabbages stole the show—and the calm, focused creativity at the clay-making station. The variety ensured something for everyone, balancing high-energy and quieter moments. Bob, Keith, and Annette from RAG even brought along some real archaeological finds for the kids to see up close, and interact with.
Building Bridges
More than just activities, the workshop was designed to start fostering connections between the rural and urban groups, the kids got on really well, and naturally bonded through shared activities. Moments of collaboration highlighted the power of making to bring people together which we hope to build on throughout the project (and beyond).
More than just activities, the workshop was designed to start fostering connections between the rural and urban groups, the kids got on really well, and naturally bonded through shared activities. Moments of collaboration highlighted the power of making to bring people together which we hope to build on throughout the project (and beyond).
Intergenerational Collaboration
Members of Redesdale Archaeology Group (RAG)—Bob, Keith, and Annette—brought expertise and passion to the workshop. Whether introducing stone carving or sharing precious historical artefacts, their generosity and enthusiasm enriched the session, leaving a lasting impact on the project.
Members of Redesdale Archaeology Group (RAG)—Bob, Keith, and Annette—brought expertise and passion to the workshop. Whether introducing stone carving or sharing precious historical artefacts, their generosity and enthusiasm enriched the session, leaving a lasting impact on the project.
Looking ahead, insights from this workshop will guide future sessions, ensuring a balance of creativity, history, and inclusivity. The journey continues, promising more opportunities to learn, connect, and create together.
For updates on upcoming workshops, keep an eye on the Making History page.
Upcoming Workshops
The project will run over 5 sessions, between November 2024 and February 2025.
We will host groups of young people at Otterburn RTC and Kids Kabin in Walker for creative workshops. Friends and family will be invited to join us for our project celebration in Otterburn at the end of the project, to unveil everyone’s work!
Subject to change, the current planned dates are as follows:
Workshop 1: Tuesday 12th Nov, Otterburn, 5.15pm to 6.45pm
Workshop 2: Saturday 23rd Nov, Walker, 11.00am to 2pm (minibus leaves RTC at 9.30am)
Workshop 3: Tuesday 10th Dec, Otterburn, 5.15pm to 6.45pm
Workshop 4: Tuesday 7th Jan, Otterburn, 5.15pm to 6.45pm
End of Project Celebration: Saturday 15th Feb*, Otterburn, 11am to 3pm
*Friends & Families are invited to join this celebreation at the end of the project.
We will have access to a mini-bus to transport members from Walker to Otterburn and back for workshops.
Making History is part of the Centre for Digital Citizens Research Project funded by UKRI Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council
(Project code EP/T022582/1)
(Project code EP/T022582/1)
The project has been given approval from Northumbria University’s Ethics Board (Project ID 8021)