Coals to Goals is a project which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered by the Foundation of Light. 

It aims to bring local heritage to life in a fun and interactive way for people across Sunderland using the lived experiences and memories of older adults.   

As the name suggests, the project will primarily focus on coal mining and Sunderland AFC and the link between the two, including the Stadium of Light, which stands on the site of the former Wearmouth Colliery. 

The project will be delivered through a number of channels including a schools education programme, where children will learn about the history of Sunderland and the football club, using heritage learning opportunities including Heritage Days at the Beacon of Light, school-based sessions and away days to local heritage sites. 

Heritage based sessions will be ran for adults with the aim of bringing communities closer together, including older people at risk of loneliness and those living with dementia.  

A volunteering programme has been developed seeking former miners who are happy to share their memories and experiences of working within the collieries to assist in the delivery of the heritage sessions. 

We are also seeking donations of memorabilia, artefacts and memories from fans, former miners and the local community which can be used in sessions to show and tell the children as well as displays and props to assist in reminiscence sessions.  

For further information on the project or to offer your time or artefacts, please contact Aly Dixon, Project Coordinator on Alyson.dixon@foundationoflight.co.uk or 0191 563 4738 

Programme of activities:

MONDAY:

Heritage Day at the Beacon of Light

Aimed at local schools and their year 5 classes. The day is run over 4 activities - Life as a miner, Heritage Trail, History of the SAFC badge and a Physical activity session.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL - alyson.dixon@foundationoflight.co.uk

TUESDAY:

Adult Heritage Walks

11am - 1pm

Starting at the Beacon of Light, guided walks around the local area, visiting points of heritage interest.

THURSDAY:

Pit Yards Group

10am - 12pm

Informal, social group for former colliery and shipyard workers.

Chat and share your memories as we look back on industrial Sunderland.

FRIDAY:

A Trip Down Memory Lane

10am - 12pm

Take a trip down memory lane as we chat and look back at old Sunderland.

All sessions are FREE and unless stated are open to all over 18's.

Apart from the school’s session, no booking is needed but you can register your interest by emailing alyson.dixon@foundationoflight.co.uk or calling 0191 563 4738

Venue: Beacon of Light and Stadium of Light. Sessions can also be held at any local community group, workplace etc.