A community animated film production
in the former coal mining village of Waterhouses,
with local artist film maker Dave Brunskill.



| Where is Waterhouses ? |

Waterhouses is a small village in County Durham, England, which
was a thriving mining village until the 1950's. It had six pits
and extended over many miles. In the 1960s Waterhouses became a
'Category D' Village which meant when the mines closed the people were
moved from properties owned by the collieries onto newly built housing
estates. This meant that large numbers of people who had lived in
Waterhouses were moved to the next village, Esh Winning.



Aims of the larger project

Raise awareness of the industrial heritage and the lives of those
who lived and worked in the mining community.

Carry out an oral history project, recording the memories of the
older residents of the village.

Hold exhibitions in the village hall working with local history groups.

Work with the local school in order to ensure the pupils participate
and learn of their heritage.

Restore the village banner.

Make an animated film involving both younger and older people from
the village for widespread distribution.

The film project is a fantastic way of ensuring that the history of the
village is interpreted in a new and we hope entertaining way, and will
give both older and younger villagers an opportunity to learn new skills and
create a story which can be enjoyed by future generations in the areas and beyond.