BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS IT: Stories from Sheraton and Hulam
Hello, my name is Ruth Flowers and I’m an artist based in Peterlee, County Durham. Between 1985 and 2001 I lived in Sheraton. It was a childhood before the internet, when teletext was a legit source of information and there were only four TV channels (FOUR!) so I spent much of my time drawing and painting. Growing up in a relatively isolated place like Sheraton has shaped both my outlook and my creativity.
‘Blink and You’ll Miss It – Stories from Sheraton and Hulam’ is a new creative project that I’m leading, shining a light on a place many people only glimpse from the A19, yet which has existed since medieval times. Drawing on Sheraton’s history as a possible stopping point for monks and pilgrims, a warm rural community that lived off the land, as well as my own 1990s childhood there, the project explores how this small area has been imagined, lived in and changed over time.
By talking and co-creating with past and present residents, the project will celebrate Sheraton and Hulam’s longevity, reflect on contemporary issues such as the solar farm and the dual carriageway divide, and imagine possible futures for the area. I’m inviting you to share your stories and opinions of living in Sheraton and Hulam – the good and maybe the not so good – as well as your hopes for the area and what changes you’d like to see, helping to build a collective legacy for a place that is often overlooked.
I am hosting two bookable free ceramic workshops for residents and enthusiasts at Hutton Henry Community Centre (21st and 28th March. You can click on the dates or use the link below). ALL AGES ARE WELCOME but any children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please feel free to submit your email below for updates on the project (I don’t spam and will not pass on any personal information to third parties).
Don’t want to attend a workshop but would
still like to take part in the project?
Click the questionnaire button to share
your experience of Sheraton and Hulam >>>
Blink and You’ll Miss It – Stories from Sheraton and Hulam is made possible with the support of arts organisation No More Nowt and the Into the Light initiative.
Got a question about the project? Get in touch using the contact form below.
FREE CERAMIC WORKSHOPS
To attend these workshops you don’t need to currently live in Sheraton and Hulam but you must have some form of connection to the area - Do you have any memories of growing up in Sheraton? Maybe you have a relative who lived in Hulam? Do you and your friends enjoy walking the Bellow's Burn trail? Perhaps you're concerned about the increasing traffic on the A19 and how its effecting community life in the area. If any of this rings true or you have any stories of Sheraton and Hulam I'd love to speak to you!
WHAT TO EXPECT A relaxing and easy, in-person ceramic workshop where you have the chance to have a natter with locals about the past and present heritage of Sheraton and Hulam, all while decorating a handmade planter which will be fired and delivered to you free of charge at a later date (see FAQs for conditions when booking). You can book your free slot HERE
This project is supported by 'Place Lab'; a community and creativity collaboration delivered by local organisation No More Nowt and Into the Light.