On Thursday 8th February, the Y6 children travelled to Newcastle's Ouseburn Valley to investigate the areas links to the famous Maling Pottery Works.
The visit began at the site of CT Maling & Sons pottery works, a factory that could once boast to be the largest of its type in the world. Now owned by the Hoults family, the factory is a wonderful example of Victorian architecture built in 1878. The children spent the morning as 'Building Detectives', comparing old maps and photographs with what they could see now. Although parts of the factory have changed, the children were still able to identify visual clues and find out about the buildings past.
They also met a local potter, Charlie, who was able to show them some historical artefacts from the Maling factory and talk to them about the pottery making process.
Before lunch, the children walked past the old Ouseburn School before following the Ouseburn past the old flax mill ( now a cafe, bar and gallery), and past the old flour mill (now 'Seven Stories - The Centre for Children's Books) until they reached Ouseburn Farm, where they stopped for lunch.
After rest and nourishment, the children were once again asked to be historical detectives, examining a series of old photographs and engravings. The children were expertly assisted by local enthusiasts Phil and Margaret who were able to share their knowledge of the local area with the children.
The afternoon was completed with an examination of some of the Victorian architecture nearby. The children split into groups and spent some time sketching the Rail Viaduct, which was built in 1839, and also Crawford's Bridge which dates back to the mid 18th Century.
Many thanks to Alison Stancliffe who organised and led the trip and also to Margaret, Phil and Anne who helped out for the day and provided the children with lots of fascinating local knowledge.
