text:normal|large|contrast|text only

contact us

If you would like to know more about any of our work, please contact us at:

The Forge, Stanley Education Centre, King Edward VIII Terrace, Shield Row, Stanley, DH9 0HQ
Tel 01207 284 515   Fax 01207 288 111

Forge Staff

Staff Information sheet

  • Tony Harrington Executive Director
  • Fiona Melvin Programme and Business Development Director
  • Cheryl Gallagher Programme and Communications Development Director
  • To be appointed Administration Officer
  • Georgia Rakusen Project Coordinator (Metamorphosis)


We would like to thank all the artists and schools who have contributed to this website.


The Forge is a Limited Company in England and Wales No. 4027621 and a Registered Charity No. 1086471

Media Enquiries:

Can all media enquiries be directed to

How The Forge is Managed

The organisation is a registered charity and has a board of trustees and advisors who represent a range of experience and expertise for the company.

Board and Advisory Group Members

  • Chair/Trustee Brian Ebbatson
  • Vice Chair Judith Stirk (Head Teacher, Peases West Primary School)
  • Treasurer Roger Hancock (Treasurer and Company Secretary of Act Positive)
  • Trustee Shirley Campbell (Cultural Partnership Development Consultant)
  • Trustee Mike Fleming (Director of Research in the School of Education, Durham University)
  • Trustee Paul James (Associate Director - Education and Participation, Live Theatre)
  • Trustee Fiona O'Connor (Senior Programme Director, Common Purpose)
  • Advisor Zoe Channing Culture & Tourism - Arts, Marketing and Business Development
  • Advisor Jim Bradley (Specialist Subject Inspector for Art & Design, Durham County Council)
  • Advisor Clare Edwards (Officer, Development (Education and Learning), Arts Council England, North East)
  • Advisor Neil Hillier (Arts Development Manager, Durham County Council)
  • Advisor Mike Wooler (School Improvement Officer, Sunderland City Council)