Willington, County Durham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willington |
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 Willington
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| Population | 5,749 (2011 census) |
| OS grid reference | NZ108507 |
| Civil parish | |
| Unitary authority |
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| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CROOK |
| Postcode district | DL15 |
| Dialling code | 01388 |
| Police | Durham |
| Fire | County Durham and Darlington |
| Ambulance | North East |
| EU Parliament | North East England |
| UK Parliament |
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Willington is a village in County Durham, England. It's located in the beautiful foothills of the Pennines, which are a range of hills and mountains. The village is also close to the River Wear and nearby towns like Crook, Bishop Auckland, and Durham.
For a long time, Willington's main industry was coal mining. This meant many people worked in the local coal mine, called a colliery. However, the colliery closed in 1967. This change had a big effect on the jobs and economy of the village.
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How Willington is Governed
Willington is part of an area called the Willington and Hunwick electoral ward. An electoral ward is a local area that elects representatives to a council. In 2011, about 9,147 people lived in this ward.
Willington used to be its own separate area, known as a civil parish. In 1937, it joined with other areas to form a larger parish called Crook and Willington.
Fun Things to Do in Willington
Willington has some great outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy. You can find large parks with play areas, which are perfect for kids and families.
There used to be a leisure centre in the village called Spectrum Leisure Centre. It had a big sports hall, gyms, and a place to get refreshments. Sadly, this centre closed in 2024.
Learning in Willington
For students in Willington, there is a secondary school called Parkside Academy. This school teaches both boys and girls.
Willington's Football Team
Willington has its very own football club, called Willington A.F.C.. They were started way back in 1906!
The team has had some great successes in the past. They won the Northern League three times: in 1913–14, 1925–26, and 1929–1930. More recently, they have played in the Wearside League.
Willington A.F.C. also reached the final of the FA Amateur Cup twice, which is a big achievement for an amateur team.
- In 1939, they played against Bishop Auckland at Roker Park in Sunderland, but they lost that game.
- In 1950, they got their revenge! Willington beat Bishop Auckland 4-0 at the famous Wembley.
Famous People from Willington
One notable person born in Willington was George Burdon McKean. He was born in 1888. When he was 14, in 1902, he moved to Canada.
During World War I, George returned to England to fight as a soldier in the Canadian army. He was incredibly brave and received several awards for his courage.
- In 1917, he earned the Military Medal.
- A year later, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, which is the highest military award for bravery in the United Kingdom. He received this for his actions during a trench raid.
- George Burdon McKean was also one of the few soldiers to receive both the Military Medal and the Military Cross, showing his bravery as both a junior soldier and an officer.
To honor his bravery, a special memorial stone was placed in the main street of Willington, near the library.
