Elwick Community Centre

Elwick, a charming village and civil parish nestled within the borough of Hartlepool and the ceremonial county of County Durham, can be found in the heart of England. This quaint village is situated just west of Hartlepool, adjacent to the A19 road, under the governance of the Hartlepool Borough Council. Although Elwick is a modest-sized parish, it lacks the administrative independence to function as its own district. Historically, Elwick was referred to as a township until 1866 when it was officially granted civil parish status.

The Elwick Parish council convenes to address local issues and collaborates with Hartlepool Borough Council to advocate for its electoral ward’s needs and concerns.

Saint Peter’s Church, an Anglican place of worship, stands as the sole spiritual refuge within Elwick’s boundaries. Described by the Archbishops’ Council as a “small, warm, family-centric church,” this sacred edifice holds a prestigious Grade II listing, which was bestowed upon it in 1967 and is zealously safeguarded by English Heritage under the ID number 59861. While its origins trace back to the late 12th century, the church has undergone several renovations over the years. St. Peter’s features an aisled nave, a chancel complete with a north vestry, and a picturesque south-west tower that presides over the entrance. The church is adorned with stunning stained glass windows, including a specially commissioned window representing marriage, designed by the talented artist Alan Davis and installed in February 2010.

In terms of hospitality, Elwick boasts two charming public houses, The Spotted Cow and the McOrville Inn, where locals and visitors alike can unwind and savor the village’s unique atmosphere. Elwick also used to house a village shop and post office, although these have regrettably closed their doors in recent times.

Additionally, Elwick has witnessed a modern touch of sustainability with the installation of three wind turbines on its border by the energy supplier, EON, in 2003. This development, while providing renewable energy for approximately 6,000 homes, has sparked debates within the community. Some residents have welcomed the turbines, recognizing their environmental benefits, while others have voiced opposition to their presence. The turbines stand as a testament to the village’s willingness to embrace cleaner energy solutions, even if it comes with divided opinions.