--- title: "Coundon History Project with SSAFA Durham" url: "https://st-joseph-s-catholic-primary-school-admin-stjoseph-2.schudio.com/news/2026-02-02-coundon-history-project-with-ssafa-durham" school: "St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School" --- **Tel:** 01388 602 608 **Email:** admin@stjosephscoundon.bhcet.org.uk # Coundon History Project with SSAFA Durham 2 February 2026 ### ![SSAFA Durham at St Joseph's Coundon](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-primary-school-admin-stjoseph-2.schudio.com/images/news/626429612_1336613535153290_1991430031080032503_n.jpg)![SSAFA Durham at St Joseph's Coundon](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-primary-school-admin-stjoseph-2.schudio.com/images/news/625076478_1336613538486623_3620889364055482805_n.jpg) ### Learning About Our Local Soldiers and Community Heritage As part of our continuing partnership with **SSAFA Durham**, our Year 5/6 pupils were delighted to welcome **Mike and Kevin** into school this week. Their visit formed another valuable part of our ongoing work with the **Commonwealth War Graves Commission**, helping our children learn about the lives and stories behind local soldiers who served during the First World War. ### Learning About Private James Garnett During the session, the children learned about **Private James Garnett**, a soldier whose grave we have proudly adopted. Mike and Kevin shared photographs, diary entries and personal details that brought his story to life. Private Garnett served in the **4th Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment** and fought on the **Western Front in France and Belgium**. Tragically, at just **19 years old**, he died of wounds on **28th January 1918**. Hearing his story helped our pupils understand the real people behind the names we see in cemeteries, on memorials and in our community. It was a powerful reminder of the bravery, sacrifice and humanity of those who served. ### A Meaningful Partnership Our partnership with **SSAFA Durham** has already been incredibly enriching, and the children continue to engage with great enthusiasm. Learning about local history — and especially about individuals from our own community — helps our pupils build a deeper understanding of remembrance, respect and the importance of keeping these stories alive. We look forward to welcoming Mike and Kevin back for their next visit and continuing our important work together. ![](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-primary-school-admin-stjoseph-2.schudio.com/images/news/625955166_1336613531819957_5197016540519547079_n.jpg) [ Year 1/2 Celebration of the Word at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Coundon](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-primary-school-admin-stjoseph-2.schudio.com/news/2026-01-20-year-1-2-celebration-of-the-word-at-st-joseph-s-catholic-primary-school-in-coundon) [National Storytelling Week: A Magical Week of Reading at St. Joseph’s Coundon! ](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-primary-school-admin-stjoseph-2.schudio.com/news/2026-02-06-national-storytelling-week-a-magical-week-of-reading-at-st-joseph-s-coundon) ![St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School](https://files.schudio.com/st-joseph-s-catholic-primary-school-admin-stjoseph-2/images/logo/Bishop_Hogarth_and_Hexham_Logo_new_(1).png) ### St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School Victoria Lane Coundon Bishop Auckland County Durham DL14 8NN 01388 602 608 - [Online Payments](https://www.mychildatschool.com/MCAS/MCSParentLogin) - [Teams FAQs](https://bhcet.org.uk/information/teams-faqs/) - [Office 365](https://outlook.office365.com/carmel.org.uk) - [Remote Access](https://remote.carmel.org.uk/) - [Liturgy](https://liturgy.bhcet.org.uk/) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/StJosephsCoundon) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/stjosephs_coundon/) ### Translation ### Office 365 [Sign in to Office 365](https://outlook.office.com/) © Copyright 2025–2026 St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://st-joseph-s-catholic-primary-school-admin-stjoseph-2.schudio.com/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)