Plans to uncover and preserve the hidden wartime history of Bevin Court in Woodhouse were officially unveiled during a special community launch event recently.
The project follows a £129,454 grant award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and will explore the site’s little-known links to the Bevin Boys – young men conscripted to work in Britain’s coal mines during the Second World War.
The launch event brought together stakeholders, historians, community groups, residents and supporters from across Sheffield to hear how the funding will help transform understanding of the site and create new opportunities for public engagement.
Over the next two years, the project will include:
- historical research
- oral history collection
- exhibitions and interpretation panels
- volunteering and heritage skills opportunities
- environmental improvements
- community wellbeing activities
The initiative is being led by St Anne’s Community Services, which has operated the site as supported accommodation for vulnerable adults for the past 25 years.
The project will also explore the relationship between heritage, green spaces and mental wellbeing while helping preserve an important part of Sheffield’s industrial and wartime past for future generations.