We must remember bravery of Black Country steel men

And now, the story of the old 'Elisabeth' furnace in Bilston will be explored in a local history project.

In The Shadow of Elisabeth, which aims to train more than volunteers with the skills to document the memories of the steel men and women who fought against the British Steel Corporations rationalisation plan in the late 1970s, will launch at Bilston Community Centre later this month.

A £42,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to Bilston Community Association is financing the project, supporting a group of participants as they examine this overlooked chapter in local and national labour relations.

Those chosen to take part will be trained in the use of public archives and oral history interviewing in order to collect the testimonies of up to forty former steel workers.

This information will then be incorporated into a museum exhibition, an educational booklet and a documentary to be showcased at community events scheduled throughout 2015 and 2016.

Councillor Bert Turner, a former member of the Works Joint Action Committee at Bilston Works, said: "The bravery and resilience shown by the steel men of Bilston in battling against the British Steel Corporation and the Government should be remembered and celebrated.

"It is hoped that 'In the Shadow of Elisabeth' will encourage a new generation of young Bilstonians to be inspired by the action of Bilston's steel men all those years ago."

The title of the project draws inspiration from a giant 'Elisabeth' blast furnace. Elisabeth was torn down in October 1980.

Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East, said: "The closure of the Bilston steelworks was a defining moment in the town's history.

"It may have been over 30 years ago but the effects are still felt today and it changed the economic history and character of the town.

"This oral history project offers an opportunity to teach young people today about that time and how much it meant.

"Our broader task is to forge a new economic future for young people in Bilston, giving them the best opportunities we possibly can to make the most of the very changed economic environment that we have now."

The project will officially be launched at a community event in Bilston Community Centre, Prouds Lane, Bilston at 6pm on January 23 featuring speeches by former steel workers and trade union officials, poetry readings, live music and the premiering of a short audio documentary on life in the Works entitled 'We Were Here Once.'

The event is open to the public and will commence at 6pm.

Anyone interested in attending the launch event or volunteering as part of the project should email Greig Campbell at greig@itsoe.co.uk or call 07585669833.