STEEL INDUSTRY VETERANS FROM THE BRIGG AREA CAN STEP BACK IN TIME

Many people living in Brigg and district still work in the Scunthorpe steel industry, while scores of others are former or now retired employees.
So there will be considerable local interest in a nostalgic programme of events coming up this month which can be visited in person and also viewed online.
Join contemporary artist Michael Burkitt for live conversation about his new film 'A Steelworker’s Story' on Friday, April 22.
Click here to book yourself a place and receive a direct link to watch the footage...


FROM NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North Lincolnshire’s proud steel making heritage is being celebrated this month through an exciting events programme.
‘Made of Steel’ explores the region’s steel industry through poignant films, exhibitions, conversation, a sculpture walk and more.
Taking place online and at both North Lincolnshire Museum and 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, the celebration is part of the nationwide ‘The Art That Made Us’ festival and complements a major new BBC television series.
The specially commissioned short film ‘A Steelworker’s Story’ is a human history of the life of a Scunthorpe steelworker and can be enjoyed at North Lincolnshire Museum until 30 April.
The poignant film follows the subject as he returns to the steelworks for the first time in more than two decades, reflecting on family life and friendships.
It has been set to original music composed by Iain Matthews, a former member of Fairport Convention, who himself grew up in Scunthorpe.
On 22 April there is an extra special opportunity to go behind the camera lens and join the film’s director, Michael Burkitt. This conversation will take place online, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and includes a screening of the film.
Complementing the film is a new exhibition at North Lincolnshire Museum featuring the work of Herbert J Finn.
Finn was commissioned by the Iron and Steel Trades Confederation (ISTC) to travel the country and document steelmaking processes.
This display of Finn’s stunning artwork captures a snapshot of the steel industry in the 1920s, a time of great change.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member, safer, stronger communities: urban, said: “Steel making is woven into the fabric of North Lincolnshire. Generations of local families have been employed in the industry, so it is only right that we celebrate this proud tradition at Scunthorpe’s two leading cultural attractions.
“Both 2021 Visual Arts Centre and North Lincolnshire Museum offer free, fantastic days out, with hands-on activities for the whole family. These brilliant exhibitions are yet another reason to visit.”
The month-long celebration will conclude with a fascinating sculpture walk and talk.
On 30 April at 10am, there will be the chance to join maker Adrian Holmes as he talks about the project that helped bring the iconic Scunthorpe monument to life.
Made of Steel takes place until 30 April 2022. To find out more, including how to book on to activities, visit North Lincolnshire Museum’s new look website. https://northlincolnshiremuseum.co.uk/event/made-of-steel/

N.F ADDS: Barton-born Iain Matthews was a member of Matthews Southern Comfort, whose cover of Joni Mitchell's song Woodstock topped the UK singles chart in 1970. North Lincolnshire Museum is located on Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, and Hornsby company buses operating the Brigg service stop directly outside the venue. The three big steelworks in Scunthorpe -  Appleby-Frodingham, Lysaght's and Redbourn - became part of the British Steel Corporation in 1967 when nationalisation took effect. However, cutbacks began in the late 1970s and early 1980s. We worked in BSC's Scunthorpe works public relations department from 1974 to 1979, and belonged to the ISTC union mentioned here by North Lincolnshire Council.

PICTURED: An archive view of the steelworks entrance off Brigg Road, Scunthorpe, with Appleby coke ovens in the distance, plus a pre-nationalisation United Steel logo. It owned and operated the area's biggest works - Appleby-Frodingham.