Talk on Bevin Boys to be held at Coalpit Heath Village Hall

The event, hosted by the South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group, will be held at the Miners Institute, Coalpit Heath village hall, on Wednesday, October 15, starting at 8pm.

The talk will be delivered by Jackie Swift from Barry War Museum, who has conducted extensive research into the history of the Bevin Boys.

These were men conscripted to work in coal mines during World War II, following a scheme introduced by Ernest Bevin, the then-minister for fuel and power.

Many coal miners had signed up in the forces and, by 1943, coal supply was becoming critical.

The conscription helped to mitigate this situation.

Despite their significant contribution, the Bevin Boys were not officially recognised until long after the war.

Jackie Swift’s talk will include wartime film clips, including a Pathe News item.

Non-members are welcome to attend for a fee of £2.