Plans are underway to unearth the history of an overgrown air raid shelter in Nottinghamshire. Hidden by weeds and shrubbery, the wartime concrete shelter is located in Lady Bay, at the junction Rutland Road and Lady Bay Road.
Anyone with memories or old photographs is urged to come forward as part of an academic and community project to bring the forgotten landmark back to life and to help children learn about its past. Professor Chris Reynolds, of Nottingham Trent University, is working with Rushcliffe Borough Council to enhance the site of the disused shelter.
He said: "This air raid shelter is unknown to many people as it’s barely viewable from the street and has long been overgrown with weeds and shrubbery. But I am convinced that, like many air raid shelters, it holds a fascinating history that will be amazing to uncover with the help of the local community.
“It has the potential to provide schools and academics with a live, intergenerational learning opportunity, with older people coming forward to talk to children about their memories of the site, that will enrich people’s knowledge of the local area and its heritage," said the professor of History and Memory Studies at the School of Art and Humanities.
The project – which currently involves Lady Bay and St Edmund Campion primary schools but will hopefully be expanded to other schools - will also include development of another, uncovered shelter nearby in Abbey Circus, West Bridgford. The project will involve the Lady Bay Community Association and West Bridgford Historical Association.
Discussions are taking place about the erection of information signs, restoration of perimeter fencing, and inviting schools onsite within the gated boundary which is otherwise locked. Lady Bay councillors Sue and Richard Mallender have also been supportive of the project. They said: "As well as enhancing the site's local history potential we also want to improve this sheltered spot to be a more biodiverse environment.”
Coun Roger Upton, of Rushcliffe Borough Council, said: “This is a wonderful project that has the potential to bring an important part of West Bridgford’s and Rushcliffe’s history to life. Sadly, West Bridgford was sandwiched between the city’s extensive railway sidings and RAF Tollerton and a target from enemy planes during World War Two so the shelters played a vital role in protecting and reassuring the local community."
To get involved, email chris.reynolds@ntu.ac.uk or telephone 0115 848 3298.
