Women of Steel

A wonderful and memorable morning in the company of 104 women who worked in the Sheffield steelworks. The sculpture 'Women of Steel, by Martin Jennings, was unveiled by four of the women to mark the outstanding contribution of hundreds of other women who worked tirelessly in Sheffield's steel works throughout two world wars. Nearly 400 women are to be honoured with silver-plated medals sourced by the Assay Office, engraved with 'With thanks to our wartime Women of Steel from the people of Sheffield. Chris While and Julie Matthews and Ray Hearne sang in celebration of the women. Honoured to be present at the unveiling, I found it a delight to see so many relatives and friends there and to see these women, many now in their nineties, dance around the statue. A moving and well-deserved tribute.

Singer Ray Hearne with Chris While and Julie Matthews