An exciting new community project has received £37,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), which will help the city’s residents to become Colman’s Detectives. The Colman’s Connections project will focus on the history of Norwich’s mustard workers during the First World War, revealing engaging real-life stories about the firm’s employees and how their lives were changed by the conflict.
The intergenerational community research project will see adult volunteers and school students becoming Colman’s Detectives, researching the First World War history of workers at the Colman’s factory, their roles on the front line, the impact of the war on women, families and workers on the Home Front, and the part Colman’s played in the war effort.
Student sleuths from Lakenham Primary School and Hewitt High School will investigate their local Colman’s connections, potentially uncovering ancestors that may have worked in the nearby Carrow factory during the war. The Detectives will help research and curate a ‘pop-up’ exhibition, create an interactive digital timeline and produce a booklet about the stories they unearth.
Madeleine Coupe, Projects Development Officer said: “We’re delighted to have received Heritage Lottery Fund support for this exciting community project. We now need your help as a Colman’s Detective to research and share our unique local history!”
Robyn Llewellyn, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East of England, said: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond. This fascinating project offers exciting and interesting opportunities for people of all ages to get involved and find out what it was like to work and live in Norwich.”
“HLF is supporting projects across the country that explore the impact of the War on communities. Together these hundreds of projects are forming a rich picture of life at the time and will ensure that the centenary leaves a lasting legacy.”
Colman’s has an extraordinary story, and has played a significant role in the history of Norwich and its citizens. The company still employs many people and holds a special place in the culture and identity of the city. This year is the 200th anniversary of Colman’s in Norwich, celebrated by Colman’s Mustard Shop & Museum with a series of special events throughout the year. An exhibition, All Over the World: 200 Years of Colman’s Mustard, a collaboration with the History of Advertising Trust, East Anglian Film Archive, Unilever and The Forum, will be on display in Fusion, The Forum from 10th to 22nd November.
The Colman’s Connections project is a year-long project and is also supported by Norfolk Record Office, Norfolk Library and Information Service, The Forum and Unilever Archives.
Image © Reproduced courtesy of Unilever. Colman’s is a Unilever Trademark
