£10,000 National Lottery Grant Awarded To Bring Bembridge Fort’s Hidden History To Life

The Trustees of Bembridge Fort Trust are delighted to announce that they have received a £10,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, in partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Community Foundation (HIWCF) and Creative Island under their Past Futures initiative.

This funding, along with an additional £3,200 from philanthropic supporters, will launch a new and innovative research project titled “Forgotten People, Lost Technologies.” 

The project will unite volunteers, schools, local history and community groups through a programme of workshops, events, and guided tours, inviting Islanders to rediscover and celebrate the Fort’s remarkable past.

Building on the Trust’s successful work over the past year, the initiative aims to reconnect the community with Bembridge Fort and the surrounding coastal defences, which have played a key role in the Island’s military history for over 150 years.

The long-term goal is to help return the site to community use as a living heritage centre, opening its doors once again after many years of closure.

Ashley Webb, Trustee and Head of Research, said:

“This generous funding will allow us to build a living archive of East Wight’s military heritage.

"From day one, we’re calling on Island residents, veterans, relatives, and storytellers – did you or your family live, work or serve at Bembridge Fort, Redcliff Battery, Yaverland Battery, Culver Battery, the Old Radio Station, or the Yaverland Cold War ROC Bunker?

"We’d love to hear from anyone with photographs, documents, or memories of these sites, or of Micron Engineering – the local company that’s been active inside the Fort since 1968.

"Free workshops will help people share their stories and even learn how to restore, colourise, and animate old photos.”

Tim Wander, Trustee and Project Manager, added:

“This project will uncover the untold personal stories hidden behind the Fort’s walls and tunnels. From wartime fears and courage to groundbreaking defensive technologies that helped protect Britain during WWII, we want to bring these stories – and the people behind them – back to life.

"It’s about rediscovering our shared past and helping families connect with their ancestors.”

David Reeves, Chairman of the Bembridge Fort Trust, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, HIWCF, and Creative Island for making this project possible.

"Every memory matters – and every story deserves to be told.

"Together, we can ensure that the people and events that shaped Bembridge Fort’s history are never forgotten.”

Anyone wishing to contribute memories, photographs or stories, or to find out more about upcoming workshops, can contact the team at info@bembridgefort.org.