COMMUNITY projects across Droitwich have been urged to apply for funding and help remember the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.
With August’s centenary of the UK entering the conflict coming close, Sir Peter Luff MP is urging his constituents to apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
It’s a cause close to home for the respected Mid Worcestershire MP as his father Tom fought in the conflict.
HLF is making at least £1million a year available until 2019 as part of the First World War: then and now programme for small,
community grants.
It provides grants of £3,000 to £10,000 enabling groups right across the UK to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict.
Sir Peter said: “For me, as for so many, this is a very personal anniversary – or series of anniversaries.
“My own father fought in the First World War – at Gallipoli and in Palestine – so I’m delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is making this money available to local communities to keep memories alive.
“Like many areas across the UK, the impact of the First World War on the people of Worcestershire was extensive.
“For those who want to find out more about its legacy or who wish to mark the centenary, I urge them to get in touch with
HLF.”
Successful projects will include those researching, identifying and recording local heritage, creating a community archive or collection or those developing new interpretation of heritage through exhibitions, trails, smartphone apps.
Projects researching, writing and performing creative material based on heritage sources and those conserving and finding out more about war memorials will also be considered.
HLF has already invested over £47million in projects – large and small – that will mark the centenary of First World War.
Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of HLF said: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond.
“The Heritage Lottery Fund’s First World War: then and now programme will enable communities to explore the continuing legacy of this war and help young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world.”
she added.
Visit www.hlf.org.uk/ThenAndNow to download an online application pack.
