With a year to go until the centenary of the UK entering the First World War, Alex Cunningham, the Member of Parliament for Stockton North, is calling on his constituents to consider applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for community projects to learn more about the conflict.
HLF is making at least £1 million a year available until 2019 as part of the First World War: then and now programme for small community grants. It will provide grants of £3,000 to £10,000 enabling groups across the UK to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the conflict’s impact.
Alex encourages his constituents to think about how they might mark the centenary, with funding available for projects which include:
- researching and recording local heritage;
- creating a community archive or collection;
- developing new interpretation of heritage through exhibitions, trails, smartphone apps etc;
- researching, writing and performing creative material based on heritage sources;
- conserving and finding out more about war memorials
Alex said:
“I am delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is making funding available to local communities. The impact of the First World War on the people of Stockton was extensive, as was our town’s contribution to the war effort. For those who want to learn more about the legacy of the War in our area, I would strongly recommend getting in touch with HLF.”
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 new 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.”
HLF has already invested over £15million in projects – large and small – that will mark the Centenary next year. Any groups with a project idea are encouraged to visit www.hlf.org.uk/thenandnow or telephone 020 7591 6042/6044 for more details. If a group needs a grant of more than £10,000 for a First World War project, it can apply to HLF through its open programmes.
