Local groups can apply for funding to mark centenary of First World War

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is providing grants for projects about the First World War and MP John Healey is urging constituents to apply.

It is a year until the centenary of the UK entering WWI, and HLF is making at least £1 million a year available to small, community groups until 2019.

The First World War: then and now programme will provide grants of £3,000 to £10,000.

Successful projects will include:

Researching, identifying 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 memorial

Mr Healey said: “I’m pleased the Heritage Lottery Fund is making this money available to local communities.

“Like many areas across the UK, the impact of the First World War on the people of Rotherham and Barnsley was extensive.

“For those who want to find out more about its legacy or who wish to mark the Centenary, I would urge them to get 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.”

For more information or an application pack visit: http://www.hlf.org.uk/ThenAndNow.