National Lottery investment in First World War Centenary

National Lottery investment in First World War Centenary

As the nation marks the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme, Fiona Bruce MP urges
the Congleton Constituency to apply for Heritage Lottery Fund money to explore the stories of the First World War.

Following the success of its community grants programme First World War: then and now, HLF has made an additional £4 million available for communities looking to explore, observe and share local heritage of the First World War. Grants are available between £3,000 and £10,000.

Thanks to National Lottery funding, thousands of young people and communities throughout
the UK have already been involved in activities marking the Centenary such as: researching
and recording local heritage; conserving and finding out more about war memorials; and
using digital technology to share the fascinating stories they uncover. This new money will
help even more people get involved to explore a greater range of stories including those
surrounding the Somme campaign, which lasted from July to November 1916.

Fiona Bruce said: "These projects and stories have been an inspiration. It's so important
that we remember the impact of this war one hundred years on. There is still time to apply
for National Lottery money and I would urge anyone with an idea for their own project to get in touch with HLF."

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the HLF, said: "The demand for National Lottery funding for First
World War projects has been phenomenal, so much so we've decided to make extra money
available. This will mean everyone, in particular more young people, can explore the
momentous events of a war that shaped our nation, Europe and the world. This year marks
the Centenary of the Battle of Somme and if groups want support for projects examining its
impact do think about applying now."

The Battle of the Somme lasted for 141 days, ending on 18 November 1916.

There are now 1,520 First World War projects taking place across the UK, thanks to more
than £77million of investment from HLF.

Projects already underway show the breadth and scale of First World War stories being
explored and shared across the country:

·Local people from Tottenham and Walthamstow in London showed how they have
been exploring their family history to see if any of their relatives fought in the war;

·Young people from North Tyneside demonstrated how they have been using social
media to retell the stories of local soldiers; and

·Young women in Birmingham shared what they have been uncovering about the
experiences of women who worked in factories during the conflict in particular the
Birmingham Small Arms factory in Small Heath.