£10,000 grants available to research World War One

GRANTS of up to £10,000 are available to enable local people and organisations uncover the untold or forgotten stories of World War One – and MP Helen Jones is urging people and groups to apply for them.
The Warrington North MP believes it is vital that we remember the impact of the “Great War” 100 years on.
The grants are available from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and follow on from the phenomenal success of its community grants programme, First World War: Then and Now.
HLF has made an additional £4 million available for communities looking explore, conserve and share the local heritage of the First World War.
Grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 are available.
Thanks to National Lottery funding, thousands of young people and communities throughout the UK have already been involved in activities marking the centenary of the war, 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.
The new money will help even more people get involved to explore
a greater range of stories including those surrounding the Battle of the Somme, which lasted from July to November 1916.
Ms Jones said: “These projects and stories have been an inspiration. It’s so important that we remember the impact of this war 100 years on.
“There is still time to apply for National Lottery money and I would urge anyone in Warrington North with an idea for their own project to get in touch with HLF.“
Sir Peter Luff, chairman 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. The year marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and if groups want support for projects examining its impact, do think about applying now.”
There are now 1,520 First World War projects taking place across the UK, thanks to more than £77 million of investment from HLF.
Projects include:
*People exploring their family history to see if any relatives fought in the war;
*Young people using social media to retell the stories of local soldiers;
*Women uncovering experiences of women who worked in factories during the conflict.
More information can be obtained from HLF at: www.hlf.org.uk/FirstWorldWar