Henry Smith MP has urged Crawley community groups to apply for Heritage Lottery Fund grants to explore the stories of the First World War, as the centenary of the Battle of the Somme is marked across the country.
Henry said;
“It’s so important that we remember the impact of this war one hundred years on.
“There’s still time to apply for National Lottery money and I would urge anyone in Crawley with an idea for their own project to get in touch with the Heritage Lottery Fund.”
The Battle of the Somme started on 1st July 1916. Allies forces bombarded German trenches for seven days and sent 100,000 men ‘over the top’. The battle ended on 19th November 1916. In 141 days, British forces had advanced just seven miles.
On 30th June 1916, the Battle of the Boar’s Head took place. 366 soldiers from Sussex died in the battle, which is known as ‘The Day Sussex Died’.
Henry said;
“Just one day before the Battle of the Somme, 366 soldiers from Sussex gave their lives.
“We must never forget the sacrifice made by those who have died for our freedoms.”
Following the success of its community grants programme ‘First World War: then and now’, the Heritage Lottery Fund has made an additional £4 million available for communities looking to explore, conserve and share local heritage of the First World War. Grants are available between £3,000 and £10,000.
Thousands of young people and communities throughout the UK have already been involved in activities marking the centenary of the Battle of the Somme; including researching and recording local heritage, conserving and finding out more about war memorials, and using digital technology to share the stories they uncover.
This additional funding will help even more people get involved to explore a greater range of stories including those surrounding the Somme campaign.
Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, commented;
“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.”
There are now 1,520 First World War projects taking place across the UK, as a result of more than £77 million of investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
For information on how to apply for Heritage Lottery Fund grants, please visit: www.hlf.org.uk