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Lottery cash will help commemorate First World War

Derbyshire County Council has been awarded £84,600 by the Heritage Lottery Fund for a project to commemorate the First World War across the county.

Led by Derbyshire Record Office, the Derbyshire Lives in the First World War project will help groups learn about and commemorate the impact of the war on their community.

Support could be anything from advice on getting funding to learning how to research and record the First World War history of their town or village.  At the end, stories collected by communities across Derbyshire will be brought together in a travelling exhibition.

The project will begin in January and runs until December 2015.

Councillor Ellie Wilcox, our Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said:

“The record office has already begun digitising its First World War records to make it easier for people to find out information.”This grant will help us provide the practical support to help people with their own projects.

“Many know about the experiences of soldiers in the trenches, but we also want to remember what life was like for the people left behind in Derbyshire.

“There are many fascinating topics to explore − from the treatment of wounded soldiers in the spas of Matlock and Buxton, to what happened in local farming communities when the men and horses left for war.”

Vanessa Harbar, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said:

“The First World War changed the face of global history, and within its history are countless stories to uncover and remember.

“This is a fantastic project that allows communities within Derbyshire to share their experiences and contribute to the national commemoration of First World War centenary.”

A website will be set up in the coming months where people can find out more about the project and how to get involved.

In the meantime call the record office, in New Street, Matlock, on 01629 538347 or email record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk for more information.