Christopher Pincher urges Applications for National Lottery Investment in First World War Centenary

As the nation marks the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, Tamworth’s MP has called on local residents to apply for Heritage Lottery Fund money to explore their local stories of the First World War.

Following the success of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s community grants programme ‘First World War: then and now’, an additional £4 million has been made available for communities looking to explore, conserve and share their local heritage from this period.

Grants are available between £3000 and £10,000.  There are already 1,520 First World War projects taking place across the United Kingdom, with communities discovering interesting and inspirational stories of how events such as the Somme campaign impacted their local area.

Mr Pincher said, “It is remarkable to see such a range of projects emerging across the country, with such a variety of inspirational tales from the First World War.  It is important that we remember the impact this war had on our nation, and it would be fantastic to see Tamworth’s heritage remembered as part of this campaign.

“There is still time to apply for National Lottery investment and I would urge anyone in Tamworth with an idea for a project to get in touch.

”My own great grandfather, William Pincher, was killed on the first day of the Somme fighting in the South Staffordshire Regiment.  He came from Darlaston but he never went home.  His body was never found and his name is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial to all those killed on the Somme but with no known grave.

“I hope other local people will see if the Heritage Lottery Fund can help Tamworth unearth more Somme stories from this town.”