It has given me immense pride to chair the HLF committee for Yorkshire and the Humber since 2011, and I feel very privileged to have played a part in the vital work they do to preserve, protect and bring Yorkshire’s heritage to life.

[quote]“I have been privileged to see just how HLF money can help our county’s heritage, which plays such a vital part in Yorkshire’s DNA.”[/quote]

HLF has invested £7.1billion in more than 40,000 heritage projects since forming 22 years ago, and aims to make a lasting difference to heritage, people and communities. 

Its grants help to protect everything from historic houses and landscaped gardens, to rare wildlife and important memories, and during my six years as chair, I have been privileged to see just how this money can help our county’s heritage, which plays such a vital part in Yorkshire’s DNA.

Washburn Heritage Centre

The stunning Washburn Heritage Centre at Fewston Church, nestled on the edge of the beautiful Fewston Reservoir near Harrogate, is one such example.

The centre’s opening in June 2011 was my first engagement as chair and I attended along with the brilliant Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. The centre is a real hidden gem and features exhibitions on the wonderful heritage of the Washburn Valley, as well as providing a perfect starting point for walks and hosting workshops, talks and courses. 

Scampston Hall

Another example is the magnificent Victorian conservatory at Scampston Hall near Malton, which was saved by almost certain collapse with the help of a major HLF grant. Built in 1894, the conservatory has now been fully restored and is home to a heritage learning centre providing a base for educational visits by schools, colleges and adult learning. 

Georgian Theatre Royal

I was also delighted to attend the launch of the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond earlier this year and I was completely blown away by the facilities on offer. Thanks to a grant from HLF, this real gem of a theatre has undergone much-needed redevelopment and now offers a fascinating insight into the history of Britain’s most complete Georgian playhouse.  

Green Howards Museum

The town’s Green Howards Museum also underwent a complete transformation following a HLF grant of around £1m – the galleries were redeveloped to ensure it showcases its nationally renowned collection of artefacts in the best possible way.

Richmond Castle

Meanwhile, the extraordinary graffiti left in the cells of Richmond Castle by conscientious objectors during the First World War has been preserved for future generations thanks to National Lottery funding.

York Army Museum

Another project that has really stood out for me was the re-opening of York Army Museum last year, which I attended along with the Duke of York. The museum really is a fascinating place and tells the story of Yorkshire’s regiments from 1685 to the present day. Now, thanks to a £1m grant from HLF, it has been transformed and is able to bring these stories to life for a 21st-century audience by modernising its collection and displays. As a result, it hopes to double the number of annual visitors. 

North York Moors National Park

However, the HLF is not only about built or uncovered heritage – it also protects our outstanding natural landscapes, which Yorkshire is famous for. In 2013, we provided the North York Moors National Park, Humberhead Levels and Ingleborough Dales with £7m to conserve and protect their habitats, as well as providing them with long-term social, economic and environmental benefits.

This money came from HLF’s Landscape Partnership Programme which launched in 2003 and has so far given £177m to almost 100 schemes across the UK, helping to preserve our stunning landscapes and making a real difference for the communities that live in them.  

These are just some of the great projects I have had the privilege of working on over the past six years and I leave HLF feeling proud of the difference it has made to Yorkshire’s rich and diverse heritage.  

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