Awarded through HLF’s First World War: then and now programme, the project will focus on how the First World War affected those living in the local area at the time.

To mark the Centenary of the First World War, the Home Front Dean project will tell the story of how the war affected local people in the Forest of Dean both on the home front and on the front line. The exhibition, produced in association with the Forest of Dean Local History Society (FODLHS) will create a unique and personal glimpse into life during war time.

The information and artifacts gathered will be presented as an exhibition on display at the centre from 27 June until 14 September 2014. This will include factual information, personal stories, objects and costume.

The Home Front Dean special event on 2-3 August 2014 will be a commemorative weekend to mark the centenary with nostalgic music from the ‘Marjorie Belles’ singing trio, the Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir, ration themed cooking demonstrations from Harts Barn Cookery school, engaging theatre from ‘Spaniel in the Works’ and fascinating talks by the FW Harvey Society and Matthew Lightstone who will also be showing his 2013 film Ralph – a moving account based on the true story of his great, great uncle’s time in the war. Anyone who has something they would like to add to the event are welcome to contact harri@deanheritagecentre.com.

Commenting on the award, Collections Officer Phillippa Turner said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and we will use the funds to produce an exhibition and event that effectively and respectfully commemorates the Centenary of the First World War in the Forest of Dean. We would also like to thank the Forest of Dean Local History Society for their hard work and research that will form the main material for the exhibition and local people who have donated or loaned their artefacts and stories.”

Explaining the importance of the HLF support, Head of HLF South West, Nerys Watts, said: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching every corner of the UK. The Heritage Lottery Fund has already invested more than £52million in projects – large and small - that are marking this global Centenary; with our small grants programme, we are enabling even more communities like those involved in the Home Front Dean project to explore the continuing legacy of this conflict and help local young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world.”

An associated education programme will feature a First World War themed trail focusing on six ‘people of note’ from the local area. These will be showcased individually throughout the Centre. Schools are invited to contact Joanne@deanheritagecentre.com for further information or to discuss a bespoke workshop plan to meet their learning outcomes.

Notes to editors

The Dean Heritage Centre is based in five acres of scenic woodland and is home to five galleries of the history of the Forest of Dean and its’ people spanning 10,000 years of history, from the ice age to present day.

The centre is an educational charity and offers tailored educational workshops and activities to tie in with the school curriculum. For more information please call Joanne Clarke on 01594 822 170.

The centre has been awarded the accreditation of Quality Assured Visitor Attraction.

The Dean Heritage Museum Trust (DHMT) is a company limited by guarantee and is a registered charity.

In March 2007, the centre was awarded the accreditation of Quality Assured Visitor Attraction.

The Dean Heritage Centre is home to the Room on the Broom Trail from Easter 2014, visit the Dean Heritage Centre website for more information.

HLF-funded First World War projects include:

First World War Centenary Project, IWM London
An HLF grant of £4.5m is transforming IWM London (part of Imperial War Museums) by creating new ground-breaking First World War Galleries.

Flintham Society – Keeping the Home Fires Burning?
Keep the Homes Fires Burning? is a community history project looking at the impact of the First World War on life in the Nottinghamshire village of Flintham.

Tank Museum – Access all Areas, Dorset
Holding the world’s finest tank and armoured vehicle collection, The Tank Museum is a popular visitor attraction in the heart of Dorset. HLF’s grant is being used to house 130 ‘at risk’ vehicles, putting the entire collection indoors for the first time.

Through its First World War: then and now programme, HLF is making at least £1million available per year for six years until 2019. It will provide grants between £3,000 and £10,000 enabling communities and groups right across the UK to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict.

UK Government Centenary plans
In June 2013, the Government set out its plans to mark the centenaries of the First World War commencing in 2014. These plans include a £35m refurbishment of the First World War galleries at the Imperial War Museum (IWM); the Government’s principal partners in the commemorations will be the Heritage Lottery Fund and the IWM, but will encompass support for a multitude of other initiatives, large and small, as they come together in the months and years to come.

Further information

For further information, images and interviews, please contact Harri Le Claire, PR and Event Manager. harri@deanheritagecentre.com.

Heritage Lottery Fund: Laura Bates, email: lbates@hlf.org.uk or on 020 7591 6027.