The £5,400 grant was awarded to Strathroy Community Association to support a programme of research into the history of the area as experienced by both current and former residents throughout the last 40 years.

The project will explore what it was like to grow up in the area, through a period of civil unrest influenced by the estate’s location close to Lisanelly barracks. Local people will develop new skills to enable them to help with the research elements of the project. Storytelling events and heritage workshops will be held at the local community centre to encourage people to get involved in the activities and to share their memories and experiences. The findings will be recorded in a new book, play, DVD and photographic exhibition that will celebrate 40 years of local heritage.

Commenting on the award, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this project to record and celebrate the unique heritage of Strathroy. This exploration of the past will give a voice to the local community and is a fitting way to mark the 40th anniversary of the estate. We hope many people will enjoy contributing their memories and experiences of local life which will now be preserved for future generations.”

The 40th celebrations will be launched in June 2014. The first celebratory event will be held on Saturday 19th July and will be followed by a range of other activities. A spokesperson for the Community Association said this was a wonderful opportunity for residents both present and past to celebrate this event, and they are very grateful to HLF for their help.

Notes to editors

Since 1994 the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £190million to over 1,000 projects across Northern Ireland.

Further information

Please contact Julie Halliday on 07733 100 674 or email julieh@hlf.org.uk