The innovative project led by Powys County Council will help to maintain the county’s 276 known war memorials – which include 13 listed buildings - as well as identify those that have been lost or forgotten. Toolkits have been produced for communities, schools and researchers to help communities across the county take responsibility for and maintain their commemorative artefacts; safeguarding them for future generations.

Jennifer Stewart, Head of HLF Wales, said: “We see this project as a great opportunity to uncover the forgotten past. Our First World War: Then and Now programme gives people across Wales a chance to learn more about the First World War and this county-wide approach is an excellent way of not only helping people to learn more about this part of our heritage, but give them the skills to find out about and research this history for themselves.”

Forgotten memorials

According to the UK National Inventory of War Memorials there are almost three hundred recognised war memorials in Powys. However, it is believed that the true number of memorials could be significantly higher with memorials ranging from crosses and plaques to bridges and church organs. This project will help communities identify their own, local, memorials and support the creation of a memorial map of all commemorative monuments across Powys, creating a new database of their history, condition and ownership.

Cllr Avril York, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, said: “This project marks our respect for those individuals who left Powys sacrificing their lives. The county’s First World War heritage is at risk, and just like we can’t afford to forget the atrocities, we can’t afford to lose our war memorials either. This grant gives Powys a chance to remember and ensure that these memorials are protected and kept for future generations.”

Conservation toolkits

Toolkits created as part of the project will include background information and resources about the First World War as well as guides on how to research your local history and basic guidance on looking after war memorials. These will be complemented with conservation kits to help trained local people become actively involved in caring for and conserving memorials.

Cyllene Griffiths, Powys County Council's War Memorial Officer, said: “Memorials form an integral part of our towns, villages and communities and provide a focal point for remembrance. This project will enable us to protect them and provide an opportunity for us communities to engage with their past.”

Notes to editors

The £342,800 grant has been awarded to Powys County Council by the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the Powys War Memorials Project 2014-2018: A Mark of Respect project.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is the UK’s largest dedicated funder of heritage. In Wales, HLF has invested over £284million and supported over 2,162 projects in local communities all over the country.

Plans for the project include:

• A rolling programme of work to conserve up to 48 memorials, and 36 memorial settings.
• Production of three ‘Toolkits’ for the use of communities, educational groups, and recording. These toolkits will provide general information about the First World War, how to research historical material, and how to maintain memorials. It will also contain further information on how to record memorials physically and how to record stories and memories associated with the memorials.
• Creation of a website and database that acts as an interactive tool for educational, conservation and fundraising resources. An estimated 480 community based people will be trained to ensure that heritage is better looked after, managed, understood and shared.
• Production of a small number of conservation kits, which will allow trained local people to become actively involved in caring for and conserving their memorials.

Further information

Naomi Williams on 02920 442 020, email: naomi@positifgroup.co.uk.