Residents and visitors to the town can expect to see the first plaques and the town heritage trail in place by early 2011. The Schools Heritage Project is expected to start in April 2010.

The historical plaques will draw attention to the town’s most historic buildings and will play an important role in their conservation. By drawing out and emphasising the connection between person and place the scheme will add a new dimension to the town’s historic environment.    

The scheme will bring the past alive, bringing the names and work of previous occupants of the town to a wider public awareness, and will serve to encourage renewed interest in the town’s heritage.    

Chipping Sodbury’s younger population will be able to discover more about the town’s rich past giving them a greater understanding and love for their own environment and heritage.

Commenting on the scheme, Jim Ellsworth, Chairman of Sodbury and District Historical Society, said: “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled the scheme to take place. Visitors will be able to understand the town’s heritage more clearly, residents will have their attention drawn to what is around them, and the many school children that we see on field trips will get a much clearer understanding of the buildings they are looking at.”

HLF's Head of Region for the South West, Nerys Watts, said: “Chipping Sodbury has many significant historic buildings and a rich history, which this project will make available to the local community and visitors alike. We are particularly glad to be able to support the young people of the town not only to discover their own heritage but also to create ways to share it with others in the future.”

Notes to editors

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history. HLF Grants open up our nation’s heritage for everyone to enjoy. Since 1994 it has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4 billion across the UK.

Further information

Mark Lloyd, Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury, Blue Plaque Organiser on 01454 334 410 / 07733 898 762 or rounceval-house@btconnect.com