Led by Derbyshire Record Office, the project will support groups across the county to learn about and commemorate the impact of the First World War in their community. The project will begin in January 2014 and run to December 2014.

Archives & Local Studies Manager, Sarah Chubb, said: “The Record Office has already begun digitising our First World War records, so that we can make it easier for people to access their First World War history.  The HLF grant will now enable us to provide the practical support we know local communities want to help them with their own projects.”

“Many people know about the experiences of soldiers in the trenches, but we also want to remember what life was like for the people left behind in Derbyshire. There are many fascinating topics to explore, from the treatment of wounded soldiers in the spas of Matlock and Buxton, to what happened in local farming communities when the men and horses left for war.”

Derbyshire Lives in the First World War will offer a range of support to help local communities carry out their own projects, from advice on getting funding, to learning how to research and record the First World War history of their town or village.  There will also be a website and social media, where people can find out what projects and events are going on across the county.  At the end of the project, stories collected by communities across Derbyshire will be brought together in a travelling exhibition.

Vanessa Harbar, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, commended the project: “The First World War changed the face of global history, and within its history are countless stories to uncover and remember. This is a fantastic project that allows communities within Derbyshire to share their experiences and contribute to the national commemoration of First World War centenary.”

Further information

Derbyshire County Council: Sarah Chubb on 01629 539 201 email: sarah.chubb@derbyshire.gov.uk.

Heritage Lottery Fund press office: Robert Smith on 0207 591 6245, email: roberts@hlf.org.uk.