The Cricket Derbyshire Foundation has received £60,600 of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to launch the Proud to be Derbyshire Project, designed to safeguard and promote the heritage of cricket across the county.

The project will form a Cricket Derbyshire photographic archive and bring together images spanning over 140 years.

As well as a permanent archive at The 3aaa County Ground, the project will also produce an extensive online resource to be accessible to all.

The heritage project will recruit help from members, volunteers, community clubs, schools and other stakeholders. It is due to be completed by December 2015.

Commenting on the award, Cricket Derbyshire Director of Partnerships, Ryan Duckett said: “We are delighted to have received this award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project will inspire, safeguard and promote the heritage of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and its intrinsic links with people across the county.

“The project will help preserve and house fascinating photographs that have significance for the county, but also for many people across the UK and the world. It will offer learning and volunteering opportunities as well as encouraging generations to share memories and better understand the heritage of cricket and the county.”

Vanessa Harbar, acting Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said: “Cricket is much loved by people across Derbyshire and the County Cricket Club has a fascinating and distinguished history involving some of the sport’s greatest players, from Charlie Elliott in 1932 through Michael Holding, Geoff Miller OBE and now Shiv Chanderpaul.

“I hope that people who enjoy watching and playing the game will be inspired by this project to learn about the club and its proud history.”

Notes to editors

The Cricket Derbyshire Foundation (Charity Reg No. 1155801) was established as part of a ‘Cricket Derbyshire’ partnership involving Derbyshire County Cricket Club and the Derbyshire Cricket Board. The foundation aims to use the power of sport to educate, motivate and inspire children, young people and adults living in Derbyshire whatever their age, gender, religion or ability, making a lasting and positive impact on individuals’ lives. By providing cricket based education and community projects, the Foundation delivers cricket programmes and wider, more diverse community projects benefiting health, education and social inclusion across Derbyshire.

Further information

Contact Chris Airey on 01332 388 106, email: chris.airey@derbyshireccc.com.