Mapping the history of voluntary youth services in Dorset the project will be led by a dedicated team of young volunteers, youth club members will look back at the significance of youth clubs around the county, focusing on the impact youth clubs make in helping their local communities to this day.

This project will capture the imaginations of whole communities starting with the 70 DYA affiliated youth clubs. It will study the cultural similarities and differences of youth clubs past and present. Jack Welch, member of Dorset Young Remember’s core group, said: “We will explore the county's amazing heritage and our place in it. We will get a sense of scale, time and where we fit into our own heritage.”

Working with The History Centre and Dorset County Museum the team will learn the subtle art of audio archiving and event planning. Over the next year the young people will be supported to travel around the County gathering the stories and memories of Dorset’s communities, compiling a timeline that tells the story of Dorset. Anyone getting involved in this amazing project will develop skills in historical archive, teamwork, research and communication. 

Helped by The Dorchester Joint Heritage Committee the core group will have fun with the many historical treasures around Dorchester; authors, fossils and famous monuments surrounding the town will be at the centre of a history walk during the exhibition launch week in summer 2012.

Dorset itself is a county of significant repute among residents and tourists alike; our young people will use modern techniques such as Geo-caching to plot historical treasure hunts and create a tool kit for anyone wanting to do the same in their own area.

Commenting on the award, Dave Thompson (Director DYA), said: “I am really pleased that HLF is supporting us and that young people will be able to talk to others who have benefited from our services throughout the years. We are looking forward to capturing the memories of those associated with us since 1943.”

Explaining HLF’s support for the Dorset Young Remember project, Head of South West, Nerys Watts, said: “Young People are the future champions for our heritage and we are keen to encourage them to develop and manage their own heritage projects. The Dorset Young Remember team will be able to compare their own personal experiences of belonging to local youth groups, with those of past youth club members, whilst at the same time exploring the rich and varied history of their county and making it more accessible for local people and visitors of all ages”.

Notes to editors

Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage.  HLF has supported over 30,000 projects, allocating £4.6billion across the UK.