The project will run for two years and tell the story of local life during the First World War.

The project will be launched at Havering Museum on Saturday 9 August 2014 and both sites will be hosting a range of events, activities and information. The project will also feature a main exhibition and online blog covering the war years.

Cllr Melvin Wallace, Head of Culture and Community Engagement at Havering London Borough Council, said: “The Museum and Libraries Service really deserve this grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the project Home Front Havering gives a graphic and heart rendering account of life and death on the battle fields and home front during the First World War years. I thoroughly recommend a visit to the museum and Local Studies Centre.”

A series of talks and reminiscences will be available together with a limited number of free educational sessions for schools and children’s uniform groups in addition to talks in the community. In 2015 a mini exhibition will also be launched about Sutton Farm in the First World War.

Ellen Owen, Director of Havering Museum, said: “This is a significant project, carried out by museum volunteers and the Library Services. The exhibition team has not only researched records but has also gathered information from residents of Havering. Our role now is to pass on this knowledge which will become a lasting legacy for all generations. The support of HLF will ensure people and their stories live on in our memories.”

Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond. The Heritage Lottery Fund has already invested £57million in projects – large and small – that are marking this Centenary. Our First World War: then and now programme offers those involved in projects such as Home Front Havering the opportunity uncover the story of how people in the area lived at the time of the conflict and gain a better understanding of how it has shaped their community and the modern world.”

Notes to editors

About Havering Museum
Havering Museum Ltd is an independent museum with charity status and has been open since 26 May 2010.

The museum received the award for Best Family Venue in the Havering Business Awards 2011, sponsored by the Romford Recorder.

Havering Museum is located at 19-21 High Street, Romford, RM1 1JU. The museum is open Wednesday to Friday 12pm to 5pm and Saturday 11am to 5pm. For more information call 01708 766 571 or visit the Havering Museum website.

Further information

For more information contact Ellen Owen or Peter Stewart on 01708 766 571 or email curator@haveringmuseum.org.uk or Simon Donoghue (Library Services) on 01708 432 392.