The project, run by Jacksdale Area Culture and Heritage (JACH), will recruit residents from both villages to research information from a host of sources and create a vivid picture of how life, work, housing, education, leisure and women’s roles were affected. Although the area is now regarded as a ‘commuter’ village in days gone by it was once heavily industrialised. Today, nature reserves and trails have taken the place of the local forge, clay pipe works and colliery.

The starting point for the research is the Jacksdale War Memorial which, untypically, lists all those from the area who served in World War One rather than just those who lost their lives in the conflict. The project, which runs for the next three years, comes to fruition as the nation commemorates the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI.

Emma Sayer, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, commented: “This is a fascinating project that will allow the whole community to get involved in a wide range of activities exploring life in Jacksdale and Westwood from the time of the First World War. How fitting that this unusual war memorial has prompted today's villagers to look back to the past and be inspired to produce a lasting and very personal record of a turbulent century in time for the commemoration of the start of the First World War in 2014.”

Volunteers taking part in the project will benefit from training in the skills necessary to research information, piecing together snippets from old newspaper archives, parish records and genealogical lists. Interviewing older residents about their memories and family connections will also play an important part. Local schools and community groups will have the opportunity to get involved.

A number of special events will be held as the project progresses to share discoveries and encourage others to take part. These will include heritage displays talks, guided walks and hands-on activities. By the end of the work there will be an archive, website, a DVD and CD with a selection of oral testimonies, plus a special book entitled ‘Their Tomorrow for Our Today.’

For Jacksdale Area Culture and Heritage, Carol Taylor-Cockayne, said: “This grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund is fantastic news for our community. ‘Their Tomorrow for our Today’ is something that resonates throughout society and these few words are deeply felt. We have been left a legacy by those who made sacrifices during both world wars and we want to look at what we have done with that legacy. We are a small community with a big heart and this grant means that we now have the chance to tell our story and we hope that our work will inspire other communities to do the same.”

Anyone with information relating to those named on the Jacksdale War Memorial or any photographs which depict the history of Jacksdale and Westwood is invited to submit it to the project organisers. Volunteers to help with the research are also very welcome. For more information contact JACH’s secretary Carol Taylor-Cockayne Tel 01773 603440.

Notes to editors

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 more than 39,900 projects, allocating over £4.4 billion across the UK, including £227million to the East Midlands alone.

Further information

Roland Smith on 020 7591 6047 / rolands@hlf.org.uk or Phil Cooper on 07889 949173, HLF Communications

Carol Taylor-Cockayne, JACH Secretary on 01773 603 440