Awarded through HLF’s First World War: then and now programme, the project will focus on the home front and how the onset of the Great War had significant impact on local life. Rachael Kennedy, Town Events Manager is leading on this project and explained: “This series of events will enable the local community to come together to enquire and preserve the memories and heritage of the people who lived through the First World War.”

A recent First World War Road Show held at Morley Town Hall launched the project and provided the opportunity for local people to share photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, letters, keepsakes and medals as well as family tales passed down.

The project continues this August with an outdoor event which will see Queen Street transform back to 1914 with a host of community activities, learning stations, traditional music, tours and street theatre. In early autumn we will also be welcoming Leeds based theatre company, Lunabug who will bring their new production ‘Pigeon’ to the stage at Morley Town Hall, exploring the theme of animals in service.

Commenting on the award, Cllr Judith Elliott, Chairman of the Diamond Jubilee Committee said: "We are thrilled that Rachael has managed to secure this funding for Morley and to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. A focus group has already met several times and can now begin to develop exciting plans and deliver a poignant programme commemorating this centenary."

Explaining the importance of the HLF support, the Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and the Humber, Fiona Spiers, 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 more than £15million in projects – large and small - that are marking this global Centenary; with our new small grants programme, we are enabling even more communities like those involved in the Morley 1914 project to explore the continuing legacy of this conflict and help local young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how it has shaped our modern world.”

Further information

Rachael Kennedy, Morley Town Events Manager on Morleyevents@live.co.uk.