The Borough Museum and Art Gallery has received the money from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a project called Newcastle Remembers.

The borough council’s scheme, commemorating the centenary of the war, encourages local people to come together to preserve memories and heritage.

Volunteers and museum officers will collect photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, letters and keepsakes as well as family tales to help them build a clear picture of what life was like a century ago. The initiative features a two-month exhibition starting in September.

Cllr Trevor Hambleton, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and localism, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help make our idea a reality in a milestone year.

“Hundreds of men died in the First World War from Newcastle alone and the war changed and blighted many lives back home. We hope we can build up a permanent collection of the borough’s history during this time which can be appreciated by visitors for years to come.

“The museum is appealing to the public to get in touch if they have anything that relates to the lives of soldiers or those left behind in Staffordshire.”

Reyahn King, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, added: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond. As the centenary approaches we’re pleased to support projects which will enable the community to explore the local wartime stories behind artefacts and memories and help to build a lasting digital and physical legacy for generations to come.”

Notes to editors

About the Borough Museum and Art Gallery
Set in Brampton Park, the museum holds collections representing 2,000 years of borough history. The museum is open seven days a week throughout the year (excluding 24 December – 1 January) and has a regularly changing exhibition programme with accompanying activities and events for all ages.

Further information

For further information, images and interviews, please contact Simone Bridgewater, Communications and Marketing Officer, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council on 01782 742606 or email: simone.bridgewater@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk.