Kirkbymoorside History Group (KHG) has received a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Sharing Heritage grant, it was announced today. This exciting project, Not Lost but Gone Before, in Kirkbymoorside and led by Kirkbymoorside History Group and All Saints PCC has been given £6,600 to restore and preserve several of the key table tombs and gravestones in All Saints Churchyard, whilst at the same time working with the local schoolchildren to research the stories behind the stones.

Members of Kirkbymoorside History Group work with the community to preserve the town’s rich and often hidden history and this project will give the town’s youngsters the chance to find out more about the forgotten stories and lives of those who were once key figures in the town’s development. The aim is to restore not only the physical markers, but also the social markers left behind by these people.

Commenting on the award, KHG’s secretary Louise Mudd said: “It’s great that we have been awarded this grant and we can’t wait to get started. We love where we live and know there’s so much more to discover about our past. We are all really excited about telling other people about our findings and sharing our discoveries and stories with everyone through regular updates on the blog and with a final exhibition once the works are done. It will really enhance the community space as well as preserve the past.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage and we are delighted to be able to offer this grant so that Not Lost but Gone Before can embark on a real journey of discovery. Heritage means such different things to different people, and HLF’s funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what’s important to them in their area.”
 
Notes to editors
The Kirkbymoorside History Group was formed back in 2002 when a group of residents formed to publish a series of magazines on the town’s history – The Kirkbymoorside Times. Since the group has gone on to gather more material and has published a series of publications on various aspects of the town’s history including The Adela Shaw Children’s Hospital and All Saint’s Church. The KHG is run by volunteers, who all take on different projects and is very much a working group.

Further information
Louise Mudd at Kirkbymoorside History Group on 07885 917 619, email: kmshistory@btinternet.com.