Revealing Voices

The Potteries Heritage Society received a £51,300 grant for the Revealing Voices project, to preserve and showcase original reel-to-reel recordings made in the 1970s and 1980s by former radio producer, jazz musician and canals enthusiast, Arthur Wood. In time for Radio Stoke’s 50th anniversary, Arthur’s unique collection of original recordings, along with other items of interest such as his work diaries, will be digitised and kept at Stoke-on-Trent city archives.

Silverdale Our Story 

Silverdale Our Story Next, Groundwork West Midlands received a £57,200 grant for the Silverdale Our Story project to reveal the hidden heritage of Silverdale Country Park, home to one of the last coal mines in North Staffordshire. Memories of local people who worked in or visited the park during its transformation into a nature reserve will be recorded, before the stories are turned into an exciting new park trail and app.

Investment in Newcastle-under-Lyme

Communities in Newcastle-under-Lyme have benefited from on-going National Lottery support to preserve and share their rich and varied heritage. Overall, more than £4million of National Lottery money has been awarded to Newcastle-under-Lyme since it became a priority area for HLF.

[quote]Overall, more than £4million of National Lottery money has been awarded to Newcastle-under-Lyme since it became a priority area for HLF.[/quote]

There are currently more HLF projects taking place in the area including the £1.7 transformation of derelict Maxim’s nightclub into Belong Heritage gallery, and the new town centre heritage trail and app launched as part of the £720,000 St Giles churchyard project.

Also, in preparation for the 250th anniversary of Philip Astley, the Newcastle-born father of the modern circus, Staffordshire University will use their £28,000 grant to deliver a series of activities over summer which includes supporting an exhibition at the Brampton Museum, ahead of the official anniversary in 2018.

Commenting on the importance of HLF support, Vanessa Harbar, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: “It’s great news that HLF support in Newcastle-under-Lyme has reached so many people through interesting and diverse projects, such as the recently awarded Revealing Voices and Silverdale Our Story projects. This demonstrates the dedication of communities in Newcastle-under-Lyme to preserve their rich heritage, and as there is more funding available we encourage local groups with ideas for new projects to get in touch.”

How to apply for funding

Newcastle-under-Lyme is a priority area for HLF support. It has a designated officer to support local groups to submit funding applications.

For more information, please contact Elise Turner on tel: 0121 616 6883 or via email.