Borough only one without WWI centenary funding
Maidstone is set to be the only local authority area in Kent to miss out on lottery funding for projects to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.
Communities are being urged to apply to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for money to undertake schemes exploring the impact of the conflict in their area before the centenary concludes at the end of 2018.
But the borough containing the County Town itself is one of 6% of local authority areas in the UK that has not benefitted from HLF’s funding.
Some of the grants that have been awarded across Kent include an £8,700 award to the Tonbridge Historical Society to support the Tonbridge 100 project.
This included a touring exhibition that features guided walks, education talks in schools and an event from August 18 to19 displaying a replica tank, first aid nursing Yeomanry and cadets.
The event will take place from 11am to 6pm at Tonbridge Castle.
But so far, none has been awarded in Maidstone and the HLF is keen to receive good quality project applications.
A spokesperson from Maidstone Borough Council said: “We are looking at a number of options to mark the First World War centenary.
“A number of community events are taking place in Maidstone, such as the Poppy Project in Maidstone Museum. We are already playing a role in working with some of these organisations.
“We will be looking into whether we can find the right project for the County Town that not only marks this occasion appropriately, but fulfils the Heritage Lottery Fund’s criteria for funding.”
Pam Mills from Tonbridge Historical Society , one of the organisers of the Tonbridge 100 event, said: “We could not have done it without the support of HLF, the biggest portion of the funding came from them.
“Without them the event could not have progressed.
“Local sponsors have also supported our event to enable it to be a free entry event, making it accessible to all.
“It is so important to mark the centenary of the First World War and from a historical point of view show the part Tonbridge played. This was mirrored across the country in other towns. How communities came together at that time was remarkable.”
Michelle Roffe, Head of HLF South East, said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many communities take up this opportunity to explore how the First World War affected their local area.
“More than seven million people have taken part in First World War Centenary activity as a direct result of HLF funding and we want to make sure communities across Maidstone don’t miss out.
“Come and tell us your project idea.”
The Poppy Project aims to display a total of 5,000 poppies at Maidstone Museum for the centenary, starting in November.
The poppies can be made by residents through sewing, knitting or crocheting, and the museum is encouraging people to host knitting workshops at schools, workplaces and homes.
The project is being co-ordinated by Golding Vision. To get involved contact com.dev@goldinghomes.org.uk