One year from the Battle of the Somme Centenary, Daniel Zeichner MP has urged Cambridge communities to apply for new £4m Heritage Lottery Fund money to explore the impact of the war  

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced new National Lottery money to help communities across the UK mark the Centenary of the First World War and local MP Daniel Zeichner is urging Cambridge communities to apply.

Daniel Zeichner MP said: “The projects and stories that have already been shared as part of the First World War Centenary are vital to make sure future generations never forget the horror of war.”     

Cambridge has already benefited from HLF cash with the Friends of Mill Road Cemetery being awarded £10,000 for their project called “Commemoration of World War One in Mill Road Cemetery Cambridge”. The project restored 26 of the most accessible family WWI graves in Mill Road Cemetery, undertook research relating to the graves, and carried out a number of activities with local schools and the wider community.

Now further grants of between £3,000 to £10,000 are available for communities looking to explore, conserve and share local heritage of the First World War. 

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the HLF, said: “The demand for National Lottery funding for First World War projects has been phenomenal, so much so we’ve decided to make extra money available. This will mean everyone, in particular more young people, can explore the momentous events of a war that shaped our nation, Europe and the world. Next year marks the centenary of the Battle of Somme and if groups want support for projects in 2016, they need to start thinking about applying now.”

More information on how to apply for HLF funding is available at www.hlf.org.uk