THE WAR TO END ALL WARS

Dear Dame

Centenary of the First World War

As we approach this important Centenary, people of all ages throughout the United Kingdom will be reflecting on the events of the First World War, the experiences of men and women here and overseas, and how the war has shaped the last 100 years.  As you may already be aware, HLF is making at least £1 million available per year until 2019 for small grants between £3,000 to £10,000 to enable communities and groups to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict. HLF has already invested over £45 million in projects – large and small – that will help communities mark the Centenary of First World War.

We would welcome your help as we seek to encourage a wide range organisations and communities in London and across the UK to apply for funding to explore their local First World War heritage.  We wondered if you might further publicise this opportunity by distributing leaflets at surgeries or to local groups.  You could tweet a link to the page on our website - http://goo.gl/sPDMH2 - and use the hashtag #understandingWW1 asking your followers to think about whether they could undertake their own project.  Or we could supply you with a draft press release for use with local media.

In addition HLF will be involved in events to help people get support and funding and ensure the full picture of First World War History is shared. One of these is taking place next week and we would to invite you to First World War: Stories of the Empire on Friday 24 January from 18:00, at the Sackler Centre for Arts and Education, Victoria and Albert Museum, SW7 2RL. This event will comprise an evening of talks and films exploring the role of Black and Asian soldiers from the Empire during the First World War. More details are included at the bottom of this email – if you cannot see the image, please contact Felix Gott at felixg@hlf.org.uk for more information.

Otherwise if you would like any more information about the programme, copies of our leaflets or a draft press release then please don’t hesitate to contact Felix Gott at felixg@hlf.org.uk or by calling 020 7591 6138.

Yours sincerely,

Sue Bowers
Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London
Direct Line: 020 7591 6150
Email: sueb@hlf.org.uk
Web: www.hlf.org.uk

Follow us on Twitter: @HLFLondon